hypnotism

Hypnotism is a social and psychological phenomenon in which a person enters a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened susceptibility to suggestion, typically induced by another person or through self-hypnosis. In clinical contexts it is referred to as hypnosis or hypnotherapy when used as a therapeutic technique.

Early descriptions by Mesmer in the 18th century led to mesmerism. The term hypnotism was popularized by James Braid in the 1840s. Over the 20th century, clinical hypnosis developed as a therapeutic modality within psychology, medicine, and dentistry, with various schools such as Adlerian, Ericksonian, and cognitive-behavioral approaches.

The exact mechanism remains debated. Hypnosis is often described as a state of heightened focus and increased suggestibility, with altered attention, perception, and memory processing. Neuroimaging shows changes in brain networks involved in attention, control, and perception, though no consensus on an “altered state” is established.

Induction methods include relaxed breathing, eye fixation, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation, followed by suggestions or post-hypnotic cues. Applications range from pain relief and anxiety reduction to behavior change (smoking cessation, weight management) and management of irritable bowel syndrome and some headaches.

Evidence supports benefit for certain conditions, often as an adjunct to standard care. Efficacy varies, and placebo effects and expectancies contribute. Safety is generally good when performed by trained professionals; risks include distress, incorrect memories, or ineffective outcomes if misused.

Hypnotism sometimes faces skepticism; debates concern whether hypnosis produces an abnormal state or mere situation-specific responsiveness. Ethical practice emphasizes informed consent, no coercive influence, and avoidance of exploiting vulnerability.