Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Psychology

© 2015 of 97 4.3 Hypnosis Hypnosis is an induced state of consciousness characterized by deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility. However, there is no evidence that someone who is hypnotized will do things he or she wouldn’t do if he/she were not under hypnosis. Hypnosis is a procedure in which one person (the subject) is guided by another (the hypnotist) to respond to suggestions for changes in subjective experience, alterations in perceptions, sensation, emotion, thought, or behavior. Hypnotic Phenomena- Hypnotic induction is a process that creates a context for hypnosis, and hypnotized people subjectively experience their actions to be involuntary. Hypnosis can have striking physiological effects. For patients who experience chronic pain, hypnosis can produce relief that lasts for months or even years. Brain imaging research reveals that hypnosis modifies neural activity in the brain areas that process painful stimuli. Non-hypnotic techniques, such as imagery and performing distracting cognitive tasks, also alter neural functioning and reduce pain. Some people can be led to experience hypnotic amnesia (during the session itself) and posthypnotic amnesia (after coming out of hypnosis). Hypnosis increases the risk that people will develop distorted memories about events in response to leading questions. Theories of Hypnosis- Dissociation theories view hypnosis as an altered state of divided consciousness. Social-cognitive theory states that hypnotic experiences occur because individuals have strong expectations about hypnosis and are highly motivated to take on the role of being hypnotized. 4.4 Psychoactive Drugs Psychoactive drugs produce a state of consciousness that is different from normal consciousness by mimicking, inhibiting, or stimulating the activity of neurotransmitters. Physiology of Drug Effects- Drugs enter the bloodstream and are carried throughout the brain by small blood vessels called capillaries. Capillaries contain a blood-brain barrier, a special lining of tightly packed cells that lets vital nutrients pass through so that neurons can function. The blood- brain barrier screens out many foreign substances, but some, including various drugs, can pass through. Once inside, they alter consciousness by facilitating or inhibiting synaptic transmission. Neurotransmitters are synthesized inside presynaptic (sending) neurons and stored in vesicles. Next, they are released into the synaptic space, where they bind with and stimulate receptor sites on postsynaptic (receiving neurons). Finally, neurotransmitter molecules are deactivated by enzymes. An agonist is a drug that increases the activity of a neurotransmitter. An antagonist is a drug that inhibits or decreases the action of a neurotransmitter. Psychology of Drug Effects- When a drug is used repeatedly, the intensity of effects produced by the same dosage level may decrease over time. The decreasing response to a drug is called tolerance. As it develops, a person must take increasingly larger doses to achieve the same physical or psychological effects. Tolerance develops when the body produces compensatory responses to Achieve Page 36