Altered States Of Consciousness Research Articles

TRANCE STEREOTYPIES IN HUMAN AND PRIMATE PANTOMIMICRY

The authors reviewed and analysed Russian and foreign experimental studies on pantomimic stereotypes. Initially, stereotypical behaviuor was negatively evaluated. Modern research considers adaptive functions and possibilities of self-stimulation as a way to harmonise emotional and mental state. A comparative analysis of circular, pendulum and diagonal movements in children and Old World monkeys was conducted using an ethological approach to the study of behavioural patterns. Human observations were conducted in the psychoneurological department of Silischeva Astrakhan Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, 40 preschool children with mental dysontogenesis participated. Five laboratory macaques and a family of hamadryas baboons kept in an aviary with homologous kinesics were observed in Sukhumi nursery. According to the authors’ team, walking (running) in a circle and diagonally, swinging the body “right-to-leftˮ in the pantomimic production of children and monkeys are associated with self-stimulation of an altered state of consciousness. Trance stereotypes divert attention from external stressors and stimuli and harmonise mental homeostasis. The study may be of interest to anthropologists, primatologists, specialists in the study of the psyche and pathological behaviour of animals and Homo sapiens.

Unpacking Human Rights: Freedom of Consciousness, Bodily Autonomy & Right to Life in the Context of War on Drugs Crimes

Abstract This study explores the interplay between the right to life, right to development, bodily autonomy and freedom of conscience, and demonstrates how these factors collectively shape the concept of freedom of consciousness and simultaneously lead to increased access to altered states of consciousness, cognitive liberty, freedom of development, and the peak experiences that Abraham Maslow researched. Second chapter delves into the intersection of human rights and drug policy, specifically examining the implications of the War on Drugs on individual freedoms. It argues that the War on Drugs has led to a violation of fundamental human rights, including cognitive liberty, bodily autonomy, and the right to life. Through an analysis of international human rights law and case studies from around the world, the paper demonstrates how drug-related crimes have resulted in mass incarceration, violence, and human rights abuses. It also explores decriminalization of drug use, end of War on Drugs and criminalization of its’ crimes. The research results provide insights into the interrelation between these three concepts, shedding light on how they intersect and influence each other and in context of War on Drugs hostile environment. Findings also suggest that the War on Drugs has resulted in a significant violation of fundamental human rights.

Evaluation of simplified wireless EEG recordings in the neurological emergency room.

In the neurological emergency room (nER), timely electroencephalography (EEG) diagnostic is often crucial in patients with altered state of consciousness as well as in patients presenting with a first seizure. Yet, routine-EEG (rEEG) is often not available, especially during off-hours. We analyzed the value of a commercially available, simplified wireless eight-channel EEG recording (swEEG, CerebAir® EEG headset, Nihon Kohden), applied by non-EEG-specialized medical students, in patients presenting in our nER with (suspicion of) epileptic seizures and/or loss of or altered state of consciousness between 08/2019 and 08/2022. We evaluated the feasibility and validity compared to a standard rEEG (21 electrodes according to the international 10/20 system) and also included the clinical follow-up of the patients. 100 patients were included in our analysis (mean age 57.6 ± 20.4 years; 61 male). Median time of electrode application was 7 minutes (range 4-20 minutes), with significantly longer duration in patients with altered level of consciousness (median 8 minutes, p = 0.035). Electrode impedances also differed according to state of consciousness (p = 0.032), and were higher in females (p<0.001). 55 patients received additional rEEG, either during their acute nER stay (25) and/or during the next days (38). Considering normal EEG findings vs. pathological slowing vs. epileptiform activity, swEEG matched first rEEG results in 48/55 cases (87.3%). Overall, swEEG detected the same or additional pathological EEG patterns in 52/55 cases (94.5%). In 7/75 patients (9.3%) who did not receive rEEG, or had their rEEG scheduled to a later time point during their hospital stay, swEEG revealed important additional pathological findings (e.g. status epilepticus, interictal epileptiform discharges), which would have triggered acute therapeutic consequences or led to further diagnostics and investigations. The introduced swEEG represents a practicable, valuable technique to be quickly applied by non-EEG-specialized ER staff to initiate timely diagnostic and guide further investigations and treatment in the nER. Moreover, it may help to avoid under-diagnostic with potentially harmful consequences caused by skipped or postponed regular 10/20 EEG examinations, and ultimately improve the outcome of patients.

