[The importance of hypnosis in psychiatry]

This article deals with the significance of hypnotherapy which was almost forgotten in recent years but is currently regaining its position as a special treatment in psychiatry. The historical overview is followed by a discussion of the nature, present forms, indication and risks of hypnotherapy. The most recent evaluation studies are also considered. The results show that the individual forms of hypnotherapy represent an effective and at the same time low-risk form of treatment when the indication is clear and the therapy is administered professionally. It should therefore be used within the framework of both in-patient and out-patient psychiatric treatment.