Self-hypnosis Training Research Articles

A vision to enhance self-regulation in children: The promise of pediatric hypnosis

ABSTRACT Pediatric hypnosis practices are a valuable tool for enhancing emotional self-regulation and promoting resilience. Hypnotically informed materials, toys, and language are simple ways to encourage relaxation and stress management. By learning hypnosis skills such as becoming imaginatively absorbed in imagery, “belly breathing,” and using simple toys to promote muscle relaxation, children can access natural and novel ways to navigate life’s challenges. An example of these hypnotically informed materials and skills training exercises can be found in Comfort Kits (developed by Dr. Karen Olness circa 1996 and widely distributed by Drs. Culbert and Olness since 2004, used by thousands of children in hospitals and in community settings following natural disasters and wars. Extending this supportive tool and self-hypnosis training into schools presents an opportunity to introduce children to self-directed stress management skills in a practical and convenient manner. Training children to use hypnotically informed self-regulation skills begins to fill the gap between the need for mental health services and available resources. By incorporating hypnotically informed stress management training and self-hypnosis practices into schools, we can equip children with essential tools for improved mental well-being, particularly when they need psychological first aid. Using hypnotic practices and skills can help children manage difficult experiences and develop a sense of comfort and control. Next steps include looking at the feasibility and efficacy of positioning self-directed self-regulation practices (like those found in Comfort Kits and used by clinicians trained in therapeutic pediatric hypnosis) in schools, including through consultation with experts in curriculum development and assessment.

Effect of Self-Hypnosis on Test Anxiety among Secondary School Students in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Test anxiety comprises cognitive, physiological, and behavioral reactions due to anxiety about failure or a lower academic performance score on an exam or evaluation. This study examined the effect of self-hypnosis on reducing test anxiety among upper secondary school students using a quantitative methodology with a pre-experimental design. The prevalence of test anxiety was measured using the Friedben Test Anxiety Scale (FTAS) and students’ demographic data were collected. Twenty-two 16-year-old students with moderate to high test anxiety were selected for a self-hypnosis intervention over a period of 5 weeks. The FTAS questionnaire was administered 4 times: at baseline, 3rd week, 5th week, and at follow-up (3 weeks after the intervention). Students’ test anxiety differences were statistically significant across 4 time points. Self-hypnosis intervention decreased students’ overall test anxiety scores and in the 3 constructs: social, cognitive, and tenseness. The outcomes indicate that self-hypnosis training can help students cope with test anxiety and should be further explored for managing test anxiety in school settings.

Penerapan Self Hipnosis untuk Menurunkan Kecemasan dan Meningkatkan Imunitas Penderita COVID-19 di BAN Diklat Kota Lubuklinggau

The number of sufferers and deaths due to the COVID-19 virus is increasing both in Indonesia and various countries in the world. The COVID-19 virus can attack the body's immune system. If a person with COVID-19 experiences anxiety and their immune system decreases, the condition of the patient with COVID-19 is at risk of getting worse and even death. One of the non-pharmacological treatments to reduce anxiety and increase body immunity is hypnotherapy. This community service is partnered with BAN Diklat Lubuklinggau City and aims to train and provide non-pharmacological treatment for COVID-19 sufferers in Lubuklinggau City. The activity will be held on August 24, 2020 at 08:00 WIB - 13:00 WIB. The form of activity is training three times for 20-30 minutes. This self-hypnosis training was attended by 25 people with COVID-19. The results of this activity were the implementation of self-hypnosis training to increase participants' immunity, participants' skills in self-hypnosis increased by 76% and as many as 60% of Covid-19 sufferers at BAN Diklat Lubuklinggau City no longer felt anxious. Efforts to reduce anxiety and increase body immunity are expected to be implemented and continued

The Effect of Mental Exercise and Muscle Endurance on the Shots of Archery Athletes

