Treatment of phobias and mental disorders with the help of hypnosis and meditation

A systematic review of literature from 2018 to 2023 examined the therapeutic potential of hypnosis and meditation as non-pharmacological adjuncts for managing phobias and mental disorders. Hypnosis may alter cognitive and perceptual processing, reducing stress, pain, and anxiety symptoms, with neuroimaging studies indicating changes in brain regions involved in attention, emotion regulation, and pain perception. Mindfulness meditation has been linked to improvements in psychological resilience and emotional regulation, as well as structural brain changes related to cognitive and affective functions. Both practices show promise as complementary tools within cognitive behavioral frameworks, particularly for phobias, post-traumatic stress, and generalized anxiety, though further validation through randomized controlled trials is needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This review explores the therapeutic potential of hypnosis and meditation in managing phobias and mental disorders, particularly as non-pharmacological adjuncts in psychotherapeutic practice. The increasing global incidence of mental health conditions, coupled with interest in integrative treatment approaches, underscores the relevance of this study. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature from 2018 to 2023 was conducted using international databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Analytical approaches included bibliographic, hermeneutic, and bibliosemantic methods to synthesise findings on clinical applications, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic outcomes associated with hypnosis and meditation. The literature indicates that hypnosis may alter cognitive and perceptual processing, contributing to reductions in stress, pain, and anxiety symptoms. Neuroimaging studies suggest alterations in brain regions involved in attention, emotion regulation, and pain perception. Mindfulness meditation has been associated with improvements in psychological resilience and emotional regulation, as well as structural brain changes connected to cognitive and affective functions. Both practices have shown potential as complementary tools within cognitive behavioural frameworks, particularly in contexts involving phobias, post-traumatic stress, and generalised anxiety. Although not yet standardised in psychiatric care, hypnosis and meditation offer promising therapeutic benefits as adjunctive interventions. Their integration into evidence-based protocols requires further validation through randomised controlled trials, standardisation of practice guidelines, and interdisciplinary evaluation of long-term outcomes across diverse populations.