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Classification Schemes of Altered States of Consciousness

Larry Douglas Fort, Cyril Costines, Marc Wittmann, Athena Demertzi, Timo Torsten Schmidt

PsyArXiv September 24, 2024 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/pmuqt (opens in new tab)

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AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review
Topics Altered states of consciousness
Key findings Classification schemes for altered states of consciousness fall into three groups: state-based, method-based, and neuro/physio-based; clustering concepts from state-based schemes can assist in formulating and quantifying core ASC phenomenology for basic and clinical research.

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the conceptual and empirical study of altered states of consciousness (ASCs) induced pharmacologically or otherwise, driven by their potential clinical applications. To draw attention to the rich history of research in this domain, we review prominent classification schemes that have been proposed to introduce systematicity in the scientific study of ASCs. The reviewed ASC classification schemes fall into three groups according to the criteria they use for categorization: (1) based on the nature, variety, and intensity of subjective experiences (state-based), including conceptual descriptions and psychometric assessments, (2) based on the technique of induction (method-based), and (3) descriptions of neurophysiological mechanisms of ASCs (neuro/physio-based). By comparing and extending existing classification schemes, we can enhance efforts to identify neural correlates of consciousness, particularly when examining mechanisms of ASC induction and the resulting subjective experience. Furthermore, an overview of what defining ASC characteristics different authors have proposed can inform future research in the conceptualization and quantification of ASC subjective effects, including the identification of those that might be relevant in clinical research. This review concludes by clustering the concepts from the state-based schemes, which are suggested for classifying ASC experiences. The resulting clusters can inspire future approaches to formulate and quantify the core phenomenology of ASC experiences to assist in basic and clinical research.

Comparable studies

Other narrative reviews on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The Subjective Effects of Psychedelics Are Necessary for Their Enduring Therapeutic Effects. 2020 Review
Psychobiology of Altered States of Consciousness. 2005 Review
Intrinsic Brain Activity in Altered States of Consciousness 2008 Review
Dynamic functional connectivity and brain metastability during altered states of consciousness 2017 Review
A default mode of brain function in altered states of consciousness. 2013 Review

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Altered states of consciousness Philosophy of mind