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Niedernhuber M, Schroeder AC, Lercher C, Bruegger M, Prates de Matos NM, Noreika V, Lenggenhager B. An interhemispheric frontoparietal network supports hypnotic states. Cortex 2024; 177:180-193. [PMID: 38865762 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the neural substrate of altered conscious states is an important cultural, scientific, and clinical endeavour. Although hypnosis causes strong shifts in conscious perception and cognition, it remains largely unclear how hypnosis affects information processing in cortical networks. Here we manipulated the depth of hypnotic states to study information processing between cortical regions involved in attention and awareness. We used high-density Electroencephalography (EEG) to record resting-state cortical activity from 30 hypnosis experts during two hypnotic states with different depth. Each participant entered a light and a deep hypnotic state as well as two well-matched control states. Bridging top-down and lateralisation models of hypnosis, we found that interhemispheric frontoparietal connectivity distinguished hypnosis and control conditions, while no difference was found between the two hypnotic states. Using a graph-theoretic measure, we revealed that the amount of information passing through individual nodes (measured via betweenness centrality) is reduced during hypnosis relative to control states. Finally, we found that theta power was enhanced during hypnosis. Our result contributes to the current discussion around a role for theta power in bringing about hypnotic states, as well as other altered conscious states. Overall, our findings support the notion that altered top-down control in frontoparietal regions facilitates hypnosis by integrating information between cortical hemispheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Niedernhuber
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Pl, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Céline Lercher
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mike Bruegger
- Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Plattenstrasse 11, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Valdas Noreika
- Department of Psychology, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bigna Lenggenhager
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Konstanzs, Universitätsstraße 10, Konstanz, Germany
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Raturi AK, Narayanan SS, Jena SPK. EEG Correlates of Suggestion-Induced Stroop Interference Reduction in High-Suggestible Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2024; 72:289-326. [PMID: 38874567 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2024.2356856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Studies have explored the impact of suggestion on the Stroop effect, aiming to understand how effective suggestion is in modulating this phenomenon. The suggestion effect has been replicated in multiple studies, supporting its robustness, but lacks systematic evaluation. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant English-language studies from PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ScienceDirect since databases inception until January 2023. Quality of included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal checklist, and potential publication biases were assessed. Subgroup analyses were also performed, and effect sizes were estimated using Hedges' g and analyzed using random effects model. The systematic review was comprised of 19 studies. For the meta-analysis, 14 studies examined the suggestion effect on Stroop interference effect (SIE), while six studies investigated suggestion effects on accuracy. Results have revealed significant overall effects of suggestion on Stroop performance in participants, as evidenced by SIE and accuracy. Subgroup analysis based on types of suggestion demonstrated a significant effect on SIE. Six EEG/ERP studies have also been discussed in the context of the review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - S P K Jena
- Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, India
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Peter B. Hypnosis in psychotherapy, psychosomatics and medicine. A brief overview. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1377900. [PMID: 38659672 PMCID: PMC11040694 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1377900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspects of hypnosis and its application in psychotherapy, psychosomatics and medicine are examined and contextualized in the 250-year history of hypnosis. Imagination as an essential element of hypnotic treatments appeared as early as 1784 as an argument rejecting the theory of animal magnetism of Franz Anton Mesmer. In somnambulism of German romanticism, another proto-form of hypnosis after 1800, concepts of the mind-body problem were dealt with, which still characterize the understanding of unconscious mental processes today. Hypnosis was at the beginning of psychoanalysis, but was not pursued further by Sigmund Freud from 1900 onwards. Nevertheless, there were some hypnoanalytical approaches in the 20th century, as well as attempts to integrate hypnosis into behavior therapy. Techniques of imagination and relaxation combine both; in particular findings from cognitive psychology explain processes of both hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy. The influence of social psychology brought a new perspective to the debate about the nature of hypnosis, which continues to this day: is hypnosis to be understood as a special state of consciousness or is it a completely normal, mundane interaction? The experiments that were carried out to support one side or the other were also dependent on the hypnotizability of the subjects involved, as the more difficult hypnotic phenomena such as paralysis, hallucinations or identity delusions can only be demonstrated by highly hypnotizable subjects. The fact that these are not mere compliance reactions has now been proven by many studies using imaging techniques. But even those who are moderately hypnotizable benefit from hypnosis rituals. Variables postulated by socio-cognitive hypnosis researchers, such as motivation and expectation, are relevant, as is a good "hypnotic rapport." Practical application of hypnotherapy today is characterized by the innovative techniques and strategies developed by Milton H. Erickson. Research into the effectiveness of hypnosis in the field of psychotherapy and psychosomatics still leaves much to be done. The situation is different in the field of medical hypnosis, where there are considerably more studies with a satisfactory design and verifiable effects. However, the impact in practical application in everyday medical practice is still low. Newer developments such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence are being looked at with critical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Peter
- MEG-Foundation, Wilhelmsthal-Hesselbach, Germany
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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De Pascalis V. Brain Functional Correlates of Resting Hypnosis and Hypnotizability: A Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:115. [PMID: 38391691 PMCID: PMC10886478 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the cognitive neuroscience of hypnosis and variations in hypnotizability by examining research employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG) methods. Key focus areas include functional brain imaging correlations in hypnosis, EEG band oscillations as indicators of hypnotic states, alterations in EEG functional connectivity during hypnosis and wakefulness, drawing critical conclusions, and suggesting future research directions. The reviewed functional connectivity findings support the notion that disruptions in the available integration between different components of the executive control network during hypnosis may correspond to altered subjective appraisals of the agency during the hypnotic response, as per dissociated and cold control theories of hypnosis. A promising exploration avenue involves investigating how frontal lobes' neurochemical and aperiodic components of the EEG activity at waking-rest are linked to individual differences in hypnotizability. Future studies investigating the effects of hypnosis on brain function should prioritize examining distinctive activation patterns across various neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilfredo De Pascalis
- Department of Psychology, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Eide LS, Rike PO, Reme SE, Snekkevik H, Rossner S, Rosen G, Lindeløv JK, Løvstad M. Using hypnotic suggestion in the rehabilitation of working memory capacity after acquired brain injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:11. [PMID: 38167204 PMCID: PMC10759527 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07867-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Establishment of effective evidence-based interventions in rehabilitation of working memory (WM) deficits after acquired brain injury (ABI) is sorely needed. Despite robust evidence for the efficiency of clinical hypnosis in a wide range of clinical conditions, and improved understanding of mechanisms underlying its effects, the potential of clinical hypnosis in cognitive rehabilitation is underexplored. A recent study has shown large effects of hypnotic suggestion on WM capacity following ABI. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate and explore the replicability of these findings and examine the generalization of treatment effects. The study will also explore possible mechanisms of change. METHODS Ninety patients will be recruited from the Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital. Inclusion criteria are nonprogressive ABI, minimum 12-month post-injury, ongoing WM deficits, and age between 18 and 67 years. Patients will be randomized to either (a) an intervention group receiving four weekly 1-h sessions with induction and hypnosis, (b) an active control group receiving four weekly 1-h sessions of induction and mindfulness, or (c) a passive control group without intervention. The targeted procedure consists of suggestions about enhancing WM functions, for example through the instantiation of preinjury WM capacity in the present using age regression or through visualizations of brain plasticity. The non-targeted suggestions contain no explicit mention of ABI- or WM-related abilities. Each participant will be assessed at baseline, immediately after intervention, and 6 months after baseline. The primary outcome is the WM index from WAIS-IV and self- and informant-reported WM subscale from BRIEF-A, a questionnaire exploring executive functioning in everyday life. Secondary outcomes include a cognitive composite score derived from tests measuring processing speed, executive functions, learning capacity and memory, and self-reported measures of emotional distress, quality of life, and community integration. Exploratory measures include self-rated ABI and WM-related self-efficacy. DISCUSSION Rehabilitation of impaired WM after ABI has hitherto yielded limited transfer effects beyond the training material, i.e., improvement effects on everyday WM capacity, and clinical trials of new interventions are thus warranted. Long-standing empirical evidence demonstrates that hypnosis is an effective therapeutic technique in a wide range of conditions, and recent exploratory research has suggested a high efficacy of hypnosis in improving WM capacity in patients with ABI. However, these extraordinary findings need replication in studies applying scientifically rigorous designs. If successful, our ambition is to provide recommendations and materials to implement hypnotic suggestion as an adjunct treatment following ABI. Study findings may inform future studies exploring the use of clinical hypnosis in other areas of rehabilitation, such as mild TBI, and in other neurological conditions where WM deficit is prominent. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05287542. Registered on March 2022 PROTOCOL VERSION: Protocol version 2.0, December 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Sophie Eide
- Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway.
