Hypnotic Treatment of a Kidney Dialysis Patient

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Abstract
This paper discusses the use of hypnosis with a 30-year-old female undergoing hemodialysis. Presenting problems listed by the referring agency included hyperemotionality during dialysis and an inability by dialysis technicians to secure an adequate blood flow volume. The patient complained of an injection phobia and low pain tolerance threshold. Since each of these problems appeared to be dynamically linked to the patient's perceived threat to her independence, a modified desensitization procedure using hypnosis was employed. This modification involved a standard desensitization procedure while simultaneously employing suggestions designed to facilitate dialysis through an increase in perceived self-control and to help the patient incorporate the dialysis process into her personal needs for independence. These procedures resulted in both psychological and physiological changes including a substantial increase in blood flow. These gains have been maintained for 30 months following the termination of treatment.

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