Can stress induce altered states?

Why This Matters

Chronic or acute stress triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, flooding the brain with cortisol and catecholamines that alter neurotransmitter balance. This biochemical cascade results in dissociation, tunnel vision, time distortion, and heightened sensory processing. These stress-induced states demonstrate how the nervous system's survival mechanisms naturally shift consciousness to prioritize threat detection over normal cognitive function.

Where This Changes

The intensity and type of altered state depends on stress duration, individual stress tolerance, and whether the stressor is physical or psychological. Some people experience depersonalization under mild stress, while others require severe trauma to trigger noticeable consciousness shifts.

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