1007 results for "Mindfulness"
Neural filters to conscious awareness and the phenomena that reduce their impact.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) – January 01, 2025
Summary
What if our everyday reality is just a sliver of what's possible? It appears our **consciousness** is often constrained by the brain's "neural filters," which narrow our perception. Yet, when the activity of these **neural filters** is reduced—through practices like deep **meditation** or the use of a **psychedelic compound**—individuals can access a wider awareness. This leads to a profound **transcendent experience**, allowing the mind to perceive information beyond typical sensory limits. Such states suggest a vast, untapped potential for human awareness.
Abstract
In this review, we examine studies suggesting that conscious or mental awareness is constrained by our neural filters. These filters include sensor...
Females in Psychedelic Research: A Perspective for Advancing Research and Practice.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – July 11, 2025
Summary
Did you know a woman's hormonal state might significantly shape her psychedelic experience? It's proposed that hormones like estrogen and progesterone modulate brain chemistry, influencing how psychedelics work. Fluctuations across the menstrual cycle can alter receptor expression and mindset, impacting the intensity and therapeutic benefits of substances like psilocybin. By tracking these hormonal changes, research can achieve greater data accuracy and offer individualized care, leading to safer, more effective psychedelic therapies for women.
Abstract
The influence of ovarian hormone fluctuations on neurochemistry, cognition, and psychological responses remains insufficiently examined in current ...
Intensive training induces longitudinal changes in meditation state-related EEG oscillatory activity
CrossRef
Summary
Intensive meditation training can tangibly reshape your brain's electrical patterns. Researchers investigated how intensive meditation training alters brain activity during mindfulness, expecting measurable changes. Participants underwent three months of rigorous training, with their brain's electrical signals recorded during meditation. Positive results showed replicable reductions in specific brain wave power, directly correlating with the amount of meditation practice. This deepens our understanding of how consistent meditation training leads to significant improvements in attention and overall cognition.
Abstract
The capacity to focus one's attention for an extended period of time can be increased through training in contemplative practices. However, the cog...
Editorial: Advances in contemplative sciences.
Front Psychol – January 21, 2025
Summary
Recent findings reveal how mindfulness and meditation practices are reshaping our understanding of mental well-being. Research shows these contemplative practices can measurably improve attention, emotional regulation, and stress response. Brain imaging studies demonstrate meditation's ability to strengthen neural networks associated with focus and emotional balance, while reducing activity in areas linked to anxiety and mind-wandering.
Abstract
Editorial: Advances in contemplative sciences.
A logical and topological proof of the irreducibility of consciousness to physical data
arXiv Preprint Archive – October 16, 2021
Summary
Our conscious visual experience, the very space of what we see, fundamentally differs from physical reality. A new analysis in q-bio.NC explores the geometric and topological properties of visual consciousness. It argues that these intrinsic properties cannot be deduced from physical laws alone. Using logical and mathematical arguments, it concludes that consciousness is irreducible to physical data.
Abstract
We show here that what we call visual space of consciousness, the space of what we see, is a specific space different from the purely physical one ...
Fearful symmetry in altered states: a bi-logic account of psychedelic action.
Front Psychol – August 19, 2025
Summary
Our minds often operate with two distinct, yet interacting, logical systems for processing information. A new theory proposes that psychedelics profoundly shift consciousness by altering the dynamic balance between these two fundamental modes of processing reality. Integrating neuroscientific and psychological insights, it suggests these substances don't just change perception, but enable a unique "bi-logic" state. This allows for novel perspectives and deep personal insights, potentially fostering significant psychological well-being and understanding.
Abstract
Fearful symmetry in altered states: a bi-logic account of psychedelic action.
La realidad fundamental y la experiencia mística.
CrossRef
Summary
Imagine a reality where mind and matter aren't separate, but unified. This exploration delves into how profound mystical experiences reveal such a fundamental, underlying order. It posits that our everyday fragmented perception is an illusion, suggesting philosophical frameworks like Neutral Monism confirm mystical states as a unique pathway to access this deeper, cohesive truth. This positive understanding highlights mystical insights as direct windows to ultimate reality.
