In a groundbreaking study, Stanford Medicine researchers reveal a revolutionary method to temporarily heighten hypnotizability. Employing less than two minutes of precise electrical stimulation targeting a specific brain area, the researchers open new doors to harnessing the benefits of hypnosis-based therapy on a broader scale.
UNVEILING THE BREAKTHROUGH
The study, led by Afik Faerman, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in psychiatry, showcases the first successful attempt to alter the stable trait of hypnotizability. This trait, akin to personality and IQ, has long been considered resistant to change. The innovative approach involves transcranial magnetic stimulation, demonstrating that 92 seconds of targeted electrical pulses can elevate hypnotizability for approximately one hour.
HYPNOSIS’S THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL
Hypnosis has proven effective in treating various symptoms and disorders, notably pain. However, the extent to which individuals benefit from hypnosis varies. This research opens avenues for a broader audience to access the therapeutic benefits of hypnosis-based interventions.
COLLABORATIVE EXPERTISE
The study brings together the expertise of David Spiegel, MD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Nolan Williams, MD, an associate professor specializing in non-invasive neurostimulation techniques. The collaboration aims to explore the intersection of hypnotherapy and neurostimulation for transformative clinical applications.
TARGETING BRAIN NETWORKS
The researchers enlisted 80 participants with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition treated with hypnotherapy. Utilizing each participant’s unique brain structure and activity, transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in hypnotizability, challenging the notion of this trait as an unalterable characteristic.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT
Clinically, the transient boost in hypnotizability could offer an alternative to long-term opioid use for individuals dealing with chronic pain. The researchers plan to follow up with study participants to assess their experiences with hypnotherapy and explore potential applications in other forms of psychotherapy.
BEYOND HYPNOSIS: A PARADIGM SHIFT
The study’s success raises the possibility of temporarily shifting other stable traits through neurostimulation, marking a paradigm shift in psychotherapeutic approaches. Afik Faerman envisions a future where patients undergo quick, non-invasive brain stimulation sessions before engaging in psychotherapy, potentially enhancing the benefits of treatment.
This groundbreaking research not only challenges longstanding beliefs about the stability of hypnotizability but also opens doors to a new era in therapeutic interventions, where cutting-edge technology collaborates with traditional approaches for improved patient outcomes.
WHAT DOES ELECTRICAL BRAIN STIMULATION DO?
Electrical brain stimulation (EBS) involves using electrical impulses to modulate neural activity in the brain. It has various applications and can impact different cognitive functions. There are different types of EBS, including non-invasive methods like transcranial electrical stimulation and more invasive procedures like deep brain stimulation (DBS).
In non-invasive methods, electrical stimulation is applied to the scalp, influencing neural activity and potentially improving cognitive functions like focus, memory, and mood. It has been explored as a potential treatment for conditions such as ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and mood disorders.
On the other hand, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure where electrodes are implanted directly into specific brain regions. It is often used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Additionally, DBS has shown promise in managing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and epilepsy.
