Neural Network Basis for Hypnotizability

Hypnosis is the oldest psychotherapy concept, with its theories dating to the time of Freud. Researchers have established that hypnotizability is a stable trait and that hypnosis is accompanied by electrophysiologic and neuropsychological changes and involves “top-down” cortical regulation of lower brain areas. In this landmark study, researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine resting-state neural networks (the default-mode, salience, and executive-control networks) in 24 volunteers who had either high or low hypnotizability.

Structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging of white matter were also performed. Compared with hard-to-hypnotize participants, highly hypnotizable subjects had greater functional connectivit…