Hypnotic Induction Research Articles

Ongoing Dynamics of Peak Alpha Frequency Characterize Hypnotic Induction in Highly Hypnotic-Susceptible Individuals.

Hypnotic phenomena exhibit significant inter-individual variability, with some individuals consistently demonstrating efficient responses to hypnotic suggestions, while others show limited susceptibility. Recent neurophysiological studies have added to a growing body of research that shows variability in hypnotic susceptibility is linked to distinct neural characteristics. Building on this foundation, our previous work identified that individuals with high and low hypnotic susceptibility can be differentiated based on the arrhythmic activity observed in resting-state electrophysiology (rs-EEG) outside of hypnosis. However, because previous work has largely focused on mean spectral characteristics, our understanding of the variability over time of these features, and how they relate to hypnotic susceptibility, is still limited. Here we address this gap using a time-resolved assessment of rhythmic alpha peaks and arrhythmic components of the EEG spectrum both prior to and following hypnotic induction. Using multivariate pattern classification, we investigated whether these neural features differ between individuals with high and low susceptibility to hypnosis. Specifically, we used multivariate pattern classification to investigate whether these non-stationary neural features could distinguish between individuals with high and low susceptibility to hypnosis before and after a hypnotic induction. Our analytical approach focused on time-resolved spectral decomposition to capture the intricate dynamics of neural oscillations and their non-oscillatory counterpart, as well as Lempel-Ziv complexity. Our results show that variations in the alpha center frequency are indicative of hypnotic susceptibility, but this discrimination is only evident during hypnosis. Highly hypnotic-susceptible individuals exhibit higher variability in alpha peak center frequency. These findings underscore how dynamic changes in neural states related to alpha peak frequency represent a central neurophysiological feature of hypnosis and hypnotic susceptibility.

Stanford Hypnosis Integrated with Functional Connectivity-targeted Transcranial Stimulation (SHIFT): a preregistered randomized controlled trial

AbstractHypnotizability, one’s ability to experience cognitive, emotional, behavioral and physical changes in response to suggestions in the context of hypnosis, is a stable neurobehavioral trait associated with improved treatment outcomes from hypnosis-based therapy. Increasing hypnotizability in people who are low-to-medium hypnotizable individuals could improve both the efficacy and effectiveness of therapeutic hypnosis as a clinical intervention. Hypnotizability is associated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) functions and connectivity with the salience network, yet there is conflicting evidence as to whether unilateral inhibition of the DLPFC changes hypnotizability. We hypothesized that using personalized neuroimaging-guided targeting to non-invasively stimulate the left DLPFC with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) would temporarily increase hypnotizability. In a preregistered, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, we recruited a sample of 80 patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, a functional pain disorder for which hypnosis has been a demonstrated beneficial non-pharmacological treatment option. All participants were TMS-naive. Participants were randomly assigned to active or sham continuous theta-burst stimulation over a personalized neuroimaging-derived left-DLPFC target, a technique termed SHIFT (Stanford Hypnosis Integrated with Functional Connectivity-targeted Transcranial Stimulation). We tested our hypothesis using the hypnotic induction profile scores, a standardized measure of hypnotizability. Pre-to-post SHIFT change in the hypnotic induction profile scores was significantly greater in the active versus sham group after 92 s of stimulation (P = 0.046). Only the active SHIFT group showed a significant increase in hypnotizability following stimulation (active: P < 0.001; sham: P = 0.607). As such, modulation of trait hypnotizability is possible in humans using non-invasive neuromodulation. Our findings support a relationship between the inhibition of the left DLPFC and an increase in hypnotizability. Dose–response optimization of spaced SHIFT should be explored to understand the optimal dose–response relationship. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02969707.

