Psychedelics and hypnosis: Commonalities and therapeutic implications.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) July 1, 2018 Clément E Lemercier, Devin B Terhune
Psychedelics and hypnosis share overlapping applications and neurophenomenological features in treating psychopathologies, yet the potential of suggestion to shape psychedelic experiences for better therapeutic outcomes has been underexplored. This review compares the phenomenological and neurophysiological similarities and differences between psychedelic states and hypnosis, drawing on recent research and early studies of their combined use. Commonalities and differences suggest that coupling the two could enhance psychotherapy. The authors propose research paths for integrating hypnosis at different stages of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy—preparation, acute phase, and follow-up—to guide and integrate experiences. Harnessing suggestion may increase positive responses, including mystical-type experiences, thereby boosting therapeutic efficacy.