Hypnosis

Hypnosis• A social interaction in which a hypnotist

makes suggestions about perceptions, feelings, thoughts, or behaviors, and the subject follows those suggestions

Social Influence Theory

• Theory that powerful social influences produce a state of hypnosis.

• This theory notes that a person’s physiological state does not change under hypnosis.

• Social factors influence people to believe hypnosis will work.

What is Hypnosis?:Divided

Consciousness Theory

Divided Consciousness Theory

• Theory that during hypnosis our consciousness splits so that one aspect of consciousness is not aware of the role that other parts are playing.

• Promoted by Ernest Hilgard (1904-2001)

Hypnotic Techniques

Hypnotic Induction• The process by which a hypnotist creates a

state of hypnosis in a subject• Usually done by voicing a series of

suggestions• Voice is usually calm and of a rhythmic tone

Hypnotizability

• Differences in the ability of people to become hypnotized

• Varies from person to person• Varies from situation to situation

Hypnotizability

Limits to Hypnotic Suggestions

• Suggestions usually involve sensations, thoughts, emotions, and a wide variety of behaviors.

• Hypnosis does not cause behaviors.• Hypnosis can lead people to certain

behaviors but so can ordinary suggestions.

Posthypnotic Suggestions

• Hypnotic suggestion that the subject will carry out after the hypnosis session has ended

• Technique can be used to encourage helpful behavior changes, such as stopping smoking or losing weight.

Hypnotic Amnesia

• Inability to remember what happened during hypnosis because the hypnotist suggests that the subject will have no memory of that period of time

Applications of Hypnosis:

Hypnosis and Pain Control

Pain and Hypnosis

• Hypnosis does work as a means to control pain.

• Has a number of practical applications

Drugs

Psychoactive Drug

• Chemical substance that alters perceptions, mood, or behavior

• Three common psychoactive drugs:– Caffeine– Alcohol– Nicotine

• Induce an altered state of consciousness

Dependence

• State of physiological, psychological or both types of need to take more of a drug after continued use.

• Withdrawal follows if the drug is discontinued

Withdrawal

• Discomfort and distress that follow when a person who is dependent on a drug discontinues the use of that drug

• Withdrawal symptoms are usually the reverse of the drug’s effects.

Tolerance

• Reduced responsiveness to a drug, prompting the user to larger dosages to achieve the same pleasurable effects previously obtained by lower doses

Tolerance

Alcohol:A Depressant

Depressants

• Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functioning

• Includes alcohol and sedatives

Alcohol (ethyl alcohol)

• Found in beer, wine, and liquor• The second most used psychoactive

drug (caffeine first)• Slows thinking, and impairs physical

activity

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

• A measure of how much alcohol is in a person’s bloodstream

• BAC of .08 considered legal intoxication in most states

Euphoric Affects of Alcohol

• Alcohol impairs the parts of the brain responsible for controlling inhibitions and making judgments

Alcohol, Memory, and Sleep

• Studies have shown that alcohol impairs memory by suppressing the processing of events into long term memory.

• Alcohol impairs REM sleep, further disrupting memory storage.

Alcoholism

Stimulants

Stimulants

• Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions

• Include: caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine

Caffeine• Stimulant found in coffee,

chocolate, tea, and some soft drinks

• Provides user with a sense of increased energy, mental alertness, and forced wakefulness

• Blocks neurological receptor sites that, if activated, sedate the central nervous system

Nicotine

• Stimulant found in tobacco• Effects similar to those of caffeine• Very addictive and does not stay in the

body very long

Cocaine

• Stimulant derived from leaves of the coca plant

• Crack – cocaine crystals• Blocks the reuptake of certain

neurotransmitters• Dependency is quick and severe; places

extreme strain on cardiovascular system

Amphetamines

• Drugs that stimulate neural activity, speeding up body functions

• Include increased energy and mood changes

• Includes: speed, uppers, and methamphetamines

• Mimic adrenaline• Can cause irreversible changes in mood

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens

• Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input

• Include: LSD and ecstasy• Sometimes called “psychedelics”

meaning mind-manifesting

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

• Powerful hallucinogenic drug• Also known as “acid”• The effects vary from person to person• Users can be dangerous to themselves

and others.

Ecstasy

• Hallucinogenic drug that produces lower inhibitions, pleasant feelings, and greater acceptance of others

• Also called MDMA• Even moderate users may experience

permanent brain damage.

Marijuana

Marijuana

• Leaves, stems, resin, and flowers form the hemp plant that, when smoked, lower inhibitions and produce feelings of relaxation and mild euphoria

• THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active ingredient

• Disrupts memory; lung damage from smoke

10 mg of Caffeine