Hypnosis and epilepsy

I did some research on this subject, and I herewith gladly share it:

Hypnosis & Epilepsy: when might it be appropriate?

“You must never hypnotise someone with epilepsy.” A blanket rule misses the clinical detail.

Equally, “hypnosis is safe for everyone” goes beyond the evidence. Research is insufficient to recommend hypnotherapy as a treatment for epilepsy or establish its safety for every person with the condition.

So, when might we consider it? When the person's epilepsy specialist has assessed suitability, the goal is clearly defined, and the practitioner is appropriately competent and has a seizure response plan. Discuss seizure patterns, known triggers and current treatment. Use extra caution if seizures occur during sleep or deep relaxation.

The potential synergy is supportive: hypnosis may help with stress or anxiety alongside medical care. CBT and mindfulness-based approaches have evidence for improving quality of life in epilepsy; that evidence doesn't automatically transfer to hypnosis. Better coping mustn't be presented as proven seizure control.

Keep prescribed antiseizure medication and neurological care in place.

One crucial distinction: functional (dissociative) seizures are not epileptic seizures, although both can coexist. Findings from hypnosis studies in functional disorders cannot be treated as proof of epilepsy.

Psychosis is a separate clinical issue requiring specialist assessment, particularly when active.

The useful position is individual assessment, informed consent and honest limits on what we can claim here.

Reply

I've been told it's not safe to hypnotize someone with psychosis or epilepsy. It can make their conditions worse

Reply