Physiological Correlates of Hypnotizability
Enrica L. Santarcangelo
Abstract
Hypnotizability, as measured by standardized scales, accounts for part of the variability of the general population in several domains. This chapter reviews genetic markers (catechol-O-methyltransferase, oxytocin, opioid receptor µ1, fatty acid amide hydrolase) and hypnotizability-related correlates observed in the ordinary state of consciousness in sensori-motor integration (spinal and trigeminal reflexes, postural and visuomotor control, motor cortex excitability, functional equivalence between imagery and perception/action, cerebellar morpho-functional characteristics) and cardiovascular control (heart rate and variability, heartbeat perception, peripheral arteries post occlusion flow-mediated dilation, cerebrovascular reactivity, and neurovascular coupling). The reported findings indicate that hypnotizability plays a role in everyday life, supports the bio-psycho-social model of hypnotic behavior, and suggests an evolutionary perspective of hypnotizability.