Flashbacks are spontaneous, transitory recurrences. The episode usually last a few seconds to few minutes but can sometimes last longer. Most often, even in the presence of distinct perceptual disturbances, the person has insight into the pathological nature of the disturbance. Flashback can be triggered by emotional stressStress is not a useful term for scientists because it is such a highly subjective phenomenon that it defies definition. The term is in use from 1936 when Hans Selye defined stress as "the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change" ..., sensory deprivation (such as monotonous driving), or use of another psychoactive substance, such as alcohol or marijuana (Sadock, 2003).
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