Psilocybin modulation of time-varying functional connectivity is associated with plasma psilocin and subjective effects
Anders Lykkebo-Valløe, Brice Ozenne, Sophia Armand, Morten Mørup, Melanie Ganz, Anders S. Olsen, M. Madsen, Dea Siggaard Stenbæk, Gitte M. Knudsen, Patrick M. Fisher
NeuroImage October 27, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119716
Summary
Psilocybin's profound hallucinogenic effects are rooted in specific brain changes. Neuroscience reveals this psychedelic drug subtly modulates functional connectivity, influencing neurotransmitter receptors. These acute psychological effects stem from decreases in the occurrence and duration of two distinct types of lateral and medial frontoparietal connectivity motifs. This understanding, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, advances a comprehensive neurobiological framework. Such insights also hold relevance for Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, clarifying how this powerful hallucinogen alters perception.
Abstract
Our findings suggest that the acute perceptual psychedelic effects induced by psilocybin may stem from drug-level associated decreases in the occurrence and duration of lateral and medial frontoparietal connectivity motifs. We apply and argue for a modified approach to modeling eigenvectors produced by LEiDA that more fully acknowledges their underlying structure. Together these findings contribute to a more comprehensive neurobiological framework underlying acute effects of serotonergic psychedelics.