The following conditions are contraindicated for hypnosis:
- Mental disabilities: In this case, brain functions are impaired and the effect of hypnosis is difficult to predict.
- Severe cardiovascular diseases for which deep relaxation is contraindicated: This includes, for example, heart failure.
- Psychoses: These include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, endogenous depression, borderline disorder, and other severe mental illness, as well as delusions and dissociative symptoms.
- Moderate/severe depression: Hypnosis is primarily used to treat mild-to-moderate and reactive depression, but can also be used for other forms, such as larval depression.
- Taking psychotropic drugs: These can interfere with the effects of hypnosis. Antidepressants can, in some cases, completely prevent the induction of a trance state.
- Alcohol, drug or medication addiction: In addicted clients, brain functions are severely damaged by excessive alcohol, drug or medication use. The effect of hypnosis is therefore greatly limited, and may not work at all. In addition, psychotic symptoms can occur during the process.
- Recent heart attack or stroke: People who have had a heart attack or stroke in the weeks beforehand cannot be treated, as they are more likely to have another attack due to vasodilatation.
- Thrombosis: There is a risk of a thrombus breaking loose, moving, or causing an embolism.
- Epilepsy: Hypnosis may trigger a seizure.
- Severe diseases of the central nervous system, e.g., patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
- Pregnancy: Treatment could induce premature labor.
