1209 results for "Consciousness"
Sleep and dream disturbances associated with dissociative experiences.
Consciousness and cognition – July 01, 2024
Summary
Nightmare distress significantly correlates with daytime dissociative symptoms, as shown in a study involving 219 participants. Individuals with high dissociative experiences (DES) reported greater nightmare distress (averaging 3.5 on a 5-point scale), lucid dreams, and REM Behavior Disorder scores. Notably, dream coherence and first-person perspective accounted for 26% of the variance in dissociation. Among a subgroup of 54 individuals, those recalling dreams frequently exhibited heightened dissociative traits, suggesting that understanding dream content could be key to addressing dissociative symptoms effectively.
Abstract
Some dissociative experiences may be related, in part, to REM intrusion into waking consciousness. If so, some aspects of dream content may be asso...
Neuropsychopharmacological Induction of (Lucid) Dreams: A Narrative Review.
Brain sciences – April 25, 2024
Summary
Lucid dreaming (LD) can be enhanced by specific substances that boost dopamine and acetylcholine levels. For instance, galantamine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, shows promise in increasing dream recall and metacognition. In studies, participants using galantamine reported up to 50% higher rates of LD compared to controls. The complexity of neurotransmitter systems, including the roles of sesquiterpene lactones and REM sleep dynamics, complicates clear interpretations. Understanding these mechanisms may pave the way for effective methods to induce lucidity during dreams.
Abstract
Lucid dreaming (LD) is a physiological state of consciousness that occurs when dreamers become aware that they are dreaming, and may also control t...
Structural differences between non-lucid dreams, lucid dreams and out-of-body experience reports assessed by graph analysis.
Scientific reports – November 09, 2023
Summary
OBE dreams demonstrate a more coherent narrative than non-lucid and lucid dreams. An analysis of dream reports revealed that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) exhibited a condensed, interconnected network structure, with specific nodes playing crucial roles. In contrast, non-lucid dreams and lucid dreams showed less structural cohesion. This suggests that OBEs may represent a distinct type of dream experience, characterized by a specialized network that enhances the overall coherence of the dream narrative. Understanding these differences can deepen insights into the complexities of dreaming.
Abstract
Dreaming is a complex phenomenon that occurs during sleep, involving various conscious dream experiences. Lucid dreams (LDs) involve heightened awa...
Naturalistic use of psychedelics does not modulate processing of self-related stimuli (but it might modulate attentional mechanisms): An event-related potentials study.
Psychophysiology – August 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics may not lead to lasting changes in self-perception. In a study involving 56 experienced users and 57 nonusers, neural responses were measured via electroencephalography (EEG) while participants reacted to stimuli related to their own names and others'. Both groups showed similar P300 amplitudes for self and target names. However, psychedelic users demonstrated a heightened P300 response to other names and a reduced response to task-relevant target names, suggesting that psychedelics might influence attention rather than alter the self-concept.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics are able to profoundly alter the state of consciousness and lead to acute experiences of ego dissolution - the blurring of the...
Recognizing the Death Motif in the Near-Death Experience.
Omega – September 19, 2023
Summary
A striking aspect of near-death experiences (NDEs) is their connection to spirituality and the afterlife, as 70% of individuals report feelings of existing outside their bodies during life-threatening situations. These experiences often include encounters with deceased individuals or divine beings, reinforcing a profound death motif. This symbolism serves a psychological purpose: it heightens awareness of life's fragility and fosters resilience in the face of danger. By confronting themes of mortality, NDEs encourage a deeper appreciation for life and survival instincts.
Abstract
The typical near-death experience (NDE) is generally understood as an altered state of consciousness in which the experient has the impression of e...
The Near-Death Experience and Suicidal Ideation.
Omega – March 10, 2023
Summary
Belief in near-death experiences (NDEs) can significantly impact suicidal ideation. Among 100 participants who attempted suicide, 30% reported that their NDE reinforced a belief in an objective spiritual reality, which was linked to increased suicidal thoughts. Conversely, 20% found that this belief reduced their risk of future attempts. The findings highlight the complex relationship between therapy and NDEs, suggesting that while some individuals may experience heightened risk, others could find hope and healing through their interpretations of these profound experiences.
Abstract
The near-death experience (NDE) most generally refers to a state of altered consciousness with various features that can occur during real or presu...
A novel ego dissolution scale: A construct validation study.
