sensory deprivation

deprivation /dep·ri·va·tion/ (dep-rĭ-va´shun) loss or absence of parts, powers, or things that are needed.

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emotional deprivation  deprivation of adequate and appropriate interpersonal or environmental experience in the early development years.

sensory deprivation  deprivation of usual external stimuli and the opportunity for perception.

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sensory deprivation

n.

The reduction or absence of usual external stimuli or perceptual opportunities, commonly resulting in psychological distress and sometimes in unpleasant hallucinations.

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Sensory deprivation

A situation where an individual finds himself in an environment without sensory cues. Also, (used here) the act of shutting one's senses off to outside sensory stimuli to achieve hallucinatory experiences and/or to observe the psychological results.

Mentioned in: Hallucinations

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sensory deprivation

Etymology: L, sentire + ME, depriven, to deprive; L, atio, process

an involuntary loss of physical awareness caused by detachment from external sensory stimuli. Such deprivation often results in psychologic disorders, such as panic, mental confusion, depression, and hallucinations. Sensory deprivation may be associated with various handicaps and conditions, such as blindness, heavy sedation, and prolonged isolation.

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deprivation [dep-rĭ-va´shun]

loss or absence of parts, organs, powers, or things that are needed.

emotional deprivation deprivation of adequate and appropriate interpersonal or environmental experience, usually in the early developmental years.

maternal deprivation the result of premature loss or absence of the mother or of lack of proper mothering; see also maternal deprivation syndrome.

sensory deprivation a condition in which an individual receives less than normal sensory input. It can be caused by physiological, motor, or environmental disruptions. Effects include boredom, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, confusion, and inaccurate perception of sensory stimuli. Auditory and visual hallucinations and disorientation in time and place indicate perceptual distortions due to sensory deprivation. Symptoms can be produced by solitary confinement, loss of sight or hearing, paralysis, and even by ordinary hospital bed rest.

sleep deprivation a nursing diagnosis accepted by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as prolonged periods of time without sleep (sustained, natural, periodic suspension of relative consciousness).

thought deprivation blocking (def. 2).

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deprivation, sensory

The condition produced by a loss of all or most of the stimulation from the visual, auditory, tactile and other sensory systems. Often, deprivation involves only one modality (e.g. vision). Methods used for deprivation include diffusing goggles, white noise, padded gloves, etc. Its effect has shown the necessity of continuous sensory activity to maintain the normal development and functioning of any sensory system.