EEG Study on Neurophysiological and Psychological Effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy in Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Neurophysiological and Psychological Effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy on Generalized Anxiety Disorder: An EEG-Based Clinical Study
Uskudar University
60 participants
Feb 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study examines the neurophysiological and psychological effects of Ericksonian hypnotherapy in individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Using electroencephalography (EEG), the study aims to assess changes in brain activity and anxiety symptoms before and after treatment. A total of 60 participants will be recruited from both governmental and private psychiatric clinics in Istanbul. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (receiving 12 Ericksonian hypnotherapy sessions over 12 weeks) or the control group (receiving no intervention). The primary outcome measures include changes in EEG patterns, specifically alpha, theta, and frontal asymmetry indices, and changes in anxiety severity, measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Secondary measures include emotional regulation (DERS) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). This study aims to provide scientific evidence on the effectiveness of Ericksonian hypnotherapy as a complementary treatment for GAD and its impact on brain function and emotional well-being.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) based on DSM-5 criteria
- Aged 18-65 years
- Capable of providing written informed consent
- Fluent in Turkish (for hypnosis and assessments)
- Not currently receiving psychotherapy or pharmacological treatment for anxiety
Exclusion Criteria7
- Presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression requiring immediate intervention)
- History of neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke)
- Current use of medications affecting EEG activity (e.g., benzodiazepines, SSRIs, antipsychotics)
- Previous experience with hypnotherapy (to avoid expectancy bias)
- Substance abuse or dependence within the last six months
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe medical conditions that may interfere with participation
Interventions
Ericksonian hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes indirect suggestion, storytelling, and metaphorical language to induce a trance state and facilitate psychological change. This intervention aims to reduce anxiety symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and alter neurophysiological responses as measured by EEG. Participants will undergo 12 individual sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, over a period of 12 weeks.
Locations(1)
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NCT06811311