Page 106 - JCBP-3-2

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Hypnosis as intervention for globus pharyngeus

experiences, allowing patients to access and modify
subconscious processes that may contribute to their
symptoms. Hypnotic induction typically involves deep
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relaxation, which can directly counteract the muscle
tension often associated with globus pharyngeus. By
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reducing overall anxiety levels, hypnosis can break the
cycle of symptom-focused attention and anxiety that
often perpetuates the globus sensation. In addition,
through hypnotic suggestions, patients can reframe their
perceptions and beliefs about their symptoms, enabling
them to reinterpret physical sensations in a less threatening
manner. This approach may help patients perceive
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uncomfortable throat sensations as normal, rather than as
signs of choking or suffocation.
Teaching self-hypnosis, as was done with this patient,
provides individuals with a tool for managing symptoms
Figure 1. Timeline of the patient’s symptoms leading up to diagnosis and anxiety autonomously, empowering them to maintain
Abbreviations: ARFID: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder; progress independently and promoting long-term
CT: Computed tomography; ER: Emergency room; IV: Intravenous; recovery. 16
PO: Through mouth; Tx: Treatment; 2/D: Twice daily.
The success of hypnotherapy in this case report,
Gradual desensitization was employed, starting with with significant improvement by the fourth session
imagining eating in a hypnotic state, followed by the and sustained recovery at a 3-year follow-up, aligns
actual consumption of pureed foods under hypnosis, and with emerging research on the efficacy of hypnosis for
eventually progressing to solid foods both under hypnosis psychosomatic disorders. A study by Kiebles et al. found
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and after dehypnotization. At a 2-month follow-up, the that hypnotherapy effectively reduced globus symptoms
patient regained 5 kg and was able to consume solid foods and improved quality of life in patients with refractory
without experiencing the globus sensation or phagophobia. globus pharyngeus. While hypnosis demonstrated notable
At a 3-year follow-up, he had regained all the weight he effectiveness in this case, it is important to emphasize that
had lost and continued to eat regularly, with no signs or treatment plans should be individualized. A combination
symptoms of the disorder. of therapeutic approaches, including medical interventions
when necessary, may offer the most benefit for certain
3. Discussion individuals.
This case exemplifies the complex nature of the globus
pharyngeus. While current research acknowledges 4. Conclusion
potential organic causes, the psychosomatic component The psychosomatic nature of globus pharyngeus necessitates
remains significant. In this patient’s case, the onset of a treatment approach that addresses both the psychological
symptoms following a stressful eating experience and and physical aspects of the condition. Hypnosis, with
the absence of significant physical findings, despite its ability to influence mind-body interactions, emerges
multiple medical evaluations (Figure 1), strongly suggest as a promising tool in the therapeutic arsenal for globus
a psychosomatic etiology. The mind-body connection in pharyngeus, particularly in cases where conventional
the globus pharyngeus is complex; psychological stress treatments have proven ineffective. Future research should
can lead to increased muscle tension in the throat, which focus on large-scale studies to further establish the efficacy
may be perceived as a sensation of a lump. Furthermore, of hypnosis in treating globus pharyngeus and identify
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anxiety about the symptom itself can create a feedback patient characteristics that may predict a positive response
loop, exacerbating the perception of throat discomfort. to this treatment modality.
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This psychophysiological interaction is evident in Tom’s
case, where initial anxiety about choking led to a persistent Acknowledgments
fear of eating and subsequent weight loss.
We would like to thank Mrs. Ronit Gold Magen and
Hypnosis is a valuable tool in treating psychosomatic Dr. Eitan G. Abramowitz for their invaluable guidance and
conditions, such as globus pharyngeus for several reasons. support throughout the hypnotherapeutic process, which
It bridges the gap between psychological and physical greatly contributed to the success of the treatment.

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 100 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.4944