Ericksonian hypnotherapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves persistent distress and reactivity.
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a standard PTSD treatment.
• Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) presents a potential alternative therapeutic approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) versus trauma-focused CBT for PTSD.
• To investigate treatment effects on psychological and neurophysiological outcomes.
• To evaluate EH as a viable alternative intervention for PTSD.

Main Methods:

• Randomized clinical trial with 63 adults diagnosed with PTSD.
• Participants were allocated to EH, CBT, or a waitlist control group (1:1:1 ratio).
• Outcomes assessed included PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5), depression (BDI-II), anxiety (BAI), EEG markers, and autonomic reactivity.

Main Results:

• Both EH and CBT demonstrated significant PTSD symptom reduction compared to the waitlist.
• No significant difference was found between EH and CBT in overall PCL-5 improvement.
• Both therapies led to reductions in depression and anxiety, with nuanced effects on specific symptom subscales.

Conclusions:

• Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) is as effective as CBT for PTSD symptom reduction.
• Both therapies normalized neurophysiological markers and reduced autonomic reactivity.
• EH is a viable alternative intervention for individuals with PTSD.