In a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, researchers Joseph Meyerson and Andres Konichezky have introduced an innovative approach to treating psychosomatic symptoms using hypnosis. The study shows that the hypnotic associative-dissociative approach (HADA) might help to make psychotherapy work better for people who have psychosomatic disorders, which are conditions where mental stress shows up in the body.
Psychosomatic symptoms, such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal issues without a clear medical cause, have long perplexed both patients and healthcare providers. Traditionally, patients with these conditions often face delayed diagnoses and ineffective treatments as their symptoms are primarily treated through a biomedical lens, neglecting the psychological factors at play. The delay in appropriate treatment can span years, with some patients waiting decades before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Meyerson and Konichezky’s study proposes that hypnosis, specifically the HADA, could bridge this gap by addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of psychosomatic symptoms. Hypnosis, a therapeutic technique that induces a trance-like state, has been shown to influence physiological and psychological functioning. The HADA builds on this by combining associative and dissociative hypnotic techniques, offering a structured approach to re-establish trust between the patient’s mind and body.
Patients with psychosomatic symptoms often present a unique challenge in the medical and psychological fields. Many patients are resistant to the idea that their symptoms have a psychological origin, leading them to reject mental health interventions. A high rate of dropouts among those who do participate in therapy as well as frequent relapses exacerbate this resistance.
Meyerson and Konichezky identify several reasons for this resistance. Patients may believe that their symptoms are purely physical and unrelated to their mental state, leading to dissatisfaction with treatments that do not provide immediate physical relief. Additionally, the stigma associated with mental health treatment can deter patients from seeking the help they need.
To overcome these barriers, the HADA aims to reshape patients’ understanding of their symptoms through hypnosis. By fostering a deeper connection between the mind and body, patients can begin to appreciate the role of psychological factors in their physical health.
The HADA is a four-stage process designed to gradually guide patients into a more integrated understanding of their symptoms. The first stage focuses on helping patients positively reassociate with their bodies by appreciating the complexity and harmony of their bodily functions. Following this is a stage of introspective focus on the mind, which encourages patients to examine their feelings, ideas, and memories in a secure, non-threatening setting.
The third stage involves a metaphorical dualistic presentation of the mind-body relationship, where the mind and body are depicted as “buddies” that support each other. This helps patients understand that while their physical symptoms may be real, they often stem from psychological issues that the mind has offloaded onto the body.
The final stage introduces a temporary hypnotic dissociation, allowing patients to mentally separate their bodily symptoms from their psychological origins. This dissociation is maintained until the patient is ready to address the underlying psychological issues without the risk of triggering physical symptoms.
The HADA represents a significant advancement in the treatment of psychosomatic disorders, offering a new tool for psychotherapists working with this challenging patient population. By focusing on the relationship between the mind and body, the approach helps patients develop a more nuanced understanding of their symptoms, potentially reducing resistance to therapy and improving treatment outcomes.
Meyerson and Konichezky’s study also highlights the importance of empathy and validation in the therapeutic process. The HADA is designed to build trust between the patient and therapist, which is crucial for patients who may feel misunderstood or dismissed by the healthcare system.
While the study is promising, the authors acknowledge the need for further research to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the HADA across diverse patient populations. Additionally, they suggest that the approach may need to be adapted to account for cultural differences in how patients perceive hypnosis and psychosomatic symptoms.
