Human Consciousness: States, Definitions, and Disorders

Understanding States of Consciousness

Defining Consciousness

Consciousness is defined as the knowledge a being has of itself and its surroundings. It is the spirit's awareness of its own existence or its actions. Consciousness involves a cognitive state that allows for intervention in the interpretation and association with external stimuli, which constitutes reality.

What is a Conscious State?

A conscious state exists when all neurocognitive and autonomic functions are active.

Types of Consciousness

• Sensitive Consciousness: The ability to perceive with the senses.
• Abstract Consciousness: The awareness of knowing who one is.

Ordinary States of Consciousness

These are the typical states of awareness, such as sleep and wakefulness.

• Vigilance (Alertness)

  A state of awareness that allows an individual to recognize themselves against external stimuli and characterize reality. It involves the nervous system's capacity to adapt to new situations.

• Dream State

  An altered state of consciousness, typically an unconscious state, characterized by the psychological phenomenon of experiencing visual phenomena.

• Normal Consciousness

  Enables an individual to provide an appropriate response to sensory or external stimuli.

Modified States of Consciousness

These states exhibit phases or characteristics different from normal waking consciousness.

• Induced States

  The subject intentionally induces their own state, for example, through drug use.

• Practice-Based States

  Practices used to alter consciousness, such as fasting, meditation, or sport.

• Pathological States

  A change in the subject's neurophysiology, such as in schizophrenia.

Pathological Disorders of Consciousness

These are significant alterations in the level or content of consciousness.

• Qualitative Alterations

  Pathological alterations that decrease the level of consciousness, often related to motor activities.

• Specific Pathological States

  • Coma

    The most severe pathological alteration; the individual does not react to painful stimuli.

  • Stupor

    A pathological alteration where the individual reacts partially to painful stimuli.

  • Lethargy

    A milder pathological state characterized by slow reactions to all external stimuli, often due to factors like lack of sleep.

  • Disease Syndrome

    A constant alteration with related symptomatology, generally associated with brain factors.

  • Delirium

    A state of constant hallucination and temporospatial disorientation, where the person is disoriented in time and space.

  • Oneiric State

    A state similar to a vivid dream.

  • Alienation

    A state of psychomotor excitement and inconsistent hallucinations.

  • Locked-in Syndrome

    A state of total paralysis of the nerves and general musculature.