Hypnosis Articles and Information

Vaughan Bell: hypnosis is no laughing matter

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Watch: Does Hypnotism Have Any Scientific Basis?

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It was once part of the mainstream — studied by scientists and clinicians alike in its s heyday — but it slowly fell into disrepute as it was picked up and popularised by tacky stage hypnotists and quack practitioners in the following decades.

In recent years, hypnosis has seen something of a rebirth, and neuroscience studies using the technique are now regularly published in some of the most respected scientific journals. Curiously, though, it hasn't shaken off the stigma entirely. While writing this article I contacted several researchers who have published neuroscience studies using hypnosis, and not one replied. The reticence is understandable.

Is Hypnosis Science? or Pseudoscience?

Like the study of consciousness 20 years ago, hypnosis is still considered by some to be a "career-limiting move". Consequently, scientists make sure they stick to the most conservative and orthodox form of research — academic journals, occasional conference presentations, and definitely nothing that hints of hype, or indeed, public exposure.

The lack of wider discussion is a pity, as hypnosis — or rather suggestibility — is a remarkable aspect of human psychology. The ability to be hypnotised seems to be a distinct trait that is distributed among the population, like height or shoe size, in a "bell curve" or normal distribution: The key word here is "engage", as, contrary to popular belief, hypnosis cannot be used to make people do something against their will, even though the effects seem to happen involuntarily.

If this seems paradoxical, a good analogy is watching a movie: In other words, the effects of the film, just like hypnosis, require your active participation. The most difficult suggestions to achieve are those which affect the fundamentals of the mind, such as memory and perception, meaning that while highly hypnotisable people can experience temporary hallucinations and amnesia after suitable suggestions, low-hypnotisable people may only be able to experience temporary changes in their volition or movements — such as an arm feeling heavier than usual, perhaps.

It seems, however, that there is very little that can be done to make you more or less hypnotisable — the hypnotisability trait is the primary factor in how successfully you can experience the effects. We know that there is a genetic component to this trait and that several studies have indicated that highly hypnotisable people show structural and functional differences in the brain when compared to low-hypnotisables, but the question of why we have a varying ability to have our reality changed by suggestions remains a mystery. Due to their ability to have their mental processes temporarily altered in ways previously not thought possible, highly hypnotisable people have become key in scientific studies.

However, these results are complicated by the possibility that there might be different subtypes of highly suggestible individuals. These neurocognitive differences may lend insights into how highly suggestible individuals respond to suggestions: For example, when given a suggestion to not experience pain, they may suppress the pain but not be aware of their intention to do so. This may also explain why they often report that their experience occurred outside their control.

Watch: Does Hypnotism Have Any Scientific Basis?

Neuroimaging studies have not as yet verified this hypothesis but hypnosis does seem to involve changes in brain regions involved in monitoring of mental states, self-awareness and related functions. Seemingly sensational responses to hypnosis may just be striking instances of the powers of suggestion and beliefs to shape our perception and behaviour. What we think will happen morphs seamlessly into what we ultimately experience.

Hypnosis requires the consent of the participant or patient. You cannot be hypnotised against your will and, despite popular misconceptions , there is no evidence that hypnosis could be used to make you commit immoral acts against your will. Meta-analyses, studies that integrate data from many studies on a specific topic, have shown that hypnosis works quite well when it comes to treating certain conditions. These include irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pain.

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But for other conditions, however, such as smoking , anxiety , or post-traumatic stress disorder , the evidence is less clear cut — often because there is a lack of reliable research. Anyone considering seeking hypnotherapy should do so only in consultation with a trained professional. Unfortunately, in some countries, including the UK, anyone can legally present themselves as a hypnotherapist and start treating clients.

However, anyone using hypnosis in a clinical or therapeutic context needs to have conventional training in a relevant discipline, such as clinical psychology, medicine, or dentistry to ensure that they are sufficiently expert in that specific area. We believe that hypnosis probably arises through a complex interaction of neurophysiological and psychological factors — some described here and others unknown.

It also seems that these vary across individuals.

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But as researchers gradually learn more, it has become clear that this captivating phenomenon has the potential to reveal unique insights into how the human mind works. This includes fundamental aspects of human nature, such as how our beliefs affect our perception of the world and how we come to experience control over our actions. Being Well Together — Manchester, Manchester. Walter Carroll Lunchtime Concerts: Oriental Breeze — Manchester, Manchester. Available editions United Kingdom. On the count of three, you will forget this ever happened.

The Conversation

As a general human trait, we are attracted and look for evidence that conforms with what we already believe, and are apt to dismiss and have actual mental processes and behaviors that downplay anything evidence that might contradict it. Now a new study shows that this hypnotic state actually influences brain activity associated with memory. For each of these contexts we can identify what the key outcome is of the use of suggestion. And finally we return to hypnotic suggestions in the clinic , where the key outcome is as with placebo beneficial changes in the condition being treated. In therapy for example a new technique or idea will be stripped down to a clearly defined approach and compared to a placebo or existing therapy approach, which have a known effect and controls will be placed to ensure nothing else except what is studied will be measured.

Hypnosis as medical treatment Meta-analyses, studies that integrate data from many studies on a specific topic, have shown that hypnosis works quite well when it comes to treating certain conditions. You will no longer feel pain.

From Genius to Madness

New research from Stanford University is applying the latest medical imaging tools to figure out the science behind hypnosis, and what makes it. Forget falling into a dream-like state and acting like a chicken - hypnotism, from a scientific perspective, is about achieving the kind of focus you.