To test the hypothesis of a sympathovagal balance shift towards an enhanced vagal
tone under the condition of a standardized hypnosis, we used the assessment of heart
rate variability including spectral analysis in 10 healthy subjects (5 female, 5 male,
age ranging from 27 to 42 years). We compared the subjects under baseline condition
(resting) and under hypnosis, measured on a different day, for a measuring period
of five minutes for each condition. The result was reduced total power in the low
frequency band (0.01 - 0.05 Hz) reflecting sympathetic activity. Also, the ratio of
low to high frequency power (LFIHF) was reduced when under hypnosis. This reduction
was due to a reduced LF component, but only a slightly reduced mid frequency component.
With considerable variability, we also found activated mid frequency bands (0.05 -
0.15 Hz) under hypnosis, likely reflecting baroreceptor activity. We conclude that
the autonomic status in hypnosis is associated with a change towards reduced low frequency
activity, but not necessarily with enhanced high frequency activity.
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Wolfgang P. KaschkaMD Professor of Psychiatry
University of Ulm, Department of Psychiatry I
Zentrum für Psychiatrie Weissenau
PO Box 2044
88214 Ravensburg
Telefon: +49-751-7601-2222
Fax: +49-751-7601-2224
