I've been impressed by how often warts become a problem for people who are deadlocked in an emotional crisis, a stalemate that must be resolved for life to continue, a general impasse in the process of growing up. The most effective psychological approach to warts combines hypnotic techniques with exploration of troublesome issues, focused on today's impasse. With insight and life changes that release the patient from his emotional bind, the prognosis, even when warts are severe, is good. Rapport with a doctor who sincerely believes in these techniques is essential. Severe recurrent warts are one of the most frequent reasons people come to see me.
Results are particularly favorable.
They also can increase the risk of some types of cancer. Topical podophyllum resin is emerging as the treatment of choice. Mild acids, cryotherapy, electrocautery, and laser surgery are all used as well. See chapter xx for the role of emotions and psychological techniques. Most people with warts find an ideal imaginary environment that incorporates cooling, and perhaps tingling, to be helpful, along with direct suggestions that they disappear.