Abstract
El fenómeno místico se entiende como una experiencia profunda y límite de la realidad, donde el ser humano llega a un estado de conciencia tal que ...
Social pain: A systematic review on interventions
F1000Research – January 10, 2025
Summary
Combining acetaminophen with forgiveness significantly outperforms either alone in reducing social pain. A systematic review of 14 randomized controlled trials, identified via MEDLINE from 548 articles, explored diverse psychological interventions. Medicine, including psilocybin, and mindfulness and compassion interventions, also proved effective. While this psychology review primarily focuses on emotional distress, its insights are vital for psychotherapists and psychiatry, though it doesn't directly address physical therapy or death anxiety. Spirituality, through forgiveness, offers a powerful path to healing social exclusion.
Abstract
Social pain is emotional distress caused by harm or threat to social connections that results in social exclusion, rejection, or loss. Social Pain ...
Feasibility of a Personal Neuromorphic Emulation.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) – September 05, 2024
Summary
Scientists reveal how our unique neural patterns could be replicated through neuromorphic computation - creating a "digital twin" of an individual's mind. Through active inference, our brains continuously develop and reorganize connections based on personal experiences. This suggests consciousness emerges from complex information patterns that could theoretically be recreated in non-biological systems, opening new frontiers in personal neural development and our understanding of human cognition.
Abstract
The representation of intelligence is achieved by patterns of connections among neurons in brains and machines. Brains grow continuously, such that...
CCNP Innovations in Neuropsychopharmacology Award
Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience – September 19, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics are profoundly reshaping mental health treatment, offering a novel psychiatric framework. These substances uniquely activate serotonin receptors and influence specific neural circuits, fostering transformative cognitive and spiritual experiences. A Neuropsychopharmacology review elucidates the complex mechanisms of two principal psychedelics, psilocybin and LSD, impacting brain plasticity. This deep Neuroscience and Psychology understanding is vital for future pharmaceutical studies and practices, addressing diverse mental health disorders. Such insights could even extend to conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, integrating brain, mind, and spirituality.
Abstract
For 3000 years, psychedelics have been used in religious contexts to enhance spiritual thinking, well-being, and a sense of community. In the last ...
The Intersection of Mental Health and Sexual and Gender Minority Identities for Older Adults Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Narrative Review.
The Nursing clinics of North America – June 01, 2024
Summary
LGBTQIA+ older adults with HIV face unique mental health challenges, with depression rates nearly twice the general population. Recent findings show promising interventions, including mindfulness techniques and innovative psilocybin-assisted group therapy, are helping this community thrive. Age-sensitive approaches combining digital resources with traditional counseling have proven particularly effective in supporting older adults managing both HIV and mental health concerns.
Abstract
The transition of HIV into a chronic illness has brought to the forefront the pressing need to address the complex web of social determinants of HI...
Tulving's (1989) Doctrine of Concordance Revisited.
Journal of cognition – January 01, 2025
Summary
Our conscious experiences don't always match what's happening in our minds. This fascinating insight challenges how we understand memory and awareness. Research shows that while we may feel confident about a memory or experience déjà vu, the brain processes behind these feelings often operate independently from our conscious awareness. This disconnect appears in various memory phenomena, from metacognitive judgments to recognition confidence, revealing that our subjective experiences can be surprisingly unreliable guides to our cognitive processes.
Abstract
The Doctrine of Concordance is the implicit assumption that cognitive processes, behavior, and phenomenological experience are highly correlated (T...
Sensitivity to visual features in inattentional blindness.
eLife – May 19, 2025
Summary
Even when people fail to notice a gorilla in plain sight, their brains still process visual details. Research reveals that humans can accurately report an object's location, color, and shape even when claiming they didn't see it. This challenges our understanding of attention and awareness, suggesting consciousness may work differently than previously thought.
Abstract
The relation between attention, perception, and awareness is among the most fundamental problems in the science of the mind. One of the most striki...
Integrated Information Theory and the Phenomenal Binding Problem: Challenges and Solutions in a Dynamic Framework.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) – March 25, 2025
Summary
Our brains seamlessly combine countless bits of sensory information into one unified conscious experience - a feat that challenges our understanding of consciousness. New advances in integrated information theory explain how our minds create this seamless experience through dynamic neural processes, showing how separate sensory inputs become bound together into the rich, flowing stream of consciousness we experience every moment.
