Disinhibition

Disinhibition can be described as the partial to complete loss of restraint in governing normal behavior and decision-making processes. It is manifested by impulsivity, poor risk assessment, and disregard for social conventions. A person with drug-induced disinhibition will experience a decreased ability to control and manage their immediate impulsive responses to the external environment.

For the most part, disinhibition simply allows one to overcome emotional apprehension and suppressed social skills in a manner that is quite controllable for the average person. In many cases, the disinhibited individual may be unable to or have a lack of desire to disguise their emotional responses, sometimes at the expense of politeness, sensitivity, or social appropriateness. This lack of constraint can be positive or negative depending on the group or individual. The removal of social filter generally cannot be regarded as an alteration of one's views; it is simply an increased ease at displaying how one already feels.

Disinhibition often occurs along with amnesia and anxiety suppression. It is also a defining characteristic of alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Disinhibition

Psychoactive substances

See also