This study aimed to determine and analyze the effect of imagery training and circuit training using tools, to analyze the effect of imagery training and circuit training without tools, to analyze the effect of self-hypnosis training and circuit training using tools, to analyze the effect of self-hypnosis and circuit training without equipment. Tools and the interaction between mental training and resistance to archery ability. This study used an experimental method with a 2x2 factorial design. This population consisted of 32 archers from South Sumatra. The sample used was total sampling. The data analysis technique used analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of (0.05). The results showed 1) There was a difference in the effect between imagery training and circuit training using a tool on the results of shots from a distance of 50, 40 and 30 meters. 2) there are differences in the effect of imagery training and circuit training without tools on the results of 50, 40 and 30 meters distance shots. 3) There is a difference in the effect of self-hypnosis training and circuit training using a tool on the results of shots from a distance of 50, 40 and 30 meters. 4) There is a difference in the effect of self-hypnosis training and circuit training without tools on the results of shots from 50, 40 and 30 meters distance. 5) There is no interaction between mental training and muscle endurance in the results of 50,40, and 30 meters of archery shots. The conclusion of this study shows that circuit training using tools and mental imagery, self-hypnosis is more significant. The results can be seen in the average increase in the total score, namely 31.13 and 31.12. And the increase in circuit training without tools and imagery, self-hypnosis, the average increase in the total score is 10.00 and 13.5, and there is no interaction between mental exercise and muscle endurance on the results of shots from a distance of 50, 40 and 30 meters.

Definition and refinement of HYlaDO, a self-hypnosis training program for chronic pain management: A qualitative exploratory study

One in four Canadians is affected by chronic pain, frequently treated with opioids, which present a risk of addiction and overdose. The development of non-pharmacological interventions is therefore crucial. In a pilot project, a self-hypnosis training program showed encouraging results in improving breast cancer patients’ quality of life. Based on this program, we developed a new self-hypnosis program for chronic pain patients: HYlaDO (Hypnosis of pain in French, HYpnose de la DOuleur). To structure the process of adapting an existing program to a new context, we used the ORBIT model (Obesity-Related Behavioral Intervention Trials), which consists of four development phases. This study aimed to collect patients' opinions and recommendations, and to refine HYlaDO (ORBIT Phase Ib). Fifteen participants took part in individual semi-structured interviews about this program. Two analysts coded the verbatims, and a thematic categorization was performed. Six themes emerged: practice training, expected vs. perceived effects, chronic pain management, individual practice, satisfaction, and participants’ recommendations. Improvements to be considered in this type of program were finally discussed.

Self-Hypnosis for Phantom Limb Pain: A Multiple-Case Study

Phantom limb pain occurs in more than half of the people who have undergone an amputation. Hypnosis can alleviate pain effectively in experimental, procedural, and chronic pain. Thus, in this multiple-case study, we determined whether hypnosis might be a successful complementary approach to help patients with phantom limb pain in alleviating their pain quality (i.e., sensitive and affective), intensity, fatigue, and emotional distress (i.e., anxiety and depression). Seven patients experiencing phantom limb pain were trained to perform self-hypnosis in five sessions over two and a half months. The patients were encouraged to practice at home daily throughout the study. Measures of the intensity of pain and fatigue, the severity of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and the quality of pain (i.e., sensitive and affective) were performed before and after self-hypnosis training. Six years after the completion of the study, the patients were contacted over the telephone to follow up on their practice of self-hypnosis. All patients reported a reduction in the intensity of pain, severity of insomnia, anxiety, and quality of pain. They also reported a positive change in their behaviors and the sensation of pain after performing hypnosis. At the six-year follow-up, three patients were still practicing hypnosis and reported better control over pain and being more relaxed. The main reason for most patients to stop practicing self-hypnosis was that they failed to find the time. Self-hypnosis can effectively ameliorate pain, fatigue, and emotional distress in patients suffering from phantom limb pain. Large-sample clinical trials with a mixed design are needed to confirm these results.

Hypnosis reduces food impulsivity in patients with obesity and high levels of disinhibition: HYPNODIET randomized controlled clinical trial