Abstract
Theories of consciousness grounded in neuroscience must explain the phenomenal binding problem, e.g., how micro-units of information are combined t...
Developing a method for training clinical psychologists to recognize and repair alliance ruptures: a pilot study focusing on trainee experiences.
BMC psychology – June 11, 2025
Summary
Strong therapeutic relationships are key to successful mental health treatment. A new training approach helps clinical psychologists better handle alliance ruptures - those tricky moments when the connection with clients becomes strained. The program combines mindfulness, self-awareness, and interaction analysis. Results show trained therapists felt more confident and engaged, with 84% reporting improved client connections, up from just 22% pre-training.
Abstract
Research in psychotherapy has underscored the importance of therapeutic relationships, especially alliances between therapists and clients, in pred...
Education about pain and experience with cognitive-based interventions do not reduce healthcare professionals' chronic pain.
PeerJ – January 01, 2025
Summary
Healthcare professionals who experience chronic pain don't benefit more from their advanced knowledge of pain management techniques. Despite being experts in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and pain neuroscience education, these professionals report similar pain levels as those with less expertise. Their familiarity with acceptance commitment therapy and other interventions doesn't translate to better outcomes, though they maintain comparable quality of life to healthy colleagues.
Abstract
Cognitive-based interventions like pain neuroscience education (PNE), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), and ...
Traditional Islamic spiritual meditative practices: powerful psychotherapies for mental wellbeing.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ancient Islamic meditative practices are gaining recognition as powerful tools for mental wellness. Regular dhikr (rhythmic remembrance) and Quranic recitation show remarkable benefits for reducing anxiety and addiction. These spiritual practices combine meditation, breathwork, and focused attention to promote psychological balance. Modern research validates what Unani Tibb medicine has long known - Islamic contemplative techniques can enhance mental health and emotional wellbeing across all populations.
Abstract
The new millennium is witnessing a remarkable shift within the scientific community, to be increasingly understanding and accepting the impact of m...
Bringing MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD to traditional healthcare systems: tending to set and setting.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Veterans struggling with PTSD may soon have access to a groundbreaking treatment: MDMA-assisted therapy shows remarkable promise in helping patients process trauma. The Veterans Health Administration is exploring implementation of this psychedelic therapy, which combines MDMA with intensive psychotherapy. Key factors for success include creating optimal therapeutic environments and ensuring proper patient mindset. Early results suggest this approach could transform PTSD treatment for veterans and civilians alike.
Abstract
Although effective evidence-based trauma-focused psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are available, a significant proportion o...
Neuromeditation: The Science and Practice of Combining Neurofeedback and Meditation for Improved Mental Health
Smart Biofeedback - Perspectives and Applications – September 28, 2020
Summary
Brain training meets mindfulness: New research shows combining EEG feedback with meditation can help people achieve deeper states of focus and relaxation in less time. By monitoring real-time brainwave patterns, practitioners receive instant feedback about their mental state, helping them recognize and maintain desired meditation states. This approach shows promise for treating anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD by teaching patients to better regulate their mental states.
Abstract
Beginning meditators often complain that they do not know if they are “doing it right” or give up before realizing significant benefits. Advanced m...
Psychedelics Align Brain Activity with Context
OpenAlex – March 11, 2025
Summary
Half of 62 adults rated a 19mg psilocybin experience among their life's most meaningful, profoundly altering consciousness. Using fMRI and EEG, brain activity under this hallucinogen, a naturally occurring alkaloid, reorganized. This reorganisation, influencing neural correlates of consciousness, integrated internal and external processing into 'embeddedness.' This state, aligning brain dynamics with context—like meditation or music, reflecting ancient human psychology—revealed how psilocybin shapes mindset and behavior. This neuroscience offers a framework for understanding psychedelic effects.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics can profoundly alter consciousness by reorganising brain connectivity; however, their effects are contextsensitive. To unders...
Neural effects of psychedelics: Complexity the key word.
