The psychodynamic treatment of combat neuroses (PTSD) with hypnosis during World War II

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2000 Jul;48(3):324-35; discussion 336-41. doi: 10.1080/00207140008415250.

Abstract

In a large Army hospital during World War II, a full-time program in hypnotherapy for battle trauma cases was developed. Symptoms included severe anxiety, phobias, conversions, hysterias, and dissociations. Many hypnoanalytic techniques were used, especially including abreactions. Good therapeutic results were frequent, as demonstrated by typical cases. There was no evidence that the abreactive procedure tended to retraumatize patients or initiate psychotic reactions.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Combat Disorders* / therapy
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis*
  • Male
  • Psychoanalysis*
  • United States
  • Veterans
  • Warfare