Altered states of consciousness:
Altered States of Consciousness (ASCs) are mental states that differ significantly from ordinary waking awareness. They can occur spontaneously, be induced intentionally, or result from physiological/psychological conditions. In an ASC, a person’s perception, sense of self, time awareness, emotions, and thought processes may shift noticeably.
Common Features
- Changes in perception (visual, auditory, or bodily distortions)
- Altered sense of time (time speeding up, slowing down, or losing track of it)
- Enhanced or reduced self-awareness (ego-dissolution, heightened introspection)
- Emotional shifts (euphoria, fear, detachment, bliss)
- Different thought patterns (fluid, symbolic, dreamlike, or hyper-logical)
Examples of Altered States
Natural states
- Dreaming (REM sleep, lucid dreaming)
- Daydreaming
- Hypnagogic/hypnopompic states (between waking and sleep)
Induced states
- Hypnosis
- Meditation (mindfulness, transcendental states, Zen absorption)
- Trance states (shamanic journeys, religious ecstasy, possession trance)
- Flow state (deep absorption in activity)
Substance-related states
- Deadly Psychoactive drugs (psychedelics, dissociatives, stimulants, depressants)
- Alcohol or other intoxicants
Physiological or extreme conditions
- Sensory deprivation/overload
- Near-death experiences
- Extreme fasting, pain, or sleep deprivation
Theories & Uses
- Psychology: Studied for understanding consciousness, creativity, trauma, and mental health.
- Therapeutic use: Hypnosis, meditation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy show promise in treating PTSD, depression, and addiction.
- Spiritual/Religious: Many traditions see ASCs as paths to enlightenment, healing, or connection with the divine.
- Neuroscience: ASCs involve measurable shifts in brainwave activity (alpha, theta, gamma states) and neurochemical changes.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 