Transcranial electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex to boost the hypnosis experience: who benefits most?

Abstract

Many attempts have been made to enhance hypnotizability. The most recent studies adopted the non-invasive brain stimulation to deactivate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during hypnosis, indicating this as a promising approach. However, it is still no clear whether individual factors can predict the effects of stimulation on hypnotizability. In the present study we adopted the phenomenological consciousness inventory (PCI) to retrospectively assess the mental processes during hypnosis and to predict hypnotizability, here defined as “hypnoidal state.” The aim was to investigate the possible role of the hypnotic susceptibility on the efficacy of a validated approach of hypnosis enhancement through cathodal transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS) of the left DLPFC. Results indicated that the lower hypnoidal state at baseline predicted the greater enhancement after the active tDCS. These findings suggest the subjects with lower hypnotic responsiveness as the best candidates for the tDCS interventions of hypnosis enhancement, at least for the montage targeting the left DLPFC. Neurocognitive underpinnings and clinical implications of the results are discussed.

Unlocking hypnotizability: Transcranial brain stimulation for enhanced impact in chronic pain

“…Drawing from previous research on brain regions involved in hypnosis, they targeted the left DLPFC to enhance connectivity with the dorsal part of the anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), known for its role in various functions, including responsiveness to hypnosis. 8 , 9 The results were conclusive: compared to sham stimulation, patients receiving TMS exhibited a significant increase in their hypnotizability as measured by the EHS.…”

Intimate relationships and hypnosis: insecure adult attachment affects emotions and absorption during hypnosis

“…Growing literature suggests the importance of including subjective measures when assessing hypnotizability ( Lush et al, 2018 ; Facco, 2022 ; Kekecs et al, 2022 ; Perri, 2022 ; Perri and Di Filippo, 2023a , b ). In fact, while behavioral methods have historically been the most used, there is now recognition that phenomenological investigations also play a key role in understanding hypnotizability as a multifactorial construct.…”