NCT06761716

Comparison of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and CBT in PTSD: A Clinical Trial

Neuropsychophysiological Comparison of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Patients Diagnosed With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Protocol and Pilot Study of Two Armed Open Label Randomized Clinical Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Uskudar University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Brief Summary (Plain Language) The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on people diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study will also evaluate how these therapies impact brain activity, skin conductance, and heart rate. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does Ericksonian Hypnotherapy reduce PTSD symptoms as effectively as CBT? Do these therapies affect brain activity, skin conductance, and heart rate differently? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two therapy groups: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy Group: Weekly 50-minute sessions for 12 weeks. CBT Group: Weekly 50-minute sessions for 12 weeks. To assess physiological and emotional responses, researchers will measure brain activity (EEG), skin conductance (GSR), and heart rate (HR) at various points. These assessments include a guided discussion task where participants reflect on their trauma in a controlled therapeutic environment. This task allows researchers to evaluate emotional regulation and stress markers in real time. This study aims to provide insight into the physiological and psychological impacts of both therapies on PTSD treatment, offering a deeper understanding of how these interventions influence neurophysiological stress responses.

Detailed description

Study Description This clinical trial aims to compare the neuropsychophysiological effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in individuals diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Additionally, a control group will be included to observe natural changes without therapeutic intervention. PTSD is a debilitating psychological condition triggered by exposure to traumatic events, characterized by symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, avoidance behaviors, and negative mood states. Both CBT and EH have shown promise in alleviating PTSD symptoms, yet their comparative neuropsychophysiological impacts remain underexplored. Study Design Participants: Individuals aged 18-60 diagnosed with PTSD. Randomization: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy Group (EH): 12 weekly sessions of 50 minutes each, focusing on subconscious communication, personalized hypnotic suggestions, and trauma symptom alleviation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group (CBT): 12 weekly sessions of 50 minutes each, utilizing structured cognitive restructuring, exposure exercises, and behavioral interventions. Control Group: No therapeutic intervention will be provided. Participants will attend scheduled monitoring sessions for baseline and post-study assessments. Assessment and Measurements Neuropsychophysiological parameters will be assessed at two time points: pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 12 weeks). Measurements will include: Electroencephalography (EEG): To monitor brain activity patterns, focusing on prefrontal cortex activation and emotional regulation networks. Galvanic Skin Response (GSR): To measure changes in autonomic nervous system activity and emotional arousal. Heart Rate (HR): To evaluate cardiovascular responses and physiological stress markers. Participants will also engage in a guided trauma discussion task during these assessments, where they reflect on their traumatic experiences in a controlled therapeutic environment. This task enhances the ecological validity of the neurophysiological data by eliciting real-time emotional and cognitive responses to trauma-related stimuli. Psychological Scales: PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) will be used to assess symptom severity. Study Objectives Primary Objective: Compare the effectiveness of EH and CBT in reducing PTSD symptom severity. Secondary Objective: Evaluate differences in neuropsychophysiological responses (EEG, GSR, HR) between EH, CBT, and the control group. Exploratory Objective: Determine if EH offers comparable or superior benefits to CBT in modulating neurophysiological and physiological stress markers. Expected Outcomes Symptom Reduction: EH and CBT are hypothesized to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms compared to the control group. Neurophysiological Differentiation: Differences in neurophysiological and physiological markers are expected between EH and CBT groups. Minimal Control Improvement: The control group is expected to show minimal or no significant improvement in symptoms or physiological parameters. This study aims to provide robust comparative data on the efficacy and neuropsychophysiological effects of EH and CBT in PTSD treatment, offering clinicians valuable insights into therapeutic decision-making. The findings will contribute to refining treatment protocols and advancing evidence-based mental health interventions.

Conditions

• PTSD

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Ericksonian Hypnotherapy	Participants in this group will receive 12 weekly sessions of 50 minutes each. The therapy will focus on tailored hypnotic suggestions, subconscious communication techniques, and trauma-focused interventions specifically designed to address PTSD symptoms. Sessions will be conducted by a certified hypnotherapist under clinical supervision.
BEHAVIORAL	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy	Participants in this group will receive 12 weekly sessions of 50 minutes each. The therapy will utilize cognitive restructuring techniques, exposure exercises, and behavioral interventions aimed at reducing PTSD symptoms. Sessions will be led by a licensed psychotherapist trained in trauma-focused CBT.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-11-15
• Primary completion: 2025-03-15
• Completion: 2025-04-15
• First posted: 2025-01-07
• Last updated: 2025-06-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)