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Published on: January 5, 2014
Hypnotic depth and response to suggestion under standardized conditions and during FMRI scanning
David A Oakley1, Quinton Deeley, Peter W Halligan
1Department of Psycology, University College London, UK. d.oakley@ucl.ac.uk
Abstract:
Hypnosis is a potentially valuable cognitive tool for neuroimaging studies. However, understandable concern that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in particular may adversely affect hypnotic procedures remains. Measurements of hypnotic depth and responsiveness to suggestions were taken using a standardized procedure that met all the requirements for functional MRI (fMRI). Testing outside the scanning environment showed reliable and stable changes in subjective hypnotic depth, with no carryover once the hypnosis had been terminated. Within-subject comparisons showed that the magnitude and pattern of these changes and the degree of responsiveness to hypnotic suggestion were not discernibly affected by the fMRI environment. It is concluded that hypnosis can be employed as a discrete and reliable cognitive tool within fMRI neuroimaging settings.
Insights
Hypnosis is a reliable cognitive tool for neuroimaging. Functional MRI (fMRI) environments do not affect hypnotic depth or responsiveness to suggestions, confirming its use in brain imaging studies.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging Techniques
Background:
- Hypnosis is a valuable cognitive tool for neuroimaging research.
- Concerns exist regarding the compatibility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with hypnotic procedures.
- Functional MRI (fMRI) presents unique environmental challenges for cognitive tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the fMRI environment on hypnotic depth and responsiveness.
- To validate hypnosis as a reliable cognitive tool within fMRI settings.
Main Methods:
- A standardized hypnotic procedure meeting fMRI requirements was utilized.
- Measurements of hypnotic depth and suggestion responsiveness were taken.
- Within-subject comparisons were conducted inside and outside the fMRI environment.
Main Results:
- Hypnotic depth showed reliable and stable changes outside the scanner, with no carryover effects.
- The fMRI environment did not discernibly affect the magnitude or pattern of hypnotic depth changes.
- Responsiveness to hypnotic suggestions remained unaffected by the fMRI environment.
Conclusions:
- Hypnosis can be reliably employed as a cognitive tool in fMRI neuroimaging.
- The fMRI environment does not interfere with the efficacy of hypnotic procedures.
- This validates the use of hypnosis in advanced brain imaging studies.