- Norwegian Society of Clinical Evidence-Based Hypnosis (NEKEH), Oslo, Norway.
| | - Per-Ola Rike
- Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway
| | | | | | - Stephan Rossner
- Norwegian Society of Clinical Evidence-Based Hypnosis (NEKEH), Oslo, Norway
- Molde Hospital, Molde, Norway
| | - Gunnar Rosen
- Norwegian Society of Clinical Evidence-Based Hypnosis (NEKEH), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Marianne Løvstad
- Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Nesodden, Norway
- University of Oslo (UiO), Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
The author proposes that hypnosis is a culture-bound concept that has misattributed - to suggestion and hypnosis - the functioning of a natural, freestanding, human ability to alter personal experience. The 18th-century attribution of these phenomena (to the suggestions of a magnetizer) continues today because science and Western culture still do not explicitly acknowledge that humans possess a natural capacity to intentionally alter their own experiences. Like every other human ability (e.g. athletic, artistic, musical, mathematical, etc.), utilization of the natural human ability to intentionally alter one's personal experience does not require suggestion, trance, or hypnotic induction. This ability has been studied for over 200 years under the conceptual aegis of suggestibility and hypnosis. As a consequence, the phenomena of this freestanding ability have been veiled and conflated with hypnosis, suggestion, suggestibility, and hypnotizability. One serious consequence of this conflation is an underdeveloped, nomological network of hypnosis-centric concepts that has impeded the integration of hypnosis with the rest of science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F Dell
- Churchland Psychological Center, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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Connors MH, Quinto L, Deeley Q, Halligan PW, Oakley DA, Kanaan RA. Hypnosis and suggestion as interventions for functional neurological disorder: A systematic review. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024; 86:92-102. [PMID: 38154334 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional neurological disorder (FND) involves the presence of neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by neurological disease. FND has long been linked to hypnosis and suggestion, both of which have been used as treatments. Given ongoing interest, this review examined evidence for the efficacy of hypnosis and suggestion as treatment interventions for FND. METHOD A systematic search of bibliographic databases was conducted to identify group studies published over the last hundred years. No restrictions were placed on study design, language, or clinical setting. Two reviewers independently assessed papers for inclusion, extracted data, and rated study quality. RESULTS The search identified 35 studies, including 5 randomised controlled trials, 2 non-randomised trials, and 28 pre-post studies. Of 1584 patients receiving either intervention, 1379 (87%) showed significant improvements, including many who demonstrated resolution of their symptoms in the short-term. Given the heterogeneity of interventions and limitations in study quality overall, more formal quantitative synthesis was not possible. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight longstanding and ongoing interest in using hypnosis and suggestion as interventions for FND. While the findings appear promising, limitations in the evidence base, reflecting limitations in FND research more broadly, prevent definitive recommendations. Further research seems warranted given these supportive findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Connors
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Lena Quinto
- Forensic & Analytical Science Services, NSW Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Quinton Deeley
- Cultural and Social Neuroscience Research Group, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - David A Oakley
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychology & Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Richard A Kanaan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
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de Matos NMP, Staempfli P, Seifritz E, Preller K, Bruegger M. Investigating functional brain connectivity patterns associated with two hypnotic states. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1286336. [PMID: 38192504 PMCID: PMC10773817 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1286336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
While there's been clinical success and growing research interest in hypnosis, neurobiological underpinnings induced by hypnosis remain unclear. In this fMRI study (which is part of a larger hypnosis project) with 50 hypnosis-experienced participants, we analyzed neural and physiological responses during two hypnosis states, comparing them to non-hypnotic control conditions and to each other. An unbiased whole-brain analysis (multi-voxel- pattern analysis, MVPA), pinpointed key neural hubs in parieto-occipital-temporal areas, cuneal/precuneal and occipital cortices, lingual gyri, and the occipital pole. Comparing directly both hypnotic states revealed depth-dependent connectivity changes, notably in left superior temporal/supramarginal gyri, cuneus, planum temporale, and lingual gyri. Multi-voxel- pattern analysis (MVPA) based seeds were implemented in a seed-to-voxel analysis unveiling region-specific increases and decreases in functional connectivity patterns. Physiologically, the respiration rate significantly slowed during hypnosis. Summarized, these findings foster fresh insights into hypnosis-induced functional connectivity changes and illuminate further knowledge related with the neurobiology of altered consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno M. P. de Matos
- Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Staempfli
- MR-Center of the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mike Bruegger
- Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Edwards KA, Reed DE, Anderson D, Harding K, Turner AP, Soares B, Suri P, Williams RM. Opening the black box of psychological treatments for chronic pain: A clinical perspective for medical providers. PM R 2023; 15:999-1011. [PMID: 36633497 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karlyn A Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - David E Reed
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Derek Anderson
- Rehabilitation Care Services, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kaitlin Harding
- Rehabilitation Care Services, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aaron P Turner
- Rehabilitation Care Services, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bosco Soares
- Rehabilitation Care Services, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pradeep Suri
- Rehabilitation Care Services, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Clinical Learning, Evidence, and Research (CLEAR) Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rhonda M Williams
- Rehabilitation Care Services, Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Garel N, Thibault Lévesque J, Sandra DA, Lessard-Wajcer J, Solomonova E, Lifshitz M, Richard-Devantoy S, Greenway KT. Imprinting: expanding the extra-pharmacological model of psychedelic drug action to incorporate delayed influences of sets and settings. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1200393. [PMID: 37533588 PMCID: PMC10390742 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1200393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychedelic drug experiences are shaped by current-moment contextual factors, commonly categorized as internal (set) and external (setting). Potential influences of past environments, however, have received little attention. Aims To investigate how previous environmental stimuli shaped the experiences of patients receiving ketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and develop the concept of "imprinting" to account for such time-lagged effects across diverse hallucinogenic drugs. Methods Recordings of treatment sessions and phenomenological interviews from 26 participants of a clinical trial investigating serial intravenous ketamine infusions for TRD, conducted from January 2021 to August 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. A broad literature search was undertaken to identify potentially underrecognized examples of imprinting with both serotonergic and atypical psychedelics, as well as analogous cognitive processes and neural mechanisms. Results In naturalistic single-subject experiments of a 28-year-old female and a 34-year-old male, subjective ketamine experiences were significantly altered by varying exposures to particular forms of digital media in the days preceding treatments. Higher levels of media exposure reduced the mystical/emotional qualities of subsequent psychedelic ketamine experiences, overpowering standard intention-setting practices and altering therapeutic outcomes. Qualitative data from 24 additional patients yielded eight further spontaneous reports of past environmental exposures manifesting as visual hallucinations during ketamine experiences. We identified similar examples of imprinting with diverse psychoactive drugs in past publications, including in the first-ever report of ketamine in human subjects, as well as analogous processes known to underly dreaming. Conclusions/interpretation Past environmental exposures can significantly influence the phenomenology and therapeutic outcomes of psychedelic experiences, yet are underrecognized and understudied. To facilitate future research, we propose expanding the contextual model of psychedelic drug actions to incorporate imprinting, a novel concept that may aid clinicians, patients, and researchers to better understand psychedelic drug effects. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04701866.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Garel
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Dasha A. Sandra
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Elizaveta Solomonova
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Neurophilosophy Lab, Department of Philosophy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Lifshitz
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Richard-Devantoy
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, LaSalle, QC, Canada
| | - Kyle T. Greenway
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Geagea D, Ogez D, Kimble R, Tyack Z. Demystifying hypnosis: Unravelling facts, exploring the historical roots of myths, and discerning what is hypnosis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2023; 52:101776. [PMID: 37402329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hypnosis, a mind-body treatment dating back to early human history, has regained attention in the last decade, with research suggesting its effectiveness for varied physiological and psychological ailments such as distress, pain, and psychosomatic disorders. However, myths and misconceptions have prevailed among the general public and clinicians, hindering the adoption and acceptance of hypnosis. It is important to distinguish myths from facts and discern what is hypnosis and what is not to enhance the understanding, acceptance, and adoption of hypnotic interventions. METHODS This narrative review traces the history of myths surrounding hypnosis in contrast to the evolution of hypnosis as a treatment modality. In addition to comparing hypnosis to other interventions with similar procedures and features, the review unravels misconceptions that have impeded the adoption and acceptance of hypnosis in clinical and research settings and presents evidence to demystify this intervention. RESULTS This review examines the roots of myths while presenting historical facts and evidence that support hypnosis as a treatment modality and alleviate misconceptions depicting it as mystical. Further, the review distinguishes hypnotic and non-hypnotic interventions with overlapping procedures and phenomenological features to enhance our understanding of hypnotic techniques and phenomena. CONCLUSION This review enhances the understanding of hypnosis in historical, clinical, and research contexts by disproving related myths and misconceptions to promote the adoption of hypnosis in clinical and research contexts. Further, this review highlights knowledge gaps requiring further investigations to steer research toward an evidence-based practice of hypnosis and optimise multimodal therapies embedding hypnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dali Geagea
