title: Somatization of dissociated traumatic memories in a case of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
abstract: In this single case report, I examine the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) with hypnosis and ego-state therapy in a subject with a dissociative disorder. RSD is an unusual, debilitating, chronic pain syndrome with a usually poor outcome. The subject achieved temporary symptomatic relief using hypnosis and auto-hypnotic pain-management techniques. Eventually, she achieved permanent relief of RSD symptoms that continued over a two-year follow-up period. She achieved this permanent relief through a process of psychologically integrating physical functions that she experienced as specific to several dissociated ego states. This case illustrates the role of metaphor and imaginative symbolism in constituting a physical condition. It also illustrates how imaginative transformation of the symbolic imagery can induce psychological and physical change.
authors.affiliation: Akron Psychiatry Associates, OH 44307.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gainer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017668:Age of Onset; D001346:Autosuggestion; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D007092:Imagination; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D059408:Pain Management; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*