Emotional and Synesthetic Test of Hypnosis Induction with Video to relieve the patient from psycho-physical pain

Introduction: Emotions consist of patterns of physiological changes associated with behaviors. The urgency of putting them into action accompanied by emotional sensations that determine behavior and adaptive functions have guided the evolution of our brain. Emotions are also called "response frames" and their neuronal and hormonal control affects moral judgments and social behaviors. Historically, their expressions and recognitions have also been addressed to examine the nature of the sensations that accompany the different emotions [1]. With Multidisciplinary Team ABA, we have done two Tests on Emotions and Synesthesia in Google Tool and Video-EBT-CVS test to induce in a gradual state of hypnosis, patients properly evaluated and in the management of emotions during the Covid and post-pandemic Covid. With the aim of teaching him to recognize and manage emotions with a gradual induction to a pseudo-hypnopompic state to tell us spontaneous story of their memories that, with a meditative music, lets flow and induce first an initial induction of emotions and final recognition of their emotions and others. Clinical study: The dissemination of the Tool Emotional/Synesthesia Battery Test among adults and students at Italian schools is in an early stage, but the partial data received until now, with informed consensus, are only 19 in total and among these only 5 patients have, for health reasons that we specify in detail below, have agreed to perform the preliminary evaluation tests after the EBT/CVS Tool of 90 minutes maximum with the aim to complete the Video induction EBT-CVS with hypnosis and training to management/ treatment emotions for a total time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 40 seconds. Materials and Methods: The sample was taken after a presentation of the research made in collaboration between Private Medical Study and ASST Bergamo West/East with a total of patients who performed Tool Test on Emotions and Synesthesia. The study sample that performed Tool Test remotely with Quilgo, 19 patients performed the Tool in Google, among them 5 also performed the Test of emotions and hypnotic induction in video EBT-CVS program. Only the Video-Emotional induction/synesthetic test with evaluation of the 5 subjects, already known for years, evaluate their neuro-endocrinal and psychological pathology conditions, as described above, with 3 preliminary tests for stable their psycho-intellectual state of departure in sufficient well-being, the respective tests are: Mini Mental state examination (Italian) by MF Folstein, Raven’s standard Matrices, Test to evaluate the Hypnosis Induction Profile or Hypnotic Induction Profile of Spiegel (HIP), the Program with Tool Emotional/ Synesthesia Battery Test (EBT-CVS) and Video Test with Emotion Induction Test/Synesthesia Colombo-Vassallo-Shore or EBT-video CVS. Data analysis: The Google Test Tool EBT-CVS was sent to 44 patients in charge, of which 19 completed and sent within the 90 minutes required as the maximum time of performance. Of the 19 patients who performed it correctly. The data of the 19 tests performed have for age a range of 10-84 years, average 41,78 of years old and an average score of EQ (Emotional Quotient) of 56%, median of 54,02% and a range of 38,98%-91,10% at the EBT or Emotional Battery Test standard in Google Tool. 5 out of 19 patients tested by means of preliminary assessments, inherent our Video-Test of induction of emotions up to hypnosis, induced by the same associated video, and music in the final part of the test of recognition related also to facial expressions own and others. We analyzed the data with Anova-Mongomery 2001 to perform a variance analysis of the Tool Emotional Battery Test attended by 19 patients (Attachment 1-2, tables and graphics). Conclusions: Considering the data collected, I think it is appropriate to reflect on the tests available to us to evaluate the Emotional Quotient (Emotional/Synesthetic) of 19 persons to better understand the conscious and unconscious behavior of our patients. They can do this test in Google Tool and/or Video-Test of the Emotional Battery Test. The aim of EBT-CVS is to induce emotions with 5 senses

Is Hypnotic Induction Necessary to Experience Hypnosis and Responsible for Changes in Brain Activity?

