Case study examining the efficacy of a multi-modal psychotherapeutic intervention for hypertension

This study examines the effectiveness of a multimodal psychotherapeutic approach using hypnosis in the treatment of a single case of hypertension. A systematic eclectic conceptualization and treatment approach was implemented using psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral elements. Hypnosis was used to support each of the treatment modalities. Time-series analysis procedures indicate that the psychological interventions were associated with significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, the effect of the psychological interventions was significant over and above traditional pharmacological interventions. However, psychotherapeutic interventions had no substantial impact on systolic pressure. The flexibility of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool is discussed in terms of potential advantages in treatment.