- Child Health Research Centre, Centre for Children's Burns and Trauma Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - David Ogez
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Roy Kimble
- Centre for Children's Burns and Trauma Research, Queensland Children's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zephanie Tyack
- Child Health Research Centre, Centre for Children's Burns and Trauma Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Australian Centre for Health Service Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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12
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Markmann M, Lenz M, Höffken O, Steponavičiūtė A, Brüne M, Tegenthoff M, Dinse HR, Newen A. Hypnotic suggestions cognitively penetrate tactile perception through top-down modulation of semantic contents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6578. [PMID: 37085590 PMCID: PMC10121590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33108-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Perception is subject to ongoing alterations by learning and top-down influences. Although abundant studies have shown modulation of perception by attention, motivation, content and context, there is an unresolved controversy whether these examples provide true evidence that perception is penetrable by cognition. Here we show that tactile perception assessed as spatial discrimination can be instantaneously and systematically altered merely by the semantic content during hypnotic suggestions. To study neurophysiological correlates, we recorded EEG and SEPs. We found that the suggestion "your index finger becomes bigger" led to improved tactile discrimination, while the suggestion "your index finger becomes smaller" led to impaired discrimination. A hypnosis without semantic suggestions had no effect but caused a reduction of phase-locking synchronization of the beta frequency band between medial frontal cortex and the finger representation in somatosensory cortex. Late SEP components (P80-N140 complex) implicated in attentional processes were altered by the semantic contents, but processing of afferent inputs in SI remained unaltered. These data provide evidence that the psychophysically observed modifiability of tactile perception by semantic contents is not simply due to altered perception-based judgments, but instead is a consequence of modified perceptual processes which change the perceptual experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Markmann
- Department of Neurology, BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Melanie Lenz
- Department of Neurology, BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver Höffken
- Department of Neurology, BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Agnė Steponavičiūtė
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Klaipėda University, Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | - Martin Brüne
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL Universitätsklinikum Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Tegenthoff
- Department of Neurology, BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hubert R Dinse
- Department of Neurology, BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Albert Newen
- Institute of Philosophy II, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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A neurophenomenological approach to non-ordinary states of consciousness: hypnosis, meditation, and psychedelics. Trends Cogn Sci 2023; 27:139-159. [PMID: 36566091 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
No contemporary unifying framework has been provided for the study of non-ordinary states of consciousness (NSCs) despite increased interest in hypnosis, meditation, and psychedelics. NSCs induce shifts in experiential contents (what appears to the experiencer) and/or structure (how it appears). This can allow the investigation of the plastic and dynamic nature of experience from a multiscale perspective that includes mind, brain, body, and context. We propose a neurophenomenological (NP) approach to the study of NSCs which highlights their role as catalysts of transformation in clinical practice by refining our understanding of the relationships between experiential (subjective) and neural dynamics. We outline the ethical implications of the NP approach for standard conceptions of health and pathology as well as the crucial role of experience-based know-how in NSC-related research and application.
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14
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Müllner-Huber A, Anton-Boicuk L, Pronizius E, Lengersdorff L, Olsson A, Lamm C. The causal role of affect sharing in driving vicarious fear learning. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277793. [PMID: 36399451 PMCID: PMC9674158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vicarious learning, i.e. learning through observing others rather than through one's own experiences, is an integral skill of social species. The aim of this study was to assess the causal role of affect sharing, an important aspect of empathy, in vicarious fear learning. N = 39 participants completed a vicarious Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm. In the learning stage, they watched another person-the demonstrator-responding with distress when receiving electric shocks to a color cue (conditioned stimulus; CS+; a different color served as CS-). In the subsequent test stage, an increased skin conductance response (SCR) to the CS+ presented in the absence of the demonstrator indexed vicarious fear learning. Each participant completed this paradigm under two different hypnotic suggestions, which were administered to induce high or low affect sharing with the demonstrator in the learning stage, following a counterbalanced within-subject design. In the learning stage, high affect sharing resulted in stronger unconditioned SCR, increased eye gaze toward the demonstrator's face, and higher self-reported unpleasantness while witnessing the demonstrator's distress. In the test stage, participants showed a stronger conditioned fear response (SCR) when they had learned under high, compared to low, affect sharing. In contrast, participants' declarative memory of how many shocks the demonstrator had received with each cue was not influenced by the affect sharing manipulation. These findings demonstrate that affect sharing is involved in enhancing vicarious fear learning, and thus advance our understanding of the role of empathy, and more generally emotion, in social observational learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Müllner-Huber
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail: (AMH); (CL)
| | - Lisa Anton-Boicuk
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ekaterina Pronizius
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Lengersdorff
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Olsson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail: (AMH); (CL)
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15
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Abstract
This article presents French norms for the online version of the Sussex-Waterloo Scale of Hypnotizability. This scale is an online adaptation of the well-established Waterloo-Stanford Group C Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility: with both behavioral and subjective scores. Insofar as hypnotizability (the ability to respond to suggestions in a hypnotic context) varies substantially in the general population and remains generally stable throughout life, it is important to measure it in experiments using hypnotic suggestion. However, these scales are time consuming, as they often require multiple sessions to achieve a suitable sample size for subsequent participant screening. One promising route for overcoming this inconvenience is to perform hypnotizability assessment online. The Sussex-Waterloo Scale of Hypnotizability is the first to have demonstrated the viability of online measurement. The authors demonstrate that their translation of this scale yields similar statistics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Apelian
- Institut Jean Nicod, Département d'études cognitives, ENS, EHESS, CNRS, PSL University, Paris, France.,ARCHE Formation, Paris, France
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16
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Walsh E, Oakley DA. Editing reality in the brain. Neurosci Conscious 2022; 2022:niac009. [PMID: 35903411 PMCID: PMC9319104 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent information technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) allow the creation of simulated sensory worlds with which we can interact. Using programming language, digital details can be overlaid onto displays of our environment, confounding what is real and what has been artificially engineered. Natural language, particularly the use of direct verbal suggestion (DVS) in everyday and hypnotic contexts, can also manipulate the meaning and significance of objects and events in ourselves and others. In this review, we focus on how socially rewarding language can construct and influence reality. Language is symbolic, automatic and flexible and can be used to augment bodily sensations e.g. feelings of heaviness in a limb or suggest a colour that is not there. We introduce the term 'suggested reality' (SR) to refer to the important role that language, specifically DVS, plays in constructing, maintaining and manipulating our shared reality. We also propose the term edited reality to encompass the wider influence of information technology and linguistic techniques that results in altered subjective experience and review its use in clinical settings, while acknowledging its limitations. We develop a cognitive model indicating how the brain's central executive structures use our personal and linguistic-based narrative in subjective awareness, arguing for a central role for language in DVS. A better understanding of the characteristics of VR, AR and SR and their applications in everyday life, research and clinical settings can help us to better understand our own reality and how it can be edited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamonn Walsh
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience,
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College
London, London, UK
| | - David A Oakley
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences,
University College London, London, UK
- School of Psychology, Cardiff
University, Cardiff, UK
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17
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Connors MH, Halligan PW. Revealing the Cognitive Neuroscience of Belief. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:926742. [PMID: 35923897 PMCID: PMC9339788 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.926742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Connors
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Michael H. Connors
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18
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Penazzi G, De Pisapia N. Direct comparisons between hypnosis and meditation: A mini-review. Front Psychol 2022; 13:958185. [PMID: 35911038 PMCID: PMC9335001 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.958185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypnosis and meditation share phenomenological and neurophysiological features, and their comparison is a topic of growing interest in the scientific literature. In this article, we review a classification of these two kinds of non-ordinary states of consciousness, and discuss the studies that directly compare them. Some findings seem to suggest that hypnosis and meditation are distinct phenomena, while others underline their similarities, but experiments that directly contrast them are still scarce and no consensus has been reached yet. While this comparison could give us fundamental insights into central issues concerning the role of attention, metacognition and executive control in the study of consciousness, it is clear that we are still at the early stages of this research.