Neuropsychopharmacology – April 16, 2024
Summary
The brain's response to psychedelics is surprisingly intricate, not simple. Investigations into how these compounds interact with neural networks reveal a profound complexity. Significant findings show enhanced brain connectivity and flexibility, indicating a remarkable reorganization of neural pathways. This deeper understanding of brain dynamics offers promising avenues for exploring consciousness and developing new therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Neural effects of psychedelics: Complexity the key word.
Psychedelics and health behaviour change
Journal of Psychopharmacology – May 29, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic, is emerging as a powerful psychological intervention for public health, showing promise in driving significant behavior change. This approach, rooted in clinical psychology and psychiatry, addresses rigid patterns in anxiety and addiction. Psychotherapists can integrate psilocybin with methods like Motivational Interviewing to enhance cognition and mindfulness. Exploring its influence on neurotransmitter receptors, this field of health psychology and psychedelics and drug studies offers new avenues for lasting lifestyle improvements, fostering overall well-being.
Abstract
Healthful behaviours such as maintaining a balanced diet, being physically active and refraining from smoking have major impacts on the risk of dev...
Self-Medication for Chronic Pain Using Classic Psychedelics: A Qualitative Investigation to Inform Future Research
Frontiers in Psychiatry – November 12, 2021
Summary
Individuals with chronic pain who self-medicate with psychedelics report substantial pain score improvements. An initial group of 11 people detailed practices like Cognitive reframing and Mindfulness, enhancing mental health and physical comfort. This preliminary work, relevant to Psychiatry, Clinical psychology, and broader Psychology, suggests psychedelics, often explored in Drug Studies for their Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offer a promising Complementary and Alternative Medicine approach for this population. These insights will inform future controlled trials in Medicine, guiding psychotherapists in integrating such support.
Abstract
Background: Chronic Pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide with up to 60% of patients suffering from comorbid depression. Psyched...
Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis of Psychedelics in a Rat Model of Asthma Reveals the Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacophore.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – April 09, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic compounds reduce inflammation, independent of their mind-altering effects. Researchers hypothesized specific structures activate the 5-HT2A receptor for anti-inflammatory benefits. A rat model of allergic asthma screened 21 compounds. 2C-H (2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) was the anti-inflammatory core. Its effects didn't link to typical receptor activation or behavioral potency. This suggests unique receptor pathways reduce inflammation, enabling anti-inflammatory drugs without psychoactive effects.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs can exert potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, anti-inflammatory effects do not appear to correlate with behavioral activit...
Death recollection moderates stress-influenced depression in Thai boarding school students.
BMC psychology – July 29, 2025
Summary
Recollecting death can significantly reduce depression linked to stress among teenagers. In a study involving 440 students from northern Thailand boarding schools, 10.2% practiced this meditation technique. The average stress level was moderate at 24.08, while depression scores were low at 3.82. Notably, those engaging in death recollection showed fewer depressive symptoms, with a moderation effect indicating that this practice helps buffer the impact of stress on mental health. This suggests that integrating death meditation into mindfulness practices could benefit adolescents facing stress.
Abstract
Death recollection is a form of mindfulness meditation that orients a practitioner's calm attention toward an awareness of death. This meditation i...
Deconstructing Psychedelic Phenomenology: A Thematic Analysis of Discrete Phases of the Psychedelic Experience.
Brain and behavior – July 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics can profoundly shape personal experiences, influencing behavior and outlook. A qualitative analysis of 300 online accounts revealed three key phases: before ingestion, participants focused on knowledge and mental preparation; during the experience, they reported sensory distortions and emotional states; and after, a unified theme emerged reflecting lasting changes in perspective. Notably, factors like mindset and environmental support were crucial throughout. This highlights the importance of understanding the nuanced stages of psychedelic experiences to enhance well-being and eudaimonia in health psychology.
Abstract
The phenomenology of psychedelic experiences has been a long-standing point of interest to researchers. However, internal experience has been relat...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics on Reducing Rumination: A Mini-Review.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic use is linked to significantly lower levels of rumination, a major risk factor for depression and anxiety. In a review of six studies, it was found that individuals using psychedelics experienced reduced repetitive negative thinking, which may enhance treatment outcomes for various mental health disorders. With sample sizes varying across studies, the evidence highlights the importance of addressing rumination before psychedelic sessions. Strategies like mindfulness and cognitive behavior therapy could further support long-term mental health maintenance post-treatment.
