Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spontaneous Remission, and Hypnotherapy

Abstract

The factors that induce spontaneous remission are unknown; some may not be measurable. Since the probability of spontaneous remission is invariably invoked when a patient’s condition improves after recourse to an unorthodox healing method, it would appear to be of some importance to understand what weight should be consigned to “suggestion” as a variable among the many factors that contribute to the healing process. A case of spontaneous remission of rheumatoid arthritis with hypnotherapy is reported.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

A 10-year-old girl

Clinical Characteristics

Responded minimally to large doses of salicylates and physical therapy over a period of seven weeks. She was depressed, uncommunicative, and inactive.

Remission Characteristics

Four hours after this session, she rode her bicycle and was without pain, for the first time in 12 weeks. Two reinforcing hypnotherapy sessions were added. School work and social adjustment improved markedly. The child has remained well for 33 months.

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Hypnotherapy

Clinical Treatment

Large doses of salicylates and physical therapy

Non-Clinical Treatment

Hypnotherapy

Additional Notes

When salicylism appeared imminent and corticosteroid therapy was being considered, hypnotherapy was tried. Three sessions were given. Despite resistance to the first session, the patient gave a positive ideomotor response to the question, Does some part of your mind know why you have arthritis? This query induced some anxiety, as evidenced by the patients facial expression, so the issue was not pursued at that time. At the time of the second session, one month later, the patient still appeared to be depressed and had to be carried by her mother. While in trance, she was told that she need not describe her problem to the therapist, provided that she herself understood it and was sure it would quickly resolve if she really wanted it to do so.