Ketamine-induced altered states of consciousness: a systematic review of implications for therapeutic outcomes in psychiatric practices.

This systematic review aims to elucidate the nexus between ketamine's psychoactive properties and its efficacy in treating a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders. We searched three databases and used citation tracking to include 29 studies. Predominantly, mood disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) (MDD + BD: + n = 25studies), a large part of them involve treatment-resistant patients (n = 14studies), substance use disorder (SUD, n = 3studies), and social anxiety disorder (SAD, n = 1study). From all included studies(n=29), 15 (51.72%) of themidentified a positive relation between ketamine-induced altered states of consciousness and clinical outcomes, while 13studies (44.83%)showed no linkage between them, and one study (3.45%)delineated a negative association. Focusing solely on intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions (n = 25), 14 studies(56%)reported a positive modulation of ketamine's psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits, whereas 10 studies(40%)confirmed no relationship, and one study (4%)showed a negative association. The single study(33.34%) involving subcutaneous ketamine and allthree studies (66.6%)intranasal administration did not demonstrate a significant interaction between ketamine's psychoactive effects and therapeutic response. All three SUD studies reported a positive correlation between ketamine's psychoactive effects and therapeutic response. In contrast, the single SAD study did not find a relationship between these parameters. For studies involvingmood disorders (n = 25), 12 studies (48%)reported a positive relationship between psychoactive effects and therapeutic response.Others 12studies (48%)identified a null relationship, and one study (4%)found a significant negative association. Although we have found a larger association than previous studies between ketamine's psychoactive properties and its efficacy in treating a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders, its topic remains indeterminate, mainly due to the high heterogeneity.

An exploratory study of alternative life experiences in comparison to transcendental near‐death experiences

AbstractThe term near‐death experience (NDE) generally refers to a state of altered consciousness that can occur during real or presumed near‐death circumstances and/or life‐threatening incidents. The NDE usually includes the impression of being conscious while out of and/or away from the physical body, often accompanied by other specific features. Furthermore, when the experient has the impression of being in a perceived locality that transcends the observable physical Earth, it is referred to by researchers as a transcendental NDE. Whereas transcendental NDEs have been widely studied, there is also another type of experience that can occur under similar life‐threatening conditions that I refer to as an alternative life experience (ALE), which consists of a perception of living another alternative life where the experient is aware of the self, but does not believe at the time of occurrence that they are either out of or away from their physical body. After providing a total of 15 examples, I note some similarities and differences between ALEs and transcendental NDEs while providing some qualitative and quantitative results, suggesting that ALEs might be similar to some aspects of transcendental NDEs despite their neglect in the study of altered states of consciousness during near‐death circumstances. I further postulate that ALEs might be subjective psychological experiences of dissociation and/or absorption. It is then pointed out that symptoms of derealization are a common ALE aftereffect and so an awareness of that association is stressed as having therapeutic importance.

The art of music. The representation of musical instruments in the rock art of Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT This article explores the relationship between music and rock art by looking at the occurrence of musical instruments at rock art sites in Zimbabwe. Much of the attention paid to the rich rock art heritage of this country has focused on the documentation of sites, the meaning of the painted and engraved motifs in them and the regional variability they display. Despite some brief mentions, the depiction of musical instruments is still in need of systematic study. This article’s first objective is to compile the information about this type of motifs found in publications and the SARADA archive. Having identified and classified them, it then explores whether musical instruments depicted at rock art sites are connected to altered states of consciousness. The possible relationship between gender and music is also explored and regional differences in the depiction of musical instruments are commented on.

