The neural trance: a new look at hypnosis.
Hypnosis has had a gradual conceptual emergence from an alleged mystical experience, to sleep, to a psychological shift in concentration that activates a preexisting neuro-physiological circuitry. Data are presented to support the thesis that hypnotizability exists on a spectrum that has biological as well as psychosocial components. When there is synchrony between the bio-psychosocial components of hypnotizability as measured by the Hypnotic Induction Profile (an intact flow), psychotherapy is the primary treatment strategy, with medication secondary or not at all. When measurement reveals a lack of synchrony between biological factors as measured by the Eye-Roll sign and psychosocial responsivity (a nonintact flow), medication will be primary, with different degrees of psychosocial support.
Spiegel
Herbert
H
College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis / Q000379:methods*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D013404:Suggestion