A B C D E F-G H I-J-K L-M-N O P-Q R S T U-Z

Davis & Husband Scale: Hypnotic scale showing 30 effects that can be achieved at various depth of hypnosis. Effects are place into four general categoric states.

Defense Mechanism: A system of self-protection devices designed to lessen or repress certain thoughts, memories, or feelings from entering the conscious mind.

Delusion: A false belief /idea. An irrational belief tenaciously held in spite of all evidence to the contrary.

Delta Rhythms: Rather slow rhythms in the EEG, characteristic of light sleep.

Delta State: Deepest state of brain activity. An extreme state of suggestibility, sometimes referred to as the comatose/dreamless state.

Dendrite: A tree-like extension of the neuron cell body. Along with the cell body, it receives information from other neurons.

Detachment: When a subject is aware of his environment, but doesn't care to participate.

Depersonalization: A temporary loss of self-identity or of subjective based reality.

Dissociation*: A way to distance or separate a person by suggestion from a scene or event where it may be uncomfortable or painful. Normally the recalling of memories is a result of the association of ideas. If there is a failure in the ability to recall events, which normally should be remembered, it is termed "dissociation" - an interruption of the memory.

*The concept of dissociation is widely used, but poorly defined. By "dissociation of awareness" we mean a separation or segregation off from awareness of a group of mental processes. In the induction of hypnosis there is apparently a stage during which consciousness is highly constricted, that is dissociated from that which would normally constitute its content.

Dissociation of Awareness: A selective constriction of awareness, which excludes all sources of stimulation, except for the suggestions of the hypnotist.

Duration: A measured or estimated period of time while in hypnotic state.