A volitional account of aesthetic experience.

Aesthetic experience is an altered state of consciousness characterized by a detached absorption in an aesthetic object; it is a pleasant-sometimes ecstatic-liberation from the self and its agenda. I briefly review perceptual-cognitive and affective approaches used by psychologists to understand the phenomenon and suggest the need for a volitional perspective. To illustrate the nature and scope of aesthetic experience, I discuss nine varieties, elicited by different qualities in objects and evoking distinctive responses in perceivers. Over centuries, aesthetic devices have been developed that induce the aesthetic state by manipulating such psychological mechanisms as attention, appraisal, and empathy. I propose explanations for how several important devices operate, and why they are particularly effective in individuals high in the personality trait of Openness to Experience.

DISSOCIATION, SPLITTING AND COMPARTMENTALIZATION IN TRAUMA-RELATED DISORDERS

The article is devoted to the analysis of actual scientific views and theoretical research on the participation of the phenomena of dissociation, splitting, and compartmentalization in disorders associated with mental trauma, in particular, PTSD and addictions. It is shown that the understanding of the concepts of dissociation and splitting developed in parallel and that both concepts emerged from research on trauma. Empirical studies show a clear correlation between dissociation, splitting, and compartmentalization with trauma-related disorders. However, there is considerable confusion in the differentiation of these concepts: some authors use them as synonyms, other authors consider dissociation to be a more basic process underlying splitting, and some distinguish two separate types of dissociation - separation, and compartmentalization. In this article, the concept of dissociation and splitting into separate independent phenomena is chosen, where dissociation is defined as the separation of mental processes or mental systems from consciousness, and splitting is defined as the division of consciousness itself into several independent centers of self-consciousness, with the phenomenon of compartmentalization referring to a shallow level of splitting. Both dissociation and splitting can exist in the spectrum from normal to deep pathology of the (sub)psychotic level. The article analyzes how dissociation and splitting can participate in the formation of trauma-related disorders such as PTSD and addiction. In the formation of PTSD, a part of the human psyche system associated with traumatic experiences is detached from consciousness as a result of protection from unbearable experiences (dissociation). Further, due to unsuccessful attempts to integrate the trauma, a negative self-concept with feelings of shame/guilt is formed, which splits off from the core self (splitting). As a result, a triadic structure is formed: the normative Ego-state, the split traumatic Ego-state, and the dissociated traumatic Self-state. When addiction is formed based on early trauma, a dissociated self-state exists since childhood, but while using psychoactive substances, it is integrated with a state of altered consciousness, which is why a person is experiencing a state of high, similar to a miracle. In this case, a system is formed of a normative Ego state, a dissociated traumatic Self-state, and a detached addictive Ego state, which is activated exclusively in a state of altered consciousness, and during activation, integration with the dissociated Self-state occurs. This addictive integration is the real motive for the use of this group of addictive drugs. The proposed concept can be used in the psychotherapy of trauma-related disorders as a conceptualization of cases and conceptualization of loci of therapeutic contact. Keywords: dissociation, splitting, compartmentalization, mental trauma, PTSD, addiction

Mind-body medicine and altered states of consciousness in Homo

The mind-body relationship has long been a subject of inquiry from both philosophical and scientific perspectives. Ancient Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras and Plato posited dualistic models, where the mind and body are distinct substances. In contrast, modern approaches in Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) offer integrative models that emphasize the interconnectedness of mental and physical states and the proactive role of the patient in their own healing process. This review examines the evolutionary roots of altered states of consciousness (ASC) as a precursor to current MBM techniques. By tracing ASC to early hominins and their cognitive development, it posits that the ability to enter various ASC—such as those used in rituals, meditation, and other mind-body practices—provided evolutionary advantages, influencing both individual fitness and social cohesion. Moreover, this review discusses tonic immobility in animals as a survival mechanism and explores parallels in human and non-human primate behaviors involving ASC. Additionally, neurochemical pathways that govern ASC, such as serotonergic and dopaminergic regulation, are explored for their roles in promoting social behaviors, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation. Furthermore, the role of the default mode network is investigated in relation to psychotropic and mood altering substances and altered states of consciousness. This integrated perspective offers new insights into the origins of MBM and underscores the significance of ASC in both evolutionary and contemporary contexts.

