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.
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)
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)
Parallel
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
BehavioralEricksonian 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.
EEG Changes in Brain Activity
Measure: Changes in alpha, theta power, and frontal asymmetry indices before and after intervention Description: EEG will be used to assess changes in resting-state brain activity and event-related potentials (ERPs: P300, N200), evaluating neurophysiological effects of Ericksonian hypnotherapy.
Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
Change in BAI scores (0-63, higher scores indicate more severe anxiety).
Generalized Anxiety Severity (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, GAD-7)
Change in GAD-7 scores (0-21, higher scores indicate more severe anxiety)
State and Trait Anxiety Levels (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI)
Change in STAI scores (20-80, higher scores indicate greater anxiety).
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, (DERS)
Change in DERS scores (36-180, higher scores indicate greater emotion regulation difficulties).
World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, (WHOQOL-BREF)
Change in WHOQOL-BREF scores (0-100, higher scores indicate better quality of life).
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Uskudar University
Lead sponsor
Istanbul Nisantasi University
Collaborator
Beykoz University
Collaborator
