Sensory Perception and Intensity

What is the result of intense emotions or a lowering of the physiological threshold?

What is the condition in which a person may see colours as very bright and intense?

What is the feature of delirium that affects sensory acuity?

What is the condition in which everything is black or all foods taste the same?

What is the result of a lowering of the physiological threshold?

What is the condition in which a person may see roof tiles as a brilliant flaming red?

What is the condition in which even day-to-day noises are magnified to the point of discomfort?

What is the importance of speaking to the delirious patient?

Changes in Intensity: Hyper- and Hypo-aesthesia

Hyperaesthesia: increased intensity of sensations due to intense emotions or lowered physiological threshold
Examples of hyperaesthesia: seeing roof tiles as brilliant flaming red, hearing door closing as a clap of thunder
Associated conditions: anxiety and depressive disorders, hangover from alcohol, migraine
Hyperacusis: increased sensitivity to noise, even day-to-day noises, causing discomfort

Factors Affecting Sensory Perception

Emotional state: hypomanic, epileptic aura, or under the influence of LSD can lead to bright and intense colours
Normal emotions: intense emotions like religious fervour or romantic love can also cause increased sensory perception

Hypo-aesthesia

Hypoacusis: decreased sensitivity to sound, often seen in delirium
Causes of hypoacusis: raised threshold for all sensations, defect of attention, and attentional deficits
Importance of speaking to delirious patients: slowly and louder than usual to compensate for hypoacusis
Associated disorders: depression, attention-deficit disorder
Other affected senses: visual and gustatory sensations may also be lowered in depression

This quiz covers changes in intensity of sensations, including hyperaesthesia and its relation to emotional states, anxiety, and physical conditions. Explore how sensory perception can be affected by various factors.