The relevance of formal hypnotic induction to the experience of trance and its neural correlates is not clear, in that hypnotizability, beliefs and expectation of hypnosis may play a major role. The aim of the study was assessing the EEG brain activity of participants with high (highs) or low hypnotizability scores (lows), aware of their hypnotizability level and informed that the session will include simple relaxation, formal hypnotic induction and neutral hypnosis. A total of 16 highs and 15 lows (according to the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, form A) were enrolled. Their EEGs were recorded during consecutive conditions of open/closed-eyes relaxation, hypnotic induction, neutral hypnosis and post hypnosis not interrupted by interviews. The studied variables were theta, alpha and gamma power spectral density (PSD), and the Determinism (DET) and Entropy (ENT) of the EEG signal Multidimensional Recurrence Plot (mRP). Highs reported significantly greater changes in their state of consciousness than lows across the session. The theta, alpha and gamma PSD did not exhibit condition-related changes in both groups. The Alpha PSD was larger in highs than in lows on midline sites, and the different sides/regions' theta and gamma PSD were observed in the two groups independently from conditions. ENT showed no correlation with hypnotizability, while DET positively correlated with hypnotizability during hypnosis. In conclusion, the relevance of formal hypnotic induction to the experience of trance may be scarce in highs, as they are aware of their hypnotizability scores and expecting hypnosis. Cognitive processing varies throughout the session depending on the hypnotizability level.

Modulation of the heartbeat evoked cortical potential by hypnotizability and hypnosis.

Hypnotizability is a psychophysiological trait measured by scales and associated with several differences, including interoceptive accuracy and the morpho-functional characteristics of interoception-related brain regions. The aim of the study was to assess whether the amplitude of the heartbeat evoked cortical potential (HEP), a correlate of interoceptive accuracy, differs in participants with low (lows) and high (highs) hypnotizability scores (assessed by the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form A) before and after the induction of hypnosis. ECG and EEG were monitored in 16 highs and 15 lows during an experimental session, including open eyes baseline (B), closed eyes relaxation (R), hypnotic induction (IND), neutral hypnosis (NH), and post session baseline (Post). No significant difference was observed between groups and conditions in autonomic variables. The HEP amplitude was lower in highs than in lows at the right parietal site, likely due to hypnotizability related differences in the functional connection between the right insula and parietal cortex. It increased in highs and decreased in lows across the session, possibly due to the highs' preeminently internally directed attention and to the lows' possible disengagement from the task. Since interoception is involved in several cognitive-emotional functions, its hypnotizability related differences may contribute to the variability of experience and behavior in daily life.

Point-of-Care Testing of Enzyme Polymorphisms for Predicting Hypnotizability and Postoperative Pain

Hypnotizability is a stable trait that moderates the benefit of hypnosis for treating pain, but limited availability of hypnotizability testing deters widespread use of hypnosis. Inexpensive genotyping of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) gene was performed using giant magnetoresistive biosensors to determine if hypnotizable individuals can be identified for targeted hypnosis referrals. For individuals with the proposed optimal COMT diplotypes, 89.5% score highly on the Hypnotic Induction Profile (odds ratio,6.12; 95% CI,1.26-28.75), which identified 40.5% of the treatable population. Mean hypnotizability scores of the optimal group were significantly higher than the total population (P=0.015; effect size=0.60), an effect that was present in women (P=0.0015; effect size=0.83), but not in men (P=0.28). In an exploratory cohort, optimal individuals also reported significantly higher postoperative pain scores (P=0.00030; effect size=1.93), indicating a greater need for treatment.

Clinical hypnosis as a nondeceptive placebo: empirically derived techniques

ABSTRACT Many psychological problems are maintained, in part, by dysfunctional response expectancies, and changing those expectations is an essential part of treatment. Hypnotic inductions alter response expectancies and have been shown empirically to substantially enhance the effects of psychotherapy. Therefore, hypnosis can be used therapeutically as a nondeceptive placebo. Expectancy plays a major role in hypnotic inductions and their effects. Clinical procedures suggested by these data are explored.

Altered states of consciousness within therapeutic modalities - exploring commonalities of experience

Altered states of consciousness (ASC) occur when there is a deviation from normal levels of psychological functioning. They can be self-induced through meditative practices or taking psychoactive substances and therapeutically induced through processes like hypnotic induction. They are determined physiologically when brain rhythms drop from the usual rhythm of waking consciousness to the slower rhythms of meditation and dreaming sleep. ASC offers a window into the workings of the psyche. This qualitative Grounded Theory pilot study explored commonalities of ASC experience through the lens of four therapeutic modalities - Hypnotherapy, Past-life Regression, Internal Family Systems Therapy and Soul-Centred Healing. The research findings were based on twelve interviews with a trainer, practitioner, and client from these four therapeutic systems. In exploring their inner worlds through ASC, the common themes of this limited research suggested the participants’ conviction in a transpersonal element of human consciousness that transcends the physicality of their current life. These experiences were seen as part of a journey of individuation to higher states of consciousness. The multiplicity of the different inner world elements was also recognised, containing various characters sometimes known as sub-personalities, ego-states or simply “parts”.

