Chapter 6:
Somatoform and Dissociative Disorders

Hypnotic States and Dissociative Disorders
Persons suffering from dissociative disorders are often highly suggestible and the psychological phenomena resembles what looks very much like a hypnotic state. The term hypnosis is familiar to many, and is often associated with psychotherapy. Yet, the nature of hypnosis is not well understood, including its relation to dissociative disorders. Students will typically find discussion of hypnosis interesting. It remains a highly controversial intervention technique, particularly in the context of dissociative disorders. You can discuss hypnotic states, procedures used to induce them, and their efficacy and effectiveness. This is also an opportunity to relate hypnotic procedures with false memory syndrome.