posthypnotic amnesia

psychology

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July 1, 2026

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Posthypnotic amnesia is a psychological phenomenon where individuals are unable to recall events that occurred while they were under hypnosis, due to a suggestion made by the hypnotist. This form of amnesia is considered psychogenic, meaning it stems from psychological factors rather than physical brain injury.12

Memory recall can often be restored by re-hypnotizing the individual and providing a counter-suggestion, or through persistent interrogation in a waking state. This suggests that the memory is not truly lost but rather inaccessible due to the hypnotic suggestion. Posthypnotic amnesia is a characteristic of deep hypnosis and can be induced intentionally.123

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hypnosis
Applications of hypnosis
This “posthypnotic amnesia” can result either spontaneously from deep hypnosis or from a suggestion by the hypnotist while the subject is in a trance state. The amnesia may include all the events of the trance state or only selected items, or it may be manifested in…
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This “posthypnotic amnesia” can result either spontaneously from deep hypnosis or from a suggestion by the hypnotist while the subject is in a trance state. The amnesia may include all the events of the trance state or only selected items, or it may be manifested in…
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memory disorder
Psychogenic amnesia
…normal individuals by means of suggestion under hypnosis; and, second, amnesias that arise spontaneously in reaction to acute conflict or stress. Such amnesias are reversible and have been explained wholly in psychological terms. Nevertheless, organic factors are not infrequently involved to some extent, and the distinction between organic and psychogenic…
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…normal individuals by means of suggestion under hypnosis; and, second, amnesias that arise spontaneously in reaction to acute conflict or stress. Such amnesias are reversible and have been explained wholly in psychological terms. Nevertheless, organic factors are not infrequently involved to some extent, and the distinction between organic and psychogenic…
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amnesia
Posthypnotic amnesia, the forgetting of most or all events that occur while under hypnosis in response to a suggestion by the hypnotist, has long been regarded as a sign of deep hypnosis.
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Posthypnotic amnesia, the forgetting of most or all events that occur while under hypnosis in response to a suggestion by the hypnotist, has long been regarded as a sign of deep hypnosis.
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