Predicting the Intensity of Psychedelic-Induced Mystical and Challenging Experience in a Healthy Population: An Exploratory Post-Hoc Analysis
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment – October 01, 2023
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin, a synthesized alkaloid, significantly reduced neuroticism, a core Big Five personality trait, in 100 participants. Those receiving the medicine experienced a 30% average decline in neuroticism scores, showing substantial positive affect, compared to minimal change with placebo. This post hoc exploratory analysis, examining neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, suggests profound potential for clinical psychology and psychiatry. Mystical experiences, often guided by a psychotherapist, correlated with these lasting personality shifts, positioning psilocybin as a promising avenue in psychedelics and drug studies for a broader population.
Abstract
A limitation of this study is its post hoc, exploratory design; recommendations for further research are provided.