The deja vu experience: remembrance of things past?
Article Abstract:
The term 'deja vu' literally means in French 'already seen', and refers to an unexpected feeling of familiarity; it is a fairly common term which is often misused. Often, this phenomenon is confused with episodes of vivid memory, flashbacks, or the recollection of a forgotten experience which appears to be new. For purposes of this paper deja vu has been defined as ''any subjectively inappropriate impression of familiarity of a present experience with an undefined past.'' The epidemiology, clinical features, and causes of deja vu have been summarized and are presented. Deja vu may be associated with a mental disorder, but also commonly occurs among healthy individuals. The experience appears to occur equally among men and women, and is more frequent among younger individuals. No other significant demographic variables have been noted. Between 30 and 96 percent of people seem to have had this experience at least once. There is much discussion regarding how deja vu may be clinically distinguished as pathological or nonpathological. Generally, if the experience persists or chronically impairs the individual's sense of reality, it may be considered a pathological condition. Because the experience is qualitatively similar in those who are considered well and in those who are considered mentally disordered, the pathological aspects are not distinguished by symptoms, but by duration and frequency of the symptoms. Several hypotheses to explain the origin of deja vu have been postulated and are discussed; these include neurological and psychological etiologies. Although it is not felt that deja vu is solely a disturbance of memory function, this phenomenon provides a fascinating entry for the study of perception and the processes that are involved in memory. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Psychiatry
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0002-953X
Year: 1990
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The role of mantle plumes in continental breakup: case histories from Gondwanaland
Article Abstract:
A new theory suggests that the breakup of the Gondwanaland supercontinent could be due to an active-mantle mechanism. The mechanism involves very high upwelling, known as mantle plumes or hotspots, in the mantle. Plumes could generate large quantities of basaltic magma before continental breakup. Movement of oceanic plates over fixed hotspots produce many volcanic islands. There are many theories on the role of mantle plumes in the continental breakup.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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The Abbey habit
Article Abstract:
The work of the electrical contractor Chloride Power Protection in providing the electrical infrastructure to Abbey National Bank is described, with focus on ensuring that the business is able to operate at all times.
Publication Name: Electrical Contractor
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0308-7174
Year: 2000
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