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Hypnotisability and the Cerebellum: Hypotheses and Perspectives
Enrica Laura Santarcangelo1, Diego Manzoni2
1Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Laboratory of Cognitive and Behavioural NeuroscienceVia San Zeno, University of Pisa, 31, 56127, Pisa, Italy. enrica.santarcangelo@unipi.it.
Cerebellum (London, England)
|October 15, 2021
Summary
Individuals with high hypnotizability show distinct cerebellar and motor cortex differences, impacting their suggestibility and sensory processing. These findings highlight the cerebellum
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychophysiology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Hypnotizability is a complex trait influencing hypnotic susceptibility and suggestion acceptance.
- Previous research suggests psychophysiological correlates of varying hypnotizability levels.
- The cerebellum's role in hypnotizability remains an area requiring further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review examining differences between high and low hypnotizability individuals.
- To investigate the association between hypnotizability and specific neuroanatomical and functional characteristics.
- To explore the cerebellum's potential role in mediating hypnotic phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review methodology employed to synthesize existing literature.
- Comparison of neurophysiological and functional data between high (highs) and low (lows) hypnotizability groups.
- Focus on cerebellar structures (lobules IV-VI) and motor cortex excitability.
Main Results:
- High hypnotizability linked to reduced grey matter volume in left cerebellar lobules IV-VI.
- Individuals with high hypnotizability exhibit greater right motor cortex excitability.
- Differences observed in motor control, attention, and emotional response suggest cerebellar involvement.
Conclusions:
- Reduced cerebellar inhibition may underlie increased motor cortex excitability in high hypnotizability individuals.
- Cerebellar mechanisms potentially explain ideomotor behavior, sensory processing, and emotional reactivity during hypnosis.
- Future research should test these cerebellar hypotheses in relation to other neurophysiological mechanisms.
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