Mental Unity, Altered States of Consciousness and Dissociation

This model for understanding altered states of consciousness and dissociation is based on the hypothesis that normal consciousness depends on an illusion of mental unity generated by certain dynamic brain processes. 1i7ren these processes are altered and the illusion o/ mental unit_y is lost, the individual experiences an altered state o/ consciousness in which normal consciousness is latent or "dissociated." Mental organizations formed during an altered state will, in tutu, become dissociated when the altered state is terminated and mental unity returns. In some cases, recurrent altered states may lead to multiple dissociated mental systems or states. "Therapeutic resolr.t-tion cfdissociation requires that the individual gain access to the memory, transcend the obligatory illusion of unity, and consciously avow the ego state firmed during the traumatic altered state of consciousness. This article describes an admittedly speculative model for understanding altered states of consciousness and dissociation in terms of the brain processes of normal consciousness and cerebral dominance. It is based upon the following line of reasoning: 1. The subjective sense of mental unity is generated by a governing mental system in the language area of the dominant hemisphere and is maintained by the process of cerebral dominance. 2. Under certain circumstances, the governing mental system will relinquish dominance and convert to a latent, dissociated mental system, losing the sense of mental unity. This will result in an altered state of