Could self-hypnosis help Tourette’s Syndrome?
Recently a group of medical researchers conducted a small case study which examined the use of self hypnosis to control tics in Tourette’s patients.
The study, which was later published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, involved a group of thirty-three Tourette’s patients between the ages of six and 19.
The participants viewed a video featuring a boy of their age outlining self-hypnosis techniques which they were to practice and learn alongside a set of relaxation techniques at least three times a day. Alongside this researches also ran hypnotherapy sessions for a period of two and a half months and they also asked that participants focussed on the feeling occurring prior to a tic as well as getting rid of the tic.
After the trial period was over twelve subjects had experienced a dramatic improvement after only two sessions and the video training. Thirteen experienced the same results but after three sessions, and one participant after four sessions.
Study leader Dr. Lazarus believes the study highlights how self-hypnosis presents many benefits over traditional drug therapy, including no side effects and reduced cost.
Tags: Self-hypnosis, Tourette's Syndrome
