Latent inhibition

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Latent inhibition is a process by which exposure to a stimulus of little or no consequence prevents conditioned associations with that stimulus being formed. The ability to disregard or even inhibit formation of memory, by preventing associative learning of observed stimuli, is an automatic response and is thought to prevent infomation overload. Latent inhibition is observed in many species, and is believed to be an integral part of the obsevartion/learning process, to allow the 'self' to interact successfully in a social environment.

[edit] Low latent inhibition

Most people are able to shut out the constant stream of incoming stimuli, but those with low latent inhibition cannot. It is hypothesized that a low level of latent inhibition, or LLI, can cause either psychosis or a high level of creativity^[1], which is usually dependent on the subject's intelligence ^[2]^, ^[3]. Those of above average intelligence are thought to be capable of processing this stream effectively, an ability that greatly aids their creativity and ability to learn and which categorizes them as almost creative geniuses. Those with less than average intelligence, on the other hand, are less able to cope, and so as a result are more likely to suffer from mental illness.

Recently, two highly developed cases of low latent inhibition have been detected in New Delhi, India. However, their identities have been kept secret to prevent discrimination.

High levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine (or its agonists) in the brain are thought to lower latent inhibition.^[4]

[edit] In popular culture

Michael Scofield, the protagonist of the television show Prison Break, is clinically diagnosed with low latent inhibition^[5]. His above-average intelligence combined with this personality trait makes him a creative genius, allowing him to make an incredibly detailed and cryptic plan (encrypted in a tattoo) to break his brother, Lincoln Burrows, out of prison.

River Tam, a character on the space western TV series Firefly, appears to have had her brain modified by the Alliance government so that she manifests symptoms of low latent inhibition--a combination of high intelligence, psychotic episodes, and the inability to inhibit sensations of fear or pain.

Contrary to certain popular culture descriptions, latent inhibition is not a mental disorder but an observed personality trait, and a description of how an individual absorbs and assimilates information or stimuli. It may or may not lead to mental order or creative genius - this is, like many other factors of life, a case of environment (positive stimuli e.g. education or negative e.g. abuse) and an individual's predisposition (genetics - family history of mental illness).