Emergency room use of hypnosis

Myths about hypnosis have interfered with its use in emergency settings. Specifically, included are myths about who induces the hypnotic state, the length of induction time, and the traumatized patient's inability to concentrate on a focal point. It is suggested, however, that altered states of awareness occur rapidly and spontaneously in the patient who has experienced acute trauma and/or pain. Two cases are presented that illustrate spontaneous trancelike states occurring in traumatic situations. The cases also show how the recognition of these altered states can facilitate the patient's care and treatment in an emergency setting.     

Enhancing imagery through hypnosis: a performance aid for athletes

This value of imagery in sports is widely acknowledged. The contribution of hypnosis to enhancing athletes' performance is also recognized, but the value of hypnosis in enhancing imagery has little recognition. The reason for this neglect is explored. The study used Martens' Sport Imagery Questionnaire, which asked the participants to image 4 different situations in their own sport--practicing alone, practicing in front of others, watching a teammate, and competing. Participants reported their subjective impression of vividness on four dimensions--visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and affective. The 14 athletes participating imaged each situation in and out of hypnosis--half of the time the imagery in hypnosis came first and half after. The participants reported that the imagery under hypnosis was more intense for each dimension and more intense for each situation. Whether the imagery was done under hypnosis first or after was not significant. The findings suggest that hypnosis substantially enhances imagery intensity and effectiveness.     

The use of hypnosis in the treatment of a case of multiple personality.

The literature regarding the use of hypnosis in the therapy of multiple personality is reviewed. Cautions of other authors are noted which intend to protect the patient from further "splitting" of the personalities involved. A case of a 25-year-old woman is described in which, several months after leaving therapy abruptly, a second personality appeared and prompted her re-entry into treatment. Hypnosis was employed several weeks after restarting therapy on four separate occasions. Therapeutic outcome was favorable with coalescence of the personality into a new whole. A rationale for the use of hypnosis in this case is presented.