Clinical Hypnosis in Postoperative, Adult-Onset Dysphagia: A 2-Year Empirical Case Study

Dysphagia, the perceived impediment to swallowing food, is a common postsurgical symptom that can have debilitating consequences. This study presents the successful treatment of severe esophageal dysphagia with a problem-focused and patient-centered approach to hypnosis, informed by long-term empirical follow-up. The authors describe a case history involving significant and persistent difficulty swallowing for which no medical or surgical treatment could be found. Over the course of 10 sessions, the patient was assessed, treated with imaginal exposure, and instructed in self-hypnosis. Outcomes were measured at treatment conclusion, and 6-, 9-, and 18-month follow-ups. Following hypnosis, the patient exhibited significant and reliable change (RC) in visceral hypersensitivity (RC = -3.16, p = .002), emotional distress (RC = -2.21, p= .03), subjective well-being (RC = 4.14, p< .0001), and posttraumatic symptoms (RC = -3.33, p= .001). Gains were maintained at 18-month follow-up.