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19
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Pulling BW, Braithwaite FA, Moseley GL, Jensen MP, Burke ALJ, Collins KL, Hull MJ, Jones HG, Cyna AM, Ferencz N, Stanton TR. Suggestions in Hypnosis to Aid Pain Education (SHAPE) in People with Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Pilot Feasibility Randomized, Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2022; 70:251-276. [PMID: 35969169 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2022.2105147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a debilitating and burdensome condition, and new treatment strategies are needed. This study aimed to evaluate (1) the feasibility of undertaking a controlled clinical trial investigating a novel intervention for people with CLBP: hypnotically reinforced pain science education, and (2) the acceptability of the intervention as rated by participants. A priori feasibility and intervention acceptability criteria were set. Twenty participants with CLBP were recruited and randomized to receive: (1) hypnotically delivered pain science education that utilizes hypnotic suggestions to enhance uptake of pain science concepts; or (2) pain science education with progressive muscle relaxation as an attention control. Twenty participants were recruited, however, not solely from the hospital waitlist as intended; community sampling was required (13 hospital, 7 community). Most criteria were met in the community sample but not the hospital sample. Protocol modifications are needed before progressing to a full scale randomized controlled trial for hypnotically reinforced pain science education. Improvements in relevant secondary outcomes paired with moderate-high treatment acceptability ratings are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian W Pulling
- Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide
| | - Felicity A Braithwaite
- Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide
| | - Mark P Jensen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Anne L J Burke
- Psychology Department, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, South Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Kathryn L Collins
- Psychology Department, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, South Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Melissa J Hull
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide
| | - Hannah G Jones
- Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Allan M Cyna
- Department of Women's Anaesthesia, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Nicki Ferencz
- Paediatric Chronic Pain Service, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Tasha R Stanton
- Innovation, Implementation & Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide
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20
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Slater M, Ehrsson HH. Multisensory Integration Dominates Hypnotisability and Expectations in the Rubber Hand Illusion. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:834492. [PMID: 35782045 PMCID: PMC9244625 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.834492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Some recent papers by P. Lush and colleagues have argued that the rubber hand illusion (RHI), where participants can feel a rubber hand as their own under appropriate multisensory stimulation, may be caused mainly by hypnotic suggestibility and expectations (demand characteristics). These papers rely primarily on a study with 353 participants who took part in a RHI experiment carried out in a classical way with brush stroking. Participants experienced a synchronous condition where the rubber hand was seen to be touched in synchrony with touch felt on their corresponding hidden real hand, or the touches were applied asynchronously as a control. Each participant had a related measure of their hypnotisability on a scale known as the Sussex-Waterloo Scale of Hypnotisability (SWASH). The authors found a correlation between the questionnaire ratings of the RHI in the synchronous condition and the SWASH score. From this, they concluded that the RHI is largely driven by suggestibility and further proposed that suggestibility and expectations may even entirely explain the RHI. Here we examine their claims in a series of extensive new analyses of their data. We find that at every level of SWASH, the synchronous stimulation results in greater levels of the illusion than the asynchronous condition; moreover, proprioceptive drift is greater in the synchronous case at every level of SWASH. Thus, while the level of hypnotisability does modestly influence the subjective reports (higher SWASH is associated with somewhat higher illusion ratings), the major difference between the synchronous and asynchronous stimulation is always present. Furthermore, by including in the model the participants' expectancy ratings of how strongly they initially believed they would experience the RHI in the two conditions, we show that expectations had a very small effect on the illusion ratings; model comparisons further demonstrate that the multisensory condition is two-to-three-times as dominant as the other factors, with hypnotisability contributing modestly and expectations negligibly. Thus, although the results indicate that trait suggestibility may modulate the RHI, presumably through intersubject variations in top-down factors, the findings also suggest that the primary explanation for the RHI is as a multisensory bodily illusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mel Slater
- Event Lab, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences of the University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H. Henrik Ehrsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Munoz Musat E, Rohaut B, Sangare A, Benhaiem JM, Naccache L. Hypnotic Induction of Deafness to Elementary Sounds: An Electroencephalography Case-Study and a Proposed Cognitive and Neural Scenario. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:756651. [PMID: 35368254 PMCID: PMC8969744 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.756651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypnosis can be conceived as a unique opportunity to explore how top-down effects can influence various conscious and non-conscious processes. In the field of perception, such modulatory effects have been described in distinct sensory modalities. In the present study we focused on the auditory channel and aimed at creating a radical deafness to elementary sounds by a specific hypnotic suggestion. We report here a single case-study in a highly suggestible healthy volunteer who reported a total hypnotically suggested deafness. We recorded high-density scalp EEG during an auditory odd-ball paradigm before and after hypnotic deafness suggestion. While both early auditory event-related potentials to sounds (P1) and mismatch negativity component were not affected by hypnotic deafness, we observed a total disappearance of the late P3 complex component when the subject reported being deaf. Moreover, a centro-mesial positivity was present exclusively during the hypnotic condition prior to the P3 complex. Interestingly, source localization suggested an anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) origin of this neural event. Multivariate decoding analyses confirmed and specified these findings. Resting state analyses confirmed a similar level of conscious state in both conditions, and suggested a functional disconnection between auditory areas and other cortical areas. Taken together these results suggest the following plausible scenario: (i) preserved early processing of auditory information unaffected by hypnotic suggestion, (ii) conscious setting of an inhibitory process (ACC) preventing conscious access to sounds, (iii) functional disconnection between the modular and unconscious representations of sounds and global neuronal workspace. This single subject study presents several limits that are discussed and remains open to alternative interpretations. This original proof-of-concept paves the way to a larger study that will test the predictions stemming from our theoretical model and from this first report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Munoz Musat
- INSERM U1127, CNRS 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Esteban Munoz Musat, ,
| | - Benjamin Rohaut
- INSERM U1127, CNRS 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Department of Neurology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Aude Sangare
- INSERM U1127, CNRS 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Lionel Naccache
- INSERM U1127, CNRS 7225, Paris Brain Institute, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Department of Neurophysiology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Lionel Naccache,
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22
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Perri RL, Perrotta D, Rossani F, Pekala RJ. Boosting the hypnotic experience. Inhibition of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex alters hypnotizability and sense of agency. A randomized, double-blind and sham-controlled tDCS study. Behav Brain Res 2022; 425:113833. [PMID: 35276309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hypnotizability refers to the individual responsiveness to hypnosis, and literature shows that the greater the hypnotizability, the more effective the hypnotic suggestions. So far, few studies attempted to enhance hypnotizability, and only two adopted brain stimulation with magnetic pulses. In the present study, we aimed to boost hypnotizability through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). To this aim, bilateral tDCS was applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) with the target electrode providing negative current (cathodal stimulation) over the left hemisphere. Twenty-nine subjects participated in the study and they were randomly assigned to the sham or the active group in a double-blind design. The hypnotic experience was assessed before and after the stimulation through a phenomenological measure of consciousness (the PCI-HAP). The main findings revealed that a single tDCS session enhanced the hypnotic depth by 11% and reduced the volitional control by 30%, while no differences emerged in the sham group. This is the first study adopting the electrical neurostimulation to produce an alteration of hypnotizability and sense of agency, and confirmed the key-role of the DLPFC and executive control in the hypnotic phenomena. If confirmed, these findings could have relevant implications as enhanced hypnotizability could be translated into better outcomes for many hypnotic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinaldo L Perri
- University Niccolò Cusano, Rome, Italy; De Sanctis Clinical Center (CCDS), Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | - Ronald J Pekala
- Private Practice, West Chester, PA, USA & Coatesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Coatesville, PA, USA
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23
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Comșa LT, David OA, David DO. Eating Behavior-Choice or Reconstruction of Past Experience? A Randomized Clinical Trial of Changing Eating Intentions of Healthy Adults Through Hypnotic Suggestions. Behav Ther 2022; 53:323-333. [PMID: 35227407 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent meta-analyses have shown that psychological interventions have a small to medium effect on weight loss. We propose here a different approach to changing eating intentions. According to the Free Will literature, people decide to act before they acknowledge it, and they decide based on the reconstruction of previous experiences. The action can thus be inhibited immediately (max 100 ms) after awareness. We wanted to test if intervention based on this model, using hypnotic suggestions, can effectively change the intentions of eating. This study aims to identify which format of hypnotic suggestion can be more effective in changing eating intentions regarding high-calorie foods. Therefore, 88 healthy adult participants randomized in four groups received one session of hypnotic induction and suggestions or placebo. We measured the eating intentions through a computer task in which participants could choose pictures of low and high caloric food before, during, and after hypnosis. For the within-subject effect, results showed that two types of hypnotic suggestions significantly impacted the intentions of eating on high-calorie foods with large-effect, namely Cognitive Rehearsal (d = 0.81, p < .001) and Memory Substitution (d = 0.82, p < .001). After controlling for pretest ratings, we found a significant between-effect: the Cognitive Rehearsal group differed significantly from the Control in terms of intentions of eating (d = 0.85, p < .05). We conclude that hypnosis with Cognitive Rehearsal suggestions can help to positively impact the intentions of eating.