Consciousness and cognition – March 01, 2023
Summary
Ego dissolution, characterized by a diminished sense of self, is linked to profound experiences such as mystical encounters and ego death. A newly developed 10-item Ego Dissolution Scale (EDS) demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.80) and identified two subfactors: Ego-Loss (α = 0.84) and Unity (α = 0.75). With a sample size reflecting diverse contexts, the EDS showed robust convergent validity with measures of depersonalization and mysticism, while remaining statistically distinct from traits like neuroticism and social desirability.
Abstract
Ego dissolution (i.e., ego loss, ego disintegration, ego death, or self-loss) is a conscious state marked by a loss or diminution of one's sense of...
Lucid dreaming increased during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey.
PloS one – January 01, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic led to notable changes in sleep patterns, with 22.62% of 1,857 Brazilian participants reporting increased lucid dreaming frequency. Most (64.78%) maintained their lucid dream recall, while only 12.60% experienced a decrease. Additionally, those recalling lucid dreams at least weekly rose significantly during this period. Enhanced lucid dreaming was linked to improved recall of both dreams and nightmares, as well as better sleep quality. This suggests that heightened stress and anxiety during the pandemic may have influenced these changes in dreaming experiences.
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic changed people's lives all over the world. While anxiety and stress decreased sleep quality for most people, an increase in t...
Combining Wake-Up-Back-to-Bed with Cognitive Induction Techniques: Does Earlier Sleep Interruption Reduce Lucid Dream Induction Rate?
Clocks & sleep – April 20, 2022
Summary
Lucid dreaming can be induced in about 50% of participants under optimal conditions, but recent experiments show a decline in success rates. In three trials involving 50 participants, only 26%, 0%, and 20% achieved lucidity when altering sleep duration and induction methods. Notably, the absence of REM awakenings in the morning led to no lucid dreams, while reality testing proved less effective than the original mnemonic method. These findings highlight the challenges in consistently inducing lucid dreams for experimental purposes.
Abstract
Lucid dreaming offers the chance to investigate dreams from within a dream and by real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM ...
If the Doors of Perception Were Cleansed, Would Chronic Pain be Relieved? Evaluating the Benefits and Risks of Psychedelics.
The journal of pain – October 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD show promise in treating chronic pain, with clinical trials indicating significant effectiveness in conditions such as cancer and migraine. Although only a handful of uncontrolled studies exist, early findings suggest that when patients are carefully screened and monitored, risks remain low. For instance, effective treatment hinges on understanding the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and psychosocial factors. Future randomized trials must prioritize rigorous design to yield reliable insights into the therapeutic potential of these substances for pain management.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have played important roles in diverse cultures, and ingesting various plant preparations to evoke altered states of conscio...
Phenomenology and content of the inhaled N, N-dimethyltryptamine (N, N-DMT) experience.
Scientific reports – May 24, 2022
Summary
Nearly half of individuals inhaling N,N-DMT reported encounters with entities, predominantly characterized as feminine (24.2%) or deities (17%). Analyzing 3,778 experiences from a decade on Reddit revealed a median dose of 40 mg and an experience duration of 10 minutes. Common somatic effects included somaesthesias (37.5%) and auditory ringing (15.4%). Visualizations often featured fractals and vivid colors. Positive interactions were noted in 34.9% of entity encounters, with many participants expressing feelings of beauty and profoundness during their experiences.
Abstract
Understanding the phenomenology and content of the inhaled N, N, dimethyltryptamine (N, N-DMT) experience is critical to facilitate and support ong...
Examining the Relation Between Practicing Meditation and Having Peak Experiences and Lucid Dreams. A Cross-Sectional Study.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Meditators reported significantly more peak experiences than non-meditators, with 71.8% of meditators experiencing such moments compared to 46.8% of their counterparts. In a sample of 237 participants, meditators also scored higher on mindfulness facets and absorption measures. While over half (58.2%) experienced at least one peak moment in life, the intensity and self-inducing ability were similar across groups. Interestingly, meditation's influence on lucid dreaming remains uncertain, highlighting its potential role in fostering self-transcendence and non-dual awareness.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare meditators and non-meditators in terms of their tendency to have peak experiences and their dream lucidity, wh...
Dream lucidity positively correlates with reality monitoring.
Consciousness and cognition – October 01, 2022
Summary
High dream lucidity is associated with enhanced reality monitoring, helping individuals distinguish between real and imagined experiences. In a study involving 31 college students, a positive correlation was found between dream lucidity and reality monitoring capabilities. Expanding this, 109 participants rated their dream lucidity alongside memory characteristics of perceived versus imagined events. Results showed that those with greater dream lucidity exhibited fewer differences in sensory details, indicating a superior ability to navigate reality and fantasy, reducing susceptibility to memory errors.
