The neurochemical bases of verbal suggestion and hypnosis

Abstract

Characterizing the neurochemical systems involved in responsiveness to hypnotic suggestions has the potential to advance our understanding of the neurocognitive bases of verbal suggestion but also to develop novel interventions for enhancing responsiveness to suggestions in clinical and experimental contexts. In this chapter, we draw on pharmacological, genotyping, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological research to synthesize the available evidence regarding the involvement of different neurochemicals in response to suggestion. We highlight multiple converging lines of evidence that point to potential fruitful targets for future research but we also draw attention to multiple limitations in this body of evidence. We consider the extent to which these results are consistent with different theories of verbal suggestion and hypnosis and outline multiple avenues by which these theories could be discriminated using pharmacological methods. Finally, we conclude by highlighting the clinical implications of this research and how it may help to advance our understanding of the neurocognitive basis of verbal suggestion.