Hypnotic assessment based on the recurrence quantification analysis of EEG recorded in the ordinary state of consciousness.
Dario Madeo, Eleonora Castellani, Enrica L Santarcangelo, Chiara Mocenni
Brain and Cognition November 2013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2013.08.002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 16 |
| Population | 16 males, 8 with high hypnotisability and 8 with low hypnotisability |
| Duration | 1 minute of short resting and 15 minutes of simple relaxation |
| Measures | Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) measures: Determinism (DET), Entropy (ENT) |
| Keywords | EEG Hypnotic susceptibility Hypnotisability Non-linear time series Recurrence quantification analysis |
| Key findings | In short resting EEG, the RQA measures Determinism and Entropy at temporo-parietal sites distinguished high- from low-hypnotisability subjects. Most Determinism differences and all Entropy differences disappeared during simple relaxation, but Determinism still separated the groups in the first 6 minutes of relaxation at temporo-parietal sites. The authors propose that RQA of short, single-channel EEG could enable computer-based hypnotic assessment. |
Abstract
The cerebral cortical correlates of the susceptibility to hypnosis in the ordinary states of consciousness have not been clarified. Aim of the study was to characterize the EEG dynamics of subjects with high (highs) and low hypnotisability (lows) through the non-linear method of Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA). The EEG of 16 males--8 highs and 8 lows--was monitored for 1min without instructions other than keeping the eyes closed, being silent and avoiding movements (short resting), and during 15 min of simple relaxation, that is with the instruction to relax at their best. Highs and lows were compared on the RQA measures of Determinism (DET) and Entropy (ENT), which are related to the signal determinism and complexity. In the short resting condition discriminant analysis could classify highs and lows on the basis of DET and ENT values at temporo-parietal sites. Many differences in DET and all differences in ENT disappeared during simple relaxation, although DET still separated the two groups in the earliest 6min of relaxation at temporo-parietal sites. Our RQA based approach allows to develop computer-based methods of hypnotic assessment using short-lasting, single channel EEG recordings analyzed through standard mathematical methods.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Is Hypnotic Induction Necessary to Experience Hypnosis and Responsible for Changes in Brain Activity? Brain Sciences May 29, 2023
- Quantitative Analysis of Electroencephalography in Hypnosis: A Neurophysiological Approach. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis October 20, 2026
- Cross-evidence for hypnotic susceptibility through nonlinear measures on EEGs of non-hypnotized subjects. Scientific Reports July 8, 2014