Self-regulation therapy to reproduce drug effects: a suggestion technique to change personality and the DRD3 gene expression

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2013;61(3):282-304. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2013.784094.

Abstract

This study proposes a strategy, based on self-regulation therapy, to change personality and its biological substrate, the DRD3 gene expression. It has been demonstrated that acute doses of stimulating drugs, like methylphenidate, are able to change personality and the expression of certain genes in the short term. On the other hand, self-regulation therapy has been proven to reproduce the effects of drugs. Thus, it is feasible to hope that self-regulation therapy is equally effective as methylphenidate in changing personality and the gene expression. This is a preliminary study with a single-case experimental design with replication in which 2 subjects participated. The results and potential implications for research and psychotherapy are discussed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / pharmacology
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Inventory
  • Personality* / drug effects
  • Receptors, Dopamine D3 / biosynthesis*
  • Suggestion*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • DRD3 protein, human
  • Receptors, Dopamine D3
  • Methylphenidate