Altered States of Consciousness

ConsciousnessConsciousness

Our awareness of ourselves and our Our awareness of ourselves and our environmentenvironment

Altered states of consciousness

• Sleep

• Hypnotic states

• Chemically induced hallucinations

Biological RhythmsBiological Rhythms

• Normal physiological fluctuations in the body– Circadian rhythm

• The biological clock• As we age we go from being “night owls” to

“morning larks”• Bright light facilitates the resetting of the biological

clock• Light activates retinal proteins, these proteins

trigger the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus (cells that control the biological clock)

• The suprachiasmatic nucleus causes the brain’s pineal gland to decrease (AM) and increase (PM) its production of melatonin

• The longer we are awake our brains produce adenosine – making us SLEEPY– Caffeine blocks adenosine

• You can reset your biological clock by altering your normal sleep schedule– Sleeping in on Sunday yields “Monday morning blues”– Most adults are on a 25 hour day due to the invention of the light

bulb, our biological clocks adjust to the artificial illumination

Sleep

• REM sleep – Rapid Eye Movement sleep– DREAM SLEEP

• nREM sleep non Rapid Eye Movement sleep

• Brain Waves electrical activity in the brain– Alpha waves awake but relaxed– Delta waves large slow waves in stages 3 & 4

Sleep CyclesSleep Cycles

• Stage 1-4 nREM sleep– Sleep is a state we do not know we are in until we

leave it– Hallucinations are common during stage 1

• Hypnagogic sensations the most common being:– Weightlessness (alien abductions)– Falling sensation – Sensing a "presence" (often malevolent) – Pressure/weight on body (especially the chest or back).

– Sleep spindles (rapid, rhythmic brain activity) are common during stage 2

– nREM sleeps function is to rejuvenate the body – Snoring occurs during nREM sleep

REM sleepREM sleep About 100 minutes a nightAbout 100 minutes a night Body is paralyzed during REM to protect itself Body is paralyzed during REM to protect itself

from harm during dreamsfrom harm during dreams Purpose of REM is to restore cognitive functioningPurpose of REM is to restore cognitive functioning We dream EVERY nightWe dream EVERY night

Biology of REMBiology of REM Increase blood flow to the brainIncrease blood flow to the brain Penile erections in males; increase in vaginal Penile erections in males; increase in vaginal

secretions in femalessecretions in females Increase in heart rate, respiration, and blood Increase in heart rate, respiration, and blood

pressurepressure

REM reboundREM rebound When REM deprived subjects go immediately When REM deprived subjects go immediately

into REM sleep and dream more than usualinto REM sleep and dream more than usual Newborns spend 2/3 of their day sleepingNewborns spend 2/3 of their day sleeping Some people function on less than 6 hours a Some people function on less than 6 hours a

night; others sleep more than 9 hours a nightnight; others sleep more than 9 hours a night Sleep patterns are genetically and culturally Sleep patterns are genetically and culturally

influencedinfluenced Most people would awake refreshed, and Most people would awake refreshed, and

have a positive mood with 9 hours of sleep a have a positive mood with 9 hours of sleep a nightnight

Sleep DeprivationSleep Deprivation

• Sleep deprivation causes your body to accrue a “sleep debt” that will eventually be paid in full.

• Your body will TAKE the sleep it requires when it is deprived

• Sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system (this is why we sleep more when we’re sick to get better)

• Irritability• Anxiety• Trouble concentrating• Impaired creativity

The Purpose of Sleep The Purpose of Sleep

• Sleep protected our ancestors – (from nocturnal predators)

• Sleep restores and repairs brain tissue

• Sleep helps rebuild fading memories of the day’s experience

• Pituitary gland releases growth hormone during sleep

Sleep DisordersSleep Disorders 2 levels of sleep dysfunction 2 levels of sleep dysfunction

Dysomnia (extremes in sleep)Dysomnia (extremes in sleep) Parasomnia (abnormal sleep behavior)Parasomnia (abnormal sleep behavior)

DysomniaDysomnia Insomnia (not getting enough restorative sleep; 4-11 hours)Insomnia (not getting enough restorative sleep; 4-11 hours) Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness)Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness) Narcolepsy (periodic overwhelming sleepiness brought on by Narcolepsy (periodic overwhelming sleepiness brought on by

strong emotions)strong emotions) Breathing related Sleep disorder (sleep apnea)Breathing related Sleep disorder (sleep apnea)

Where a subject stops breathing during sleep; waking up up to Where a subject stops breathing during sleep; waking up up to 100 times a night100 times a night

Higher risk for cardiac Higher risk for cardiac arrhythmiaarrhythmia 2 types obstructive (physical obstruction) and central (neurological, 2 types obstructive (physical obstruction) and central (neurological,

SIDS)SIDS) Circadian Rhythm disordersCircadian Rhythm disorders

““Night owls” common among teens and young adultsNight owls” common among teens and young adults Jet lagJet lag Shift workShift work

