Problems of the analysis of altered states of consciousness

It is assumed on the basis of data that have been obtained that altered states of consciousness (ASC) arise during the performance of operator activity under conditions of monotony, when modulating influences in the minute range of fluctuations are experienced in the process. This modulation promotes the attenuation or intensification of the degree of ASC; this is reflected in corresponding shifts in attention and in the quality of operator actions relating to recognition of visual images. These results point to the important role of the modulating system of the brain, and of its infraslow wave manifestations in the activity of consciousness whose content is determined by informational processes. Translated from Zhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deyatel'nosti imeni I.P. Pavlova, Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 232–239, March–April, 1993.