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A single subject research design was employed in treatment of panic attack. Hypnotherapy and Rational Emotive therapeutic approach were applied in combination. Treatment lasted for 16 sessions and result showed increased sense of control, improved self-confidence, elimination of psychopathological symptoms with no recurrence of subsequent panic attack.
Hypnosis is basically an altered state of consciousness, which can be used with certain individuals to develop desirable changes in behavioral (habit) pattern, motivation, selfimage and life style at large. The therapist during hypnotherapy primarily works with clients' unconscious processes in order to influence them in the desired direction of health and welfare (Der Du Fay and Lewington, 1990). In recent years, mental health professionals have been more aware of the problems associated with panic disorders. Panic may occur as part of several conditions. However, panic disorder is characterized by unpredictable attacks of severe anxiety with pronounced autonomic symptoms not related to any particular situation. These unpredictable attacks are usually associated with feeling of dread and doom. Further, dizziness, choking sensation, shortness of breath and rapid heart rate may lead the victim to believe he or she is suffering a heart attack or losing control. Increased frequency of attacks often leads to phobic avoidance resulting in restriction or even elimination of normal social activities.
Treatments for anxiety states range from pharmacotherapy to cognitive and behavioral strategies and hypnotherapy (Ballonger, 1984; Beck and Emery; 1985; Clarke and Jackson, 1983, Pathak,1999 and Biswas and Chattopadhyay, 2000).
Clinicians with different theoretical preferences have applied hypnotherapy to the treatment of anxiety states, panic attacks and phobias (Clarke and Jackson, 1983; Erickson and Rossi, 1979; Tosi et al 1982; Der Fay and Lewington, 1990). Some therapeutic interventions apply relaxation exercises and guided imagery in the conjunction with psychotherapy for their anxious and worried clients. Kroger (1977) used hypnotherapy to help re-evaluate the client's needs underlying symptoms such as phobias, depression and hypochondriasis, which originate with anxiety. Miller (1986) claimed success utilizing brief, re-constructive hypnotherapy for anxiety states and Meer (1985) emphasized the importance of self-hypnosis so that fears may be experienced and controlled rather than avoided.
It is established that hypnosis, may be used in conjunction with Rational Emotive Therapy (RET), which identifies cognitive distortions and irrational thinking as the...