Main description:
This pioneering book explores in depth the role of neurotransmitters in conscious awareness. The central aim is to identify common neural denominators of conscious awareness, informed by the neurochemistry of natural, drug induced and pathological states of consciousness. Chemicals such as acetylcholine and dopamine, which bridge the synaptic gap between neurones, are the 'neurotransmitters in mind' that form the substance of the volume, which is essential reading for all who believe that unravelling mechanisms of consciousness must include these vital systems of the brain.Up-to-date information is provided on:
- Psychological domains of attention, motivation, memory, sleep and dreaming that define normal states of consciousness.
- Effects of chemicals that alter or abolish consciousness, including hallucinogens and anaesthetics.
- Disorders of the brain such as dementia, schizophrenia and depression considered from the novel perspective of the way these affect consciousness, and how this might relate to disturbances in neurotransmission.
(Series B)
Table of contents:
- Foreword
- Preface
- I. Neurotransmitter Systems
- 1. Neurotransmitter networks
- 2. Cholinergic transmission
- II. Natural Alterations of Consciousness
- 3. Attention
- 4. Memory
- 5. Motivation
- 6. Sleep
- 7. Dreaming
- 8. Dreaming
- III. Drug-Induced Alterations in Consciousness
- 9. General anesthetics
- 10. Effects of drugs on sleep
- 11. Neuroleptics
- 12. Delirium and hallucinations
- 13. Plants of the gods
- IV. Brain Pathology and Consciousness
- 14. Alzheimer’s disease
- 15. Parkinson’s disease
- 16. Dementia with Lewy bodies
- 17. Schizophrenia
- 18. Mood disorders
- 19. Mental retardation and autism
- Envoi
- Index
This pioneering book explores in depth the role of neurotransmitters in conscious awareness. The central aim is to identify common neural denominators of conscious awareness, informed by the neurochemistry of natural, drug induced and pathological states of consciousness. Chemicals such as acetylcholine and dopamine, which bridge the synaptic gap between neurones, are the 'neurotransmitters in mind' that form the substance of the volume, which is essential reading for all who believe that unravelling mechanisms of consciousness must include these vital systems of the brain.Up-to-date information is provided on:
- Psychological domains of attention, motivation, memory, sleep and dreaming that define normal states of consciousness.
- Effects of chemicals that alter or abolish consciousness, including hallucinogens and anaesthetics.
- Disorders of the brain such as dementia, schizophrenia and depression considered from the novel perspective of the way these affect consciousness, and how this might relate to disturbances in neurotransmission.
(Series B)
Table of contents:
- Foreword
- Preface
- I. Neurotransmitter Systems
- 1. Neurotransmitter networks
- 2. Cholinergic transmission
- II. Natural Alterations of Consciousness
- 3. Attention
- 4. Memory
- 5. Motivation
- 6. Sleep
- 7. Dreaming
- 8. Dreaming
- III. Drug-Induced Alterations in Consciousness
- 9. General anesthetics
- 10. Effects of drugs on sleep
- 11. Neuroleptics
- 12. Delirium and hallucinations
- 13. Plants of the gods
- IV. Brain Pathology and Consciousness
- 14. Alzheimer’s disease
- 15. Parkinson’s disease
- 16. Dementia with Lewy bodies
- 17. Schizophrenia
- 18. Mood disorders
- 19. Mental retardation and autism
- Envoi
- Index