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24
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Taxometric evidence for a dimensional latent structure of hypnotic suggestibility. Conscious Cogn 2022; 98:103269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2022.103269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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25
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Franz M, Schmidt B, Hecht H, Naumann E, Miltner WHR. Suggested visual blockade during hypnosis: Top-down modulation of stimulus processing in a visual oddball task. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257380. [PMID: 34525129 PMCID: PMC8443036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several theories of hypnosis assume that responses to hypnotic suggestions are implemented through top-down modulations via a frontoparietal network that is involved in monitoring and cognitive control. The current study addressed this issue re-analyzing previously published event-related-potentials (ERP) (N1, P2, and P3b amplitudes) and combined it with source reconstruction and connectivity analysis methods. ERP data were obtained from participants engaged in a visual oddball paradigm composed of target, standard, and distractor stimuli during a hypnosis (HYP) and a control (CON) condition. In both conditions, participants were asked to count the rare targets presented on a video screen. During HYP participants received suggestions that a wooden board in front of their eyes would obstruct their view of the screen. The results showed that participants’ counting accuracy was significantly impaired during HYP compared to CON. ERP components in the N1 and P2 window revealed no amplitude differences between CON and HYP at sensor-level. In contrast, P3b amplitudes in response to target stimuli were significantly reduced during HYP compared to CON. Source analysis of the P3b amplitudes in response to targets indicated that HYP was associated with reduced source activities in occipital and parietal brain areas related to stimulus categorization and attention. We further explored how these brain sources interacted by computing time-frequency effective connectivity between electrodes that best represented frontal, parietal, and occipital sources. This analysis revealed reduced directed information flow from parietal attentional to frontal executive sources during processing of target stimuli. These results provide preliminary evidence that hypnotic suggestions of a visual blockade are associated with a disruption of the coupling within the frontoparietal network implicated in top-down control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Franz
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Barbara Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Holger Hecht
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Ewald Naumann
- Institute of Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany
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26
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Abstract
Clinical hypnosis is an important therapeutic tool with an increasingly understood cognitive and neurobiological basis, and evidence for efficacy. Hypnosis involves controlled modulation of components of cognition-such as awareness, volition, perception and belief-by an external agent (the hypnotist) or by oneself (self-hypnosis) employing suggestion. In this article, we describe what hypnosis is, how it can be used in clinical settings, and how it is done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Phillips
- Department of Neurology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jason Price
- Department of Neuropsychology, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Paul D Molyneux
- Department of Neurology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Quinton Deeley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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27
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Linear and Nonlinear Quantitative EEG Analysis during Neutral Hypnosis following an Opened/Closed Eye Paradigm. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13081423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypnotic susceptibility is a major factor influencing the study of the neural correlates of hypnosis using EEG. In this context, while its effects on the response to hypnotic suggestions are undisputed, less attention has been paid to “neutral hypnosis” (i.e., the hypnotic condition in absence of suggestions). Furthermore, although an influence of opened and closed eye condition onto hypnotizability has been reported, a systematic investigation is still missing. Here, we analyzed EEG signals from 34 healthy subjects with low (LS), medium (MS), and (HS) hypnotic susceptibility using power spectral measures (i.e., TPSD, PSD) and Lempel-Ziv-Complexity (i.e., LZC, fLZC). Indeed, LZC was found to be more suitable than other complexity measures for EEG analysis, while it has been never used in the study of hypnosis. Accordingly, for each measure, we investigated within-group differences between rest and neutral hypnosis, and between opened-eye/closed-eye conditions under both rest and neutral hypnosis. Then, we evaluated between-group differences for each experimental condition. We observed that, while power estimates did not reveal notable differences between groups, LZC and fLZC were able to distinguish between HS, MS, and LS. In particular, we found a left frontal difference between HS and LS during closed-eye rest. Moreover, we observed a symmetric pattern distinguishing HS and LS during closed-eye hypnosis. Our results suggest that LZC is better capable of discriminating subjects with different hypnotic susceptibility, as compared to standard power analysis.
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28
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Lanfranco RC, Rivera-Rei Á, Huepe D, Ibáñez A, Canales-Johnson A. Beyond imagination: Hypnotic visual hallucination induces greater lateralised brain activity than visual mental imagery. Neuroimage 2021; 239:118282. [PMID: 34146711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypnotic suggestions can produce a broad range of perceptual experiences, including hallucinations. Visual hypnotic hallucinations differ in many ways from regular mental images. For example, they are usually experienced as automatic, vivid, and real images, typically compromising the sense of reality. While both hypnotic hallucination and mental imagery are believed to mainly rely on the activation of the visual cortex via top-down mechanisms, it is unknown how they differ in the neural processes they engage. Here we used an adaptation paradigm to test and compare top-down processing between hypnotic hallucination, mental imagery, and visual perception in very highly hypnotisable individuals whose ability to hallucinate was assessed. By measuring the N170/VPP event-related complex and using multivariate decoding analysis, we found that hypnotic hallucination of faces involves greater top-down activation of sensory processing through lateralised neural mechanisms in the right hemisphere compared to mental imagery. Our findings suggest that the neural signatures that distinguish hypnotically hallucinated faces from imagined faces lie in the right brain hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo C Lanfranco
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Álvaro Rivera-Rei
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat) & Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
| | - David Huepe
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat) & Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Agustín Ibáñez
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat) & Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile; Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Universidad de San Andrés, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America, and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrés Canales-Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.