Alteration of hypnotic experience following transcranial electrical stimulation of the left prefrontal cortex

BackgroundRecent studies of neurostimulation reported alteration of hypnotizability and hypnotic phenomena after inhibition of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), but the different assessments of hypnosis and the stimulation parameters still left open many questions about the role of this brain region in hypnotizability. We aimed to administer inhibitory transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left DLPFC to observe effects of stimulation on the hypnotic experience and the feeling of agency. Methodsa procedure of hypnotic induction with suggestions was repeated twice: before and after the unilateral cathodal tDCS over the left DLPFC. The experience was assessed through a phenomenological assessment of hypnosis and sense of agency in thirty-three participants randomly assigned to the sham or the active group. Resultsactive (inhibitory) tDCS enhanced the hypnotizability by 15.4% and altered a few dimensions of consciousness such as self-awareness and absorption. No changes emerged on the feeling of agency and pass rates for suggestions. ConclusionstDCS reflects a promising tool to alter the hypnotic phenomena and the responsiveness to hypnotic procedures. Neurocognitive implications are discussed for the construct of hypnotizability as well as for the role of the left DLPFC in the dimensions of consciousness such as self-awareness.

Advancing hypnotic inductions: An Ericksonian perspective

ABSTRACT Hypnotic induction is a requisite step before starting hypnotherapy, but its role is often underappreciated. In traditional hypnosis, the induction is the means to get the person into trance; it is frequently scripted and does not have direct relationship to the hypnotherapy to follow. In contradistinction, Milton Erickson strategically coordinated induction with hypnotherapy. We first review the functions of informative and evocative communication. We define hypnosis as an interpersonal state. During induction, the hypnotherapist encourages responsiveness to implied meaning which paves the way for therapeutic utilization. Induction is a context for offering therapeutic suggestions. Components of induction are reviewed – focusing attention, altering intensity, dissociation, and building responsiveness. The hypnotherapist’s “palette” of evocative tools to elicit hypnotic responsiveness include gestures, posture, proximity, tone and tempo of voice, and unusual forms of grammar. Additional ways to increase therapeutic impact include precision and modulation of tension and the density of communication.

Hypnotizability May Relate to Interoceptive Ability to Accurately Perceive Sleep Depth: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT When individuals score high on hypnotizability, they usually report experiencing an altered state of consciousness, physiological changes, and attentional shifts during hypnotic induction procedures as well. We hypothesize that a better interoception of such internal changes is also relevant for accurate sleep perception. We compared subjects scoring high versus low on hypnotizability to the accuracy of their estimations of Sleep Onset Latency (SOL) time awake, and sleep depth and explored their objective sleep. We sampled seven studies performed in our sleep labs across a midday nap or a night resulting in n = 231 subjects (aged 30.11 (SD = 17.02) years, range 18–82 with 15.2% males). Hypnotizability did not influence the accuracy of the perception of time needed to fall asleep or time spent awake. However, the reported sleep depth correlated significantly with the measured amount of slow-wave sleep in high hypnotizables. This pattern appeared across a nap as well as a whole night’s sleep studies. We did not find any significant differences in objective sleep patterns depending on hypnotizability. Probably, high hypnotizables benefit from a better interoceptive ability for their perception of their sleep depth.

Hypnosis associated with 3D immersive virtual reality technology during bronchoscopy under local anesthesia.

