The clinical relevance of reduced sensory stimulation.

Abstract

Reviews theoretical and empirical connections between psychopathology, therapy, and reduced sensory stimulation. Decreases in sensory and social stimulation have been found to cause or aggravate psychological as well as physical dysfunctions in a wide variety of contexts. Such deprivation in infancy may lead to irreversible damage, while even brief periods of deprivation in adulthood have effects which, although temporary, are quite dramatic. At the same time, there is evidence that sensory deprivation is a promising therapeutic method or adjunct to other methods. (172 ref)

Optimal stimulation: A model of disordered activity and performance in normal and deviant children.

“…Furthermore, whereas the use of primary reinforcers has been determined to be more effective than secondary reinforcers (e.g., social approval) for autistic children, there is some evidence to suggest that secondary reinforcers may be effective if autistic children are first stimulus deprived (Suedfeld, 1975). Suedfeld's (1975) review of findings suggests that long periods of reduced social contact and reduced stimulation, used in conjunction with more traditional techniques, can be beneficial in treating autistic children (p. 96).…”

Coping Activities in Solitary Confinement of U.S. Navy POWs in Vietnam1

“…It appears, too, that isolation may have a striking impact on patients with mental disorders. In certain cases, this may have beneficial consequences (see Suedfeld, 1975 for a thorough review). Current work in therapeutic applications of sensory deprivation has concentrated on helping people who want to stop smoking cigarettes (Suedfeld, 1973), treatment of snake phobia (Suedfeld & Buchanan, 1974), treatment of anorexia nervosa (Lobb & Schaeffer, 1971), and improved speech among isolated stutterers (Svab, Gross, & Langova, 1972).…”

The positive effect of physical constraints on consumer evaluations of service providers

“…In most cases, confinement and isolation produce dramatic dysfunctions, including hallucinations and anxiety [ 20 ]. In some instances, however, some aspects of confinement and isolation may be perceived as relaxing, beneficial, and therapeutic, mainly due to the sensory deprivation that exists in such conditions [ 21 , 22 ].…”