Effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy on Anxiety
Official title: Neurophysiological and Psychological Effects of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy on Generalized Anxiety Disorder: An EEG-Based Clinical Study
Run by Uskudar University · NCT06811311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether Ericksonian hypnotherapy can help people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder feel less anxious and change their brain activity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Uskudar University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | February 20, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06811311 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder who are not currently receiving other forms of treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders or those currently on medications affecting EEG activity may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the neurophysiological and psychological effects of Ericksonian hypnotherapy in individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) using electroencephalography (EEG). A total of 60 participants will be recruited from psychiatric clinics in Istanbul and randomly assigned to either receive 12 sessions of hypnotherapy or no intervention. The study aims to assess changes in brain activity and anxiety symptoms before and after treatment, utilizing various psychological assessments and EEG measurements to evaluate outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel therapeutic approach for managing anxiety symptoms in patients with GAD.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of hypnotherapy in treating anxiety is established, this specific approach using EEG to measure neurophysiological changes is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) based on DSM-5 criteria * Aged 18-65 years * Capable of providing written informed consent * Fluent in Turkish (for hypnosis and assessments) * Not currently receiving psychotherapy or pharmacological treatment for anxiety Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression requiring immediate intervention) * History of neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke) * Current use of medications affecting EEG activity (e.g., benzodiazepines, SSRIs, antipsychotics) * Previous experience with hypnotherapy (to avoid expectancy bias) * Substance abuse or dependence within the last six months * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Severe medical conditions that may interfere with participation
Where it's running
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Üsküdar University, Neuro-Psychology Lab
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Selami Varol Ülker, Phd — Üsküdar University
- Study coordinator: Selami Varol Ülker, Phd
- Email: selamivarol.ulker@uskudar.edu.tr
- Phone: +90536-436-09-41
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.