BackgroundPatients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy under local anesthesia usually experience anxiety before and during the procedure. Different non-pharmacological techniques, including music and hypnosis, are used to distract patients’ attention, and to reduce anxiety. The new technique “virtual reality hypnosis (VRH)”, defined as a hypnotic induction suggestion delivered by personalized virtual reality software, can generate a simulation of a lifelike environment. No study has described the use of VRH during bronchoscopy. The objective is to investigate the anxiety reducing effect and the satisfaction of patients, physicians, and nurses using VRH during bronchoscopy.MethodsVRH was proposed to all patients who experienced anxiety before undergoing flexible bronchoscopy under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia was performed using 5% lidocaine spray only. No sedation was used. After the procedure, patients, physicians and nurses filled a standardized satisfaction form.ResultsTwenty consecutive patients who reported pre-procedure anxiety were included. The sex ratio was 16 women/4 men, the median age was 65 years. Eight patients (40%) had undergone a previous bronchoscopy under local anesthesia. The median duration of the procedure was 10 minutes, and all procedures were completed. The median level of anxiety of patients decreased from 9/10 before the procedure to 4/10 during the procedure. The median satisfaction rate regarding the use of VRH was 10/10. All patients agreed to use VRH again in case of a new bronchoscopy procedure.ConclusionsThis preliminary report has shown that VRH was useful to reduce patients’ anxiety during bronchoscopy under local anesthesia. VRH was easily implemented in the routine practice.

Compare dissociative induction, hypnosis and listening to a neutral story on inducing dissociation

IntroductionDissociation is a complex phenomena that can be hardly manipulated in experimental psychology. There is a limited number of protocols that induce dissociation without creating strong negative emotions, such as dissociative memory recall or dissociative induction (recall memories for times when feeling disconnected from a situation). However, dissociative induction has received poor experimental validation. The first aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this protocol. The second aim was to explore strategies used by participants to reduce dissociation. MethodWe recruited 226 participants (178 women) online and randomly assigned them to three conditions: bringing to mind a memory of experiencing dissociation (dissociative induction), hypnotic listening induction, and neutral listening induction. Before induction, all participants completed the DES-T to assess dissociative symptoms. After induction, state dissociation was evaluated through the SADSS and the PDEQ. Finally, participants were asked to describe the strategies they used to reduce dissociation. ResultsDissociative induction, hypnosis and neutral listening induction had a significant effect on the SADSS and PDEQ scores. We found a significant contrast between the neutral listening and the recall of a dissociative memory. Several strategies to reduce dissociation were identified through thematic analysis: sensory stimulation, focalization and concentration, and anchoring in reality. DiscussionRecall of a dissociative memory is a promising way to induce dissociation, and listening to a neutral text is an appropriate control condition for further research. Dissociative induction could also be used in therapy to teach patients how to manage dissociation.

Hypnotic suggestibility is unaffected by a challenging inhibitory task or mental exhaustion.

Executive functioning is paramount to the successful exertion of inhibitory control over automatic impulses and desires. Despite disagreements in determining the exact mechanisms responsible for hypnosis, many theories involve the use of, or alterations in, frontal processing and top-down executive functioning. The present study sought to explore this relationship by examining whether a transient state of reduced inhibitory control influences susceptibility to hypnosis. Specifically, participants completed a color naming task designed to place differing demands on inhibitory control processes before experiencing a hypnotic induction and four suggestions. Bayesian analysis indicated substantial evidence that the prior exertion of inhibitory control processes does not influence subsequent susceptibility to hypnotic suggestion. The study provides evidence that inhibitory impairment, often experienced by those with a range of disorders (such as anxiety and depression), should not affect receptiveness to hypnotic procedures.