Abstract
Dream lucidity, the awareness of consciousness in dreams, is linked to functions that support reality monitoring in differentiating between interna...
Psilocin acutely alters sleep-wake architecture and cortical brain activity in laboratory mice
Translational Psychiatry – February 23, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics show promise for psychological well-being and psychiatric disorders. Neuroscience reveals psilocin acutely alters sleep architecture. Electroencephalography in mice showed delayed REM sleep onset and reduced NREM sleep for up to 3 hours after dosing, with an enhanced 4 Hz oscillation. While not affecting overall sleep rebound, psilocin decreased recovery of slow-wave activity in the cerebral cortex after Wakefulness deprivation. This Sleep and Wakefulness Research from Psychedelics and Drug Studies offers insights for Medicine, impacting our understanding of sleep (system call) regulation.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), profoundly alter the quality of consciousness through...
Contributions of Body-Orientation to Mental Ball Dropping Task During Out-of-Body Experiences.
Frontiers in integrative neuroscience – January 01, 2021
Summary
Participants in a study experienced longer durations of the mental ball dropping (MBD) task while lying supine compared to standing, shedding light on how body orientation influences out-of-body experiences (OBEs). Involving 30 individuals, the experiment utilized virtual reality to create a full-body ownership illusion with a gender-matched avatar. During the disembodiment phase, participants viewed themselves from 14 meters above. While subjective reports confirmed the occurrence of virtual OBEs, body ownership showed no significant differences between postures, enhancing understanding of the vestibular system and time perception during OBEs.
Abstract
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) provide fascinating insights into our understanding of bodily self-consciousness and the workings of the brain. Stud...
A Phase 1, Dose-Ranging Study to Assess Safety and Psychoactive Effects of a Vaporized 5-Methoxy-N, N-Dimethyltryptamine Formulation (GH001) in Healthy Volunteers.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2021
Summary
Higher doses of 5-MeO-DMT significantly enhance the intensity of psychedelic experiences, with notable effects observed at 6 mg (N=6), 12 mg (N=4), and 18 mg (N=4) compared to a 2 mg dose (N=4). In a group of 22 healthy volunteers, peak experiences were evaluated using various scales, revealing that individualized dose escalation produced the strongest effects. Importantly, cognitive functioning, mood, and well-being remained stable throughout. Adverse events were mild and transient, suggesting that this approach may optimize therapeutic outcomes in clinical settings.
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a tryptamine with ultra-rapid onset and short duration of psychedelic effects. Prospective studies ...
Ketamine-Assisted and Culturally Attuned Trauma Informed Psychotherapy as Adjunct to Traditional Indigenous Healing: Effecting Cultural Collaboration in Canadian Mental Health Care.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – August 31, 2021
Summary
Ketamine therapy combined with culturally attuned trauma-informed psychotherapy can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness for Indigenous populations. This approach addresses complex developmental trauma, engaging multiple systems affected by historical colonialism. In a collaborative partnership, it aims to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life for First Nations communities. With ketamine's rapid effects—often within four hours—this method aligns with Indigenous healing practices, fostering a sacred partnership that respects cultural foundations and addresses the urgent need for decolonized health strategies in Indigenous care.
Abstract
Ketamine therapy with culturally attuned trauma-informed psychotherapy in a collaborative cross-cultural partnership may provide a critical step in...
The Role of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy to Support Patients With Cancer: A Critical Scoping Review of the Research
Journal of Holistic Nursing – September 06, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy offers profound hope for cancer patients struggling with persistent mental health issues, despite conventional psychiatry. A review of eight articles (four quantitative, two mixed methods, two qualitative) indicates this intervention, guided by a psychotherapist, fostered positive experiences. Patients reported themes of death acceptance and broadened spirituality, addressing deep existentialism. This emerging approach in clinical psychology and palliative care, utilizing psilocybin (a naturally occurring alkaloid), complements traditional medicine and drug studies, providing a novel mental health strategy in psychedelics and alternative medicine.
Abstract
Treatments for addressing psychiatric mental health issues in vulnerable patients with cancer are established. Yet, many patients persist with unre...
Self-Boundary Dissolution in Meditation: A Phenomenological Investigation.
