sensory deprivation
noun Psychiatry.
the experimental or natural reduction of environmental stimuli, as by physical isolation or loss of eyesight, often leading to cognitive, perceptual, or behavioral changes, as disorientation, delusions, or panic.
Words nearby sensory deprivation
sensorineural hearing impairment,
sensorium,
sensory,
sensory aphasia,
sensory cortex,
sensory deprivation,
sensory epilepsy,
sensory ganglion,
sensory image,
sensory nerve,
sensory neuron
British Dictionary definitions for sensory deprivation
sensory deprivation
noun
psychol
an experimental situation in which all stimulation is cut off from the sensory receptors
Medical definitions for sensory deprivation
sensory deprivation
n.
The reduction or absence of usual external stimuli or perceptual opportunities, commonly resulting in psychological distress and sometimes in unpleasant hallucinations.
Cultural definitions for sensory deprivation
sensory deprivation
A natural or experimentally arranged situation in which stimulation of a subject's senses is greatly reduced. Experiments have included floating subjects in soundproof water chambers. Though short periods of sensory deprivation can be relaxing, extended deprivation can result in extreme anxiety, hallucinations, bizarre thoughts, depression, and antisocial behavior. Sensory deprivation experiments have demonstrated that humans need constant sensory contact with their environment in order to function.