The neurophysiological substrates of hypnosis have been subject to speculation since the phenomenon got its name. Until recently, much of this research has been geared toward understanding hypnosis itself, including the biological bases of individual differences in hypnotizability, state-dependent changes in cortical activity occurring with the induction of hypnosis, and the neural correlates o...

In a between-lab study, a constant and steady shift was found in hypnotizability scores measured with standard scales. To investigate a time effect in a Hungarian (within-lab) sample, 613 subjects' scores on Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Forms A and B, 1898 subjects' self-scores, and 1713 subjects' observer-scores on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility were analyzed. Fr...

A theory of hypnosis based mainly on principles of conditioning and inhibition is proposed, covering the hypnotic induction process, hypnotic phenomena and post-hypnotic phenomena. The overall explanation presented is delineated in a set of three initial postulates and seven subsequent hypotheses. Hypnotic induction is defined as the giving of a series of suggestions so that a positive response...

Asperugo procumbens L. has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the refreshing, tranquillizing and mood elevating activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant and sedative-hypnotic potential of acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant in mice. Additionally, the effects of flumazenil on the hypnotic activity of the extracts were eva...

Hypnotic analgesia in some respects resembles opiate analgesia. We tested the hypothesis that some features of hypnotic analgesia are mediated through neuronal pathways activating specific opiate receptors in brain. The opiate antagonist naloxone had no effect on hypnotic analgesia in three subjects. Thus, the hypothesis was not confirmed.

Asperugo procumbens L. has been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the refreshing, tranquillizing and mood elevating activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidepressant and sedative-hypnotic potential of acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant in mice. Additionally, the effects of flumazenil on the hypnotic activity of the extracts were eva...

BACKGROUND Psychotropic medication use is common and increasing. Use of such drugs at the individual level over long periods has not been reported. AIMS To describe antidepressant, anxiolytic and hypnotic drug use, and associations between such medication use and common mental disorder, over a 22-year period. METHOD Questions about psychotropic medication use and symptoms of common mental d...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between quantitative electroencephalograph relative amplitude, relative power and hypnotic susceptibility. Hypnotic susceptibility, measured by the Wickramasekera Experience Inventory, was found to be positively correlated with QEEG theta relative amplitude (r = 0.260, p < .10). In addition, hypnotic susceptibility was found to be ne...

Disparate theoretical viewpoints construe hypnotic suggestibility either as a stable trait, largely determined by underlying cognitive aptitude, or as a flexible skill amenable to attitudinal factors including beliefs and expectations. Circumscribed findings support both views. The present study attempted to consolidate these orthogonal perspectives through the lens of expectancy modification. ...

This study assessed response times and accuracy of motor imagery in waking and hypnotic states and to related responses to hypnotic experiences. The Vividness of Motor Imagery Questionnaire (VMIQ) was administered to 47 participants. A mental walking task was then performed in the waking state. In hypnosis, the same task was included within an imaginary journey after a hypnotic induction. An in...