Psychogenic and Physiological Sequelae to Hypnosis: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Two cases of hypnotic sequelae occurring in a research context (with a non-clinical college population) are reported. Case 1 was a male who experienced retroactive amnesia following hypnosis: He was unable to recall familiar telephone numbers later that day. This was not a continuation of an earlier confusion or drowsiness (as is often found) since he indicated he was wide awake following hypnosis. Two parallels exist with previous reports: unpleasant childhood experiences with chemical anesthesia and a conflict involving a wish to experience hypnosis but a reluctance to relinquish control. Case 2 was a female who, while in hypnosis, experienced an apparent epileptic seizure that had characteristics of both petit mal and grand mal seizures. Although having a history of epilepsy, she had not had a seizure in 7 years. We suspect that the seizure was psychogenic and may have been triggered by wording used in the hypnotic scale or other similarities. Possible mechanisms are discussed and preventative recommendations are made.

Adverse Events of Mind-Body Interventions in Children: A Systematic Review

“…Another Grade 2 AE involved an 18-year-old female who had an apparent epileptic seizure while practicing hypnosis. A subsequent EEG was normal, and it was thought to likely be a spontaneous event given the absence of a personal or family history of seizures [ 25 ]. The last Grade 2 AE identified was a 17-year-old male who had increased symptoms of depression and reduced therapeutic engagement after biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation for tension headaches ( Table 2 ) [ 36 ].…”

“…There were 20 AEs rated as Grade 1 (mild) ( Table 2 ). Seven adverse events were associated with the practice of hypnosis, including blue-tinted vision with a concurrent penile erection [ 21 ], increased anxiety, dissociated states, depersonalization phenomena [ 22 ], physical discomfort [ 23 , 27 ], and retroactive amnesia [ 25 ]. Relaxation had five adverse events associated with it, including four instances of increased betamimetic medication use [ 38 ] and an increase in tic frequency [ 31 ].…”

Promoting Safety in Hypnosis: A Clinical Instrument for the Assessment of Alertness

“…The adverse effects most extensively discussed in the literature in clinical practice include the emergence of strong affect (primarily anxiety); the encountering of unanticipated repressed/dissociated material (and/or spontaneous or uncontrollable abreactions); the discovery of problematic ego states; the onset of acute psychophysiological or somatoform symptoms (e.g., headaches, non-epileptic seizures); the onset of acute psychiatric decompensation (usually psychotic in nature); and difficulties with dehypnosis/realerting. These occurrences have been attributed to a number of factors (Gruzelier, 2000;Kluft, 2012aKluft, , 2012bKluft, , 2012cKluft, , 2012dLynn, Myer, & Mackillop, 2000;MacHovec, 1986;Page & Handley, 1990;1993). These include subject factors, such as hypnotizability, underlying psychopathology, and idiosyncratic understandings of the experiences of hypnosis.…”

Randomized Trial of Hypnosis as a Pain and Symptom Management Strategy in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

“…Participants had to meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for study enrollment: There has been one published report of a serious consequence related to hypnosis, a seizure in an 18-year-old with a history of epilepsy. 34 For this reason, individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy were excluded from this study. Reports also suggest that hypnosis in individuals with a history of psychosis or psychotic depression may trigger psychiatric illnesses or produce decompensation or recurrent dissociative episodes.…”