Amnesia: Difference between revisions

'''Amnesia''' can be described as an inability to later recall the events which occurred under the influence of a substance after it has worn off. During states of amnesia, a person will usually retain a functional short-term memory which can still recall events that recently occurred despite those same events failing to later form into long-term memories. As such, a person experiencing amnesia may not obviously appear to be doing so, as they can often carry on normal conversations and perform complex tasks.  

This state of mind is commonly referred to as a "blackout", an experience that can be divided into 2 formal categories, "fragmentary" blackouts and "en bloc" blackouts.<ref>Fragmentary and en bloc blackouts: similarity and distinction among episodes of alcohol-induced memory loss | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12921196</ref> Fragmentary blackouts, sometimes known as "brownouts", are characterized by having the ability to recall specific events from an intoxicated period but remaining unaware that certain memories are missing until reminded of the existence of those 'gaps' in memory. Studies suggest that fragmentary blackouts are far more common than "en bloc" blackouts.<ref>Experiential aspects of alcohol-induced blackouts among college students. | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15083562</ref> In comparison, En bloc blackouts are characterized by a complete inability to later recall any memories from an intoxicated period, even when prompted. It is usually difficult to determine the point at which this type of blackout has ended as sleep typically occurs before this happens.<ref>Alcoholic "blackouts": a review and clinical study of 100 alcoholics | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5804804</ref>

 

Amnesia is an extremely common effect under the influence of [[dosage#common|common]] to [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] of many [[GABAergic]] [[depressants]]. These compounds typically [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], [[GHB]], [[ambien]], and more. However, this effect can also occur less commonly under the influence of very heavy dosages of [[hallucinogen|hallucinogens]] such as [[psychedelic|psychedelics]], [[dissociative|dissociatives]], [[Salvia divinorum]], and [[deliriant|deliriants]].