StarTalk Radio: Episode Summary – "Getting Hypnotized with David Spiegel"

Podcast Information:

• Title: StarTalk Radio
• Host: Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Guest: Dr. David Spiegel, Clinical and Research Psychiatrist, Professor at Stanford University
• Episode: Getting Hypnotized with David Spiegel
• Release Date: January 10, 2025

1. Introduction to Hypnosis

In this special edition of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson delves into the intriguing world of hypnosis with renowned psychiatrist Dr. David Spiegel. The conversation aims to demystify hypnosis, moving beyond stage performances to explore its scientific foundation and therapeutic potentials.

2. Defining Hypnosis

Dr. Spiegel begins by clarifying what hypnosis truly entails:

“Hypnosis has been called a belief in imagination. It's a state of highly focused attention...” (05:41)

He explains that hypnosis involves a concentrated focus, akin to viewing the world through a telephoto lens, where peripheral distractions are minimized, allowing individuals to engage deeply with specific thoughts or sensations.

3. The Science Behind Hypnosis

The discussion shifts to the neurological underpinnings of hypnosis. Dr. Spiegel highlights the role of the Salience Network—a neural network responsible for detecting and filtering relevant stimuli:

“In hypnosis, you turn down activity in the dorsal part of the anterior cingulate cortex... allowing yourself to give into whatever you are focusing on.” (07:56)

This reduction in salience processing enables individuals to suspend their usual responses and become more receptive to suggestions, facilitating changes in perception and behavior.

4. Hypnotizability: Why Some Are More Susceptible

A pivotal point in the conversation revolves around why certain individuals are more hypnotizable than others. Dr. Spiegel attributes this to genetic differences, particularly involving the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, which affects dopamine metabolism:

“People with a variant of the COMT gene that metabolizes dopamine at a moderate speed turn out to be more hypnotizable...” (11:13)

Additionally, he discusses how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can transiently increase hypnotizability by targeting specific brain regions.

5. Clinical Applications of Hypnosis

Dr. Spiegel elaborates on various therapeutic uses of hypnosis, emphasizing its non-invasive nature and effectiveness:

a. Pain Management

Hypnosis has proven highly effective in controlling pain, even during surgical procedures:

“People, even during surgical procedures, can reduce substantially their pain... hypnosis has not yet succeeded in killing a single person.” (28:32)

b. Addiction and Smoking Cessation

Hypnosis aids in addiction treatment by altering perceptions and reinforcing the desire to quit harmful habits:

“One out of four people who use it don't smoke. They stop for at least a year.” (30:19)

Personal anecdotes, such as Chuck Nice’s friend who successfully quit smoking through self-hypnosis, underscore its practical benefits.

c. Stress Reduction

Through focused relaxation techniques, hypnosis helps individuals manage and reduce stress levels effectively.

d. Treating Phobias

Dr. Spiegel provides strategies for overcoming phobias, such as fear of flying, by recontextualizing the experience and addressing irrational fears:

“I tell them to imagine that they're waterskiing... What you tell them is to focus on something else.” (45:23)

6. Hypnosis vs. Meditation

A comparison between hypnosis and meditation reveals their distinct purposes:

“Hypnosis is more like an antibiotic and meditation is more like a vitamin... hypnosis is used to deal with a problem, whereas meditation is for general well-being.” (27:10)

7. Hypnosis in Sports Performance

Athletes harness hypnosis to enhance performance by achieving optimal mental states. Examples include:

“Tiger Woods has used hypnosis since he was 14. He hypnotized himself every day when he was playing.” (48:29)

This practice helps athletes maintain focus, reduce performance anxiety, and improve coordination.

8. Concerns and Legal Implications

The episode addresses the contentious use of hypnosis in legal settings, particularly concerning memory retrieval:

“There's a law in California that says that a witness or victim who's been hypnotized cannot testify except under certain circumstances.” (17:40)

Dr. Spiegel underscores the risks of implanted memories and emphasizes the importance of controlled environments to ensure reliability.

9. Modern Practice and Accessibility

Highlighting the advancements in hypnosis practice, Dr. Spiegel introduces his self-hypnosis app, Reverie:

“We have just published a paper showing that you can use transcranial magnetic stimulation... we have an app, Reverie, to teach people to use self-hypnosis.” (26:02)

The app aims to make hypnosis accessible to the general public, providing guided sessions for stress reduction, pain management, and habit control.

10. Conclusion: The Future of Hypnosis

The episode concludes with reflections on the potential of hypnosis to revolutionize mental health treatment. Dr. Spiegel advocates for greater acceptance and integration of hypnosis into mainstream medical practices, citing its safety and efficacy.

“Hypnosis can help people live their lives better and far more safely... It is real. We can help people live their lives better...” (34:28)

Neil deGrasse Tyson expresses admiration for Dr. Spiegel’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of utilizing inner resources for holistic well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. David Spiegel [05:41]: “Hypnosis has been called a belief in imagination. It's a state of highly focused attention.”

• Dr. David Spiegel [07:56]: “In hypnosis, you turn down activity in the dorsal part of the anterior cingulate cortex... allowing yourself to give into whatever you are focusing on.”

• Dr. David Spiegel [11:13]: “People with a variant of the COMT gene that metabolizes dopamine at a moderate speed turn out to be more hypnotizable...”

• Dr. David Spiegel [28:32]: “People, even during surgical procedures, can reduce substantially their pain... hypnosis has not yet succeeded in killing a single person.”

• Dr. David Spiegel [30:19]: “One out of four people who use it don't smoke. They stop for at least a year.”

• Dr. David Spiegel [45:23]: “I tell them to imagine that they're waterskiing... What you tell them is to focus on something else.”

• Dr. David Spiegel [48:29]: “Tiger Woods has used hypnosis since he was 14. He hypnotized himself every day when he was playing.”

• Dr. David Spiegel [17:40]: “There's a law in California that says that a witness or victim who's been hypnotized cannot testify except under certain circumstances.”

Final Thoughts:

This episode of StarTalk Radio offers a comprehensive exploration of hypnosis, blending scientific insights with practical applications. Dr. David Spiegel’s expertise sheds light on how hypnosis functions at a neurological level, its therapeutic benefits, and the importance of responsible practice. For listeners intrigued by the interplay between mind and behavior, this episode serves as an enlightening guide into the science of hypnosis.

Timestamp Reference:

All timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and indicate the point in the episode where the quoted statement occurs.