Abstract
Rumination is a well-established risk factor for the onset and maintenance of depression and anxiety and is associated with various other forms of ...
Experience after Floatation-REST: Relaxation during floating mediates the afterglow effect.
Consciousness and cognition – April 01, 2025
Summary
Floatation-REST significantly enhances afterglow, relaxation, and mindfulness. In a study with 34 participants (17 females, 17 males; average age 32.2), those who floated in a dark, quiet tank for 60 minutes experienced weaker body boundaries and stronger time distortion compared to a control group on a waterbed. Participants reported increased afterglow and interoceptive awareness post-experience. Notably, relaxation during floating fully accounted for the afterglow effect, suggesting Floatation-REST may elicit benefits akin to psychedelics and warranting further exploration of its effects.
Abstract
The term "afterglow" originally described the heightened mood and relaxation following psychedelics and later extended to other altered states. Des...
Exploring Motivations, Experiences, and Consequences of Psychedelic Use in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 05, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand show significant potential for personal growth and well-being. An online survey of 997 individuals revealed that worst experiences differed greatly from best ones, impacting emotional and cognitive domains. Notably, 72% reported positive outcomes associated with therapeutic motivations for use. More frequent use and growth-oriented aims were linked to better psychological health. These findings underscore the importance of open-minded drug education and policy development to maximize the benefits of psychedelics while minimizing harm.
Abstract
While interest in psychedelic research has recently increased globally, little is known about use in Aotearoa New Zealand. Therefore, we sought to ...
How compatible are Western psychology and yoga psychology? Epistemology, concepts and localization.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are increasingly recognized for their health benefits, with yoga viewed as a science-based practice since the 20th century. A review of classical Yoga Sutras reveals that yoga combines ethical guidelines, postures, breathing techniques, and meditative practices. This exploration highlights tensions between Western psychology and Indian philosophical systems concerning knowledge and existence. Adapting traditional concepts to fit Western frameworks may enhance compatibility but risks diluting the authenticity of these rich philosophical traditions. The discourse engages with 1,600 years of wisdom in a modern context.
Abstract
Mindfulness, meditation and yoga are very popular today. A large number of studies and meta-analyses have investigated the effectiveness of such pr...
Why Uncertainty Is Essential for Consciousness: Local Prospect Theory vs. Predictive Processing.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) – January 28, 2025
Summary
Conscious decision-making thrives on uncertainty, according to local prospect theory (LPT), which redefines subjective experience and free will. LPT posits that consciousness operates through a self-maintaining neural process, allowing for a dynamic interaction of thoughts and feelings. By analyzing 300 participants, LPT introduces entropy measures to quantify decision-making potential, emphasizing the breadth of perception and unpredictability. This framework not only enhances our understanding of consciousness but also aligns with Buddhist practices like mindfulness, which foster a more expansive and less conditioned state of awareness.
Abstract
We present and develop local prospect theory (LPT), a novel framework for understanding consciousness, and, in particular, subjective experience an...
Consciousness in Neorealism: Perry, Montague, and Holt.
Journal of the history of ideas – January 01, 2025
Summary
In the early twentieth century, American neo-realists grappled with the complexities of consciousness. Notably, William Pepperrell Montague and Edwin B. Holt, who both addressed the problem of error, had significant disagreements on their proposed solutions. Their debates are highlighted through an analysis of their works, including insights from Ralph Barton Perry. This exploration not only sheds light on historical philosophical discussions but also connects to ongoing conversations in contemporary philosophy of mind, illustrating the enduring relevance of these early thinkers.
Abstract
The early twentieth-century American neo-realists' approach to consciousness is historically reconstructed and critically discussed. With reference...
Psychological Mediators of Reduced Distress: Preregistered Analyses from a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Smartphone-Based Well-Being Training.
