Considering distinct positive emotions in psychedelic science.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) – December 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelics can evoke profound positive emotions, such as awe and joy, which may significantly influence their therapeutic effects. In a review of existing literature, the importance of identifying distinct positive emotions was emphasized, as they remain understudied despite their potential role in reducing depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. By focusing on these varied emotional responses, a clearer understanding of how psychedelics facilitate healing could emerge. Notably, the acute subjective experiences associated with psychedelics could be pivotal in enhancing long-term mental health outcomes.
Abstract
In this review, we discuss psychedelics' acute subjective and persisting therapeutic effects, outline the science of positive emotions, and highlight the value in considering distinct positive emotions in psychedelic science. Psychedelics produce a wide variety of acute subjective effects (i.e. the 'trip'), including positive emotions and affective states such as awe and joy. However, despite a rich literature on distinct emotions and their different correlates and sequelae, distinct emotions in psychedelic science remain understudied. Insofar as psychedelics' acute subjective effects may play a role in their downstream therapeutic effects (e.g. decreased depression, anxiety, and substance misuse), considering the role of distinct positive emotions in psychedelic experiences has the potential to yield more precise statements about psychedelic-related subjective processes and outcomes. We propose here that understanding the role of positive emotions within the context of psychedelic experiences could help elucidate the connection between psychedelics' acute subjective effects and therapeutic outcomes.