In 1921 a German
physiologist (Loewi) dreamed a dream that inspired his discovery of the
chemical nature of neurotransmission. This book contains a broad overview of
the role of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators such as acetylcholine and the
other 50 that have been documented since that time.  The editors have complied a wide range of chapters on natural,
drug induced and pathological states of consciousness.

There is an
abundant collection of past research findings here presented under clear
subheadings and categories making it relatively clear to follow for such a very
complex topic. The first chapter by Perry and Young outlines the main
neurotransmitters and provides the basic information needed to make some use of
the later chapters which cover the various brain functions such as arousal,
attention, mood, learning, memory, motivation, sleep and dreaming with studies
of pathology also included.

There is a
definition of what is needed for conscious awareness on page 181 in the chapter
by Ashton. It states that conscious awareness involves a combination of
coordinated activity in multiple neuronal networks, parallel processing in many
cortical and subcortical pathways including arousal, memory and mood systems
and involves many neurotransmitters synchronized by high frequency (40+Hz)
oscillatory activity which binds the component parts. I’m not quite sure my
reading this book improved on my basic understanding further than this though
there are many interesting facts tucked away in paragraph corners. For example
you can find out exactly where the highest density of cannabinoid receptors
are-the globus pallidus, substantia nigra, dentate gyrus and molecular layer of
the cerebellum-and that cannabis really does induce loss of memory.

Anyone searching
for a deeper philosophical or psychological understanding of states of
consciousness would best look elsewhere as this book is a strictly scientific
affair, though written simply enough for those who have some general knowledge
of this field to understand. An abridged version of this attempt to explain the
enigmatic subject at the heart of human existence might be more appealing to
general readership. I’m sure many are interested in having access to the type
of clear scientific reporting that this book contains but may not find this
particular book inspiring- which of course is one part of consciousness and
neurotransmission that is one of the most motivating.

© 2003 Prem Dana Takada

Prem Dana Takada, B.B.Sc.
(Hons) M.A. Clinical Psychology,
originally trained as a Clinical Psychologist in
Melbourne, Australia where she also acquired registration as a Family
Therapist. After leaving Australia, Prem Dana worked as a Principal Clinical
Psychologist in West London where she continued to work with individuals,
couples, families, and as a group therapist and received further training in
Ericksonian Psychotherapy Hypnotherapy in Oxford. She has traveled widely
having also lived and worked in India, and has been in Japan for the last eight
years where she currently runs the Psychotherapy and Healing Practice and is
President of International Mental Health Professionals Japan a professional
organization established for international therapists. www.imhpj.org

Link: Publisher’s web page for book

Categories: Psychology