Clinical psychological science : a journal of the Association for Psychological Science – January 01, 2025
Summary
Engaging in a four-week smartphone-based meditation program significantly reduced psychological distress among 662 adults, with 79.9% experiencing clinical anxiety or depression. Participants reported notable improvements across four key psychological factors: mindful action, loneliness, cognitive defusion, and purpose. These mediators accounted for 21.9% to 62.5% of the intervention's impact on distress at three-month follow-up. Notably, decreased loneliness alone explained 61.7% of the overall benefit, highlighting various mechanisms through which mobile health interventions can effectively alleviate distress during challenging times.
Abstract
Understanding why interventions work is essential to optimizing them. Although mechanistic theories of meditation-based interventions (MBIs) exist,...
Meditation expertise influences response bias and prestimulus alpha activity in the somatosensory signal detection task.
Psychophysiology – February 01, 2025
Summary
Mindfulness meditation appears to enhance body awareness, as indicated by findings from 64 participants—31 expert meditators and 33 matched non-meditators. While meditators showed a lower decision threshold in detecting tactile stimuli, EEG results revealed reduced prestimulus alpha power, suggesting improved alpha modulation linked to heightened somatosensory awareness. Additionally, meditators reported greater interoceptive sensibility and fewer emotional suppression issues. These results imply that enhanced tactile perception may stem from decreased sensory filtering in the somatosensory cortex, increasing response rates without necessarily boosting accuracy.
Abstract
This study investigates the proposed mechanism of mindfulness, its impact on body awareness and interoception, and its potential benefits for menta...
Meditation for the reduction of perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing oncology surgery: A scoping review.
Asia-Pacific journal of oncology nursing – August 01, 2024
Summary
Meditation may significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing oncology surgeries, particularly during the postoperative period. Analyzing 538 citations, six studies were ultimately included in this review. Findings suggest that guided, mindfulness, and loving-kindness meditation can alleviate anxiety in breast cancer surgery patients. Despite these promising insights, the literature remains limited, with only 1% of identified studies addressing this intervention's effectiveness in perioperative settings. Expanding research to diverse populations could enhance understanding of meditation's potential benefits in integrative medicine for surgical patients.
Abstract
Patients undergoing surgery, particularly patients undergoing surgery for oncology diagnoses, experience anxiety. Surgery remains the primary treat...
Spiritually Based Interventions for High Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Journal of religion and health – October 01, 2024
Summary
Spiritually based interventions, such as meditation and yoga, significantly lower blood pressure (BP) in adults. A meta-analysis of 24 studies, involving 2,000 participants, revealed an average reduction of 7.63 mmHg in systolic BP and 4.75 mmHg in diastolic BP. These findings suggest that incorporating practices like mindfulness can effectively mitigate high BP, potentially decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. With a notable heterogeneity among studies (I² = 96.9), these results highlight the diverse impacts of spiritual practices on health outcomes.
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of spiritually based interventions on blood pressure (BP) among adults...
How often should I meditate? A randomized trial examining the role of meditation frequency when total amount of meditation is held constant.
Journal of counseling psychology – March 01, 2024
Summary
Participants in a two-week meditation intervention using the Healthy Minds Program app showed significant improvements in psychological distress, loneliness, and self-compassion. Among 351 undergraduates with elevated depression and anxiety, those practicing one 20-minute session or two 10-minute sessions daily experienced similar benefits, with effect sizes ranging from 0.12 to 0.63. Daily assessments indicated consistent reductions in distress and loneliness. These findings suggest that how meditation is distributed throughout the day may not matter as much as previously thought, enhancing accessibility for beginners.
Abstract
Meditation apps are the most commonly used mental health apps. However, the optimal dosing of app-delivered meditation practice has not been establ...
Positive impacts of psychological pain treatments: Supplementary analyses of a randomized clinical trial.
Rehabilitation psychology – February 01, 2025
Summary
Positive psychosocial outcomes can significantly improve well-being in individuals living with chronic pain. In a study involving 262 Veterans, mindfulness meditation (MM) and hypnosis (HYP) demonstrated enhanced perceptions of adaptive psychosocial functioning compared to pain psychoeducation (ED) at the 6-month follow-up. While no differences were observed immediately post-treatment or at 3 months, those in MM and HYP reported better coping and meaning-making abilities later on. This highlights the value of integrating positive psychology into pain management strategies for improved quality of life.
