Unit 2 - States of Consciousness

Answer with TERM

Activation-Synthesis Theory (Dreams)

Activation-Synthesis Theory (Dreams)

when REM sleep triggers neural activity that evokes random visual memories, which our brain weaves into stories

Addiction

compulsive drug craving and use, despite the adverse psychological or physical consequences

Agonists

drugs that bind with receptors to support/mimic an action/neurotransmitter

Alcohol

a depressant drug that reduces neural activity and slows bod functions; causes memory disruption and reduced awareness

initial high (followed by relaxation and disinhibition), depression, memory loss, organ damage, and impaired reactions

Effects of Alcohol consumption

Antagonists

drugs that block receptor sites to suppress an action/neurotransmitter; block reuptake of neurotransmitters

Caffeine

a stimulant drug that increases the availability of dopamine and glutamate and stimulates the release of norepinephrine

Increased alertness and wakefulness, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia (in high doses); uncomfortable withdrawal

Effects of Caffeine Consumption

Cannabis/Marijuana

a loosely-classified hallucinogen that activates areas in the cerebellum and hippocampus for memory, time perception, and pleasure; creates alteration in memory, coordination, and mood

Enhanced sensation, relief of pain, distortions of time, relaxation,, impaired learning and memory, and increased risk of psychological disorders

Effects of Marijuana use

Circadian Rhythm (Sleep/Wake Cycle)

the regular bodily rhythm that occurs over a 24-hour period; the biological clock

Cocaine

a stimulant that excites neural activity and speed up body functions; increases the availability of dopamine

Rush of euphoria, confidence, energy, cardiovascular stress, suspiciousness, and depressive crash

Effect of Cocaine use

Consciousness

our awareness of ourselves and our environment, mindful of internal state and world around

Consolidation Theory (Dreams)

when dreams help us sort out the day’s events and consolidate our memories.

Depressants

increase the effects of GABA and block glutamate

Hallucinogens

mimic serotonin and alter communication between brain regions

Heroin

a narcotic that depresses neural activity, relieves pain, produces a feeling of euphoria, and causes dopamine to flood the synapse

Rush of euphoria, relief from pain, depressed physiology, and agonizing withdrawal

Effects of Heroin use

Hypnogogic Sensations

imaginary images or sensations that seem real and occur as a person is falling asleep; occur in NREM 1

Hypnosis

believed to be divided consciousness; can cause sensory and perceptual changes

Insomnia

inability to fall or stay asleep; can occur during any sleep stage

Jet Lag

a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects; affects the circadian rhythm

Meditation

helps self regulate or retrain attention and awareness

Melatonin

a hormone that causes you to feel sleepy; controlled by the pineal gland, which triggers the endocrine system to increase or decrease levels

Memory Consolidation Theory

dreams help us sort out the day’s events and consolidate our memories

Narcolepsy

sudden onset of drowsiness and sleep

Nonconscious

any mental process that goes on in which the individual is unaware

NREM Stage 1

mixture of alpha and theta brain waves; this is when hypnic jerks occur

NREM Stage 2

theta brain waves and beginning of delta waves; when sleep spindles occur

NREM Stage 3

mixture of theta and delta brain waves; when sleep walking, night terrors, and tissue repair occur

Opioids

a narcotic that depresses neural activity, relieves pain, produces a feeling of euphoria, and causes dopamine to flood the synapse

Rush of euphoria, relief from pain, depressed physiology, and agonizing withdrawal

Effects of Opiate use

Paradoxical Sleep

AKA REM sleep; body is externally calm, but internal is aroused; when brain repair occurs

Psychoactive Drugs

chemical substances that act on the CNS ad alter brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior

REM Rebound

lengthening and increasing frequency of REM sleep, which occurs after periods of sleep deprivation

REM Sleep

when dreaming occurs; voluntary muscle activity is suppressed; when partial paralysis occurs; lengthens as sleep progresses

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

acting out dreams (such as talking or doing things that are from your dream); harmless

Restoration of Resources

when sleep allows for the body to repair brain tissue necessary for biological functions that become depleted throughout an awake day

Reuptake Inhibitors

antagonist drugs that block the reuptake of neurotransmitters

Shift Work

when normal circadian rhythm is disrupted by working night-shifts; can lead to consequences for the worker’s physical and mental health

Sleep Apnea

the inability to get enough oxygen while sleeping; most common during NREM Stage 1, NREM Stage 2, and REM

Somnambulism

AKA sleepwalking; occurs during NREM Stage 3

Stimulants

excite neural activity and speed body functions; increase the availability of dopamine

Synergistic Effects

interaction or cooperation of two or more substance to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects

Tolerance

when continued drug use sharply reduces the number of dopamine receptors in the brain’s reward system - stops producing endorphins; creates a need for increasing amount for the same effects

Wish-Fulfillment Theory of Dreaming

occurs when unconscious desires are repressed by the ego and superego; according to Freud, stems from guilt and taboos imposed in society and when dreams are unconscious attempts to resolved a repressed conflict

Withdrawal

the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior

Tremors, cravings, anxiety, depression, seizures, and death

Symptoms of Withdrawal