Information on the use of hypnosis in eating disorder treatment has traditionally been spotty. Those who have reviewed research on hypnotherapy for eating disorders have sharply criticized the haphazard ways in which researchers presented their findings. Generally, it has been difficult even to understand exactly how the hypnotic methods were carried out in many studies. It has also been difficult to put trust in researchers' methods of evaluation -- that is, how they measured their success.
Hypnosis in Treatment of Bulimia
However, we do have some findings that seem solid. Most researchers agree that those with bulimia and with anorexia, purging type are more hypnotically suggestible than people in other populations. Being suggestible, in turn, can mean that this population is more open to hypnotic suggestions that could change bulimic behaviors.
Researchers have demonstrated that hypnobehavioral treatment (HBT) for those with bulimia is as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). However, studies that compare forms of hypnosis with other treatment options are rare, and it's not clear that hypnosis is a clearly preferred treatment for bulimia (or other eating disorders).
Hypnosis for Anorexia
Those with the restricting form of anorexia can be more difficult to engage in hypnosis; it may be that their intense preoccupation with weight management makes relaxing and concentrating much harder. This can limit their suggestibility and thus make it more difficult for them to receive suggestions that contradict their normal disordered eating patterns.
However, hypnosis seems to be more useful when it is used to help clients with anorexia to gain a sense of control or mastery. This is a key desire for those with anorexia; the eating disorder itself allows the client to have power over something that no one else can influence. Some clinicians have built on this by introducing hypnosis as a way for clients to increase their sense of mastery and genuine self-control. This has paved the way for deeper work dealing with core issues that support the eating disorder.
In some cases, clinicians also use hypnosis to treat other problems that exist alongside anorexia with food restriction, such as low self-esteem.
Is Hypnosis a Reasonable Treatment for Eating Disorders?
If you want to know how hypnosis measures up against other treatments for eating disorders, you'll have to wait for further research. Aside from the study comparing HBT and CBT mentioned above, studies comparing hypnosis to other treatments are sparse.
If you are looking for another option outside of traditional treatments, hypnosis may make sense in certain cases. As with many treatment options, some therapists have demonstrated success with it. My suggestion: Find a therapist who specializes in applying hypnosis to eating disorders.
Sources:
Barabasz M. Efficacy of hypnotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 55 (2007): 318-335.
Griffiths RA and Channon-Little LD. Dissociation, dieting disorders and hypnosis: A review. European Eating Disorders Review 3 (1995): 148-159.
Mantle F. Eating disorders: The role of hypnosis. Paediatric Nursing 15 (2003): 42-45.
Schumaker J, Warren W, Schreiber G, and Jackson C. Dissociation in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal 22 (1994): 385-392.
Vanderlinden J and Vandereycken W. The use of hypnotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders 7 (1988): 673-679.
