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Hypnotic intervention in a 7-year-old thumbsucker: a case study

David N Grayson1

  • 1Dental Hypnosis Center of New Jersey, 1020 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054, USA. dr@graysondds.com

The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
|March 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This case study shows hypnosis effectively stopped a 7-year-old's persistent thumbsucking in one session. This intervention avoided potential social harm and the need for orthodontic treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Behavioral Intervention
  • Hypnotherapy

Background:

  • Persistent thumbsucking beyond age 6 can lead to social difficulties and dental malocclusions.
  • Orthodontic intervention may be necessary for prolonged thumb-sucking habits.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old girl continued to exhibit thumbsucking behavior.
  • The child faced potential peer pressure and ridicule due to the habit.

Findings:

  • A single hypnotic intervention session was employed.
  • Techniques included habit validation and visualization of a role model.

Implications:

  • Hypnotherapy offers a rapid and effective solution for habit cessation in children.
  • This approach may prevent negative social and dental outcomes associated with persistent thumbsucking.

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