Biotech Updates

Scientists Study Linkage of Sociability and Hypnotizability

April 24, 2013

Susceptibility to hypnotism is linked to a gene responsible for social bonding. This is according to a study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology authored by Richard A. Bryant from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and colleagues. The research team tested the hypnotizability of individuals with various forms of receptor for oxytoxin, a hormone that increases trust and social bonding. The individuals with gene variants linked to social detachment and autism were found to be more hypnotizable. Based on the results, Bryant suggests that as well as being more hypnotizable, such individuals might be influenced to have a range of experiences that more reality-based individuals cannot. For instance, this might help explain why some people respond better to placebos or are more likely to believe in paranormals.

Read the original article at http://www.nature.com/news/those-resistant-to-love-hormone-may-also-be-easier-to-hypnotize-1.12836.