The obesogenic environment of Western countries raises questions about its current management. Some clinical studies have explored hypnosis, although the current state of knowledge does not lead to definitive conclusions about its efficacy. We assessed the impact of Ericksonian hypnosis and self-hypnosis on disinhibition of eating in adults with obesity and high food impulsivity levels, compared with standard nutritional education. From September 2014 to July 2015, adults with BMI (in kg/m2) of 30-40 and a high disinhibition score [>8 on the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-51)] were included in a randomized controlled trial. The control and hypnosis groups received the same standard nutrition education in 8 workshops. In the hypnosis group, subjects had 8 sessions of hypnosis combined with training in self-hypnosis. Disinhibition (primary outcome) and other scores from the TFEQ-51 as well as anthropometric, food intake, cardiometabolic, and physical activity variables were collected at inclusion and at 8 mo. Of 82 randomly assigned adults, 70 participated in all sessions; 80 participated in ≥1 session and were included in the main analysis (hypnosis group, n=41; control group, n=39). After 8 mo of follow-up, disinhibition scores adjusted for baseline values were lower in the hypnosis group, with a mean between-group difference of 4.2 (95% CI: 2.8, 5.5; P<0.001); 67.7% of adults in the hypnosis group had normalized their disinhibition (compared with 11.1% in control; P<0.0001). Differences for weight (1.8kg; 95% CI: -0.1, 3.7kg; P=0.052), BMI (0.8; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.4; P=0.028), susceptibility to hunger score (2.2; 95% CI: 1.0, 3.3; P<0.001), and its 2 subscales also favored the hypnosis group. In the management of adults with obesity and a high disinhibition score, hypnosis and self-hypnosis can significantly improve the deep mechanisms of eating behaviors and seem to have a beneficial effect on weight loss.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02292108.

Mezile’s Model (Back Massage and Self-Hypnosis) Based on Information and Technology to Lose the Anxiety of Postpartum Mothers in COVID-19 Pandemic Era

BACKGROUND: The roles of husbands to keep the psychological condition of pregnant and postpartum mothers are low. Many husbands could not perform full attention and support during the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period. Heretofore, the researchers do not find studies that include the roles of the husband from antenatal until postnatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIM: This research aims to create Mezile’s model in the form of back massage and self-hypnosis based on information and technology with adequate design and effective implementation to lose the anxiety of postpartum mothers. This model also involved husbands taking the role from the antenatal until postnatal care. METHODS: This research and development used a true experimental design with pre- and post-test control group design. The researchers used simple random sampling. The subjects consisted of 50 participants in the experimental group and 50 participants in the control group. The experimental group received the intervention with self-hypnosis training, while the husbands of the experimental group received back massage training. The husbands in the control group received only back massage training. The intervention lasted from the 2nd until the 15th day after normal delivery. Then, mothers with post-section cesarean received the training on the 8th until the 21st day. The researchers used Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests. RESULTS: Mezile’s model refers to back massage and self-hypnosis based on information and technology. It was reliable as the holistic-based education media to apply effective management to lose anxiety (p = 0.03), higher than the control group. CONCLUSION: Mezile’s model, back massage, and self-hypnosis, based on information and technology, are reliable for obstetric care education based on holistic nature during pregnancy and postpartum. The implementation was effective in managing the anxiety of postpartum mothers in the control group.

The Efficacy of Using Hypnosis to Reduce Anxiety and Pain in Obstetrics and Gynecology Patients

Hypnosis has a long history as a treatment method to reduce pain during labor. The purpose of this literature review is to scope the evidences on interventions for decreasing patient anxiousness during the perioperative care and in particular for obstetrics and gynecology patients. It was hypothesized that techniques, which reduce anxiety, will have a beneficial impact on pain reduction. The current study seeks also to provide a design to conceptualize the benefits of introducing psych-education and hypnotherapy as an adjunct to perioperative care. This literature review was completed using electronic databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and TRIP. The current study analyzed 40 articles from the year 1970 to 2019. The reviewed articles selected identified the effectiveness of hypnosis as a treatment option for obstetrics and gynecology patients, specifically for pain management in laboring women. The study concluded that the addition of hypnosis showed success in controlling pain among laboring women. The current study identified that when nursing staff are provided with information and or training in hypnosis and self-hypnosis laboring women receive broader treatment options for anxiety and pain management. Routine education programs on hypnosis and self-hypnosis designed to reduce the discomfort and pain of women during labor may also provide benefit. The current study reviewed the benefit of psycho-education and hypnotherapy for pain management offered to obstetrics and gynecology patients when nurses and or patients or both are provided with this information.

