The Frontal Cortex and Recognition:Neurocognitive Findings of Hypnosis

The paper evaluates the event related potential (ERP) findings reported on the effects of hypnotic suggestions on recognition. Tie findings indicated that sensory registration indicated by Pl, Nl and P2 components was unaffected in hypnotic trance and suggestion. However, hypnotic suggestions could block the recognition of the infrequent tone in an oddball paradigm and the P300 amplitude significantly reduced. On the other hand, hypnotic suggestion could enhance the amplitude of the P300 when suggestion was given that the participant would hear loud tones, even though the intensity of the tone was half of that used in the earlier paradigm. Studies using hypnotic suggestions clearly indicate that the genesis and strength of the P300 potential can be influenced by hypnotic suggestions. The findings are examined in the paper to understand the neurocognitive processes involved in recognition of external reality and to explain how recognition involves experiential interpretations of the individual, which cannot be objectively shared by others. The findings strongly support how suggestions and the mindset thereby created influence the functioning of the brain. The extraordinary outcome is the dual phase processing between the brain and the mind resulting in the development of a cognitive capacity to create mental concepts larger than reality, and use them for interpreting reality.