Altered states of consciousness

Question 1

Altered state of conciousness

Answer 1

Altered state of awareness resulting in changes (physical and psychological) in which there may be a distortion of emotion, sensation, image and time

Question 2

Hypnotic state

Answer 2

A state where critical powers decrease and responsiveness to suggestion increases. It involves not being aware, intensified concentration, suspension of critical believe and reality testing, absorption, imagination, increased suggestibility and suspension of planning ability.

Question 3

Factors that make someone more susceptible to hypnosis and hypnotic suggestibility.

Answer 3

• people must know of the hypnosis and cannot be against someones will
• may form visual images = suceptibility
• others = become absorbed in fantasy, day dreams, and movies

Question 4

Hypnotic trance

Answer 4

Hypnoidal state - light trance ( everyone )
- Light trance - 95% ppl
- Medium trance - 70%
- Deep trance - 25%
- Somnambulism - 2%

Question 5

Two theories of how hypnosis works

Answer 5

Socio - cognitive Theory: Deny altered states occur as a result of hypnosis, expected to play a role and involuntary readiness to respond to suggestions

Dissociation theory - neo dissociation - hypnosis is an altered state of conscious. Ernest hilgard 1978-1991. Two streams of consciousness experienced at the same time, independently: one being under hypnosis and the second a ‘hidden observer’

Question 6

Psychoactive substances and how they affect the brain to create an altered state of consciousness

Answer 6

Drug effects - biological actions = operating on the NS alters mental functioning

Neurotransmitter agonist = synthesis, release, reuptake or breakdown, expectations of drug effect.

Question 7

Classes of Psychoactive substances

Answer 7

CNS depressant drugs - slow down CNS fucntion aka benzodiazepines - xanax

Alcohol - enhances GABA. reduces anxiety, pleasure enhancing qualities. Effects due to interaction and cultural expectations

Abuse common with negative effects - physical and social

Question 8

CNS stimulating drugs

Answer 8

Increases behavioral and mental activity. Amphetamines
- cocain increases norepinephrine and dopamine activity
- MDMA - dopamine releasing neurons and stimulates serotonin receptors
- caffeine
- nicotine

Question 9

Hallucinogenic drugs

Answer 9

ISD, MUSHROOMS

• alter sensory data and distort perceptions, in religious rituals = long term effects on neural function
• Marijuana - acts on the dopamine system - long-term use = effects on attention, working memory and motor abilities, and triggers psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
• Marijuana and psychosis - cannabis = incidence of psychosis along with other factors causing it

Question 10

Predisposing factors of Hallucinogenic drugs

Answer 10

• Predisposing factors in addiction, genetics, social factors - learning (parents), peer pressure and advertising - more appealing = addiction

Question 11

Personality factors of hallucinogenic drugs

Answer 11

Sensation seeking, neuroticism (managing moods and negative moods) - rebellioussness