Salient findings in the hypnosis literature: April 2002.

Four important investigations were reported during the latter part of 2001. All address the biological impact of hypnotic interventions. Three of these studies focus specifically on if and how hypnotic interventions affect immune functions. A range of immune assays is employed, from allergic response to blood-based assays of immune functioning during nonlaboratory periods of stress. In all 3 cases, measurable shifts in immune functioning are associated with hypnotic interventions. A 4th compares the pattern of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) associated with hypnotic analgesia interventions and standard distraction protocols during exposure to pain.