Intravenous Anakinra for Treating Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Adult-Onset Still's Disease.

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease characterized by fever, rash, arthritis, and multi-organ involvement. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a serious complication of AOSD, poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 32-year-old male was diagnosed with AOSD in 2020 after being hospitalized for a fever of unknown origin and elevated liver enzymes. The patient was initially treated with corticosteroids and methotrexate but subsequently discontinued both treatment and follow-up. In September 2023, he presented with fever, sore throat, and elevated inflammatory markers. After screening for infections, methylprednisolone (MP) treatment was initiated because of AOSD activation. The following day, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to an altered state of consciousness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed brainstem involvement. Empirical treatments were initiated, including intravenous MP, and immunoglobulin therapy. Due to suspected macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), anakinra (ANA) infusion was initiated. Significant improvement was observed after the ANA infusion. This case highlights the complex management of severe AOSD complications, emphasizing the role of early recognition, aggressive therapy, and multidisciplinary care in improving outcomes. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a serious complication of adult-onset Still's disease characterized by systemic inflammation. Early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment are crucial due to the high mortality rate associated with MAS, especially when neurologic symptoms are present.Clinicians should not delay treatment pending confirmatory diagnostic tests when MAS is suspected, as early intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes.Anakinra, an interleukin-1 inhibitor, is typically administered subcutaneously but has shown promise when administered intravenously, particularly in severe cases of MAS.

Association between Polypharmacy and Adverse Events in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: An Analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database (JADER).

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer's disease is a global health concern, with a rising prevalence among the elderly. Current pharmacological treatments, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, are associated with adverse events (AEs), particularly in the context of polypharmacy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Alzheimer's disease treatment combinations, the number of concomitant medications, and the occurrence of AEs. Materials and Methods: Data from the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database, spanning from April 2004 to June 2020, were analyzed. Patients aged 60 and older with Alzheimer's disease treated with AChEIs (donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine) or the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine were included. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between AEs and Alzheimer's disease drug combinations, as well as the number of concomitant medications. Results: Among 2653 patients, 47.7% were prescribed five or more drugs. The frequency of AEs was 6.4% for bradycardia, 4.6% for pneumonia, 3.6% for altered state of consciousness, 3.5% for seizures, 3.5% for decreased appetite, 3.5% for vomiting, 3.4% for loss of consciousness, 3.4% for fracture, 3.2% for cardiac failure, and 3.0% for falls. The combination of memantine with AChEIs was associated with a higher risk of bradycardia, whereas donepezil alone was linked to a reduced risk of fractures and falls. Polypharmacy was significantly correlated with an increased incidence of AEs, particularly altered state of consciousness, decreased appetite, vomiting, and falls. The adjusted odds ratios for using five or more drugs compared to no drugs was 10.45 for altered state of consciousness, 7.92 for decreased appetite, 4.74 for vomiting, and 5.95 for falls. Conclusions: In the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, the occurrence of AEs is associated with the number of concurrent medications, independently of the known AEs of Alzheimer's disease drugs and their combination patterns.

