Neural correlates of mindfulness meditation and hypnosis on magnetic resonance imaging: similarities and differences. A scoping review.
Sindy Sim, Igor Lima Maldonado, Pierre Castelnau, Laurent Barantin, Wissam El-Hage, Frédéric Andersson, Jean-Philippe Cottier
Journal of neuroradiology = Journal de neuroradiologie March 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2023.11.002 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMindfulness meditation and hypnosis both reduce default mode network activity and strengthen connections between the central executive and salience networks in the brain, as shown by MRI studies of stress, anxiety, and depression. A systematic review of 97 studies (84 on mindfulness, 13 on hypnosis) from 2010 to 2022 found that only mindfulness practice and predisposition increase connectivity between the default mode and salience networks, a change not seen in hypnosis. The findings clarify shared and distinct neural mechanisms, but the authors call for more rigorous research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 97 |
| Population | Participants in MRI studies of mindfulness meditation and hypnosis for stress, anxiety, and depression |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Connectivity Hypnosis MRI Mental health |
| Citations | 14 |
| Key finding | Mindfulness meditation and hypnosis share decreased default mode network activity and increased central executive-salience network connectivity, but only mindfulness increases default mode-salience network connectivity. |
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation (MM) and hypnosis practices are gaining interest in mental health, but their physiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to synthesize the functional, morphometric and metabolic changes associated with each practice using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to identify their similarities and differences. MRI studies investigating MM and hypnosis in mental health, specifically stress, anxiety, and depression, were systematically screened following PRISMA guidelines from four research databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO) between 2010 and 2022. In total, 97 references met the inclusion criteria (84 for MM and 13 for hypnosis). This review showed common and divergent points regarding the regions involved and associated brain connectivity during MM practice and hypnosis. The primary commonality between mindfulness and hypnosis was decreased default mode network intrinsic activity and increased central executive network - salience network connectivity. Increased connectivity between the default mode network and the salience network was observed in meditative practice and mindfulness predisposition, but not in hypnosis. While MRI studies provide a better understanding of the neural basis of hypnosis and meditation, this review underscores the need for more rigorous studies.