The use of hypnosis in a deaf patient with multiple personality disorder: a case report

We present the first report of multiple personality disorder (MPD) in a prelingually deaf patient and the first description of alter personalities as the source of auditory hallucinations in a nonpsychotic deaf person. This young woman's history and clinical symptoms of MPD did not differ from those of hearing patients. A hypnotic trance was induced by instructing the patient in muscle relaxation, modeling relaxation with exhalation, and having the patient focus her gaze on the hypnotist repeatedly fingerspelling R-E-L-A-X. Hypnosis facilitated automatic handwriting, allowed the first meeting with an alter personality, and speeded the diagnostic process. Fingerspelling has not previously been reported in hypnosis of the deaf. It is a practical means of induction for a therapist who lacks fluent signing skills. It provides a narrow fix of gaze and avoids induction by physical stimulation, a process that some abused patients find upsetting.