Temporal aspects of hypnotic processes

The authors examine the cortical processes underlying the process of hypnosis, especially as related to the temporal appearance of specific waveforms in relation to pain. Nonhypnotic pain research suggests that in terms of temporal processing early EEG components are more sensory in nature, and later components are of a more emotional or evaluative nature. In the present work, the authors report that the influence of hypnosis is less on the EEG components associated with the initial sensory experience itself and more on the later components that carry with them rich cognitive/emotional information. The research reviewed in this paper clearly suggests an inhibitory process for the high susceptible individuals associated with the hypnotic analgesia.