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Hanley AW, Gililland J, Erickson J, Pelt C, Peters C, Rojas J, Garland EL. Brief preoperative mind-body therapies for total joint arthroplasty patients: a randomized controlled trial. Pain 2021; 162:1749-1757. [PMID: 33449510 PMCID: PMC8119303 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although knee and hip replacements are intended to relieve pain and improve function, up to 44% of knee replacement patients and 27% of hip replacement patients report persistent postoperative joint pain. Improving surgical pain management is essential. We conducted a single-site, 3-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial conducted at an orthopedic clinic, among patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip or knee. Mindfulness meditation (MM), hypnotic suggestion (HS), and cognitive-behavioral pain psychoeducation (cognitive-behavioral pain psychoeducation) were each delivered in a single, 15-minute group session as part of a 2-hour, preoperative education program. Preoperative outcomes-pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, pain medication desire, and anxiety-were measured with numeric rating scales. Postoperative physical functioning at 6-week follow-up was assessed with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function computer adaptive test. Total joint arthroplasty patients were randomized to preoperative MM, HS, or cognitive-behavioral pain psychoeducation (n = 285). Mindfulness meditation and HS led to significantly less preoperative pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, and anxiety. Mindfulness meditation also decreased preoperative pain medication desire relative to cognitive-behavioral pain psychoeducation and increased postoperative physical functioning at 6-week follow-up relative to HS and cognitive-behavioral pain psychoeducation. Moderation analysis revealed the surgery type did not differentially impact the 3 interventions. Thus, a single session of a simple, scripted MM intervention may be able to immediately decrease TJA patients' preoperative clinical symptomology and improve postoperative physical function. As such, embedding brief MM interventions in surgical care pathways has the potential to improve surgical outcomes for the millions of patients receiving TJA each year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W. Hanley
- Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development (C-MIIND), University of Utah
- College of Social Work, University of Utah
| | - Jeremy Gililland
- University of Utah Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center
| | - Jill Erickson
- University of Utah Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
| | | | | | - Jamie Rojas
- Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development (C-MIIND), University of Utah
- College of Social Work, University of Utah
| | - Eric L. Garland
- Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development (C-MIIND), University of Utah
- College of Social Work, University of Utah
- Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center
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30
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Halligan PW, Oakley DA. Giving Up on Consciousness as the Ghost in the Machine. Front Psychol 2021; 12:571460. [PMID: 33995166 PMCID: PMC8121175 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.571460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Consciousness as used here, refers to the private, subjective experience of being aware of our perceptions, thoughts, feelings, actions, memories (psychological contents) including the intimate experience of a unified self with the capacity to generate and control actions and psychological contents. This compelling, intuitive consciousness-centric account has, and continues to shape folk and scientific accounts of psychology and human behavior. Over the last 30 years, research from the cognitive neurosciences has challenged this intuitive social construct account when providing a neurocognitive architecture for a human psychology. Growing evidence suggests that the executive functions typically attributed to the experience of consciousness are carried out competently, backstage and outside subjective awareness by a myriad of fast, efficient non-conscious brain systems. While it remains unclear how and where the experience of consciousness is generated in the brain, we suggested that the traditional intuitive explanation that consciousness is causally efficacious is wrong-headed when providing a cognitive neuroscientific account of human psychology. Notwithstanding the compelling 1st-person experience (inside view) that convinces us that subjective awareness is the mental curator of our actions and thoughts, we argue that the best framework for building a scientific account is to be consistent with the biophysical causal dependency of prior neural processes. From a 3rd person perspective, (outside view), we propose that subjective awareness lacking causal influence, is (no more) than our experience of being aware, our awareness of our psychological content, knowing that we are aware, and the belief that that such experiences are evidence of an agentive capacity shared by others. While the human mind can be described as comprising both conscious and nonconscious aspects, both ultimately depend on neural process in the brain. In arguing for the counter-intuitive epiphenomenal perspective, we suggest that a scientific approach considers all mental aspects of mind including consciousness in terms of their underlying, preceding (causal) biological changes, in the realization that most brain processes are not accompanied by any discernible change in subjective awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Halligan
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David A Oakley
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Hiltunen S, Karevaara M, Virta M, Makkonen T, Kallio S, Paavilainen P. No evidence for theta power as a marker of hypnotic state in highly hypnotizable subjects. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06871. [PMID: 33997402 PMCID: PMC8102752 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
EEG spectral-power density was analyzed in a group of nine highly hypnotizable subjects via ten frontal, central, parietal, and occipital electrodes under four conditions: 1) wake state, 2) neutral hypnosis, 3) hypnotic suggestion for altering perception of tones, and 4) post-hypnosis. Results indicate no theta-power changes between conditions, challenging previous findings that increased theta power is a marker of hypnosis. A decrease in gamma power under hypnotic suggestion and an almost significant decrease under neutral hypnosis were observed, compared to post-hypnosis. Anteroposterior power distribution remained stable over all conditions. The results are discussed and compared to earlier studies, which report heterogenous findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seppo Hiltunen
- Teaching and Learning Services, University Services, University of Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Karevaara
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maarit Virta
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tommi Makkonen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.,Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sakari Kallio
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Philosophy, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Sweden.,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Petri Paavilainen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.,Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Evrard R, Gumpper S, Beauvais B, Alvarado CS. "Never sacrifice anything to laboratory work": The "physiological psychology" of Charles Richet (1875-1905). JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 2021; 57:172-193. [PMID: 33639010 DOI: 10.1002/jhbs.22086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Whilst best known as a Nobel laureate physiologist, Charles Robert Richet (1850-1935) was also a pioneer of scientific psychology. Starting in 1875 Richet had a leading role in the habilitation of hypnosis, in the institutionalization of psychology in France, and in the introduction of methodological innovations. Authoring several psychology books, Richet's works contributed to the recognition of the scientific nature of the discipline. This role is often underplayed by some historians and psychology textbooks in favor of his later position as a proponent of the controversial discipline he christened metapsychics in 1905, which today lies within the province of parapsychology. In this article, we show how his psychological approach guided by physiology, or physiological psychology, facilitated the reception of psychology. We hypothesize a strong continuity between his physiological psychology and his metapsychics, as he himself considered metapsychics as an advanced branch of physiology, and thus also an outpost of psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Evrard
- Laboratory INTERPSY-EA 4432, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Stéphane Gumpper
- Laboratory SULISOM - EA 3071, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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The neural mechanisms of immediate and follow-up of the treatment effect of hypnosis on smoking craving. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 14:1487-1497. [PMID: 31028603 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hypnosis has a therapeutic effect on substance dependence. However, its neural basis remains unclear, which impedes its further clinical applications. This study investigated the mechanisms of smoking treatment based on hypnosis from two perspectives: immediate and follow-up effects. Twenty-four smokers screened from 132 volunteers underwent hypnosis suggestion and performed a smoking-related cue task twice during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning (in normal and hypnotic states). The number of cigarettes smoked per day was recorded at follow-up visits. The smokers reported decreased craving after hypnosis. The activations in the right dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC), the left insula and the right middle frontal gyrus (rMFG), and the functional connectivity between the rDLPFC and the left insula were increased in the hypnotic state. The reduced craving was related to the DLPFC-insula network, which reflected the immediate mechanism of hypnosis on smoking. The number of cigarette use at the 1-week and 1 month follow-up was correlated with the rMFG activation which reflecting hypnotic depth, suggesting the follow-up effect of hypnosis on smoking depended on the trait of smokers. We identified two different mechanisms of hypnosis effect on smoking, which have important implications for design and optimization of hypnotic treatments on mental disorders.
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Connors MH, Halligan PW. Phenomenology, delusions, and belief. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:272-273. [PMID: 33743872 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Connors
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Acunzo DJ, Oakley DA, Terhune DB. The neurochemistry of hypnotic suggestion. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS 2021; 63:355-371. [PMID: 33999774 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2020.1865869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A diverse array of studies has been devoted to understanding the neurochemical systems supporting responsiveness to hypnotic suggestions, with implications for experimental and clinical applications of hypnosis. However, this body of research has only rarely been integrated and critically evaluated and the prospects for the reliable pharmacological manipulation of hypnotic suggestibility remain poorly understood. Here we draw on pharmacological, genotyping, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological research to synthesize current knowledge regarding the potential role of multiple widely-studied neurochemicals in response to suggestion. Although we reveal multiple limitations with this body of evidence, we identify converging results implicating different neurochemical systems in response to hypnotic suggestion. We conclude by assessing the extent to which different results align or diverge and outline multiple avenues for future research. Elucidating the neurochemical systems underlying response to suggestion has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of suggestion.
