Dissociative Subtypes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorders and Hypnosis: Neurocognitive Parallels and Clinical Implications

Converging evidence suggests that heterogeneity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises from the presence of discrete subtypes of patients, one of which is characterized by elevated dissociative symptoms. A similar dissociative subtype has been observed among individuals displaying high hypnotic suggestibility. Here we highlight important parallels between these subtypes, drawing from research on a history of exposure to stressful life events and pathological symptomatology, cognitive functioning, hypnotic suggestibility, and functional neuroimaging and electrophysiology. Further clarification of these parallels can help elucidate the developmental paths and neurocognitive basis of heterogeneity in PTSD and high hypnotic suggestibility and refine the understanding and treatment of different subtypes of PTSD.