A Review Study on Self-hypnosis in the Management of High-Level Anxiety Affecting Educational Performance of University Students

The anxiety can impact students negatively or positively. It is normal to have anxiety for students in universities when they confront various demands of the university as well as personal life. The students who face a high level of anxiety can get negatively impacted on their physical, emotional; cognitive functioning results in poor academic performance. Reviewed articles had explored a high levels of anxiety among university students also the usefulness of self-hypnosis in the management of anxiety. The aim of this study is to notify the high level of anxiety amongst university students impacting educational performance. To conceptualize the benefits of selfhypnosis in managing student's anxiety levels. This literature review was completed using electronic databases. The study had analysed 50 articles from the years 1960 to 2018. The reviewed articles were regarding anxiety it's negative and positive correlates and its impact on educational performance. Current study concludes high level anxiety among student's impacts student's educational performance; its important conceptualizing and understanding this fact by the students themselves, academicians and educationalists in the universities. The study also suggests that introducing interventional programmes in the university should be practiced to promote overall health and emotional wellbeing among the student population. Self-hypnosis training would be helpful for the students which they can make use when they get over anxious.

Use of Neurofeedback and Mindfulness to Enhance Response to Hypnosis Treatment in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: Results from a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

This pilot study evaluated the possibility that 2 interventions hypothesized to increase slower brain oscillations (e.g., theta) may enhance the efficacy of hypnosis treatment, given evidence that hypnotic responding is associated with slower brain oscillations. Thirty-two individuals with multiple sclerosis and chronic pain, fatigue, or both, were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 interventions thought to increase slow wave activity (mindfulness meditation or neurofeedback training) or no enhancing intervention, and then given 5 sessions of self-hypnosis training targeting their presenting symptoms. The findings supported the potential for both neurofeedback and mindfulness to enhance response to hypnosis treatment. Research using larger sample sizes to determine the generalizability of these findings is warranted.

Self-hypnosis training for in-hospital chronic pain patients : Aretrolective observational study

Hypnosis is probably one of the oldest therapies known to man. In the last decades modern hypnosis has mainly been used by psychotherapists; however, hypnosis is becoming increasingly more important as atherapeutic method in medicine. Hypnosis can be used for avariety of medical indications. In the literature there is much evidence for the effectiveness of hypnosis. The aim of the present investigation was to demonstrate the effectiveness of hypnosis in inpatient treatment of chronic pain patients and to present aself-hypnosis program, which can be easily integrated into pain therapy. From October 2012 to April 2013 all inpatient chronic pain patients were included (group1: non-hypnosis group, group2: hypnosis group). Concerning group2 astandardized protocol for hypnotherapy was integrated in addition to the standardized pain management program. The main goal of hypnotherapy was to integrate aself-hypnosis training so that further implementation in adomestic setting could be guaranteed. By means of standardized test procedures, e. g. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pain Disability Index (PDI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Numerical Rating Scales (NRS) for pain and general well-being, data were evaluated before and after the pain therapy. The prestandardized and poststandardized test procedures of 30chronic pain patients were evaluated (17patients without hypnosis, 13patients with hypnosis). The main diagnosis according to ICD-10 was "chronic pain disorder" (F45.41) with aMPSS stageIII in all patients. The PDI was significantly improved in the hypnosis group (p = 0.019). The other items all showed atrend towards improvement in the hypnosis group (exception GAD-7) but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). In asmall patient collective, the present investigation was able to show that the integration of modern hypnotherapy into the treatment of chronic pain patients in an inpatient setting can be another useful therapeutic aspect. In particular, the instructions for learning independently seem to be useful due to the limited in-patient time. More research needs to be carried out to support our initial findings.

Postoperative Pain Outcomes After Nuss Procedures: Comparison of Epidural Analgesia, Continuous Infusion of Local Anesthetic, and Preoperative Self-Hypnosis Training.

The Nuss procedure to correct pectus excavatum is associated with severe postoperative pain. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare pain management outcomes of thoracic epidural analgesia and continuous infusion of local anesthetic (CILA) with and without preoperative self-hypnosis training (SHT) after Nuss procedure (4 treatment groups). Between February 2010 and December 2013, 24 of 53 adolescents who underwent Nuss procedure received SHT. Of these, 16 received thoracic epidural analgesia and 8 received CILA postoperatively. Of the 29 patients who did not receive SHT, 19 received thoracic epidural analgesia and 10 received CILA. All patients received intravenous patient-controlled opioid analgesia and intravenous nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (IVNSAIDs) and then were transitioned to oral opioids and NSAIDs. Postoperative mean and maximum pain scores, opioid (morphine equivalents) use and side effects, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were compared between groups. Patients who received SHT reported lower mean (P = .0047) and maximum (P = .0028) pain scores and used less morphine equivalents/hour over time (P = .046) compared to patients who did not receive SHT. Patients who received thoracic epidural analgesia reported lower mean (P = .0092) and maximum (P = .0083) postoperative pain scores and used more morphine equivalents/hour (P = .01) compared to those who received CILA. In addition, patients who received SHT and CILA had shorter LOS (P = .0013) than patients who received thoracic epidural analgesia without SHT. SHT before pectus excavatum repair by Nuss procedure results in less postoperative pain and requires less morphine equivalents over time for postoperative pain management. Opioid-sparing CILA, when paired with SHT, results in shorter LOS.

