Hypnosis in Working Memory Rehabilitation

Establishment of effective, efficient, and evidence-based interventions in rehabilitation of working memory (WM) deficits after acquired brain injury (ABI) is sorely needed. Despite robust evidence for the usefulness of clinical hypnosis in a wide range of clinical conditions, and improved understanding of mechanisms underlying it ́s effects, the potential of clinical hypnosis in cognitive rehabilitation is virtually unexplored. The current study seeks to replicate resent intriguing findings where large effects of hypnotic suggestion were seen on WM capacity following ABI, and further, explore underlying mechanisms of change.

Inclusion Criteria: * A documented non-progressive ABI, minimum 12 months post- injury and ongoing WM deficits by self-report and/or neuropsychological assessment * The above mentioned patients have received multidisciplinary cognitive rehabilitation before participation Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with severe mental illness * Patients progressive neurologic disease * Patients with ongoing ICD-10 diagnosis of substance dependence * Patients that lack Norwegian language skills