ParasomniaParasomnia NightmaresNightmares Sleep walking/talking (stage 4)Sleep walking/talking (stage 4) Non specific groupNon specific group

Psychoactive DrugsPsychoactive Drugs

Chemicals that change perceptions and moodsChemicals that change perceptions and moods Addiction craving for a substance despite its Addiction craving for a substance despite its

adverse consequencesadverse consequences Tolerance where the user requires larger and Tolerance where the user requires larger and

larger doses to achieve the desired affectlarger doses to achieve the desired affect Withdrawal the physical and psychological pain a Withdrawal the physical and psychological pain a

user experiences due to drug abuseuser experiences due to drug abuse Physical dependence physical pain and intense Physical dependence physical pain and intense

cravingscravings Psychological dependence the psychological need Psychological dependence the psychological need

to abuse a drug; ie relieve stressto abuse a drug; ie relieve stress

Classes of Drugs and dependence Classes of Drugs and dependence factorfactor

• Depressants- suppress the body’s functions – MODERATE – (ex. alcohol, rohypnol)

• Stimulants- excite the body’s functions – HIGH – (ex. caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines)

• Hallucinogens- cause vivid and colorful hallucinations – LOW– (ex. LSD, marijuana, PCP)

• Narcotics- pain killers, reduce the body’s susceptibility to pain – HIGH – (ex. Heroin, morphine)

Classifications of drugsClassifications of drugs

DepressantsDepressants AlcoholAlcohol

Slows the sympathetic nervous systemSlows the sympathetic nervous system Lowers inhibitionsLowers inhibitions Suppresses REM sleep function Suppresses REM sleep function

(inhibiting the rebuilding memories (inhibiting the rebuilding memories during sleep)during sleep)

Barbiturates (tranquilizers, downers) Barbiturates (tranquilizers, downers) Depress nervous system activityDepress nervous system activity Induce sleep and reduce anxietyInduce sleep and reduce anxiety Combined with alcohol can be lethalCombined with alcohol can be lethal

Neurotransmitters affected Neurotransmitters affected by drug useby drug use

Serotonin- mood, sleep, sexual behavior, Serotonin- mood, sleep, sexual behavior, aggression (hallucinogens affect)aggression (hallucinogens affect)

Dopamine- pleasure and reward centers, Dopamine- pleasure and reward centers, voluntary movement (cocaine, voluntary movement (cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol affect)amphetamines, alcohol affect)

Norepinephrine- heart rate, sleep, Norepinephrine- heart rate, sleep, stress, responsiveness, mood (stress, responsiveness, mood (

Endorphins- the body’s natural Endorphins- the body’s natural painkillerspainkillers

Stimulants

• Excite neural activity and arouse the body’s functions

• Increase heart rate and breathing• Cause pupils to dilate• Appetite to diminish • Stimulants are abused to:

• stay awake• Lose weight• Boost mood• Enhance athletic performance

Stimulants

• The most widely abused are:– Caffeine – Nicotine– Amphetamines (speed or uppers)– Cocaine– Ecstasy– Methamphetamine

Stimulants

• Even low level stimulants are addictive; you may experience the “rocket rise and crash effect”

• Fatigue, headaches, irritability, and depression

Methamphetamines• Diarrhea, nausea • Loss of appetite, insomnia, tremor, jaw-clenching • Agitation, compulsive fascination with repetitive tasks • Talkativeness, irritability, panic attacks • Increased libido • Dilated pupils • Drug craving • Weight loss • Withdrawal-related depression Erectile dysfunction ("Crystal cock") • Rapid tooth decay ("meth mouth") • Amphetamine psychosis • Formication (sensation of flesh crawling with bugs, with possible associated

compulsive picking and infecting sores "Meth Mites") • Brain damage • Paranoia, delusions, hallucinations • Kidney damage

Caffeine and Nicotine

• Both enhance the natural reward chemicals in the brain

• Too much caffeine has adverse effects that are minor therefore limiting intake (ex. Nausea, anxiety)

• In contrast nicotine is much more dangerous and more addictive

• The negative impact of smoking is greater than all other psychoactive drugs combined (ex. Cancer, emphysema, heart disease)

• 47 million Americans smoke, 3 million are teens; increasing by 3000 daily

Cocaine

• Fast track from “rocket to crash”• Crack (cocaine mixed with baking soda & heated) is

potent form of cocaine• Cocaine can be snorted, free-based (injected, smoked)• The high of cocaine diminishes the brain’s supply of

dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine • Crack’s “rocket to crash” effect works even faster than

cocaine• Emotional disturbance, convulsions, cardiac arrest,

respiratory failure, aggression

Ecstasy

• Stimulant and mild hallucinogen

• Releases the brains supply of serotonin causing the “feel good” effect and blocks reabsorption of serotonin; also triggers the release of dopamine

