Hypnosis as a tool in research: experimental psychopathology

Abstract

Hypnosis is interesting in its own right and has been demonstrated to be a useful facilitator of psychological therapies. It is also increasingly employed as a tool in research, particularly in association with modern neuroimaging techniques. This paper reviews some of these ‘instrumental’ uses of hypnosis in relation to conversion disorder (paralysis), malingering, chronic pain and disorders of volition and motor control. In addition to their relevance to models of normal psychological functioning, the findings have significant implications for the understanding and treatment of a range of clinical conditions. They also serve to underline the subjective ‘reality’ of the experiences that accompany hypnotic phenomena. It is concluded that hypnosis has a significant role to play in mainstream psychological, neuropsychological and clinically related research. Copyright © 2006 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.