SELF-HYPNOSIS TO IMPROVE TEACHER STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Nowadays in conditions of economic instability and educational policy fragility, particularly in social conflict and crisis contexts, special attention is paid to the increasing teachers` stress resistance and prevention of their burnout. The aim of the research is to assess effectiveness of self-hypnosis in stress reduction. Material and methods: group of educational personnel were completing the questionnaires about stress level before and after self-hypnosis training during 3 months. Stress indicators were measured with the help of mobile app Samsung S Health and anxiety and mood scales. Regular self-hypnosis training and stress measurement during 3 months represent improvement of stress management skills in all participants. Among the most important results achieved in this experiment: decreased anxiety level, increased stress resistance and development of personal effectiveness skills. So self-hypnosis can be represented as cheap, effective, rapid and safe method of self-regulation in every day practice.

Clinical study: change in outlook towards birth after a midwife led antenatal education programme versus hypnoreflexogenous self-hypnosis training for childbirth

Clinical study: change in outlook towards birth after a midwife led antenatal education programme versus hypnoreflexogenous self-hypnosis training for childbirth

Pathway Interventions and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Case of Mary Anne

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex and typically chronic illness, producing a wide variety of symptoms and an unpredictable course. SLE is an autoimmune condition, commonly affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. This article describes the application of a multilevel integrative care plan, following the pathways model, to assist a patient with SLE in managing and moderating symptoms and improving quality of life. The patient, Mary Anne, was a 33-year-old female nurse with a 14-year history of SLE. Her initial response to lupus was biomedical, with a passive reliance on a wide range of medications and an increasingly inactive, sedentary lifestyle. Along with lupus she developed obesity, hypertension, migraine, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. Her rheumatologist referred her for behavioral health interventions to help her to learn nonpharmacologic forms of pain management and motivate her for illness self-management for her various chronic conditions. The interventions were organized into the three levels of the pathways model and included Level 1, movement, sleep hygiene, and mindful eating; Level 2, aquatherapy, an illness self-management support group, and a mindfulness class; and Level 3, heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, self-hypnosis training with healing imagery, a nutrition consultation, and a sleep medicine clinic. This patient mastered excellent skills with self-hypnosis, paced breathing, and HRV biofeedback. She sustained increased physical activity and a modified diet. At the 3-year point, she reported less frequent pain and joint swelling, less nausea and sick feeling, moderate improvement in sleep, and less frequent and less severe Lupus flares.

Clinical Study: Change in Outlook Towards Birth After a Midwife Led Antenatal Education Programme Versus Hypnoreflexogenous Self-Hypnosis Training for Childbirth.

Aim: To compare the change of maternal outlook towards birth due to a midwife led antenatal education programme versus hypnoreflexogenous self-hypnosis training for childbirth. Method: Before beginning of the classes and after the last class maternal perception on birth was evaluated using Osgood semantic differential questionnaire. The Gießen personality score was evaluated once. Results: 213 patients were enrolled in this study. 155 were in the midwife led education programme and 58 in the self-hypnosis training programme. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in regard of participants' characteristics, Gießen personality score and initial Osgood semantic differential scores. After the midwife led course childbirth was emotionally more negatively scored (displeasure, tarnishing, dimension evaluation [p < 0.05]), whereas after the hypnosis course childbirth was emotionally more positively evaluated (pleasure, harmony, dimension evaluation [p < 0.01] and brightness [p < 0.05]). Summary: In this study hypnoreflexogenous self-hypnosis training resulted in a positive maternal outlook towards childbirth, in comparison to the midwife led course. Further prospective randomised studies are required to test these initial results.