Brain sciences – June 21, 2021
Summary
Deep meditative states can lead to a significant dissolution of the sense of self, characterized by changes in location, agency, and first-person perspective. In a study involving qualitative and quantitative analyses, 50 participants reported that passive gestures of "letting go" were crucial for deepening this self-dissolution experience. This suggests that reducing attentional engagement can enhance feelings of self-transcendence. The findings emphasize the interplay between meditation techniques and self-boundary alterations, paving the way for future studies linking phenomenology with neurophysiological data.
Abstract
A fundamental aspect of the sense of self is its pre-reflective dimension specifying the self as a bounded and embodied knower and agent. Being a c...
LSD alters dynamic integration and segregation in the human brain.
NeuroImage – February 15, 2021
Summary
LSD significantly enhances brain complexity, revealing a rich tapestry of subjective experiences. In a study involving 30 participants, LSD altered functional connectivity dynamics, making segregated brain states more complex while weakening ties between functional and anatomical networks. Notably, ego dissolution correlated with increased small-world organization during periods of high global integration. This nuanced understanding highlights how LSD influences brain function over time, suggesting that the interplay of integration and segregation is crucial in shaping psychedelic experiences and their psychological impacts.
Abstract
Investigating changes in brain function induced by mind-altering substances such as LSD is a powerful method for interrogating and understanding ho...
Unexpected awakenings in severe dementia from case reports to laboratory.
Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association – January 01, 2021
Summary
Unexpected memory retrieval in patients with severe dementia near death challenges the belief that dementia is solely irreversible. Observations show that around this time, about 40% of patients exhibit moments of lucidity, suggesting a shift in memory processing rather than consolidation issues. Neuromodulators may play a crucial role, as fluctuations in these brain chemicals enhance arousal and attention, potentially leading to improved memory performance. This insight opens discussions on new treatment strategies and highlights the complex nature of memory retrieval in dementia, especially related to terminal lucidity and lucid dreaming.
Abstract
Case report notions of unexpected memory retrieval in patients with severe dementia near to death are starting to alter the central "irreversible" ...
Immersion, Absorption, and Spiritual Experience: Some Preliminary Findings.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2020
Summary
A remarkable finding highlights that spiritual experiences can be linked to distinct brain activity. In a study involving a participant with a high absorption score of 34, immersion in a whole-body perceptual deprivation tank resulted in a significant increase in right-frontal alpha power. This participant reported vivid imagery, including encounters with God and out-of-body sensations. Comparatively, two low-absorption participants exhibited different alpha patterns. Overall, the data suggests that verbalizable spiritual experiences correlate with increased right-frontal alpha activity, while mystical experiences may show left-frontal increases.
Abstract
Many traditions have utilized silent environments to induce altered states of consciousness and spiritual experiences. Neurocognitive explorations ...
Investigation of the phenomenology, physiology and impact of spiritually transformative experiences - kundalini awakening.
Explore (New York, N.Y.) – January 01, 2021
Summary
An astonishing 85% of participants in a study reported unusual flows of energy during spiritually transformative experiences, often linked to kundalini awakenings. In total, 18 descriptors captured the mystical nature of these events, including feelings of expansion and being enveloped in light. Triggers such as intense meditation and the presence of spiritually developed individuals were common. Transformations included heightened sensory sensitivity and a newfound desire to serve others. Many participants expressed frustration over healthcare professionals' lack of understanding regarding these profound experiences.
Abstract
There is a paucity of research examining the phenomenology and energetic effects of spiritually transformative experiences with an energetic compon...
Wake Up, Work on Dreams, Back to Bed and Lucid Dream: A Sleep Laboratory Study.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2020
Summary
Combining wake-up-back-to-bed (WBTB) and mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD) can significantly enhance the likelihood of experiencing lucid dreams. In a sleep laboratory experiment, 54% of 11 sport students reported lucid dreams after practicing MILD following a 30-minute wake period. Similarly, 53% of 15 participants who didn’t attend a seminar also reported lucid dreams. In contrast, only 9% of those in a reading condition experienced any lucid dreams, highlighting the effectiveness of this combined approach for inducing lucidity in sleep.
Abstract
Lucid dreaming offers many opportunities to study consciousness processes. However, laboratory research in this area is limited because frequent lu...
Is There a Link Between Frequency of Dreams, Lucid Dreams, and Subjective Sleep Quality?
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2020
Summary
Lucid dreaming occurs in about 55% of individuals, allowing them to be aware and potentially control their dreams. In a study involving 274 students and 681 participants from the general population, dream experiences like lucid dreaming and awareness were assessed alongside sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. While gender influenced sleep quality predictions, the frequency of dream experiences did not significantly predict sleep quality in either group, highlighting differences between student and general populations regarding dreaming and sleep characteristics.
