Editing Betazoid (section)

==Physiology==

Externally, Betazoids are among the most humanoid species on record and are outwardly indistinguishable from Humans in every aspect but one, the irises of their eyes are completely black. Betazoids are natural telepaths; most develop this ability in adolescence, but a few are born with their telepathic abilities already active. Unable to screen out the noise of other peoples minds, these individuals generally suffer mental problems of varying severity depending mostly on when the problem was diagnosed.

Betazoids can cross-breed with Humans, although this often affects the telepathic abilities of the offspring - most commonly the children of such a union develop empathic abilities as their primary psionic talent, while their telepathic abilities, though existing, are rather below average for Betazoids. Usually the telepathy of these half-breeds, without extensive training, is limited to communication with other empaths or telepaths and full telepathic contact with emotionally very close persons (Imzadi). All full Betazoids are unable to read the thoughts of Ferengi, Breen, Ullians or Dopterians, but some half Betazoids have been occasionally successful in sensing the emotions of some of these species. Additionally even full Betazoids seem to be able to psionically influence some of these species.

Most Betazoids have telepathic capabilities, and most are from weak to medium power. There are, however, a few especially strong telepaths. The capabilities develop in adolescence, and most receive formal training for their power based on strength. They are all different, and sometimes a Betazoid can be born with full capability. This poses strong problems, and often the individuals are hospitalized and even isolated.

Betazoids reach rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at a different frequency from other humanoids.

In mid-life, Betazoid females undergo a physiological change known as "the Phase" where their sex drive quadruples or more.

Mature Betazoids can also suffer from Zanthi fever, that causes the Betazoid to loose control over the projective aspect of his/her empathy. That can result in people around that Betazoid acting as if they'd experience the same general emotional state as him/her, though they are directed by their own subconscious desires, fears etc.