We are often asked questions about the therapy we use to help people at our clinics, here is one I recieved as an e mail from Stephen just today.
Can Hypnosis help someone with a problem if they have Schizophenia?
Hypnotherapy can help many people with many problems, even if they have schizophrenia but only if it is under control and only if undertaken with the permission of a GP. Let me explain why this is. ...
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a disorder of the mind which causes people to distort reality often causing hallucinations, bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking affecting them both in their social life and at work. Often symptoms start in young adults with fortunately only about one in two hundred people affected. It can only be diagnosed from the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior as there are no reliable tests for diagnosis.
Genetics; our early environment; the way our brains are wired; psychological and the pressures of daily life all play a part but no single organic cause has been found. Due to the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis is one disorder or a number of contributory factors.
Contrary to popular belief it is not multiple personality disorder or split personality; the two are often confused.
Simply put, no matter what the cause, Schizophrenia sufferers produce too much of the ‘happy’ chemical Dopamine. The under production of dopamine is the cause of many depressive conditions but the over production is even worse. The result, and even the purpose, of many hypnotic therapy treatments is an increase in the natural production of dopamine and this is why therapists would need to be very cautious.
How can Schizophrenia be treated?
There is no doubt that the main treatment is the prescription of appropriate drugs by a doctor, these primarily work by suppressing dopamine activity. Generally medication is the most effective treatment. However some people, despite taking medication, continue to experience symptoms. There is a growing need to consider alternative forms of treatment.
Hypnosis is usually not advisable for people with schizophrenia unless the specific agreement of a Doctor has been given. However it has been used with varying success in other associated disorders and could help people with schizophrenia.
That said I have assisted a schizophrenic to quit smoking without any detrimental effects. In order to help Stephen we would need to invite him for a (free) initial consultation and then consult his Doctor about the nature of the schizophrenia then determine if it were advisable to offer our range of therapies, some of which do not require hypnotic trance.
My advice is to him is to consult his doctor and if he/she agrees then I would be delighted to offer appropriate help.
Can we help you?
If you have an question just drop us an e mail and we will do our best to help.
Here’s to your health
Bee and Tony
Bee and Tony,
Wonderful post. I have treated clients with many psychiatric disorders. You are right, they must be under the care of a medical doctor at the same time, and they sign a disclosure that says that the must get their physician's permission before reducing or changing their medication.
It is part of the pattern that some people want to find a way to stop taking their medication. If they are doing better, their doctor needs to make that call, and monitor the effects.
That being said, great results with clients can be made with reducing stress, building confidence, and shifting their frame of reference on how they are in the world. And more.
Great information, keep writing!
Take Care,
Dr. Sally Witt
www.drsallywitt.com
Posted by: Dr. Sally Witt | June 19, 2008 at 05:23 PM