Comparison of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and CBT in PTSD: A Clinical Trial

NCT06761716 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: 61351342/020-395
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Brief Summary (Plain Language) The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on people diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study will also evaluate how these therapies impact brain activity, skin conductance, and heart rate. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does Ericksonian Hypnotherapy reduce PTSD symptoms as effectively as CBT? Do these therapies affect brain activity, skin conductance, and heart rate differently? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two therapy groups: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy Group: Weekly 50-minute sessions for 12 weeks. CBT Group: Weekly 50-minute sessions for 12 weeks. To assess physiological and emotional responses, researchers will measure brain activity (EEG), skin conductance (GSR), and heart rate (HR) at various points. These assessments include a guided discussion task where participants reflect on their trauma in a controlled therapeutic environment. This task allows researchers to evaluate emotional regulation and stress markers in real time. This study aims to provide insight into the physiological and psychological impacts of both therapies on PTSD treatment, offering a deeper understanding of how these interventions influence neurophysiological stress responses.

Conditions

PTSD

Keywords

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Ericksonian Hypnotherapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Neuropsychophysiology; EEG (Electroencephalography); GSR (Galvanic Skin Response); Heart Rate (HR); Trauma Therapy; Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT); Psychological Intervention

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Reduction in PTSD Symptom Severity

  Change in PTSD symptom severity, measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Scores will assess the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms.

  Baseline and Week 12

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Changes in Brain Activity (EEG)

  Baseline and Week 12

• Changes in Heart Rate (HR)

  Baseline and Week 12

• Reduction in Anxiety Symptoms

  Baseline and Week 12

• Reduction in Depression Symptoms

  Baseline and Week 12

Study Arms (3)

Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) Arm

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive 12 weekly sessions of 50 minutes each, focusing on tailored hypnotic suggestions and subconscious communication techniques specifically designed to address PTSD symptoms.

Behavioral: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Arm

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive 12 weekly sessions of 50 minutes each, utilizing cognitive restructuring, exposure exercises, and behavioral interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms.

Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in the control group will not receive any therapeutic intervention. They will undergo baseline and post-study assessments using neuropsychophysiological measures (EEG, GSR, HR) and psychological scales (PCL-5, BDI-II, BAI) to monitor changes over time without active treatment.

Interventions

Ericksonian Hypnotherapy BEHAVIORAL

Participants in this group will receive 12 weekly sessions of 50 minutes each. The therapy will focus on tailored hypnotic suggestions, subconscious communication techniques, and trauma-focused interventions specifically designed to address PTSD symptoms. Sessions will be conducted by a certified hypnotherapist under clinical supervision.

Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) Arm

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy BEHAVIORAL

Participants in this group will receive 12 weekly sessions of 50 minutes each. The therapy will utilize cognitive restructuring techniques, exposure exercises, and behavioral interventions aimed at reducing PTSD symptoms. Sessions will be led by a licensed psychotherapist trained in trauma-focused CBT.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Arm

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18-60 years. Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on DSM-5 criteria. No current psychiatric medication usage. Not undergoing any other psychotherapeutic intervention during the study period.
• Ability to attend all therapy sessions and assessments. Ability to provide written informed consent. No neurological disorders or cognitive impairments that could affect participation.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals under 18 or over 60 years of age. Current or past diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other severe psychiatric disorders.
• Acute risk of harm from engaging in trauma discussions. Use of psychiatric medication within the last 3 months. Ongoing participation in other psychotherapeutic interventions. History of substance abuse or dependence in the past 12 months. Known neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, traumatic brain injury). Inability to provide informed consent or comply with study procedures. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Severe cardiovascular conditions that might interfere with physiological assessments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Uskudar University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Üsküdar University

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34277, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

Interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stress Disorders, Traumatic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior Therapy; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities

Study Officials

• Selami Varol Ülker, Phd

  Üsküdar University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd

  Istanbul Nisantasi University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Eda Yılmazer, Phd

  Beykoz University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Gökben Hızlı Sayar, Prof

  Üsküdar University

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Director

Model Details: This study uses a parallel assignment model with three groups: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH) Group: 12 weekly 50-minute sessions focusing on hypnotic suggestions for PTSD symptom relief. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group: 12 weekly 50-minute sessions using cognitive and behavioral techniques for PTSD management. Control Group: No therapeutic intervention; participants undergo baseline and post-study assessments only. Primary Outcome: Reduction in PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5, BDI-II, BAI). Secondary Outcome: Changes in neurophysiological and physiological markers (EEG, GSR, HR).

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 1, 2025
• First Posted: January 7, 2025
• Study Start: November 15, 2024
• Primary Completion: March 15, 2025
• Study Completion: April 15, 2025
• Last Updated: June 5, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, CSR, ANALYTIC CODE
• Time Frame: Data will become available after publication of the primary results in an SSCI-indexed journal and will remain accessible for 5 years.
• Access Criteria: Data will be made available to qualified researchers upon submission of a methodologically sound proposal and approval by the principal investigator.

Locations

TU (1)