Neural dynamics of hypnotic responding: From unique to multicomponent perspectives on hypnotic phenomena

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Hypnosis research has long sought a singular neural basis for hypnotic phenomena.
• Despite behavioral evidence, neuroimaging studies show inconsistent brain-based markers for hypnosis.
• This heterogeneity hinders the development of a unified neurophysiological framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of neural dynamics in hypnotic responses.
• To explore sources of variability in brain markers of hypnosis.
• To propose a multi-componential framework for understanding hypnosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies on hypnosis.
• Analysis of large-scale network connectivity and localized brain modulations.
• Consideration of individual differences in hypnotic susceptibility.

Main Results:

• Hypnotic phenomena are linked to distinct neural patterns, including network connectivity changes and localized modulations.
• Individual susceptibility significantly influences and amplifies neural responses during hypnosis.
• Variability in findings is partly due to individual differences beyond susceptibility.

Conclusions:

• A componential approach, recognizing multiple interacting mechanisms, better explains hypnotic responding.
• Future research should adopt a multi-componential framework to capture the complexity of hypnosis.
• This framework offers a more promising direction for understanding the cognitive and neural architecture of hypnosis.