• Dehydration, hyperthermia, elevated blood pressure

Hallucinogens

• Distort perception and evoke sensory images in the absence of input– LSD– Ecstasy – Marijuana

LSDLSD

(Lysergic acid diethylamide), “acid trip”(Lysergic acid diethylamide), “acid trip” Euphoria, detachment, panicEuphoria, detachment, panic Colorful, vivid hallucinationsColorful, vivid hallucinations When the hallucinatory experience When the hallucinatory experience

peaks people frequently feel detached peaks people frequently feel detached from their bodies and experience from their bodies and experience dreamlike scenes as though they are dreamlike scenes as though they are real therefore injuring themselvesreal therefore injuring themselves

MarijuanaMarijuana Consists of flowers and leaves of the Consists of flowers and leaves of the

hemp planthemp plant The active ingredient in marijuana is The active ingredient in marijuana is

THC (delta-9-tetrahydocannabinol)THC (delta-9-tetrahydocannabinol) Marijuana can be consumed a number of Marijuana can be consumed a number of

ways from smoking to eating (smoking ways from smoking to eating (smoking being the method of choice simply being the method of choice simply because it speeds THC to the brain)because it speeds THC to the brain)

Marijuana lingers in the body’s systems Marijuana lingers in the body’s systems for usually a monthfor usually a month

NarcoticsNarcotics Opiates (heroin, morphine, oxycotin)Opiates (heroin, morphine, oxycotin) Derived from the poppy flower; used for Derived from the poppy flower; used for

its analgesic (pain killing) effectsits analgesic (pain killing) effectsDepress neural functioningDepress neural functioningPainkilling effects; Painkilling effects; Increase tolerance and physical Increase tolerance and physical dependence dependence

Opiates mimic endorphins causing the Opiates mimic endorphins causing the brain to stop production of endorphin brain to stop production of endorphin resulting in painful withdrawal resulting in painful withdrawal symptomssymptoms

OpiatesOpiates Opiates such as heroin, codeine and morphine Opiates such as heroin, codeine and morphine

are HIGHLY addictiveare HIGHLY addictive Drug rehab centers usually give methadone to Drug rehab centers usually give methadone to

wean abusers from other more dangerous wean abusers from other more dangerous opiatesopiates

Methadone is taken orally thus diminishing the Methadone is taken orally thus diminishing the high (injection of heroin is the method of choice high (injection of heroin is the method of choice due to the strong rush of euphoria) but this due to the strong rush of euphoria) but this method does workmethod does work

Patients who take opiates for pain control rarely Patients who take opiates for pain control rarely become highly addicted; this is due to opiates become highly addicted; this is due to opiates affecting parts of the brain other than the affecting parts of the brain other than the “pleasure centers”.“pleasure centers”.

What is Hypnosis?What is Hypnosis?

Normal consciousness & the power of Normal consciousness & the power of social influencesocial influence Where subjects perform for the hypnotist Where subjects perform for the hypnotist

(subjects performing for the hypnotizer)(subjects performing for the hypnotizer) Divided consciousnessDivided consciousness

where you “zone out” while driving and where you “zone out” while driving and having a conversation or doodling while having a conversation or doodling while listening to a teacherlistening to a teacher

Myths about hypnosisMyths about hypnosis Everyone can be hypnotizedEveryone can be hypnotized

YesYes Hypnosis can make you recall forgotten Hypnosis can make you recall forgotten

memoriesmemories nono

Hypnosis can make people do things they Hypnosis can make people do things they don’t want to dodon’t want to do yesyes

Hypnosis can be used as a type of therapyHypnosis can be used as a type of therapy YesYes

Hypnosis can alleviate painHypnosis can alleviate pain yesyes

HypnosisHypnosis

Most of the hypnotic techniques we Most of the hypnotic techniques we utilize come from the teaching of utilize come from the teaching of Anton MesmerAnton Mesmer Mesmerized (trance-like)Mesmerized (trance-like)

The beginning of hypnosis being The beginning of hypnosis being associated with quackeryassociated with quackery

HypnosisHypnosis

A state of awareness characterized by A state of awareness characterized by deep relaxation, heightened suggestibility deep relaxation, heightened suggestibility and focused attentionand focused attention

The power doesn’t lie in the hypnotist; it The power doesn’t lie in the hypnotist; it lies in the person who is hypnotizedlies in the person who is hypnotized

The most important factor in hypnosis is The most important factor in hypnosis is susceptibility susceptibility

Those with high susceptibility are more Those with high susceptibility are more likely to experience pain relief, and likely to experience pain relief, and experience perceptual distortionsexperience perceptual distortions

Practical use for HypnosisPractical use for Hypnosis

• Desensitizing phobic patients

• Eliminating unwanted behaviors (smoking) planting posthypnotic suggestions to diminish cravings

• Managing pain where a patient wants to avoid anesthesia