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Houzé B, Streff A, Piché M, Rainville P. Spinal and supraspinal modulation of pain responses by hypnosis, suggestions, and distraction. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS 2021; 63:329-354. [PMID: 33999769 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2020.1863184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying pain modulation by hypnosis and the contribution of hypnotic induction to the efficacy of suggestions being still under debate, our study aimed, (1) to assess the effects of identical hypoalgesia suggestions given with and without hypnotic induction, (2) to compare hypnotic hypoalgesia to distraction hypoalgesia and (3) to evaluate whether hypnotic suggestions of increased and decreased pain share common psychophysiological mechanisms. To this end, pain ratings, nociceptive flexion reflex amplitude, autonomic responses and electroencephalographic activity were measured in response to noxious electrical stimulation of the sural nerve in 20 healthy participants, who were subjected to four conditions: suggestions of hypoalgesia delivered with and without hypnosis induction (i.e. hypnotic-hypoalgesia and suggested-hypoalgesia), distraction by a mental calculation task and hypnotic suggestions of hyperalgesia. As a result, pain ratings decreased in distraction, suggested-hypoalgesia and hypnotic-hypoalgesia, while it increased in hypnotic-hyperalgesia. Nociceptive flexion reflex amplitude and autonomic activity decreased during suggested-hypoalgesia and hypnotic-hypoalgesia but increased during distraction and hypnotic-hyperalgesia. Hypnosis did not enhance the effects of suggestions significantly in any measurement. No somatosensory-evoked potential was modulated by the four conditions according to strict statistical criteria. The absence of a significant difference between the hypnotic hypoalgesia and hyperalgesia conditions suggests that brain processes as evidenced by evoked potentials are not invariably related to pain modulation. Time-frequency analysis of electroencephalographic activity showed a significant differentiation between distraction and hypnotic hypoalgesia in the theta domain. These results highlight the diversity of neurophysiological processes underlying pain modulation through different psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bérengère Houzé
- Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Mathieu Piché
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Rainville
- Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Halsband U, Wolf TG. Current neuroscientific research database findings of brain activity changes after hypnosis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS 2021; 63:372-388. [PMID: 33999768 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2020.1863185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Using multi-modal brain imaging techniques we found pronounced changes in neuronal activity after hypnotic trance induction whereby state changes seem to occur synchronously with the specific induction instructions. In clinical patients, hypnosis proved to be a powerful method in inhibiting the reaction of the fear circuitry structures. The aim of the present paper is to critically discuss the limitations of the current neuroscientific research database in the light of a debate in defining relevant hypnotic constructs and to suggest ideas for future research projects. We discuss the role of hypnotic suggestibility (HS), the impact of hypnotic inductions and the importance of the depth of hypnotic trance. We argue that future research on brain imaging studies on the effects of hypnosis and hypnotherapy should focus on the analysis of individual cross-network activation patterns. A most promising approach is to simultaneously include physiological parameters linked to cognitive, somatic, and behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Gerhard Wolf
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Tuominen J, Kallio S, Kaasinen V, Railo H. Segregated brain state during hypnosis. Neurosci Conscious 2021; 2021:niab002. [PMID: 33747546 PMCID: PMC7959214 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niab002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Can the brain be shifted into a different state using a simple social cue, as tests on highly hypnotizable subjects would suggest? Demonstrating an altered global brain state is difficult. Brain activation varies greatly during wakefulness and can be voluntarily influenced. We measured the complexity of electrophysiological response to transcranial magnetic stimulation in one 'hypnotic virtuoso'. Such a measure produces a response arguably outside the subject's voluntary control and has been proven adequate for discriminating conscious from unconscious brain states. We show that a single-word hypnotic induction robustly shifted global neural connectivity into a state where activity remained sustained but failed to ignite strong, coherent activity in frontoparietal cortices. Changes in perturbational complexity indicate a similar move towards a more segregated state. We interpret these findings to suggest a shift in the underlying state of the brain, likely moderating subsequent hypnotic responding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarno Tuominen
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Brain and Mind Center, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sakari Kallio
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- School of Biosciences, Högskolevägen 3, 54128 University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Valtteri Kaasinen
- Turku Brain and Mind Center, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Henry Railo
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Brain and Mind Center, 20014 University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20521 Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Turku, P.O. Box 52, 20521 Turku, Finland
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Oakley DA, Walsh E, Mehta MA, Halligan PW, Deeley Q. Direct verbal suggestibility: Measurement and significance. Conscious Cogn 2021; 89:103036. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2020.103036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Perri RL, Bianco V, Facco E, Di Russo F. Now You See One Letter, Now You See Meaningless Symbols: Perceptual and Semantic Hypnotic Suggestions Reduce Stroop Errors Through Different Neurocognitive Mechanisms. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:600083. [PMID: 33510612 PMCID: PMC7835729 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.600083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling literature has suggested the possibility of adopting hypnotic suggestions to override the Stroop interference effect. However, most of these studies mainly reported behavioral data and were conducted on highly hypnotizable individuals. Thus, the question of the neural locus of the effects and their generalizability remains open. In the present study, we used the Stroop task in a within-subject design to test the neurocognitive effects of two hypnotic suggestions: the perceptual request to focus only on the central letter of the words and the semantic request to observe meaningless symbols. Behavioral results indicated that the two types of suggestions did not alter response time (RT), but both favored more accurate performance compared to the control condition. Both types of suggestions increased sensory awareness and reduced discriminative visual attention, but the perceptual request selectively engaged more executive control of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and the semantic request selectively suppressed the temporal cortex activity devoted to graphemic analysis of the words. The present findings demonstrated that the perceptual and the semantic hypnotic suggestions reduced Stroop errors through common and specific top-down modulations of different neurocognitive processes but left the semantic activation unaltered. Finally, as we also recruited participants with a medium level of hypnotizability, the present data might be considered potentially representative of the majority of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinaldo Livio Perri
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico,”Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bianco
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Enrico Facco
- Studium Patavinum, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Inst. F. Granone—Italian Center of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Russo
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico,”Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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Parris BA, Hasshim N, Dienes Z. Look into my eyes: Pupillometry reveals that a post-hypnotic suggestion for word blindness reduces Stroop interference by marshalling greater effortful control. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:2819-2834. [PMID: 33423342 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underpinning the apparently remarkable levels of cognitive and behavioural control following hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion are poorly understood. Numerous independent studies have reported that Stroop interference can be reduced following a post-hypnotic suggestion that asks participants to perceive words as if made up of characters from a foreign language. This effect indicates that frontal executive functions can be more potent than is generally accepted and has been described as resulting from top-down control not normally voluntarily available. We employed eye tracking and pupillometry to investigate whether the effect results from voluntary visuo-attentional strategies (subtly looking away from the word to prevent optimal word processing), reduced response conflict but not overall conflict, Stroop effects being pushed from response selection to response execution (response durations) or increased proactive effortful control given enhanced contextual motivation (as indexed via pupil dilation). We replicated the reduction in Stroop interference following the suggestion despite removing any trials on which eye movements were not consistent with optimal word processing. Our data were inconclusive with regards to conflict type affected by the suggestion in the latency data, although preserved semantic conflict was evident in the pupil data. There was also no evidence of Stroop effects on response durations. However, we show that baseline-corrected pupil sizes were larger following the suggestion indicating the socio-cognitive context and experimental demands motivate participants to marshal greater effortful control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nabil Hasshim
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Zoltan Dienes
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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Facco E, Bacci C, Casiglia E, Zanette G. Preserved critical ability and free will in deep hypnosis during oral surgery. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS 2021; 63:229-241. [PMID: 33617428 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2020.1797625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Free will is a complex construct that includes critical reasoning, sense of ownership, and agency. The whole history of hypnosis has been linked to suggestibility. Little agreement has been reached, however, on exactly what we mean by suggestibility, and its role in hypnosis, despite the abundance of studies, hypotheses, and theories published to date. We report on a highly hypnotizable patient with a previous allergy to lidocaine and paradoxical reactions to pharmacological sedation, who underwent oral surgery with mepivacaine for local anesthesia, and hypnosis for sedation. During the procedure, she felt some pain and the hypnotist recommended bupivacaine to ensure lasting anesthesia. While remaining under deep hypnosis, the patient refused to change anesthetic and decided autonomously to continue with mepivacaine (for which she had previously been tested for allergy). Our case clearly shows a preserved, exemplary reasoning and ability to make autonomous decisions diverging from the hypnotist's advice while under deep hypnosis.
