Editorial

American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis,  Apr 2003  by Frederick, Claire

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The themes of mind-body medicine continue to be among the most prominent within the scientific hypnosis community. Some of them the are reflected in this issue which begins with a memorialization of one of the Past-Presidents of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, Louis Dubin, D. D. S., Ph. D. who has been known for his conviction and teaching that hypnosis could facilitate mind-body healing.

Hypnotizability has been shown to play an important role in the individual's ability to maintain a healthy immune system and enjoy good health as well as in the efficacy of actual treatments of a number of illnesses. Miller and Cohen's meta-analysis (2001)1 of psychological treatments in research aimed at positively influencing the immune system showed hypnosis to be the most effective and more effective in high hypnotizables than in others. Larry Stevens and his associates at the Northern Arizona University have continued the pursuit of what affordable and practical methods might help increase hypnotizability with their replication of the Brady and Steven (2000)2 study of the influence of theta binaural beat training on the EEG and on hypnotizability. Their results were paradoxical and their discussion illuminating. Their article is a demonstration that science is not a process of getting the answers we want, but rather, of studying the answers we get. It demonstrates the value of replication studies and emphasizes the need for continued investigation in the most important area of how we might be able to help increase hypnotizability in low or moderately hypnotizable individuals.

The search for tangible evidence that hypnosis can alter tissue and/or genomic structures is the quest for the Holy Grail in hypnosis research today. The article by Carol Ginandes and her associates that describes their study on the question of whether targeted hypnotic suggestions can accelerate wound healing is such a pursuit. Apparently inspired by the Ginandes and Rosenthal (1999)3 accelerated bone healing study, the authors looked at wound healing in post-mammaplasty patients. They found significant results in one arena of inquiry and positive trends in others. As you look at this study, you will wonder what might be found with a larger sample, and you will sense the inevitability of future research in this realm now that the ground has been broken. One of the most remarkable features of this study is that it was not funded by a grant, an educational or healthcare institution, or a generous benefactor.

Clinically in mind-body medicine, Joseph Zimmerman brings us a metaphor he has found useful for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. He notes that there is a need for such a metaphor as the literature does not provide us with any. His case report is a single one (although he has used his metaphor successfully with a number of patients) that emphasizes the link between "unblocking the mind" to help the body function well and focuses on the details and meanings of the metaphor.

In the mental health arena Frank Jasper's article about his work with a patient who evidenced the picture of Dissociative Fugue is most thought-provoking. We are most appreciative of the tremendous act of courage it has taken for Dr. Jasper to share the lessons he has learned with us. Some of the practical, clinical as well as the overriding ethical issues he delineates for us are expanded upon in Richard Kluft's discussion of Jasper's "cautionary tale." Who should be treating dissociative disorders? How much training in the specialized field of dissociation is necessary? What equips a consultant to be helpful in this area? When is symptom removal unwise?

1 Miller, G. E. & Cohen, S. (2001). Psychological interventions and the immune system: A meta-analytic review and critique. Health Psychology, 20(1), 47-63.

2 Brady, B. & Stevens, L. (July 2000). Binaural-beat induced theta EEG activity and hypnotic susceptibility. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 43(1), 53-69.

3Ginandes C. S., & Rosenthal, D. I. (1999). Using hypnosis to accelerate the healing of bone fractures: a randomized controlled pilot study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 5,67-75.

Claire Frederick, Scientific Editor

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