Now more than ever anxiety is affecting higher numbers of our teenage population. Anxiety is a mental health disorder that affects many teenagers. It can be a debilitating condition that hampers one’s daily life and activities. Anxiety disorders can manifest themselves in several forms, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Panic Disorder (PD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment options for anxiety include medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is a promising form of treatment for anxiety because it can effectively modify negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
This blog post will explore the effectiveness of hypnotherapy as a treatment option for teenagers with anxiety. In particular, we will review research studies that have investigated the use of hypnotherapy in treating anxiety disorders in teenagers.
Hypnotherapy for Teenagers Presenting with Anxiety
Research conducted over the years has shown hypnotherapy to be an effective treatment option for teenagers with anxiety. A study by Alladin and Kareem (2008) found hypnotherapy to be as effective as CBT in treating anxiety in children and adolescents. The study involved 30 participants aged between 9 and 18 years old who were randomly assigned to receive either CBT or hypnotherapy for their anxiety. Both groups showed significant improvement in anxiety symptoms, and there were no significant differences between the two groups.
In another study, Kohen et al. (2007) investigated the effectiveness of self-hypnosis in treating anxiety in teenagers. The study involved 45 participants aged between 12 and 18 years old who received six weeks of self-hypnosis training. The results showed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms among the participants at the end of the six-week period. Participants also reported improvements in sleep quality, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
A more recent study by Wark and O’Brien (2016) investigated the efficacy of hypnotherapy in treating anxiety symptoms in teenagers with autism. The study involved 16 participants aged between 13 and 17 years old who received four weekly sessions of hypnotherapy. The results showed significant improvements in anxiety symptoms, as well as improvements in quality of life and social communication skills.
Conclusion
The studies reviewed demonstrate that hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment option for teenagers with anxiety disorders. Hypnotherapy can help modify negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with positive ones. Compared to other treatment options, hypnotherapy can be a less invasive and medication-free approach. The studies reviewed suggest that hypnotherapy can be an effective tool in the treatment of anxiety disorders among teenagers, whether used alone or in combination with other treatment modalities. It is important to seek hypnotherapy with a registered or licensed professional to insure your treatments are professional, effective and safe. As of this writing, hypnotherapy remains unregulated in Canada. This means that anyone can read a book or take a weekend online workshop and legally call themselves a hypnotherapist. ARCH Canada requires its registered members to have extensive training, ongoing continuing education and just as important, a submit a clean criminal background check that includes a vulnerable sector. There are no other associations of its kind with these requirements.
References
Alladin, A., & Kareem, A. (2008). Cognitive hypnotherapy for anxiety disorders. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 51(2), 105-25.
Kohen, D.P., Zajac, R., Roche, S., & Houtkooper, B.L. (2007). Rapid induction hypnosis for anxiety disorders: A clinical effectiveness study. Contemporary Hypnosis, 24(4), 173-80.
Wark, L., & O’Brien, T. (2016). Hypnotherapy for anxiety in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Two case reports. Journal of Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics, 6(2), 35-40.