Introduction to Psychology
Consciousness
Consciousness is subjective awareness of internal and external states.
○ Subjective in terms of perceptual experiences; our experiences are our own perceptions that are
unique only to us.
○ We're conscious when people are around us, when we’re hungry, etc.
Complex Past with Psychology
Introspection Behaviourism Cognitive Psychology
○ Basic units of ○ Consciousness ○ Return to mental states
consciousness unimportant and consciousness
○ Wilheim Wundt: ○ Only behavior mattered ○ Brain imaging of
Structuralists used this because it was the only consciousness.
to reflect on what it's thing that could be ○ How does the brain
like to do something measured react to different events?
(drinking a glass of ○ B.F Skinner:
water example) behaviorism
Psychoactive Drugs: Altered Consciousness
Synapses & Neurotransmitters (NTs)
Chemical Messages
Post-Synaptic Receptors
Lock & Key Principle
○ Special chemical shape fits into specific receptor type
○ NT “binds” to receptor
○ Receptor is now activated
Reuptake
Reuptake: Unused NT is reabsorbed by pre-synaptic neuron
Psychoactive Substances
Psychoactive Drugs: Affect NTs
, Psychoactive substances interfere with NT’s in one way or another.
Psychosis: trouble distinguishing what is and isn’t real. This can involve seeing or hearing things that
aren't there (hallucinations) or having strong beliefs that are untrue or irrational (delusions). Psychosis can
affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, making it hard to think clearly and interact with
others.
Agonists Antagonist
○ Increases activity of NTs ○ Decreases activity of NTs
○ Mimics the body’s natural NTs ○ EXAMPLE: antipsychotics inhibit
○ EXAMPLE: heroin increases endorphins: dopamine:
It binds to endorphin receptors, increasing By blocking dopamine receptors, they help reduce
pleasure and reducing pain, which is why it can be symptoms like hallucinations in conditions such as
very addictive. schizophrenia.
Psychoactive Substances
Substance Use Disorder
Drug-related distress or impairment
○ Interferes with our daily life
Tolerance
Weaker drug effects with repeated use: constant use of the drug will require higher doses of it to actually
feel the effects.
Physical Dependance
○ Body/cells need drug to function
○ Take drugs to avoid withdrawals: sweating, higher blood pressure, etc.
Psychological Dependance
○ Take drugs because of intense cravings
○ You need the drug to feel normal or to feel like you usually do
You can have both dependencies to different degrees. These two types of dependence often
overlap—someone might start using the drug for emotional reasons but then develop a physical need for it
over time. Similarly, someone who initially takes a drug for physical pain might develop cravings because
of how it makes them feel.
Depressants
(ALCOHOL)
Consciousness
Consciousness is subjective awareness of internal and external states.
○ Subjective in terms of perceptual experiences; our experiences are our own perceptions that are
unique only to us.
○ We're conscious when people are around us, when we’re hungry, etc.
Complex Past with Psychology
Introspection Behaviourism Cognitive Psychology
○ Basic units of ○ Consciousness ○ Return to mental states
consciousness unimportant and consciousness
○ Wilheim Wundt: ○ Only behavior mattered ○ Brain imaging of
Structuralists used this because it was the only consciousness.
to reflect on what it's thing that could be ○ How does the brain
like to do something measured react to different events?
(drinking a glass of ○ B.F Skinner:
water example) behaviorism
Psychoactive Drugs: Altered Consciousness
Synapses & Neurotransmitters (NTs)
Chemical Messages
Post-Synaptic Receptors
Lock & Key Principle
○ Special chemical shape fits into specific receptor type
○ NT “binds” to receptor
○ Receptor is now activated
Reuptake
Reuptake: Unused NT is reabsorbed by pre-synaptic neuron
Psychoactive Substances
Psychoactive Drugs: Affect NTs
, Psychoactive substances interfere with NT’s in one way or another.
Psychosis: trouble distinguishing what is and isn’t real. This can involve seeing or hearing things that
aren't there (hallucinations) or having strong beliefs that are untrue or irrational (delusions). Psychosis can
affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, making it hard to think clearly and interact with
others.
Agonists Antagonist
○ Increases activity of NTs ○ Decreases activity of NTs
○ Mimics the body’s natural NTs ○ EXAMPLE: antipsychotics inhibit
○ EXAMPLE: heroin increases endorphins: dopamine:
It binds to endorphin receptors, increasing By blocking dopamine receptors, they help reduce
pleasure and reducing pain, which is why it can be symptoms like hallucinations in conditions such as
very addictive. schizophrenia.
Psychoactive Substances
Substance Use Disorder
Drug-related distress or impairment
○ Interferes with our daily life
Tolerance
Weaker drug effects with repeated use: constant use of the drug will require higher doses of it to actually
feel the effects.
Physical Dependance
○ Body/cells need drug to function
○ Take drugs to avoid withdrawals: sweating, higher blood pressure, etc.
Psychological Dependance
○ Take drugs because of intense cravings
○ You need the drug to feel normal or to feel like you usually do
You can have both dependencies to different degrees. These two types of dependence often
overlap—someone might start using the drug for emotional reasons but then develop a physical need for it
over time. Similarly, someone who initially takes a drug for physical pain might develop cravings because
of how it makes them feel.
Depressants
(ALCOHOL)