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Abstract
The most well-established finding gleaned from decades of experimental hypnosis research is that individuals display marked variability in responsiveness to hypnotic suggestions. Insofar as this variability impacts both treatment outcome in therapeutic applications of hypnosis as well as responsiveness to suggestions in experimental contexts, it is imperative that clinicians and researchers use robust measures of hypnotic suggestibility. The current paper critically evaluates contemporary measures of hypnotic suggestibility. After reviewing the most widely used measures, we identify multiple properties of these instruments that result in the loss of valuable information, including binary scoring and single-trial sampling, and hinder their utility, such as the inclusion of suboptimal suggestion content. The scales are not well-suited for contemporary research questions and have outlived their usefulness. We conclude by outlining ways in which the measurement of hypnotic suggestibility can be advanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Acunzo
- CIMeC-Centre for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento , Italy
| | - Devin B Terhune
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London , UK
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Fazekas P, Nemeth G. Dreaming, Mind-Wandering, and Hypnotic Dreams. Front Neurol 2020; 11:565673. [PMID: 33162928 PMCID: PMC7581699 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.565673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hobson's AIM theory offers a general framework for thinking about states of consciousness like wakefulness, REM dreaming and NREM mentations in terms of a state space defined by the dimensions of the level of brain activity, the source of input, and the type of neurochemical modulation. This account inspired theoretical models of other altered states of consciousness—including hypnosis—claiming that studying REM dreaming can advance our understanding of these phenomena as well. However, recent developments showed that hypnosis is not a sleep like stage, and that the REM-centric attitude toward dreaming is mistaken. At the same time, the advancement of the neuro-cognitive theory claiming that dreaming and mind-wandering are on a continuum both underlain by default-mode network activity called many aspects of the AIM theory into question. Our aim in this paper is to show that certain hypnotic states—hypnotic dreams (experiences that subjects have in a hypnotic state as a result of an explicit suggestion to have a dream)—can, nevertheless, be highly relevant for the neuro-cognitive theory, and that their comparison with dreaming and mind-wandering has the potential to advance the field in unexpected ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Fazekas
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Philosophical Psychology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Peter Fazekas
| | - Georgina Nemeth
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Lynn SJ, Kirsch I, Terhune DB, Green JP. Myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and suggestion: Separating fact and fiction. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jay Lynn
- Department of Psychology Binghamton University (SUNY) Binghamton New York
| | - Irving Kirsch
- Program in Placebo Studies Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
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Beltran Serrano G, Pooch Rodrigues L, Schein B, Zortea M, Torres ILS, Fregni F, Caumo W. The Hypnotic Analgesia Suggestion Mitigated the Effect of the Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Descending Pain Modulatory System: A Proof of Concept Study. J Pain Res 2020; 13:2297-2311. [PMID: 32982393 PMCID: PMC7502396 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s253747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We evaluated whether active(a)-tDCS combined with hypnotic analgesia suggestion (HS) would be more effective than a single active(a)-tDCS, and/or sham-(s)-tDCS and s-tDCS/HS on the following outcomes: function of descending pain modulatory system (DPMS) during the conditioned pain modulation test (CPM-test) (primary outcome), heat pain threshold (HPT), heat pain tolerance (HPTo) and cold pressor test (CPT) (secondary outcomes). We also examined whether their effects are related to neuroplasticity state evaluated by serum brain-derived-neurotropic factor (BDNF). Materials and Methods Forty-eight females received one session of one of the four interventions (a-tDCS/HS, s-tDCS/HS, a-tDCS, and s-tDCS) in an incomplete randomized crossover sequence. The a-tDCS or s-tDCS was applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 30 minutes at 2mA. Results A generalized linear model revealed a significant main effect for the intervention group (P <0.032). The delta-(Δ) pain score on the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS0-10) during CPM-test in the a-tDCS/HS group was -0.25 (0.43). The (Δ) pain score on NPS (0-10) during CPM-test in the other three groups was a-tDCS=-0.54 (0.41), HS -0.01 (0.41) and s-tDCS/HS=-0.19 (0.43). A-tDCS/HS intervention increased the CPT substantially compared to all other interventions. Also, higher baseline levels of BDNF were associated with a larger change in CPT and HPTo. Conclusion These findings indicate that the HS combined with a-tDCS mitigated the effect of the a-tDCS on the DPMS. The a-tDCS up-regulates the inhibition on DPMS, and the HS improved pain tolerance. And, together they enhanced the reaction time substantially upon the CPT. Clinical Trial Registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03744897.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Beltran Serrano
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital De Clínicas De Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Psychology Department, Universidad Catolica De Cuenca, UCACUE, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Laura Pooch Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital De Clínicas De Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruno Schein
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital De Clínicas De Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maxciel Zortea
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital De Clínicas De Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Iraci Lucenada Silva Torres
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Health Sciences (ICBS), Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation: Pre-Clinical Investigations Research Group, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital De Clínicas De Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation: Pre-Clinical Investigations Research Group, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Palfi B, Moga G, Lush P, Scott RB, Dienes Z. Can hypnotic suggestibility be measured online? PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2020; 84:1460-1471. [PMID: 30834966 PMCID: PMC7270050 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-019-01162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Hypnosis and hypnotic suggestions are gradually gaining popularity within the consciousness community as established tools for the experimental manipulation of illusions of involuntariness, hallucinations and delusions. However, hypnosis is still far from being a widespread instrument; a crucial hindrance to taking it up is the amount of time needed to invest in identifying people high and low in responsiveness to suggestion. In this study, we introduced an online assessment of hypnotic response and estimated the extent to which the scores and psychometric properties of an online screening differ from an offline one. We propose that the online screening of hypnotic response is viable as it reduces the level of responsiveness only by a slight extent. The application of online screening may prompt researchers to run large-scale studies with more heterogeneous samples, which would help researchers to overcome some of the issues underlying the current replication crisis in psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bence Palfi
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
| | - G Moga
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - P Lush
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- School of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - R B Scott
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Z Dienes
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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48
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Ramadas R, Chowdhury A. Hypnotic computer interface (hypCI) using GEORGIE: An approach to design discrete voice user interfaces. JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT & FUZZY SYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3233/jifs-179731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rithvik Ramadas
- Product and Technology Team, Livspace.com, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Anirban Chowdhury
- School of Design, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Uttarakhand, India
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49
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Connors MH, Halligan PW. Delusions and theories of belief. Conscious Cogn 2020; 81:102935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2020.102935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Fiorio M, Modenese M, Cesari P. The rubber hand illusion in hypnosis provides new insights into the sense of body ownership. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5706. [PMID: 32235881 PMCID: PMC7109052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62745-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Body ownership can be experimentally investigated with the rubber hand illusion (RHI), in which watching a rubber hand stroked synchronously with one’s own hidden hand induces a feeling of ownership over the rubber hand. The aim of this study was to investigate response to the RHI in high (N = 21) and low (N = 19) hypnotizable individuals in normal waking state and in hypnosis. Response to the RHI was measured via a question on the illusory feeling of ownership and with proprioceptive drift. The Highs expressed an overall feeling of more ownership over the rubber hand in both the normal waking state and hypnosis, although both groups gave higher ownership scores after synchronous than after asynchronous stroking and the difference between conditions was similar across groups. Conversely, the proprioceptive drift appeared to be differentially modulated by hypnosis and hypnotic suggestibility: it was increased in the Highs and decreased in the Lows after hypnosis induction. These findings hint at an interplay between hypnotic suggestibility and hypnosis in modulating response to the RHI. The selective breakdown of proprioceptive drift among the Lows suggests resistance to recalibrate one’s own limb in hypnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirta Fiorio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Michele Modenese
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Cesari
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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