Pain perception and EEG dynamics: Does hypnotizability account for the efficacy of the suggestions of analgesia?

Abstract We report novel findings concerning the role of hypnotizability, suggestions of analgesia and the activity of the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation System (BIS/BAS) in the modulation of the subjective experience of pain and of the associated EEG dynamics. The EEG of high ( highs ) and low hy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physiology & behavior 2015-06, Vol.145, p.57-63
Main Authors: Madeo, Dario, Castellani, Eleonora, Mocenni, Chiara, Santarcangelo, Enrica Laura
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Analgesia
Analgesia - methods
Analgesia - psychology
Analysis of Variance
BIS/BAS
Brain Waves - physiology
EEG dynamics
Entropy
Healthy Volunteers
Humans
Hypnosis - methods
Hypnotizability
Male
Nonlinear Dynamics
Pain
Pain - etiology
Pain - psychology
Pain Measurement
Pain Perception - physiology
Physical Stimulation - adverse effects
Psychiatry
Suggestions
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract We report novel findings concerning the role of hypnotizability, suggestions of analgesia and the activity of the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation System (BIS/BAS) in the modulation of the subjective experience of pain and of the associated EEG dynamics. The EEG of high ( highs ) and low hypnotizable participants ( lows ) who completed the BIS/BAS questionnaire was recorded during basal conditions, tonic nociceptive stimulation without (PAIN) and with suggestions for analgesia (AN). Participants scored the perceived pain intensity at the end of PAIN and AN. The EEG midline dynamics was characterized by indices indicating the signal predictability (Determinism) and complexity (Entropy) obtained through the Recurrence Quantification Analysis. The reduced pain intensity reported by highs during AN was partially accounted for by the activity of the Behavioral Activation System. The decreased midline cortical Determinism observed during nociceptive stimulation in both groups independently of suggestions remained significantly reduced only in lows after controlling for the activity of the Behavioral Activation System. Finally, controlling for the activity of the Behavioral Inhibition System abolished stimulation, suggestions and hypnotizability-related differences. Results indicate that the BIS/BAS activity may be more important than hypnotizability itself in pain modulation and in the associated EEG dynamics.
ISSN:0031-9384
1873-507X
DOI:10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.03.040