Antecedents of posttraumatic stress disorder: wasn't being raped enough? A brief communication.
Many rape victims, like those traumatized by war, accidents, and natural disasters, are able to recover from their ordeal with supportive, crisis-oriented treatment. For others, however, symptoms may persist and require more intensive treatment. Hypnosis allows a modulated re-experiencing and abreaction of the traumatic event that can help to provide the victim with a relieving sense of mastery, and it fosters a receptive context for reassurance and interpretation regarding the irrational or exaggerated thoughts and feelings involved. 2 case examples are presented in which earlier conflicts appeared to play a role in perpetuating the patients' symptoms. Detecting and addressing these antecedents resulted in complete alleviation of long-standing problems through relatively brief treatment using hypnosis.
Smith
W H
WH
Menninger Clinic, Topeka, KS 66601-0829.
D000328:Adult; D002399:Catharsis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D010553:Personality Development; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*