Unit 4: Consciousness & Its Variations

Consciousness

the state of being aware of and responsive to one's internal and external environment

Attention

the cognitive process of selectively focusing on and processing specific information while ignoring other stimuli

Circadian rhythm

the body's internal 24-hour clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and other physical, mental, and behavioral processes

Eeg Electroencephalography)

neuroimaging technique that measures the electrical activity of the brain by placing electrodes on the scalp

Rem (Rapid Eye Movement)

stage where most dreams occur; fast low-amp waves

NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement)

consists of 3 stages: light, moderate, deep sleep; slow, high-amp waves

activation-synthesis model of dreaming

proposes that dreams are the brain's way of creating a narrative from random neural firings during REM sleep, particularly from the brainstem

Neurocognitive model of dream

explains dreams as a natural extension of waking thought processes that rely on specific brain networks and cognitive functions

Sleep disorder

conditions that disrupt or interfere with normal sleep patterns, leading to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning

Insomnia

a common sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early despite having adequate opportunity for sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep

narcolepsy

a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness

Parasomnias

arousal or action during sleep with a lack of conscious awareness

Hypnosis

a state of focused attention, relaxation, and heightened suggestibility

Dissociation

Disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity.

Meditation

a practice that involves training the mind to focus attention and achieve a state of calmness and relaxation

Psychoactive drug

substances that, when taken in or administered into one's system, affect mental processes, e.g. perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions.

Physical dependence

A condition in which a person takes a drug over time, and unpleasant physical symptoms occur if the drug is suddenly stopped or taken in smaller doses

Drug tolerance

diminished response to a drug that occurs with repeated use

Depressants

category of psychoactive drugs that depress or inhibit brain activity

Barbiturates

a class of CNS depressant drugs, used for their sedative and anti-anxiety effects

Opioids (narcotics)

psychoactive drugs that interact with opioid receptors in the brain and body to reduce pain and induce euphoria, but they also trigger the brain's reward system, creating intense feelings of pleasure and calm that can lead to dependence

Stimulants

class of psychoactive drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system (CNS)

Caffeine

a psychoactive stimulant that affects the central nervous system; alertness, cognitive function, and behavior

Nicotine

a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco products

amphetamines

class of central nervous system stimulants that have both medical and recreational uses; alter a person's mood, perception, and behavior

Cocaine

powerful and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that profoundly affects a person's brain chemistry; short but intense euphoric high

Psychedelic drugs (hallucinogen)

substances like psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline that induce altered states of consciousness, perception, and mood

Mesaline

induces a psychedelic state; altered thinking processes, an altered sense of time and self-awareness, and closed

LSD

potent, semi-synthetic hallucinogenic drug known for its powerful effects on the mind and its serotonergic activity; psychological reactions, including panic, psychotic crises, and flashbacks

Marijuana

psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis sativa plant; Relaxation, Euphoria, Altered perception, Impaired coordination, Increased appetite, Anxiety, and Paranoia

MDMA

prescribed doses are used to enhance the therapeutic process; also known as ecstasy or Molly

Dissociative amnesia

a mental health condition characterized by a significant loss of personal memory that is not caused by physical injury or other medical conditions

Stimulus control theory

describes how environmental cues, or stimuli, influence behavior, making a particular response more likely to occur in the presence of that specific stimulus than in its absence