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out-of-body experience

a dissociative experience during which the individual imagines or feels that his or her mind, soul, or spirit has left the body and is acting or perceiving independently. Such experiences are sometimes reported by those who have recovered from a near-death experience; they have also been reported by those using hallucinogens or under hypnosis. A significant number have been reported as occurring when the reporter was asleep or falling asleep. Certain occult or spiritualistic practices may also attempt to induce such experiences. See astral projection.

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Psychology term of the day

November 23rd 2024

psychosis

psychosis

n.

1. an abnormal mental state involving significant problems with reality testing It is characterized by serious impairments or disruptions in the most fundamental higher brain functions—perception, cognition and cognitive processing, and emotions or affect—as manifested in behavioral phenomena, such as delusions, hallucinations, and significantly disorganized speech. See psychotic disorder.

2. historically, any severe mental disorder that significantly interferes with functioning and ability to perform activities essential to daily living.