Abstract: The role of hypnotizability assessment in the differential diagn0sis of
psychotic patients is still unresolved. In this article, the pioneering work of Dutch
psychiatrist H. Breukink (1860-1928) during the 1920s is used as early evidence that
hypnotic capacity is clinically helpful in differentiating highly hypnotizable psychotic
patients with dissociative symptomatology from schizophrenics. Furthermore, there is
a long tradition of employing hypnotic capacity in the treatment of these dissociative
psychoses. The ways in which Breukink used hypnosis for diagnostic, prognostic, and
treatment purposes are summarized and discussed in light of both old and current
views. He felt that hysterical psychosis was trauma-induced, certainly curable, and
that psychotherapy using hypnosis was the treatment of choice. Hypnosis was used
for symptom-oriented therapy, as a comfortable and supportive mental state, and for
the uncovering and integrating of traumatic memories. For the latter purpose,
Breukink emphasized a calm mental state, both in hypnosis and in the waking state,
thereby discouraging emotional expression, which he considered dangerous in
psychotic patients. In the discussion, special attention is paid to the role and dangers
of the expression of trauma-related emotions.