The Theraputic Function of Altered States of Consciousness

The number of treatment failures among those afflicted by severe mental illness remains extraordinarily high. Despite this situation little has changed by way of available treatments. At present time, millions of people are taking antipsychotic medications as the only important component of their treatment despite the dangers, discomforts and high rate of non-complicance associated with these drugs. The treatment of the psychotic disorders has become so exclusively drug oriented that a significant impediment has arisen to the exploration of other approaches. Although the medical model deems virtually all of the psychoses as manifestations of an “illness”, some psychotherapists have consistently emphasized the potential for growth from within the psychotic process. This perspective is rooted in the belief that many “altered states of consciousness” (of which psychosis is but one type) reflect endogenous healing mechanisms that when properly understood and supported can be of great therapeutic value. In light of the shortcomings of current treatments, the notion of psychosis as a potentially restorative, healing mechanism is explored through examining the therapeutic potential of three other altered states of consciousness and their comparability to psychotic processes. The healing art of shamanism and shamanic states of consciousness is first reviewed, followed by a discussion of psychedelic drug induced states, and then the common, naturally occurring state of dreaming. Based on insights acquired from a review of these altered states, implications for how to improve the treatment of the psychotic disorders is presented.