Perceptual, behavioral and neural sensitization: a multilevel account of increased responsiveness

Abstract

Current IASP terminology limits the concept of sensitization to neural processes. However, sensitization is best understood as a multi-level phenomenon observable at neural, behavioral, and perceptual levels of analysis. This Perspective proposes a definition of sensitization that applies at each of these levels without implying direct correspondence between them. Greater conceptual clarity may be achieved by explicitly distinguishing between neural, behavioral, and perceptual sensitization while maintaining a unified overarching definition that can be applied coherently across these levels of analysis. Such an approach preserves the usefulness of the concept across disciplines while reducing the risk of unwarranted or underspecified cross-level inference.