Clinical trial NCT06844058: Islamic-Oriented vs. Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and Depression
Official title: Efficacy of Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy vs. Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy in Reducing Anxiety and Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Anxiety Disorders
Depressive Disorder
Keywords: Hypnotherapy
Ericksonian Hypnosis
Islamic Psychology
Anxiety Reduction
Depression Treatment
Culturally Adapted Psychotherapy
Religious-Based Therapy
Lead sponsor: Istanbul Nisantasi University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-02-25
Enrollment: 90
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 65
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: This study follows a parallel-group randomized controlled design, where participants are assigned to one of three groups: Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (IEH), Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (SEH), or a control group with no intervention. Each participant remains in the same group throughout the study period.
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to compare the effectiveness of Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (IEH) and Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (SEH) in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study will enroll 90 participants with mild to moderate anxiety and depression, who will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) IEH intervention, (2) SEH intervention, or (3) control group (no intervention). Participants in the intervention groups will receive 12 weekly hypnotherapy sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. The primary outcomes include changes in Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores from baseline to post-intervention and at a 4-week follow-up.

The study will also assess whether religious belief levels moderate the effects of the intervention using the OK-Religious Attitude Scale. Data collection will be performed at Istanbul Nişantaşı University, and ethical approval has been obtained.

Detailed description: This randomized controlled trial evaluates the differential effects of Islamic-Oriented Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (IEH) and Standard Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (SEH) in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression among religious Muslim adults. The primary objective is to examine whether the integration of Islamic religious elements into Ericksonian hypnotherapy enhances clinical outcomes compared to its standard application.

The study follows a parallel-group design with three arms: IEH, SEH, and a no-intervention control. Ninety participants (30 per group) are randomized using stratified block randomization based on age and gender. All intervention sessions are manualized, delivered by trained clinical psychologists, and conducted weekly over 12 weeks (each lasting 60 minutes).

IEH sessions incorporate culturally and religiously adapted therapeutic elements, such as Quranic metaphors, Islamic imagery, and spiritual affirmations, in line with the Ericksonian framework. SEH sessions utilize traditional hypnotic techniques including metaphorical storytelling, guided imagery, and indirect suggestions, without religious content.

Primary outcome measures include changes in Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores from baseline to Week 12 (post-intervention) and Week 16 (follow-up). Secondary analyses will investigate whether religiosity levels (measured via the OK-Religious Attitude Scale) moderate treatment effects. Blinded outcome assessors will ensure unbiased data collection.

This study addresses the need for culturally responsive mental health interventions within Muslim populations. Ethical approval was obtained from the İstanbul Nişantaşı University Ethics Committee (Approval No: 20250103-27). Results are expected to contribute to evidence-based development of spiritually integrated psychotherapeutic models for anxiety and depression.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Muslim individuals aged 18-65 years.
* Mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression symptoms (assessed via Beck
* Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)).
* No formal psychiatric diagnosis but experiencing psychological distress.
* High religious belief levels, assessed via OK-Religious Attitude Scale.
* Not currently receiving psychotherapy or psychotropic medication.
* Ability to give informed consent and complete the study requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe MDD).
* Current use of psychotropic medication or undergoing psychotherapy.
* History of substance abuse or dependence.
* Diagnosed dissociative disorders (contraindications for hypnosis).
* Cognitive impairment affecting comprehension of intervention.
* Severe medical conditions that may interfere with participation.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
timeFrame: Baseline, Week 12 (post-intervention), Week 16 (follow-up)
measure: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
timeFrame: Baseline, Week 12, Week 16
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: İstanbul
country: Turkey
facility: İstanbul Nişantaşı University
Study officials:
affiliation: Istanbul Nisantasi Universitesi
name: Metin Çınaroğlu, Phd
role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
References: