Hypnosis as an Adjunctive Intervention for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in the Context of Family Conflict: A Case Series
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Case RepoRtRevision (DSM-5-TR) criteria for OCD were included.1 All participants reported significant family conflict characterized by criticism, rigidity, emotional invalidation, or high expressed emotion.5,12 ResultsAll participants demonstrated clinically meaningful reductions in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores (mean reduction = 42%).Significant reductions were observed in family conflict scores alongside improvements in emotional regulation and boundary awareness.Ritual frequency and reassurance-seeking behaviors decreased substantially across cases (Tables 1 and 2). IntRoductIonObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and significant functional impairment.1,2 Family dynamics, particularly high expressed emotion, criticism, and emotional invalidation, have been shown to exacerbate OCD symptom severity.3-12 While exposure and response prevention (ERP) and pharmacotherapy remain gold-standard treatments, 3,4,11 some individuals demonstrate partial response due to emotional rigidity, shame, suppressed affect, or family-related stressors.Hypnosis has been proposed as an adjunctive intervention to enhance emotional processing, reduce anxiety sensitivity, and improve cognitive flexibility.6 It may facilitate access to suppressed affective material, strengthen ego functioning, and improve distress tolerance.The present case series explores the clinical utility of hypnosis as an adjunctive intervention in individuals with OCD experiencing family conflict. Methods DesignA case series design was adopted to explore clinical outcomes in ten individuals diagnosed with OCD. ParticipantsTen participants (6 females, 4 males; age range 19-40 years) meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition,
Source: Delhi Psychiatry Journal
Institution: Jamia Hamdard
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7223653431