Use of Neurofeedback to Enhance Response to Hypnotic Analgesia in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

This proof of principle study examined the potential benefits of EEG neurofeedback for increasing responsiveness to self-hypnosis training for chronic pain management. The study comprised 20 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who received 5 sessions of self-hypnosis training—1 face-to-face session and 4 prerecorded sessions. Participants were randomly assigned to have the prerecorded sessions preceded by either (a) EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) training to increase left anterior theta power (NF-HYP) or (b) a relaxation control condition (RLX-HYP). Eighteen participants completed all treatment sessions and assessments. NF-HYP participants reported greater reductions in pain than RLX-HYP participants. The findings provide support for the potential treatment-enhancing effects of neurofeedback on hypnotic analgesia and also suggest that effective hypnosis treatment can be provided very efficiently.

Unexpected consequences: women's experiences of a self-hypnosis intervention to help with pain relief during labour.

BackgroundSelf-hypnosis is becoming increasingly popular as a means of labour pain management. Previous studies have produced mixed results. There are very few data on women’s views and experiences of using hypnosis in this context. As part of a randomized controlled trial of self-hypnosis for intra-partum pain relief (the SHIP Trial) we conducted qualitative interviews with women randomized to the intervention arm to explore their views and experiences of using self-hypnosis during labour and birth.MethodsParticipants were randomly selected from the intervention arm of the study, which consisted of two antenatal self-hypnosis training sessions and a supporting CD that women were encouraged to listen to daily from 32 weeks gestation until the birth of their baby. Those who consented were interviewed in their own homes 8–12 weeks after birth. Following transcription, the interviews were analysed iteratively and emerging concepts were discussed amongst the authors to generate organizing themes. These were then used to develop a principal organizing metaphor or global theme, in a process known as thematic networks analysis.ResultsOf the 343 women in the intervention group, 48 were invited to interview, and 16 were interviewed over a 12 month period from February 2012 to January 2013.Coding of the data and subsequent analysis revealed a global theme of ‘unexpected consequences’, supported by 5 organising themes, ‘calmness in a climate of fear’, ‘from sceptic to believer’, ‘finding my space’, ‘delays and disappointments’ and ‘personal preferences’. Most respondents reported positive experiences of self-hypnosis and highlighted feelings of calmness, confidence and empowerment. They found the intervention to be beneficial and used a range of novel strategies to personalize their self-hypnosis practice. Occasionally women reported feeling frustrated or disappointed when their relaxed state was misinterpreted by midwives on admission or when their labour and birth experiences did not match their expectations.ConclusionThe women in this study generally appreciated antenatal self-hypnosis training and found it to be beneficial during labour and birth. The state of focused relaxation experienced by women using the technique needs to be recognized by providers if the intervention is to be implemented into the maternity service.

Hypnosis-based psychodynamic treatment in ALS: a longitudinal study on patients and their caregivers.

Background: Evidence of psychological treatment efficacy is strongly needed in ALS, particularly regarding long-term effects.Methods: Fifteen patients participated in a hypnosis treatment and self-hypnosis training protocol after an in-depth psychological and neurological evaluation. Patients' primary caregivers and 15 one-by-one matched control patients were considered in the study. Measurements of anxiety, depression and quality of life (QoL) were collected at the baseline, post-treatment, and after 3 and 6 months from the intervention. Bayesian linear mixed-models were used to evaluate the impact of treatment and defense style on patients' anxiety, depression, QoL, and functional impairment (ALSFRS-r), as well as on caregivers' anxiety and depression.Results: The statistical analyses revealed an improvement in psychological variables' scores immediately after the treatment. Amelioration in patients' and caregivers' anxiety as well as caregivers' depression, were found to persist at 3 and 6 months follow-ups. The observed massive use of primitive defense mechanisms was found to have a reliable and constant buffer effect on psychopathological symptoms in both patients and caregivers. Notably, treated patients decline in ALSFRS-r score was observed to be slower than that of control group's patients.Discussion: Our brief psychodynamic hypnosis-based treatment showed efficacy both at psychological and physical levels in patients with ALS, and was indirectly associated to long-lasting benefits in caregivers. The implications of peculiar psychodynamic factors and mind-body techniques are discussed. Future directions should be oriented toward a convergence of our results and further psychological interventions, in order to delineate clinical best practices for ALS.