Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Ericksonian Hypnosis Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

Study Title: Comparison of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Ericksonian Hypnosis Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms; A Controlled Randomized Study.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Metin Çınaroğlu, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Istanbul Nişantaşı University.

Co-Investigators:

Expert Psychologist Dr. Eda Yılmazer, Department of Psychology, Beykoz University.

Psychologist Cemre Odabaşı, Clinical Psychology (Thesis) Student, Istanbul Nişantaşı University.

Dr. Selami Varol Ülker, Department of Psychology, Üsküdar University. Prof. Dr. Gökben Hızlı Sayar, Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, Üsküdar University.

Study Duration: Start Date: October, 2023 - End Date: Ongoing.

Background and Rationale: Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions globally, significantly impacting individuals' quality of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized for its effectiveness in modifying dysfunctional thinking and behaviors associated with psychological disorders. Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, utilizing hypnotic suggestion and accessing unconscious processes, offers a complementary approach. This study aims to evaluate and compare the therapeutic efficacy of these interventions in non-clinically diagnosed, yet symptomatic individuals.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Study Design: This is a randomized, controlled, comparative trial involving three groups:

CBT group (15 participants) Ericksonian Hypnotherapy group (15 participants) Waiting list control group (15 participants)

Methods:

Participants: A total of 150 volunteers from Istanbul, aged 18-65, displaying symptoms of depression and anxiety without a clinical diagnosis. Screening will be conducted using socio-demographic forms, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

Intervention: Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either CBT or Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, with each intervention being administered over 12 sessions. Each session will be conducted in person and on a one-on-one basis, lasting approximately one hour, held once a week.

Control Group: Individuals in the control group will not receive any intervention during the study period but will be offered therapy sessions after the study's conclusion as compensation for their participation.

Measurements: Psychological assessments will be conducted at baseline and post-intervention using the BDI and BAI to measure changes in depression and anxiety symptoms.

Data Analysis: The effectiveness of the interventions will be analyzed using independent and paired t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention scores within and between groups. ANOVA will be utilized for comparing the three groups, and effect sizes will be calculated to determine the clinical significance of the treatments.

Ethical Considerations: The study will adhere to the ethical standards of the Helsinki Declaration and has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Istanbul Nişantaşı University numbered 2023/3. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants, ensuring confidentiality and the right to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences.

Significance: By directly comparing two distinct therapeutic modalities, this study seeks to provide empirical evidence to inform clinical practices and potentially guide future psychological interventions aimed at treating depression and anxiety.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: Participants must be between 18 and 65 years old.
• Symptoms: Participants must display symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, but not necessarily have a clinical diagnosis.
• Voluntary Participation: Participants must voluntarily agree to participate and must be able to provide informed consent.
• Residency: Participants must reside in or near the study location (Istanbul) to attend in-person sessions.
• Language: Participants must be proficient in the language in which the therapy is delivered (presumably Turkish).
• Availability: Participants must be available to attend all scheduled sessions over the course of the study (12 weekly sessions).

Exclusion criteria

• Psychiatric Diagnosis: Individuals with a severe psychiatric disorder requiring immediate or intensive intervention (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression with suicidal ideation).
• Current Psychotherapy: Individuals currently receiving other forms of psychotherapy or psychological treatment.
• Substance Abuse: Individuals with active substance abuse issues or dependencies that could interfere with therapy.
• Cognitive Impairments: Individuals with cognitive impairments or neurological disorders that would limit their ability to participate fully in therapy.
• Medical Conditions: Individuals with severe medical conditions that could interfere with participation in the study or pose a risk during the therapy sessions.
• Language Barrier: Non-Turkish speakers or those who do not understand the language well enough to benefit from therapy conducted in Turkish.
• Previous Participation: Individuals who have previously participated in similar studies or interventions, to avoid potential biases in responses and outcomes.