An altered state of consciousness (ASC), also called an altered state of mind, altered mental status (AMS), or mind alteration, is any condition which is significantly different from a normal waking state. It describes induced changes in one's mental state, almost always temporary. A synonymous phrase is "altered state of awareness".

History of the term

By 1892, the expression was in use in relation to hypnosis, though there is an ongoing debate as

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