Hypnotically induced auditory hallucinations and the mouth-opening maneuver: a failure to duplicate findings
Article Abstract:
An experiment was conducted to explore the hypothesis that auditory hallucinations in schizophrenics are caused by subvocalized verbal thoughts that cannot be vocalized because of a brain dysfunction. Normal volunteers who experienced hypnotically induced auditory hallucinations no longer heard the voices when they were instructed to open their mouths; it is known that subvocalization cannot occur when the mouth is open. These results supported the hypothesis that auditory hallucinations are due to subvocalized verbal thoughts in schizophrenics. The present investigation sought to confirm these findings. Sixty-four normal volunteers were hypnotized and told that they would hear nonexistent voices; 16 reported having the auditory hallucinations. These subjects were then instructed to close their eyes as tight as they could; to place their fingers in their ears; and to open their mouths. All subjects reported that the voices persisted when their eyes were tightly closed or when their mouths were open. Four reported that the voices stopped when their ears were blocked. Opening the mouth, therefore, did not affect auditory hallucinations. A discussion is offered on the possible flaws of the previous study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Psychiatry
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-953X
Year: 1991
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Mechanisms of hallucinations
Article Abstract:
Doctors Ralph E. Hoffman and Thomas H. McGlashan propose in an article a computer model of a neural network where excessive synaptic pruning causes hallucinated speech. A number of remarks are extended regarding their theories. Both men assume that pruning is Darwinian and cite Edelman's hypotheses. It should be pointed out, however, that neuronal competition for trophic factors has been illustrated by 50 years of research of which there are many pioneering contributions which ought to be taken into account.
Publication Name: American Journal of Psychiatry
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-953X
Year: 1999
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