A Network Analytic Approach to Dissociation: New Insights from Clinical Data

ABSTRACT The transdiagnostic construct of dissociation, characterized by a disintegration of specific psychological functions such as consciousness, memory, identity, perception, body representation, and behavior, remains elusive to a unified conceptualization. Specifically, its dimensionality is a matter of ongoing controversy. Empirical approaches applying factor analyses to the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) have yielded inconsistent findings. This study adopts a novel methodological approach, utilizing Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) to address this issue. In a sample of 668 day-hospital patients undergoing psychotherapy for a variety of mental disorders, a Gaussian graphical model was estimated for the 28 items of the DES. Additionally, the stability of the results was ensured by bootstrap procedures. While both the original EGA and the bootstrap EGA suggested four dimensions, the structural consistency of this solution was low due to an instability of 12 items. After excluding 10 of these unstable items, re-analyses again revealed a four-factor structure, but boot EGA indicated that one factor had unsatisfactory structural consistency due to the multidimensionality of its two items. Upon removing these, our final network consisted of 16 items mapping onto 3 dimensions. Our study, using data from a diagnostically heterogeneous sample, replicates and extends previous findings on the dimensionality of dissociation as captured by the DES. The three dimensions identified correspond to segregated processes, derealization/depersonalization, and absorption. This solution aligns with a bipartite model of dissociation with two broader categories referring to either altered states of consciousness (often named detachment) or to non-integrated mental modules (labeled as compartmentalization).

On Tesla-inspired Extended Quantum-Holographic Framework for Reprogramming Macro-Quantum Correlations of Individual and Collective Consciousness

Nikola Tesla's visions and inventions realized in his controlled altered states of consciousness were considered previously as manifestations of his meditative insights within extended framework of quantum-holographic macroquantum correlations of individual &amp; collective consciousness. This Tesla-inspired paper now focuses on some related psychosomatice aspects of quantum entropy &amp; entanglement, and consequences on the usually observablebiological arrow of time &amp; spiritual-informational time reversal. Finally we discuss some spiritual-informational implicationson free will &amp; individual and collective consciousness reprogramming.

Psychedelic research at a crossroads

There is an urgent need to develop better treatments for mental health conditions that affect one in every eight people in the world. To combat this concern, psychedelic drugs have been combined with psychotherapy and studied in clinical trials in the United States and Europe. Psychedelics are hallucinogenic drugs that alter brain activity and facilitate altered states of consciousness. The proposed benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) include relatively short treatment times and stronger effects compared to other treatments. Although results of trials using MDMA for trauma or psilocybin for depression are promising, PAT is controversial because many questions about its safety and effectiveness are unanswered. This is evident in the recent ruling by the US Food and Drug Administration against the approval of MDMA therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and the retraction of several papers about MDMA trials owing to unethical conduct by study therapists and data integrity, among other concerns. This field is at a crossroads, and the research community must address several obstacles to transition from exploratory trials to established, evidence-based treatments while avoiding pitfalls that can hinder advancement.

A real-world disproportionality analysis of baloxavir marboxil: post-marketing pharmacovigilance data

ABSTRACT Objective Baloxavir marboxil (hereafter referred to as baloxavir) is the only cap-dependent endonuclease inhiabitor approved for the treatment and prevention of influenza. However, as a new drug marketed in 2018, the long-term safety of baloxavir in large sample population was unclear. This study aims to evaluate baloxavir-associated adverse events (AEs) through data mining of the international pharmacovigilance database of US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods Disproportionality analysis was conducted to assess the association between baloxavir and its AEs. Data were collected from FAERS from March 2018 to June 2023. After standardizing the data, signal quantification techniques including ROR, PRR, BCPNN and MGPS were used for analysis. Results A total of 49 significant baloxavir-related preferred terms (PTs) in 20 system organ classes (SOCs) were identified in our data analysis. Compared to baloxavir’s FDA label, some new PTs emerged, with the top 10 being pneumonia, loss of consciousness, rhabdomyolysis, seizure, altered state of consciousness, hepatic function abnormal, delirium, depressed level of consciousness, encephalopathy and cardio-respiratory arrest. Conclusion In clinical application of baloxavir, attention should be paid to the new AE signals in addition to the those recorded in the labels, so as to ensure the safety of the patients.

