title: Impaired information processing triggers altered states of consciousness.
abstract: Schizophrenia, intoxication with tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-THC), and cannabis psychosis induce characteristic time and space distortions suggesting a common psychotic dysfunction. Since genetic research into schizophrenia has led into disappointing dead ends, the present study is focusing on this phenotype. It is shown that information theory can account for the dynamical basis of higher sensorimotor information processing and consciousness under physiologic as well as pathologic conditions. If Kolmogorov entropy (inherent in the processing of action and time) breaks down in acute psychosis, it is predicted that Shannon entropy (inherent in the processing of higher dimensional perception) will increase, provoking positive symptoms and altered states of consciousness. In the search for candidate genes and the protection of vulnerable individuals from cannabis abuse, non-linear EEG analysis of Kolmogorov information could thus present us with a novel diagnostic tool to directly assess the breakdown of information processing in schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Praxis für Innere Medizin, Soodstrasse 13, Adliswil, 8134, Switzerland. markus.fritzsche@gmx.ch
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fritzsche
mesh_terms: D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000009:adverse effects; D019277:Entropy; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007257:Information Theory; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010641:Phenotype; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011789:Quantum Theory; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D013028:Space Perception / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013998:Time Perception / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D014836:Volition
chemical_list: D013759:Dronabinol