The use of hypnosis in the treatment of a case of multiple personality

Abstract

The literature regarding the use of hypnosis in the therapy of multiple personality is reviewed. Cautions of other authors are noted which intend to protect the patient from further "splitting" of the personalities involved. A case of a 25-year-old woman is described in which, several months after leaving therapy abruptly, a second personality appeared and prompted her re-entry into treatment. Hypnosis was employed several weeks after restarting therapy on four separate occasions. Therapeutic outcome was favorable with coalescence of the personality into a new whole. A rationale for the use of hypnosis in this case is presented.