Comparing Islamic and Standard Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression

Efficacy of Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy vs. Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy in Reducing Anxiety and Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul Nisantasi University · NCT06844058

This study is testing whether a special type of hypnotherapy that incorporates Islamic principles can help Muslim adults with anxiety and depression feel better compared to standard hypnotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul Nisantasi University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06844058 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (IEH) versus Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (SEH) in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among Muslim adults. Ninety participants with mild to moderate anxiety and depression will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: IEH, SEH, or a control group with no intervention. Each intervention group will receive 12 weekly sessions of hypnotherapy, focusing on culturally and religiously adapted techniques for IEH and traditional methods for SEH. The study will measure changes in depression and anxiety scores using standardized inventories and assess the moderating effects of religious belief levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Muslim individuals aged 18-65 with mild to moderate anxiety and depression symptoms who have high levels of religious belief.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders or those currently receiving psychotherapy or psychotropic medication may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a culturally sensitive therapeutic option for Muslim patients suffering from anxiety and depression.

How similar studies have performed: While the integration of religious elements in therapy is a growing area of interest, this specific comparison of Islamic-Oriented and Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Muslim individuals aged 18-65 years.
* Mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression symptoms (assessed via Beck
* Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)).
* No formal psychiatric diagnosis but experiencing psychological distress.
* High religious belief levels, assessed via OK-Religious Attitude Scale.
* Not currently receiving psychotherapy or psychotropic medication.
* Ability to give informed consent and complete the study requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe MDD).
* Current use of psychotropic medication or undergoing psychotherapy.
* History of substance abuse or dependence.
* Diagnosed dissociative disorders (contraindications for hypnosis).
* Cognitive impairment affecting comprehension of intervention.
* Severe medical conditions that may interfere with participation.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anxiety DisordersDepressive DisorderHypnotherapyEricksonian HypnosisIslamic PsychologyAnxiety ReductionDepression TreatmentCulturally Adapted Psychotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.