Hypnotherapeutic Olfactory Conditioning for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Hypnotherapeutic Olfactory Conditioning for Chronic Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Chronic combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder can be difficult to treat. The investigators believe that hypnosis, with a stress on the sensation of scent which often plays a role in the traumatic memories, can offer help for victims of this disorder who continue to suffer after receiving other treatments.

Our study examines the effect of hypnosis upon 36 individuals who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder incurred in battles or training. The hypnotherapy stresses elements of odor, both in conditioning the subject to relate certain pleasant odors with security and calm, and in gradually reexposing the patient to the olfactory aspects of the traumatic memories. All subjects are taken form the Israel Defense Forces Mental Health Clinic, treated with 6 one-and-a-half-hour hypnotherapy sessions, and evaluated at baseline, end of treatment, after 6 months, and after 12 months, on a battery of clinical scales.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. A diagnosis of chronic combat-related PTSD according to DSM-IV criteria (APA, 1994), as determined by semi-structured psychiatric interview conducted by a psychiatrist with over ten years of experience treating PTSD
2. Flashbacks and/or panic attacks with olfactory components
3. Prior attempt at treatment with unsatisfactory results
4. Competence and agreement to sign an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Evidence of psychosis
2. Severe traumatic brain injury
3. Post-concussion syndrome
4. Uncontrolled substance abuse.