Dissociative States and Drugs Flashcards
Define Dissociation
A perceived detachment of the mind from the emotional state, or even from the body
- can be pathological or non-pathological
1) Pathological - caused by mental disorders
2) Non-Pathological - examples like daydreaming, etc.
Define Daydreaming
a mild dissociation that is usually pleasant, accompanied by mild visual representations and acting out dreams or motivations in life
- lots of types and there is no clear-cut definition in psychology
Altered State
sometimes called non-ordinary states, include various mental states in which the mind can be aware but is not in its usual wakeful condition
hypnosis, meditation, hallucination, trance, and the dream stage.
Explain pathological dissociation
It’s a depersonalization disorder usually with a trigger
- trigger could be something like drugs or childhood trauma
- people have varying degrees of sensitivity to trauma
- some people are biologically more susceptible to events in their environments and could be why some practice avoidance (introverts)
Define Hypnosis
where someone induces a trance like state where they are more easily influenced by suggestion
- its possible they may experience suppressed memories
Name and define the three components of hypnosis?
1) Absorption - the more invested someone is in their hypnotic state, the more easily influenced they’ll be in that state
2) Suggestibility - some people are more open to suggestion than others, and they’re usually more susceptible to hypnosis
3) Dissociation - dream-like state
Define a Trance
a half-conscious state characterized by an absence of response to external stimuli, typically as induced by hypnosis or entered by a medium such as meditation.
What are the 3 theories attempting to explain how hypnosis works?
1) Role theory
2) State theory
3) Dissociation theory
Define Role Theory
theory stating that people behave in a certain ways to fulfill the roles the play
ie) mother, teacher, friend, etc.
- people act the part of the hypnotized person and isn’t truly an altered state of consciousness
Define State Theory
states that hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness
- the person is actually in a different state of mind
Define Dissociation Theory
states that hypnotized person is splitting up the central control of their thoughts and behaviors
-hypnotist acquiring some of that control
Define Meditation
The practice of clearing / calming the mind which can allow one to enter an altered state of consciousness and have increased focus
- techniques include breathing, devotional meditation and relaxation meditation
- while meditating, people experience increased alpha and theta waves seen during sleep
- lower stress levels, better sleep, better focus, etc.
How do stimulants work on the brain?
block the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the synapse of the CNS
- enhanced mood and increased energy
- results in increased activity in the sympathetic branch of autonomic nervous system
- higher heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, reduced appetite (etc.)
- increases ability to study for MCAT
examples are caffeine, nicotine, cocaine and amphetamines
How do depressants work on the brain?
they increase the production of the neurotransmitter GABA and decrease production of acetylcholine, usually at the level of the thalamus and reticular formation
- induces a calming effect, sleep, pain relief, slowed HR and resp.
examples include alcohol, benzos, toxic inhalents
How do opioids work on the brain?
they have a chemical makeup similar to endorphins (the neurotransmitter that serves as the bodies natural pain reducers)
- they activate sympathetic branch of ANS
- they slow many bodily functions, cause constipation, respiratory and cardiac depression
examples include morphine, heroin and opium
