Background

Human beings experience a spectrum of conscious states, which vary from deep depression to euphoria, from the psychotic and demented to the serene and enlightened. What are the physical underpinnings of these varied states of consciousness?

Different conscious states generate qualitatively diverse experiences of awareness. These varied states of consciousness can be induced by both intrinsic and extrinsic methods, from exercise and meditation to antidepressants and recreational drugs. However, our understanding of how such states physiologically and biochemically manifest themselves, for the most part, remains an inscrutable mystery to the scientific community.

Study of the entire spectrum of conscious states is of fundamental importance in furthering our understanding of ourselves. Furthermore, such information might in turn form the therapeutic bases for the treatment of numerous neurological conditions, from anxiety, fatigue and pain states to dementia, depression and addiction.