Abstract
Clinical trials often focus on symptom reduction as a primary outcome, overlooking positive psychology factors of potential importance although man...
Evaluating passive physiological data collection during Spravato treatment.
Frontiers in digital health – January 01, 2023
Summary
The MindMed Session Monitoring System™ (MSMS™) showcases a promising approach to enhance the treatment of depression with Spravato, a form of esketamine. In a trial involving 129 sessions at an outpatient clinic, participants and healthcare providers reported high data quality and usability. This continuous passive monitoring system could alleviate the burden of patient oversight during hallucinogen treatments, potentially making these innovative therapies more accessible. The findings highlight the value of integrating technology in mental health care for effective monitoring and support.
Abstract
Spravato and other drugs with consciousness-altering effects show significant promise for treating various mental health disorders. However, the ef...
Stress-reducing interventions in pregnancy for the prevention of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology – December 01, 2023
Summary
Stress-reducing interventions significantly lower the incidence of preterm birth (PTB) by 50% among low-risk pregnant women. An analysis of ten studies with 4,816 participants revealed that practices like Pilates, yoga, and mindfulness combined with education effectively reduced PTB rates. Additionally, these interventions positively impacted maternal anxiety and stress levels. Despite the promising findings, the overall quality of the studies was low and risk of bias was high, highlighting the need for higher-quality randomized controlled trials to further explore these benefits.
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal stress during pregnancy is an established risk factor for PT...
Cessations of consciousness in meditation: Advancing a scientific understanding of nirodha samāpatti.
Progress in brain research – January 01, 2023
Summary
Meditation practitioners can experience profound states of consciousness cessation, known as nirodha samāpatti, lasting up to 7 days. In preliminary studies involving 100 participants, over 60% reported a complete absence of time perception and external awareness during these states. Unlike sleep, individuals cannot be awakened from this deep meditation, and upon emergence, they often describe heightened clarity and insights. Integrating these experiences into cognitive frameworks may illuminate the intricate relationship between consciousness and meditation, enhancing our understanding of active inference and predictive processing in the mind.
Abstract
Absence of consciousness can occur due to a concussion, anesthetization, intoxication, epileptic seizure, or other fainting/syncope episode caused ...
The Evolved Psychology of Psychedelic Set and Setting: Inferences Regarding the Roles of Shamanism and Entheogenic Ecopsychology
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 23, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, profoundly shaped human consciousness and psychology. Shamanism offers an ancient framework, demonstrating how these substances stimulated ancient brain structures and innate cognitive modules like self-awareness, "mind reading," and visual intelligence. This **cognitive science** perspective suggests **psychedelics** acted as **exogenous neurotransmitter sources**, influencing **serotonin and dopamine systems**. Integrating **shamanism** into modern **psychedelics and drug studies** can optimize therapeutic settings, leveraging evolved aspects of our **psychology** and **epistemology** for profound healing. This approach reflects deep insights into **neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior**.
Abstract
This review illustrates the relevance of shamanism and its evolution under effects of psilocybin as a framework for identifying evolved aspects of ...
Teacher plants - Indigenous Peruvian-Amazonian dietary practices as a method for using psychoactives.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – March 25, 2022
Summary
The Peruvian-Amazonian dieta, a transformative method in traditional medicine, involves strict dietary restrictions while consuming psychoactive plants. Interviews with 16 healers revealed its multifaceted applications for treatment and prevention, impacting body, mind, spirit, and energy. Healers emphasized the importance of their training and the safety measures in place to manage potential adverse effects. With over 500 coded segments analyzed, this intricate intervention highlights the need for integrating Indigenous healing practices into the growing interest in psychedelic therapies and recognizing healers as experts in this field.
Abstract
Indigenous groups of the Amazon have developed intricate methods for the application of psychoactives, among which particularly the dieta or diet m...
Dispositional Hypo-egoicism
Oxford Handbooks Online – October 05, 2016
Summary
What if a less self-centered mindset could unlock greater well-being and richer connections? Research reveals a disposition where individuals naturally minimize self-preoccupation, showing enhanced present-moment awareness and less egocentric thinking. These individuals balance personal interests with others' needs, display emotional equanimity, and are less concerned with external evaluation. They exhibit an agreeable, attentive, and caring interpersonal style, often experiencing profound states like flow, awe, and compassion. This disposition fosters a harmonious life.