Nursing intervention in acute or critically ill patients with thirst: an integrated review

Aim: Analyze the existing nursing interventions and their effectiveness in managing thirst and promoting the person’s comfort. Background: Thirst is a symptom often experienced by people hospitalized in an acute and/or critical situation, but it is still frequently under-evaluated and under-treated in clinical practice, one of the main reasons being the difficulty in assessing thirst when it comes to people with an altered state of consciousness. Methods: To analyze the existing nursing interventions in managing thirst and promoting the person’s comfort, an integrative review was elaborated through electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, and other sources from March 2023 to August 2023. The review protocol is registered (PROSPERO CRD42023413584) and this review integrates a Project in a Higher School of Nursing. Results: After assessing eligibility, 16 final documents were obtained for data extraction and analysis. The results obtained show that several effective strategies were identified to thirst relief, such as drinking cold liquids, ingestion of carbohydrate drinks when fasting is really necessary, the use of ice, performing oral hygiene, applying lip moisturizer, using mentholated substances, controlling the ambient temperature, use of salivary stimulants and artificial saliva. Conclusions: This is a sensitive area of nursing care. Thus, a more significant investment in the scope of nursing research and the development of innovative technology that can improve nursing interventions for the management and thirst relief, would be beneficial to improve the quality of the nursing care provided for hospitalized patients in critical care.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological predictors of the LSD experience in healthy participants

The pharmacodynamic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are diverse and different in different individuals. Effects of other psychoactive substances have been shown to be critically influenced by non-pharmacological factors such as personality traits and mood states. The aim of this study was to determine pharmacological and psychological predictors of the LSD effects in healthy human subjects. This analysis is based on nine double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over studies with a total of 213 healthy subjects receiving between 25–200 µg LSD. The influence of sex, age, dose, body weight, pharmacogenetic, drug experience, personality, setting, and mood before drug intake on the peak autonomic and total subjective responses to LSD was investigated using multiple linear mixed effects models and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression. Results were adjusted for LSD dose and corrected for multiple testing. LSD dose emerged as the most influential predictor, exhibiting a positive correlation with most response variables. Pre-drug mental states such as “Well-Being”, “Emotional Excitability”, and “Anxiety” were also important predictor for a range of subjective effects but also heart rate and body temperature. The trait “Openness to Experiences” was positively correlated with elevated ratings in “Oceanic Boundlessness” and mystical-type effects. Previous experiences with hallucinogens have been negatively associated with the overall altered state of consciousness and particularly with “Anxious Ego Dissolution”. Acute anxiety negatively correlated with the genetically determined functionality of the Cytochrome 2D6 enzyme. In summary, besides the amount of drug consumed, non-pharmacological factors such as personal traits and current mood also significantly predicted the subjective drug experience. Sex and body weight were not significant factors in influencing the drug experience.

Brain state identification and neuromodulation to promote recovery of consciousness.

Experimental and clinical studies of consciousness identify brain states (i.e. quasi-stable functional cerebral organization) in a non-systematic manner and largely independent of the research into brain state modulation. In this narrative review, we synthesize advances in the identification of brain states associated with consciousness in animal models and physiological (sleep), pharmacological (anaesthesia) and pathological (disorders of consciousness) states of altered consciousness in humans. We show that in reduced consciousness the frequencies in which the brain operates are slowed down and that the pattern of functional communication is sparser, less efficient, and less complex. The results also highlight damaged resting-state networks, in particular the default mode network, decreased connectivity in long-range connections and especially in the thalamocortical loops. Next, we show that therapeutic approaches to treat disorders of consciousness, through pharmacology (e.g. amantadine, zolpidem), and (non-) invasive brain stimulation (e.g. transcranial direct current stimulation, deep brain stimulation) have shown partial effectiveness in promoting consciousness recovery. Although some features of conscious brain states may improve in response to neuromodulation, targeting often remains non-specific and does not always lead to (behavioural) improvements. The fields of brain state identification and neuromodulation of brain states in relation to consciousness are showing fascinating developments that, when integrated, might propel the development of new and better-targeted techniques for disorders of consciousness. We here propose a therapeutic framework for the identification and modulation of brain states to facilitate the interaction between the two fields. We propose that brain states should be identified in a predictive setting, followed by theoretical and empirical testing (i.e. in animal models, under anaesthesia and in patients with a disorder of consciousness) of neuromodulation techniques to promote consciousness in line with such predictions. This framework further helps to identify where challenges and opportunities lay for the maturation of brain state research in the context of states of consciousness. It will become apparent that one angle of opportunity is provided through the addition of computational modelling. Finally, it aids in recognizing possibilities and obstacles for the clinical translation of these diagnostic techniques and neuromodulation treatment options across both the multimodal and multi-species approaches outlined throughout the review.

