Usage of stroboscopic visual stimuli to induce compliance

A research paper by Dr. Steph Malphren, PhD. in conjunction with Sleepy Smiles Special Hospital.

Introduction:

The STROBE (Sensory Taxing Rapid Optical Burden Effect) method is a newly developed technique used to prepare a resistant subject for further treatment by reducing combative tendencies, increasing mental susceptibility, and encouraging repression/disassociation of existing memory and personality. The STROBE method works by inducing an auto-hypno sensory overload response in the subject via extended exposure to rapid flashes of high intensity light. Extended (72+ hours) exposure and the accompanying sleep deprivation results in visual stimuli overload and is rapidly followed by a mental collapse, leaving the subject in a minimally conscious state and ready for additional treatment. Extreme use of the STROBE method can cause a vegetative state, making the STROBE method useful for indefinite committal subjects.

• Method:

The STROBE method functions via bombarding the subject with rapidly flashing high intensity light, while also inducing sensory overload in the subject. In order to achieve the best possible results using the STROBE method, you must ensure that 1) the subject is continually exposed to inescapable 360° visual stimuli, and 2) the subject must be denied coping mechanisms that would allow them to withstand sensory overload.

• Part 1: Ensuring constant stimuli

In order for the STROBE method to be effective, care must be taken to ensure that the subject is unable to ignore or block out the visual stimuli, as well as insuring the proper sleep deprivation required to induce mental collapse. Tests have shown that 4 strobe lights, mounted in the four corners of the treatment room, provides adequate coverage for the standard 10’x10’x10’ padded cell. If desired, additional strobe lights can be mounted halfway up the wall to ensure additional coverage. Said strobe lights should be set to pulse 5-8 times a second, with an intensity such that the light is visible through closed eyelids. Furthermore, ensuring that the strobe lights are not synced up seems to improve discombobulation in the subject and increase effectiveness. The STROBE method is shown to be more effective when used with multiple colors of light, especially when combined with non-white ambient lighting. The combination of a red/white strobe combined with pink ambient light appears to be the most effective in testing, but adequate results have been reported with all combinations of light, including simple white light.

• Part 2: Ensuring sensory overload

When exposed to constant visual stimuli for long periods of time, subjects will attempt to block out or stop the offending stimuli, or, failing that, will attempt to use physical activity as a coping mechanism to prevent sensory overload. Restraining the subject is a convenient way to achieve this, as well as preventing the subject from blocking out and/or destroying the strobe lights. Straightjackets and restraint belts, perhaps in conjunction with a hobbler, are especially convenient as many facilities use these restraints when transporting or processing subjects. Of course, a padded cell should be used to prevent self-inflicted injuries, preferably small enough to prevent effective pacing; standard 10’x10’x10’ padded cell are more than adequate for this application. Interestingly, complete restriction of movement leads to decreased effectiveness of the STROBE method when compared to only partial restriction (Straightjackets, restraint belts, hobblers, etc.), possibly due to the increased levels of panic and anxiety subjects feel when experiencing the onset of sensory overload in partial restriction. Stimulants can also be used to ensure sensory overload; due to its simplicity, vaporized or aerosolized caffeine is recommended, administered either directly to the subject via anesthesia mask or by introducing the drug into the atmosphere of the cell. A dose of 2mg/kg/hour has proven to produce the best results.

• Usage:

Subjects exposed to the STROBE method go through the following phases during the course of the treatment: Introduction, Resistance, Overload, Exhaustion, Docile, and Comatose. Be advised that the time ranges below are averages taken from test data, and that outliers may exist. It is encouraged that subjects undergoing STROBE treatment should be continually monitored.

• Introduction Phase (0-3 hours)
  • Subjects in the Introduction Phase have just recently begun their treatment, and are not yet feeling its effects. Subjects may display signs of confusion or discombobulation during this Phase.
• Resistance Phase (4-32 hours)
  • The Resistance Phase is characterized by the subject beginning to experience sensory overload, but not to the point of mental collapse. Subjects become combative and irritable, especially as sleep deprivation occurs. As the Resistance Phase continues, subjects will exhibit signs of fatigue, trouble concentrating, restlessness, reduced decision making skills, outbursts, and mood swings. Pacing, struggling against restraints, etc., will increase with time as sensory overload mounts. Subjects often become increasingly vocal with time, although the coherence of vocalizations decreases dramatically.
• Overload Phase (20-40 hours)
  • The Overload Phase is marked by the subject no longer being able to cope with the constant visual stimuli, resulting in mental breakdowns and collapse. Subjects may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
    • Thrashing, shaking, and/or trembling
    • Incoherent screaming and/or speech
    • Crying
    • Hysterics
    • Panic attacks
    • Hyperventilating
    •  Mania
    • Uncontrollable laughter
    • Emotional outbursts
    • Psychosis
    • Extreme mood swings
    • Repeated vocalizations or movements
  • Allow the mental collapse to continue until the subject progresses to the next phase.

• Exhaustion Phase (30-54 hours)
  • The Exhaustion Phase when the subject has been drained of all mental and physical energy, and typically lasts 8-24 hours following the end of the resistance phase. Subject will not respond to any stimuli during this phase. Brain waves show a state similar to Type 3 Sleep (aka “Deep Sleep”), although the subject is not technically sleeping. The subject’s eyes may or may not be closed during this phase.
• Docile Phase (38-72 hours)
  • Once the subject has reached the Docile Phase, STOBE treatment may stop if desired. Subjects in the Docile Phase will have lost access to their previous memory and personality, leaving them ready for additional treatment. Motor skills, light sensitivity, and coordination may be reduced, but this will fade with time and physical therapy. Subjects will typically be able to make vocalizations, but the ability to speak, read, and write may be diminished to nonexistent. Subjects in the Docile Phase typically exhibit a mental age of 5-7 years old, and will frequently fail a Piaget Conservation Test. Most subjects in the Docile Phase maintain object permanence, but it is not unheard of for this to be diminished as well. Subject’s thinking skills and mental age will improve over time and with therapy, although not to previously existing levels.
• Comatose Phase (72+ hours)
  • If STROBE treatment is continued for 12+ hours following the Docile Phase, the subject will enter a permanent vegetative state known as the Comatose Phase. Subjects in the Comatose Phase may exhibit some or all of the following behaviors:
    • Severe to total loss of motor functions
    • Little to no voluntary reactions to stimuli
    • Reduced reflexes
    • Little to no vocalizations, voluntary or otherwise
    • Severe to total loss of balance
    • Severe to total inability to eat and drink
    • Little to no control over bowel movements.
  • For the reasons stated above, subjects in the Comatose Phase will require 24/7 care, including, but not limited to, feeding tube, catheter, diaper, or ventilator. Subject must be turned over frequently to prevent bed sores.
• Note: continuing STROBE therapy after the Comatose Phase has shown to have little to no benefit and is not recommended.

• Conclusion:

While the STOBE method is effective at preparing subjects for further treatment, the permanent nature of the therapy, as well as the specialized cell and observation required, make the STROBE method better suited for long-term or indefinite committal and treatment plans, or for facilities with limited space, staff, or resources. In addition, tests show that if a subject undergoes STROBE therapy after already going through a STROBE therapy regimen, the subject will typically regress back to the Docile Phase after 8-12 hours. In conclusion, the STROBE method is a useful technique to prepare a resistant subject for further treatment.

For questions or professional inquires, contact Dr. Steph Malphren at contact@sleepysmiles.org