altered state of consciousness

(redirected from Altered mental states)

altered state of consciousness (ASC)

Etymology: L, alter, other
any state of awareness that differs from the normal awareness of a conscious person. Altered states of consciousness have been achieved, especially in Eastern cultures, by many individuals using various techniques, such as prolonged fasting, deep breathing, whirling, and chanting. Researchers now recognize that such practices can affect body chemistry and help induce the desired state. Experiments suggest that telepathy, mystical experiences, clairvoyance, and other altered states of consciousness may be subconscious capabilities in most individuals and can be used to improve health and help fight disease.

al·tered state of con·scious·ness

(awl'tĕrd stāt kon' shŭs-nĕs)
General term indicating that someone is failing to interact with environmental stimuli in a normal manner.
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References in periodicals archive ?
Dogs exhibiting head pressing are often in altered mental states and unaware of pain or their circumstances.
Don't ignore extended head pressing: it differs from playful nudging and can indicate a problem, often neurologic, requiring immediate care
He often may be in altered mental states and unaware of pain or his circumstances.
Don't ingore extended head pressing: it differs from playful nudging and can indicate a problem, often neurologic, requiring immediate care
Emergent EEG in the emergency department in patients with altered mental states.
The value of electroencephalography in differential diagnosis of altered mental status in emergency departments
Russell was fascinated with altered mental states and loved horror, religious turmoil and Gothic excess.
British film director Ken Russell dies at 84
In combination with other activities often a part of ritual--fasting, repetition or call and response, hyperventilation or inhalation of incense--this multisensory stimulation can affect the body in ways that lead to altered mental states.
Our brains are wired for liturgy
Second, forensic psychiatrists are often called to evaluate an individual's competency We all evaluate individuals who are in altered mental states, such as dissociation or trance.
Pro & Con: should videotaping of forensic psychiatric examinations be the standard? (Opinion)
Common manifestations of these types of seizures include intermittent altered mental states, memory loss, wandering, sleep walking, and motor activities such as fumbling and lip smacking.
Epilepsy Often Missed, Undertreated in the Elderly

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