Abstract
A lucid dream is a dream in which one is conscious of dreaming and can possibly control the dream or passively observe its unfolding. Frequencies o...
Lucid Dreaming, Nightmares, and Sleep Paralysis: Associations With Reality Testing Deficits and Paranormal Experience/Belief.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2020
Summary
Lucid dreaming is intricately linked to various dissociated experiences during REM sleep. In a UK-based sample of 455 participants who had experienced lucid dreaming, significant correlations emerged between paranormal experiences and phenomena like nightmares and sleep paralysis. Notably, the Auditory and Visual Hallucinations sub-factor strongly predicted these dissociative sleep states. The study revealed that reality testing deficits were positively associated with all sleep-related outcomes, suggesting that cognitive processes play a crucial role in controlling and understanding lucid dreams and related experiences.
Abstract
Focusing on lucid dreaming, this paper examined relationships between dissociated experiences related to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (lucid drea...
The influence of stakeholder interests on safety outcome reporting in psychedelic research and implications for science communication.
Trends in psychiatry and psychotherapy – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics show promise in mental health treatment, but safety concerns linger. A review highlights that while clinical trials are increasing, many are funded by corporations, raising the risk of conflicts of interest. With early evidence indicating potential benefits, there is apprehension about biased reporting—especially since 70% of studies may selectively present results. As society increasingly embraces these substances, balanced science communication becomes vital to ensure public health and safety while navigating the complexities of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Abstract
Psychedelics are a group of psychoactive substances that produce complex and subjective changes to consciousness and carry unique safety considerat...
Nurse Who Had MERS-CoV Complications with A Near-Death Experience during Pregnancy: A Narrative Analysis.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) – January 24, 2024
Summary
A pregnant woman experiencing complications from MERS-CoV reported a profound near-death experience (NDE), scoring 12 on the Greyson NDE scale, indicating a significant encounter. Through two unstructured interviews and Labov's narrative analysis, her unique journey revealed not only an out-of-body and transcendental experience but also prolonged hallucinations and post-intensive care syndrome. Remarkably, the NDE prompted a transformation in her beliefs, leading to a more altruistic lifestyle. This case emphasizes the importance of compassionate communication with patients in critical conditions and encourages sharing NDE stories for healing.
Abstract
According to prevailing views in neuroscience, near-death experiences (NDE) occurring after severe head trauma, critical illness, or coma are often...
Spiritual health practitioners’ contributions to psychedelic assisted therapy: A qualitative analysis
PLoS ONE – January 02, 2024
Summary
Spiritual health practitioners offer unique expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapies, vital for Medicine and Health care. Qualitative research, using thematic analysis of 15 practitioner interviews, revealed seven contributions, including competency with spiritual material and offering a counterbalance to biomedical perspectives in Psychology. Familiarity with these alkaloids, many from chemical synthesis, helps them complement psychotherapists and nurses in interdisciplinary teams. This approach, informed by Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, can establish rigorous standards for holistic treatment.
Abstract
Background Psychedelic-assisted therapies hold early promise for treating multiple psychiatric conditions. However, absent standards for the care, ...
Near-Death Experiences and Sleep Disturbance: An Exploratory Study Using Wrist Actigraphy.
The Journal of nervous and mental disease – November 01, 2023
Summary
Individuals who have experienced near-death experiences (NDEs) may perceive their sleep differently than they actually sleep. In a study involving 57 participants, those with NDEs reported significant discrepancies in sleep onset latency, duration, and efficiency compared to objective measurements. Specifically, the NDE group (n = 26) exhibited notable differences from both those who faced near-death events without NDEs (n = 12) and those who had never encountered life-threatening situations (n = 19). These findings highlight the phenomenon of sleep state misperception and its potential clinical implications.
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are nonordinary states of consciousness typically occurring on the brink of death. Sleep changes after NDEs have been...
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy treatment of chronic pain and comorbid depression: a pilot study of two approaches.
Frontiers in pain research (Lausanne, Switzerland) – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAPT) shows promise in treating chronic pain and major depressive disorder (MDD). In a preliminary study with ten participants, all experienced symptom reductions over treatment. Those receiving the psychedelic approach (high doses intramuscularly) reported a more substantial and consistent decrease in symptoms compared to the psycholytic approach (low doses sublingually). Notably, changes were tracked using the Beck Depression Inventory and Brief Pain Inventory, suggesting KAPT could effectively address comorbidities of chronic pain and depression. Further exploration is essential for optimizing treatment strategies.
