User:Vms77/sandbox

Altered State of Consciousness
Altered state of consciousness, referred to as ASC by Ludwig (1966), started as and is stated as any mental state induced by physiological, psychological, or pharmacological maneuvers or agents. Definitions and speculations have formed since Ludwig defined altered state of consciousness, due to many theories and insights that arise from time to time. However, Ludwig is recognized as the first to define the term (Revonsuo, Kallio, & Sikka, 2009). Altered state of consciousness is a change of pattern of the conscious experience, subjective to each individual’s general norms for his or her normal waking state of consciousness (Revonsuo, Kallio, & Sikka, 2009). Consciousness is the state of full alertness with the ability to respond appropriately to environmental stimuli, as defined by Dandan. Altered state of consciousness is recognized by Farthing (1992) as a state in which the ability to perceive and react to environment/stimulants are affected to various degrees. Although, “the definition stated for ASC does not provide an explanatory model of the mechanisms underlying the normal, baseline representational state of consciousness change so as to bring about a misrepresentational state”, it most certainly gives some lead as to what to observe (Revonsuo, Kallio, & Sikka, 2009). For example, some observable abnormal and sluggish behaviors meet the criteria for altered state of consciousness. Some abnormalities are observable by analyzing mannerisms, responses, and movements. Sluggish behaviors may be observed in eye movement and/ or speech. The brain is mainly affected, and could range from empty thoughts and/or confusion to brain death. Altered state of consciousness is not a disease, but may be a part of a disease process (Dandan, 2004).

Altered state of consciousness can be caused by various, but precise causes. Rarely, is altered state of consciousness due to only one non-reactant stimulant. Some cases are common causes, while others could be very complicated and never unraveled completely. Creativity and focus levels may determine altered state of consciousness based on clarity of views and interpretation. Some causes include emotions, intoxication, spiritual beliefs, and structural lesions. Emotions influence behavior that alters the state of consciousness. Emotions are influenced to feel a variety of feelings (sadness, anger, happiness, love, excitement, jealousy, fearful) through stimulants such as music, humor, visual objects, movies, books, words or phrases. Altered state of consciousness experienced by emotion stimulants is particular and subjective. (Altarriba, 2012) An example of altered state of consciousness by emotion stimuli is an adolescent experiencing a love relationship for the first time. The adolescent may listen to music and be completely lost in thought and present sluggish eye movement and sluggish speech. Intoxication take account of ingestion of agents, such as amphetamines, anticholinergic, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, clonidine, cocaine, ethanol, haloperidol, narcotics, phenothiazine, salicylates, selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants. (Avner, 2006) Spiritual beliefs enclose concentration of thoughts through meditation, and exorcism or mystical rituals, for the removal of bad spirits that may cause altered state of consciousness. Structural lesions are composed of trauma (intracranial hematoma, cerebral contusions, diffuse axonal injury), infection (abscess, meningitis, encephalitis), tumors (vascular, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), arteriovenous malformation (AVM), aneurysms, ischemia, infarcts), metabolic ( hypoxia, hypercarbia, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypothyroidism, hepatic encephalopathy, uremic encephalopathy, addisonian crisis, electrolyte disorders, endocrine abnormalities), and other causes (hypothermia, hypotension/ shock, psychogenic). (Dandan, 2004) It is important to understand there are sometimes two or more causes that lead to altered state of consciousness. For example, a person with altered state of consciousness and a comorbid diagnosis of depression and substance abuse, it is of primary importance to understand that there may be a possibility the person is at an altered state of consciousness because of a side effect of a substance. Altered state of consciousness is assessed by observations and imaging of the brain such as computed tomography scan (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Electroencephalography (EEG) which records the electrical brain wave activity. Imaging is most important to make a diagnosis when patient’s history is unobtainable and the physical examination is not dependable. (Dandan, 2004)

Treatments for altered state of consciousness show a discrepancy depending on each assessment. It is vital to concentrate on detecting both the cause and development of the altered state of consciousness. “The onset of neurological symptoms is of particular importance.”(Avner, 2006) Information on the precise times of the first symptoms is critical, because the cause of the altered state of consciousness is more likely to be recognized. Physical examinations assist to separate structural from medical causes of altered consciousness. Altered state of consciousness along with comorbid diagnosis may require extensive treatments. Extensive treatments may be required because the cause of altered state of consciousness may be associated with the other diagnosis. Treatments include controlled substances (Benzodiazepines), exorcisms (lead by religious leader), physical (Chiropractor) and mental therapies (counseling). Additional laboratory and radiology testing is sometimes necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis. (Revonso, Kallio, & Sikka, 2009). However, in some cases, such as vegetative state, treatment is not available. Treatments focus on cause and progression of each individual. In absence of a physical identifier as a cause, immediately the suspicion of ingested toxic agents must be assumed. If the kind and amount of toxic agent is known, the proper antidote is applied.

Management centers that assist in care and treatments for altered state of consciousness are both local and national. Local management centers include psychology clinics, emergency rooms, crisis units, school guidance office, rehabilitations and church. National management centers include poison control center and other similar affiliations. Additional listings may be found in yellow pages of city local phone books. Seeking help in a timely manner is important. Altered state of consciousness should be assessed by a professional in order to receive proper care and treatment. Recreational practices of altered state of consciousness, may be so usual to an individual, the feeling of joy may never allow him or her to seek help. Though an individual may feel that he or she is not a threat to society or himself or herself, this individual could be very dangerous in an altered state of consciousness, not always but it could happen.

>