Hypnotherapy of warts using the Simonton visualization technique: a case report

Efficacy of hypnosis in the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women: rural and urban samples

This article investigates the effect of hypnosis on immunity and whether this is the key mechanism in the hypnotic treatment of the genital infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease and can lead to cervical and other cancers. Current medical treatments are aimed at tissue assault (acids, freezing, surgery). Medical wart clearance rates are only 30% to 70% and recurrence is common. Our research contrasted hypnosis-only with medical-only therapies, using both urban hospital and rural community samples. Both hypnosis and medical therapy resulted in a statistically significant (p < .04) reduction in areas and numbers of lesions. Yet, at the 12-week follow-up, complete clearance rates were 5 to 1 in favor of hypnosis.

Psychotherapeutic intervention for numerous and large viral warts with adjunctive hypnosis: a case study

Psychotherapy with adjunctive hypnosis is known to be an effective approach for the treatment of viral warts. There is an increasing clinical and scientific literature that illustrates the successful use of psychotherapeutic treatment with and without hypnosis in the reduction or elimination of viral warts (Bloch, 1927; Chandrasena, 1982; Clawson & Swade, 1975; Dreaper, 1978; Ewin, 1992; Ewin, 1995; and Goldstein, 2005; Obermayer & Greenson, 1949; McDowell, 1949; Reid, 1989; Scott, 1960; Spanos, Stenstrom & Johnston, 1988; Spanos, Williams & Gwynn, 1990; Surman et al., 1973; Morris, 1985; Noll, 1994; Noll, 1988; O'Laughlan, 1995; Tasini & Hackett, 1977; Vollmer, 1946; Yalom, 1964). In this case study the veracious area experienced a 100% reduction in five treatment sessions spanning a total of seven weeks. In this case, psychotherapy with hypnotic treatment relied upon an emphasis on two interventions: reduction of wart area with guided imagery and suggestions for the optimization of the client's immune system functioning. Photos illustrate the client's pre-treatment, mid-treatment, and post-treatment state. Causal factors in the client's recovery cannot be easily isolated but the startling results attest to the efficacy of the overall interventions and treatment context compared to prior medical interventions.

Successful repeated hypnotic treatment of warts in the same individual: a case report

We report on a case of a female patient who was successfully treated with hypnosis for warts on 2 occasions separated by an interval of 7 years. Of note is the fact that she had low expectations regarding the benefit to be derived from hypnosis and did not at first appear to be highly hypnotizable.

Biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral methods, and hypnosis in dermatology: is it all in your mind?

Biofeedback can improve cutaneous problems that have an autonomic nervous system component. Examples include biofeedback of galvanic skin resistance (GSR) for hyperhidrosis and biofeedback of skin temperature for Raynaud's disease. Hypnosis may enhance the effects obtained by biofeedback. Cognitive-behavioral methods may resolve dysfunctional thought patterns (cognitive) or actions (behavioral) that damage the skin or interfere with dermatologic therapy. Responsive diseases include acne excoriée, atopic dermatitis, factitious cheilitis, hyperhidrosis, lichen simplex chronicus, needle phobia, neurodermatitis, onychotillomania, prurigo nodularis, trichotillomania, and urticaria. Hypnosis can facilitate aversive therapy and enhance desensitization and other cognitive-behavioral methods. Hypnosis may improve or resolve numerous dermatoses. Examples include acne excoriée, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, dyshidrotic dermatitis, erythromelalgia, furuncles, glossodynia, herpes simplex, hyperhidrosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, lichen planus, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, postherpetic neuralgia, pruritus, psoriasis, rosacea, trichotillomania, urticaria, verruca vulgaris, and vitiligo. Hypnosis can also reduce the anxiety and pain associated with dermatologic procedures.