Psychobiology of Altered States of Consciousness

The article reviews the current knowledge regarding altered states of consciousness (ASC) (a) occurring spontaneously, (b) evoked by physical and physiological stimulation, (c) induced by psychological means, and (d) caused by diseases. The emphasis is laid on psychological and neurobiological appro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychological bulletin 2005-01, Vol.131 (1), p.98-127
Main Authors: Vaitl, Dieter, Birbaumer, Niels, Gruzelier, John, Jamieson, Graham A, Kotchoubey, Boris, Kübler, Andrea, Lehmann, Dietrich, Miltner, Wolfgang H. R, Ott, Ulrich, Pütz, Peter, Sammer, Gebhard, Strauch, Inge, Strehl, Ute, Wackermann, Jiri, Weiss, Thomas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Altered states
Anatomical correlates of behavior
Arousal - physiology
Behavioral psychophysiology
Biological and medical sciences
Biology
Brain
Brain - diagnostic imaging
Brain - physiology
Cognitive Processes
Consciousness
Consciousness Disorders
Consciousness Disturbances
Consciousness States
Diet
Dreams - physiology
Electroencephalography
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Human
Humans
Neurology
Neurophysiology
Neuropsychology
Physiological psychology
Positron-Emission Tomography
Psychobiology
Psychology
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Sleep - physiology
Starvation
Stimulation
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Summary:The article reviews the current knowledge regarding altered states of consciousness (ASC) (a) occurring spontaneously, (b) evoked by physical and physiological stimulation, (c) induced by psychological means, and (d) caused by diseases. The emphasis is laid on psychological and neurobiological approaches. The phenomenological analysis of the multiple ASC resulted in 4 dimensions by which they can be characterized: activation, awareness span, self-awareness, and sensory dynamics. The neurophysiological approach revealed that the different states of consciousness are mainly brought about by a compromised brain structure, transient changes in brain dynamics (disconnectivity), and neurochemical and metabolic processes. Besides these severe alterations, environmental stimuli, mental practices, and techniques of self-control can also temporarily alter brain functioning and conscious experience.
ISSN:0033-2909
1939-1455
DOI:10.1037/0033-2909.131.1.98