Birthing consciousness and the flow experience during physiological childbirth

ProblemIt has been demonstrated that birth without medical intervention conveys significant physical and psychological benefits to the mother and her newborn baby. However, there is a need to include women's subjective experience of physiological birth to understand and promote it. BackgroundThe theoretical concept of “birthing consciousness” hypothesizes that women during natural childbirth sometimes experience a specific altered state of consciousness, which is a positive peak experience that resembles “flow” in many aspects. AimTo investigate the underexplored connection between the physiological mode of childbirth and altered states of consciousness during childbirth. MethodsIsraeli women with childbirth experience were recruited through social media (Facebook groups with a focus on childbirth and motherhood). Participants (n = 766) completed an online survey: the Flow State Scale (FSS) and a demographic questionnaire. FindingsDifferences were found between modes of birth as to flow state, as women who experienced physiological childbirth (i.e., with no epidural anesthesia or instrumental interventions) had a higher flow state during birth. DiscussionThis link empirically confirms the phenomenon of birthing consciousness. All nine dimensions of the mental state of flow apply to childbirth: challenge-skill balance, action-awareness merging, clear goals, unambiguous feedback, concentration on the task, sense of control, loss of self-consciousness, transformation of time, and autotelic experience. ConclusionUnderstanding a women's subjective experience during physiological birth can enhance clinical understanding of physiological birth thus promoting positive physiological birth experiences – which has crucial health benefits. We propose that more studies need to be done to promote experiencing flow during physiological birth.

Angels and Animals: Posthumanism and ‘cosmic consciousness’ in psychedelic ‘expanded’ cinema

Focusing on two ‘expanded’ films - Bruce Conner’s Looking for Mushrooms (1959-65) and Stan Brakhage’s Eye Myth (1967) - this paper stages an encounter between psychedelic ‘expanded’ cinema,&amp;nbsp;the writings of Alan Watts,&amp;nbsp;and the field of posthuman philosophy. Drawing special attention to the materiality of film and its relation to the experience of altered states of consciousness, this paper will critically connect the art and ideas of the Californian counter-culture in the 1960s to a wider network of transnational anti- and posthumanism. Beginning with Watts’ dualism between the ‘angel and animal’ elements of human subjectivity, this paper then considers the inherent tension between the transcendentalism of the psychedelic ‘cosmic consciousness’ and materialist posthumanism centred on ‘embodied and embedded’ experience. Whilst these areas are not usually considered alongside one another, exploring their potential resonances can help to situate Watts’ philosophy within awider genealogy of posthumanist thought, and shed light on the ways in which ‘expanded’ cinema engaged with complicated questions concerning altered experiences. Finally, by highlighting the tensions between materiality and transcendental experience at play in Conner and Brakhage’s films, this paper will demonstrate how film stages a complex intervention into debates around human and posthuman subjectivity. In doing so, this paper offers a radical and alternative perspective on both psychedelic ‘expanded’ cinema, and the intellectual history of transnational anti-humanist philosophy.&amp;nbsp;