The grade 5 syndrome: The highly hypnotizable person

Abstract

On a 0–5 hypnotizability range, as measured by the Hypnotic Induction Profile, the grades 4–5 are identified as highly hyp-notizable persons. This group tends to exhibit a clinically identifiable configuration of personality traits. Knowledge of the nature and interplay of these traits can help us to formulate appropriate treatment strategies. The features which together identify the grade 5 syndrome are: the high eye-roll sign; the high intact Hypnotic Induction Profile score; readiness to trust; a relative suspension of critical judgment; an ease of affiliation with new experiences; a telescoped time sense; an easy acceptance of logical incongruities; an excellent memory; a capacity for intense concentration; an overall tractability, and, paradoxically, a rigid core of private beliefs. Role-confusion and a subtle sense of inferiority are often evident. For these persons, treatment strategy requires clarification of central versus peripheral beliefs; increasing sensitivity to positive and negative field-forces; awareness of secondary gain-loss issues; aid in establishing guidelines to implement with action the integrity of their own beliefs, especially their perception of alternatives and their right to use them. Under duress, the grade 5 becomes the so-called hysterical patient. Differential diagnosis is critical because, during acute stress, introspective inquiring therapy can compound their confusion harmfully. “What” therapies are more effective than “why” therapies. If secondary gain is not formidable under appropriate therapy, these patients have a very good health potential.