The Clinical Importance of Hypnotizability

Abstract

Many clinicians believe that hypnotizability is not of significance in the clinical use of hypnosis. This may be due to the lack of clinically useful tests of hypnotizability until recently or to the fact that there are often dramatic responses to hypnotic suggestion in a light trance. A literature review reveals examples of a high correlation between hypnotizability and therapeutic responsiveness and a possible relationship between hypnotizability and diagnosis and/or etiology. It is concluded that clinicians should test hypnotizability regularly both as a diagnostic tool and to add to the body of information concerning the clinical importance of hypnotizability.