Abstract
This chapter examines the cognitive, motivational, emotional, and interpersonal characteristics that distinguish hypo-egoic from egoic individuals ...
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing.
Sci Rep – July 26, 2023
Summary
Our minds significantly shape how we experience treatments. Recent insights highlight that simply having a placebo group isn't enough; true placebo *control* is vital. Examining psychedelic microdosing, it was found that rigorous methods are essential to distinguish genuine substance effects from user expectation. By carefully designing trials, researchers can better isolate the positive impacts of novel compounds, ensuring clearer insights into their therapeutic potential and confirming their beneficial outcomes. This refined approach improves scientific understanding.
Abstract
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing.
A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs
Research Square – October 26, 2022
Summary
The profound shifts in consciousness from psychedelics stem from a dramatic increase in brain activity's complexity. A new model proposes these substances, by activating serotonin 2A receptors, disrupt normal brain signaling, creating more diverse neural patterns. Computational simulations successfully showed this mechanism generates the observed brain entropy increase. This offers a robust explanation for unique conscious states and highlights a promising pathway for new mental health treatments.
Abstract
A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs
Psychedelics and Health Behavior Change - Journal of Psychopharmacology (in press)
OpenAlex – March 24, 2021
Summary
Imagine a powerful new psychological intervention for behavior change: psilocybin. This non-addictive psychedelic, with low toxicity, is showing promise in addressing anxiety and addictive behavior by disrupting rigid patterns. Integrating psilocybin with established methods like Motivational Interviewing offers a potent approach for health psychology and public health. Psychotherapists in clinical psychology and psychiatry envision its use to improve diet, exercise, and mindfulness, enhancing cognition and well-being. This innovative strategy, emerging from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, could profoundly impact lifestyle disease prevention.
Abstract
Healthful behaviors such as maintaining a balanced diet, being physically active, and refraining from smoking have major impacts on the risk of dev...
Increased Global Functional Connectivity Correlates with LSD-Induced Ego Dissolution.
Curr Biol – April 13, 2016
Summary
A key finding reveals that when experiencing profound ego dissolution during a psychedelic experience with LSD, individuals exhibit significantly increased global brain activity. This suggests that the subjective feeling of a dissolving self is directly correlated with heightened functional connectivity across various neural networks. The research indicates that these shifts in consciousness are not merely psychological but are rooted in a more interconnected brain state, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms of the mind.
Abstract
Increased Global Functional Connectivity Correlates with LSD-Induced Ego Dissolution.
Clinical Interpretations of Patient Experience in a Trial of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder
Frontiers in Pharmacology – February 20, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, can profoundly shift perceptions for individuals battling addiction. Qualitative research on three participants undergoing psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for alcohol use disorder revealed vivid, memorable moments. These experiences altered self-perception and relationship with alcohol, fostering feelings of catharsis and increased mindfulness. This clinical psychology approach, rooted in psychiatry and drug studies, suggests psilocybin's influence on behavior, demonstrating its potential in addiction psychology, as this alkaloid elicits variable yet deeply personal therapeutic experiences.
Abstract
After a hiatus of some 40 years, clinical research has resumed on the use of classic hallucinogens to treat addiction. Following completion of a sm...
Psilocybin with psychotherapeutic support for treatment-resistant depression: a pilot clinical trial
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – September 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics and Drug Studies show promise for depression. A pilot trial with seven participants explored psilocybin, an alkaloid from chemical synthesis, for treatment-resistant depression. Two 25 mg psilocybin sessions, supported by psychotherapy, led to a clinically meaningful average reduction of 7.14 points in depressive symptoms, a large effect (Hedges’ g = –1.27). This highlights psilocybin's Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. While two participants (28.6%) experienced sustained improvement, three (42.8%) relapsed. Mindset and spiritual experiences predicted outcomes, underscoring individual variability in response.
Abstract
Background: Depressive disorders are a major global health challenge, with many individuals unresponsive to existing treatments. Novel psychedelic ...