The Riddle of Hypnosis Defining hypnosis. The nature of hypnosis. Theories of hypnosis.

Defining hypnosis A procedure in which the practitioner suggests changes in the sensations, perceptions, thoughts, feelings or behavior of the subject.

The Nature of Hypnosis The hypnotic state is not sleep. Hypnotic responsiveness depends more on the person being hypnotized than on the skill of the hypnotist. Hypnotized people can’t be forced to do things against their will. Feats performed under hypnosis can be performed by motivated people without hypnosis.

The Nature of Hypnosis Hypnosis doesn’t increase accuracy of memory. Hypnosis doesn’t produce a literal reexperiencing of long-ago events. Hypnotic suggestions have been used effectively for medical and psychological purposes.

Theories of Hypnosis Dissociation theories. Hypnosis is a split in consciousness in which one part of the mind operates independently of the rest of the consciousness, or During hypnosis, dissociation occurs between an executive control system in the brain (probably frontal lobes) and other brain systems involved in thinking and acting.

Theories of Hypnosis Sociocognitive theories Effects of hypnosis result from interaction between social influence of the hypnotist (socio) and the abilities, beliefs and expectations of the subject (cognitive). Can explain “alien abduction” and “past-life regression.

Conscious-altering Drugs Classifying drugs. The physiology of drug effects. The psychology of drug effects.

Classifying Drugs Psychoactive drug. Types. Substance capable of influencing perception, mood, cognition, or behavior. Types. Stimulants speed up activity in the CNS. Depressants slow down activity in the CNS. Opiates relieve pain. Psychedelic drugs disrupt normal thought processes.

The Physiology of Drug Effects Psychoactive drugs work by acting on brain neurotransmitters. These drugs can: increase or decrease the release of neurotransmitters, prevent reabsorption of excess neurotransmitters by the cells that have released them, block the effects of neurotransmitters on receiving cells, or bind to receptors that would ordinarily be triggered by a neurotransmitter or a neuromodulator.

Cocaine’s Effect on the Brain Cocaine blocks the brain’s reabsorption (“reuptake”) of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, so levels of these substances rise. The result is an overstimulation of certain brain circuits and a brief euphoric high. When drug wears off, depletion of dopamine may cause user to “crash.”

The Psychology of Drug Effects. Reactions to psychoactive drugs depend on: Physical factors such as body weight, metabolism, initial state of emotional arousal and physical tolerance. Experience or the number of times a person has used a drug. Environmental factors such as where and with whom one is drinking. Mental set or expectations for drug’s effects.