Treatment of anxiety disorder with mental suggestive and self- suggestive procedures
| Abstract Title: | Treatment of anxiety disorder with mental suggestive and self-suggestive procedures |
| Authors: | Harry Grossmann |
| Affiliation: | Psychology and Educational Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” Western University, Arad, Romania Institut für Psychotherapie und Hypnose Hanau, Germany |
| Abstract text: | Anxiety and anxiety-related conditions are the most common psychological afflictions of man and account for a major percentage of initial complaints to psychiatrists as well as to general practitioners. Although it is estimated that some 5% of the population may suffer from acute or chronic anxiety, with women outnumbering men two to one, the numbers are probably significantly higher. As a symptom, anxiety is a common pathway for many physical and psychological conditions. As syndromes, anxiety disorders are under intensive study to define more precisely their etiologies and clinical outcomes. Recent studies point to the possibility that some anxiety states, like some depressive states, have strong biological and genetic determinants. Hypnosis is a special state of mind permitting the experiencing of relaxation in its most profound realms. Thus, hypnosis finds its most common clinical utilization in the treatment of anxiety and anxiety related states. Certain techniques of hypnosis have the capacity to deepen relaxation and to heighten the impact of mental images. Within the process of hypnosis part of the patient’s psyche is linked to the hypnotist’s psyche, in a process of dynamic communication. Following the description of the subjective experience of the hypnotic trance, the present article highlights certain aspects regarding alterations in the sense of time flow and sensations of relative removal from the bonds of the external reality context. During self-hypnosis, as in hypnosis, deep relaxation is created and mental constructs may thus achieve greater clarity and focus; and energizing feelings such as self-confidence can more easily be conjured. In self-hypnosis the individual acts both as guide and experiencer. Self-hypnosis gives patients the opportunity to develop a sense of self-determination toward their condition. Hypnosis is used to decrease anticipatory anxiety, improve self-esteem, raise motivation, and teach the patient that he may regain control over the relaxation process. In this article the author expresses his point of view that treatment of anxiety disorders must be a team and multidirectional oriented treatment, including psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and auto-suggestive learning, rather than mono-therapeutic drugs oriented approach, this to insure a long term benefit of patients. |
| Keywords: | anxiety, relaxation, suggestion, hypnosis, self-hypnosis |
| Presentation type: | Oral |
| Correspondence: | Institut für Psychotherapie und Hypnose, Hanau, Germany |
| Email: | praxdrgros@web.de |
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