Genesis of Antibiotic Resistance (AR) LXXXVIII: Turbulence Modeling(TM) of Hemodynamics in Simplified Severe Sepsis Protocol‐2 (SSSP‐2)‐NCT01663701: “Hypnotic Trance Ameliorate Turbulence to Laminar Flow (Homeostasis)”: A Neuropsychiatric Basis

An effort is made to substantiate that vascular abnormalities (fluid dynamic/mechanical properties) could be restored to homeostasis by an appropriate hypnotic trance. Clinical Background:Sepsis: Clinical data/Record(observation): decreased capillary density ref Fig 4 c., PMID: 34055944, hypovolemia, endothelial dysfunction, increased WBC accumulation, thrombi deposition, altered CCP, NFP gradient, shunting, degradation of endothelial glycocalyx, vascular hyper permeability (PMID: 23566729; PMID: 20179590; PMID: 24067428), as an indicator of sepsis progress to septic shock. Neuropsychiatry diagnostic index: HAND (HIV associate neurodegenerative disorder), PTSD, psychosis, depression, mania, ANI, MND, HIV associated dementia (HAD), possible multifocal leukoencephalopathy (CMV origin, Toxoplasmaencephalitis, diffused myelin pallor, opportunistic infections, and neurosyphilis (Jarisch Herxheimer reaction). Geometry: Part I: RBC, Platelets, WBC: p47‐56; Part II: blood velocity, and function, Table 2.1; 2,2; 2.3; p63; ISBN 9780128024089; Governing Equations: Part A: CD, https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k‐12/airplane/shaped.html;; Part B: Keulegan – Carpenter Number equation: □=Vm/ƒoscD; Clinical Data: Hemodynamics Hypnotic Trance:Before hypnotic induction: 120.65 mmHg / 79.84 mmHg (Derived →PP= 41 mmHg Normal;Derived →MAP=93mmHg); After hypnotic induction: 115.92 mmHg /76.16 mmHg; (Derived →PP= 40 mmHg Normal;Derived →MAP= 89 mmHG)).Heart rate before hypnotic induction: 86.16 / beats per minute (Derived →CO= 86.16/ beats per minute x 70ml/min=6029.8 ml/min); After hypnotic induction, to 78.89 beats per minute (Derived →CO=78.89/ beats per minute x 70 ml/min=5522.3ml/min). (Kurnia S, et.al., (2021). Blood Pressure Control and Heart Rate: Effectiveness Brief Hypnotic Induction Methods on Adults. 10.2991/assehr.k.210423.004). Spirometry (Homeostasis): VT: 500 ml; IRV: 3100 ml; ERV: 1200 ml; VC: 4800 ml; RV: 1200 ml; A respiratory rate of 12 breaths/ minute, the minute ventilation = 12 x 500 = 6000 ml. alveoli alveolar ventilation (volume of air/min that actually reaches the alveoli) = 12 x 350 = 4200ml. Clinical correlation:The basis for correlating the sepsis, neurological(physiological/psychiatric) and hypnotic trance is that the hypnotic trance subject recovers to homeostasis provided abreaction not encountered by the subject as much as the sepsis, neurological ‐ physiological/psychiatric patients with appropriate Dx, and Tx. Taken together, it is suggested that a decrease in capillary density observed in sepsis and en route to septic shock is a transient phenomenon implicit of a reversible loss of hemodynamic function, for patients Txwith SSSP‐ERP‐EGDT similar to that of SSSP‐2 NCT0166370. Such patient cohort could possibly be reverted to sustain homeostasis in a patient‐specific hypnotic suggestion(s), re‐alert concluding with a reassuring‐post hypnotic trans conversation (devoid of abreaction).

Assessment of reliability and factor structure of the hypnotic induction profile (HIP) scale

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is the assessment of reliability and factor structure of “Hypnotic Induction Profile” (HIP) scale in an Iranian psychiatric patient sample. The tool of measurement is HIP that calculated based on two methods of scoring (profile score and induction score). Results showed that the HIP scale is reliable. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency was .90 and calculated test-retest reliability of Induction Scores and also the Profile Scores were .74 and .80. Agreement coefficient between the two examiners for both scoring methods (Profile Score and Induction Score) was calculated .79 and coefficient correlation for the two scoring methods was .85. Furthermore, factor analysis validity of the HIP scale showed that this scale is constructed by two factors, and derived factors explain 74.94% of the total variance. In general, results in this study present enough reliability for the HIP scale. Concepts of these findings for future studies are discussed.

