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Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Hypnosis and Mindfulness Meditation

The recruitment status of this study is unknown because the information has not been verified recently.
Verified June 2010 by Stanford University.
Recruitment status was  Recruiting
Sponsor:
Information provided by:
Stanford University
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT01135810
First received: June 1, 2010
Last updated: June 2, 2010
Last verified: June 2010
History of Changes
  Purpose

Hypnotic trance and mindfulness meditation have both been shown to have benefits for physical health. The current study seeks to determine if there are distinct patterns of brain activity that correlate with hypnotic trance, mindfulness meditation or both, and to relate these patterns to measurable markers of physical well-being. Precise neuroimaging of heightened attentional states will guide future researchers and practitioners toward more effective techniques of mind/body control.


Condition Intervention
HYPNOSIS
 Behavioral: Hypnosis
Behavioral: Meditation

Study Type: Observational
Study Design: Observational Model: Case Control
Time Perspective: Prospective
Official Title: Resting State Functional MRI Investigation of Hypnotic Trance and Mindfulness Meditation

Resource links provided by NLM:

MedlinePlus related topics: MRI Scans
U.S. FDA Resources

Further study details as provided by Stanford University:

Primary Outcome Measures:
  • MRI scan: brain activity [ Time Frame: 1 hour ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Biospecimen Retention:   Samples Without DNA

blood


Estimated Enrollment: 80
Study Start Date: November 2009
Estimated Study Completion Date: October 2011
Estimated Primary Completion Date: October 2011 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Detailed Description:

Our goal is to determine the functional brain networks that define and distinguish two induced states of sustained attention -- hypnosis and mindfulness -- that may be of substantial relevance to medicine.

Defining the neural underpinnings of these states would have broad implications for understanding how cognitive states emerge from functional networks, how they affect peripheral autonomic nervous system activity, and how their therapeutic efficacy can be optimized.

We propose a functional MRI study using resting state methodology to study 20-40 subjects from each of the four following groups:

  1. Highly hypnotizable subjects
  2. Minimally hypnotizable subjects
  3. Experienced mindfulness meditators
  4. Novice mindfulness meditators. The ability to be hypnotized is a stable and measurable trait that can be pre-screened and quantified. Dr. Spiegel will select subjects according to their ability to be hypnotized prior to the MRI visit (see ?recruiting? below). We will seek greatest contrast between groups by enrolling those with the highest (8-10) and lowest (0-2) scores on the Hypnotic Induction Profile. The presence of a poorly hypnotizable group allows for a control condition of those who have undergone an identical induction routine without achieving hypnotic trance. Similarly, novice meditators will serve as a control for the group experienced in mindfulness meditation.

Prior studies have shown differences in both brain activation and grey matter volume associated with longer practice of meditation (> 4 years) compared with novice meditators. As such, experienced meditators will be defined as those with a regular meditation practice of four years or longer. Novice meditators will be new practitioners who are interested in mindfulness meditation practice, and who completed a one-hour meditation training during the week before their study participation.

  Eligibility

Genders Eligible for Study:   Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:   Yes
Sampling Method:   Non-Probability Sample
Study Population

Healthy subjects who score in diverse ranges on hypnotic induction profiles or who are experienced Mindfulness Meditators.

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Participants must not have contraindications to the MRI exam, such as metal in the body.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Contraindications to the MRI exam, such as metal in the body.
  • Use of psychotropic medications.
  Contacts and Locations
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01135810

Contacts
Contact: Matthew P White, MD (650) 725-5598 mpwhite@stanford.edu

Locations
United States, California
Stanford University School of Medicine Recruiting
Stanford, California, United States, 94305
Contact: Matthew P White, MD     650-725-5598     mpwhite@stanford.edu    
Sub-Investigator: Michael D Greicius            
Sub-Investigator: Matthew White            
Principal Investigator: David Spiegel            
Sponsors and Collaborators
Stanford University
Investigators
Principal Investigator: David Spiegel Stanford University
  More Information

No publications provided

Responsible Party: David Spiegel, Stanford University School of Medicine
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01135810     History of Changes
Other Study ID Numbers: SU-05252010-6143, 17562
Study First Received: June 1, 2010
Last Updated: June 2, 2010
Health Authority: United States: Institutional Review Board

Keywords provided by Stanford University:
healthy subjects

ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on June 18, 2013