Hypnotherapy For Depression- Helpful Or Dangerous

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With the growing awareness of the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of human existence, it is no wonder that many people are looking for effective ways to overcome depression and anxiety. For those who are suffering from anxiety or depression, a combination of therapy, medications, herbal remedies and hypnosis may be helpful to them. A recent study by Harvard University has shown that hypnosis can help treat depression.

What Happens In Hypnotherapy For Depression

Hypnosis has been used for centuries in medicine and psychiatry. Many people believe that hypnosis can help treat depression because there are many cases in which patients who have not responded to other treatment methods have successfully been treated with hypnosis. A study conducted at the University of British Columbia in Canada found that subjects who underwent an eight session hypnotherapy treatment program showed significant improvements in their depression symptoms.

This study was completed using subjects with major depressive disorder, a common type of depression. The treatment group consisted of women in their sixties who had been diagnosed with major depression, social anxiety disorder, anxiety, OCD-like behaviors. Those subjects who responded to treatment had more than double the amount of improvement as the control group, who did not undergo treatment. Of the total number of subjects who underwent treatment, two out of three subjects reported improvement.

In the study, the subjects were given an overview of hypnotherapy and told to prepare for an appointment with a hypnotist in order to receive treatment. During the session, the hypnotist instructed the subjects to relax, close their eyes, and focus on relaxing thoughts. After fifteen minutes of this mental relaxation, the hypnotist would suggest that the subjects think of positive things.

Different Treatments To Cure Depression

In most cases, the subjects responded positively to a specific type of hypnotherapy. The study found that the subjects who had undergone a six-session treatment program showed significant improvement in mood, increased concentration, improved sleeping and decreased feelings of guilt and shame. The benefits of hypnotherapy for depression were especially pronounced among those subjects who had experienced significant changes in their lives prior to treatment.

Some research has suggested that hypnosis for depression can be an effective form of treatment because it involves addressing problems at a deeper level than medication or psychotherapy alone. In addition, the procedure can be performed safely without a professional by individuals who are experiencing serious depression or anxiety.

There are many forms of hypnosis that are used in conjunction with treatments. The National Institute of Mental Health recently published a report that looked at some of these options. They found that some of the most effective therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, relaxation counseling, imagery, yoga and biofeedback. The report concluded that the combination of hypnotherapy and psychotherapy may be effective in treating major depression, but that the use of alternative treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, exercise and hypnosis may also be effective in treating symptoms of depression.

Why To Choose Hypnotherapy For Depression

It is important to remember that not everyone who suffers from depression will respond favorably to traditional methods of treatment. The Harvard University study was conducted in accordance with the NIMH guidelines, which outline the procedures of this form of treatment. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, it is a good idea to discuss these guidelines with your doctor. Treatment is best done in consultation with a qualified medical professional.

Many treatment methods can be effective when used in conjunction with each other. For example, relaxation training can increase concentration while reducing the physical signs of stress. Biofeedback is one of the most successful therapies for improving concentration and alertness. This technique is based on the premise that the brain’s central processing unit works as a relay station for impulses generated by the nerves throughout the body.

If you are considering hypnotism as a way of using relaxation training for your depression, you should take note that hypnotherapy for depression can have unpleasant side effects. Hypnotism can involve the use of drugs, so you should discuss your options with your doctor. Some forms of hypnotism may require that you wear a mask during the therapy session, but others may involve wearing nothing more than a towel. When used in conjunction with other treatment methods, hypnotism may offer the results that you seek, but it may not be the right choice for your needs. If you are interested in using a drug-free hypnosis treatment method, you should be aware that certain medications are contraindicated for use in this manner.

Conclusion

Although there are some forms of hypnotism that can be effective for treating depression, they may be more suited to a particular individual, such as those who suffer from generalized anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you experience any of the symptoms of depression mentioned above and do not respond well to the conventional forms of hypnotherapy, you should consult with a medical professional before beginning treatment.