Hypnotic Induction of Deafness to Elementary Sounds: An Electroencephalography Case-Study and a Proposed Cognitive and Neural Scenario.

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.

Can hypnotic susceptibility be explained by bifactor models? Structural equation modeling of the Harvard group scale of hypnotic susceptibility – Form A

Individuals differ in their responsiveness to hypnotic suggestions. However, defining and measuring hypnotizability is contentious because standardized scales, such as the Harvard group scale (HGSHS:A), measure a mixture of general suggestibility and its alteration due to hypnotic induction (hypnotizability). Exploratory factor analyses (FA) of standardized scales indicated their multidimensionality; however, the number and nature of latent factors are debated. We applied Confirmatory FA to the HGSHS:A scores of 477 volunteers and tested several theory-driven models. Scores were best explained by a bifactor model consisting of a G-factor and three correlated minor factors. The presented bifactor model shows that two sources of variability affect HGSHS:A simultaneously. Structural equation modeling revealed that the challenge-ideomotor factor predicts the other two minor factors, implying these suggestions might require more fundamental processes than other types. These results demonstrate the multifaceted and bifactorial structure of hypnotic suggestibility and underscore the desideratum for developing more differentiated scales.

Effectiveness of a Brief Hypnotic Induction in Third Molar Extraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial (HypMol)

Third molar extraction is a painful treatment for patients, and thus, it can be used to investigate the effects of analgesics on pain. Hypnosis can help to reduce pain and to decrease the intake of postoperative systemic analgesics. In this study, the effectiveness of a brief hypnotic induction for patients undergoing third molar extractions was investigated. Data were collected from 33 patients with third molar extractions on the right and left sides. Patients received 2 different types of pain interventions in this monocentric randomized crossover trial. Third molar extraction was conducted on 1 side with reduced preoperative local anesthetics and an additional brief hypnotic induction (Dave Elman technique). The other side was conducted with regular preoperative local anesthetics without a brief hypnotic induction (standard care). Intake of postoperative systemic analgesics was allowed in both treatments. Patients’ expectations about hypnosis were assessed at baseline. The primary outcome was the area under the curve with respect to ground of pain intensity after the treatment. Secondary outcomes were the amount of postoperative analgesics consumed and the preferred treatment. There was no evidence that the area under the curve with respect to ground of pain differed between the 2 interventions (controlling for gender), but the patients’ expectations affected the effectiveness of the brief hypnotic induction. This means that patients with high expectations about hypnosis benefit more from treatment with reduced preoperative local anesthetics and additional brief hypnotic induction. PerspectiveHypnosis is used as a treatment to reduce pain in general and dental settings. In this study, additional a brief hypnotic induction with reduced preoperative local anesthetic use did not generally reduce posttreatment pain after third molar extraction more than regular local anesthetics. The expectation of the patients about the effectiveness of hypnosis affected the effectiveness of the brief hypnotic induction so that patients with high expectations had a larger benefit from a brief hypnotic induction than patients with low expectations.

Influence of imagery-based suggestions on performance during the training of professional firefighters

AbstractObjectivesFor several decades, a growing number of studies have highlighted that imagery-based suggestions, can efficiently influence motor control and perception. In the present study, we tested whether imagery-based suggestions without hypnotic induction might influence physical resistance performance and effort perception in the context of French firefighters’ usual training.MethodsA group of 18 male firefighters had to keep the wall-sit posture as long as they could while listening to different scripts. In the first condition, imagery was related to Lightness. In the second one, it was related to Heaviness. In the Control condition, they just had to listen and pay attention to series of two-digit numbers.ResultsResults showed that the participants kept the posture longer in the Lightness condition than in the Heaviness one. Furthermore the effort was perceived as less difficult in the Lightness condition in comparison to the Heaviness and the Control ones. Moreover in the Lightness condition, the higher the participants scored in visual and kinesthetic imagery tasks (MIQ-R), the less they rated the exercise as difficult.ConclusionsImagery-based suggestions significantly influenced both physical resistance performance and effort perception without any prior hypnotic induction. Further studies are necessary to better understand the factors that modulate this influence.