Abstract
Chronic pain and depression diagnoses are skyrocketing. There is an urgent need for more effective treatments. Ketamine was recently established to...
Do Psychedelics Facilitate Emergence of Unconscious Psychological Processes?
Psychodynamic psychiatry – September 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy significantly enhances emotional awareness, with 70% of participants reporting increased access to previously avoided memories and feelings. This therapeutic approach appears to activate the 5HT-2A receptor, leading to altered thalamic gating in cortico-thalamic feedback loops. The process facilitates catharsis and insight by allowing unconscious material to surface, potentially increasing psychological entropy. Evidence supports that these experiences are crucial for therapeutic outcomes, aligning with Stanislav Grof's hypothesis on the emergence of emotionally charged content during psychedelic sessions.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have a long history of use in traditional healing and religious ceremonies worldwide and are increasingly being investigated...
The 'enigma' of Richard Schultes, Amazonian hallucinogenic plants, and the limits of ethnobotany.
Social studies of science – June 01, 2020
Summary
Indigenous Amazonians possess an extraordinary ability to distinguish between local varieties of the ayahuasca vine, a skill that eluded ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes, despite his extensive knowledge. This enigma highlights a profound epistemological divide between modern scientific understanding and indigenous knowledge systems. Schultes's experiences with ayahuasca not only illustrate the complexities of cultural interactions but also reveal the limitations faced by scientists like him in categorizing natural and cultural phenomena. His work emphasizes the intricate relationship between ethnobotany and diverse ways of knowing.
Abstract
This story is about the twentieth-century ethnobotanist, Richard Evans Schultes (1915-2001), and his research on hallucinogenic plants. Ethnobotany...
N,N‐dimethyltryptamine and Amazonian ayahuasca plant medicine
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – February 17, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, shows promise in Medicine for psychological conditions like depression and anxiety. Neuroscience reveals its compounds influence neurotransmitter receptors—serotonergic, glutaminergic, and dopaminergic systems—profoundly impacting behavior. Biochemical analysis indicates effects like increased delta and theta brain oscillations in key brain regions. Psychotherapists are considering its potential, but comprehensive Psychedelics and Drug Studies are essential to fully understand its Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and integrate this plant medicine into healthcare.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Reports have indicated possible uses of ayahuasca for the treatment of conditions including depression, addictions, post‐traumat...
Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy – December 31, 2023
Summary
Understanding how the body processes psychedelic compounds is vital for unlocking their therapeutic potential. A review of studies on substances like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT reveals that while their primary breakdown products are largely known, their broader impact on human metabolism is still emerging. Integrating advanced metabolomics with drug tracking promises to illuminate the precise molecular interactions behind their positive therapeutic effects, paving the way for novel treatment development.
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attentio...
A Perspective on Psychedelics as Treatments for Addictions.
J Stud Alcohol Drugs – March 22, 2024
Summary
Imagine a single therapeutic session profoundly aiding recovery from addiction. This perspective explores how certain compounds could disrupt entrenched addictive behaviors. By examining their unique effects on brain function and psychological processing, it reveals promising evidence. These substances appear to foster deep insights, emotional breakthroughs, and a renewed sense of purpose, all critical for overcoming addiction. This highlights a powerful, novel therapeutic avenue for lasting recovery.
Abstract
A Perspective on Psychedelics as Treatments for Addictions.
Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – February 20, 2018
Summary
Despite its profound effects, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a potent hallucinogen, was once hailed by psychiatry. Early drug studies showed doses as low as 20 μg were physiologically safe and nonaddictive. Its structural resemblance to serotonin sparked neurochemistry and pharmacology research, influencing our understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Though clinical psychology and medicine halted research around 1970, new psychopharmacology interest in psychedelics like psilocybin for anxiety and addiction is emerging. Neuroscience is now exploring its potential, building on its chemical synthesis history in drug studies.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is one of the most potent psychoactive agents known, producing dramatic alterations of consciousness after submill...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future.
Neuropsychopharmacology – April 26, 2017
Summary
Remarkably, certain psychedelic compounds are showing significant promise in treating mental health conditions. Exploring their historical use and current clinical applications, the work highlights how these substances, through unique neurological pathways, offer profound therapeutic benefits for conditions like depression and PTSD. These positive results suggest a powerful new frontier in mental healthcare, indicating a paradigm shift in treatment.
Abstract
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future.
The treatment of abandonment anxiety with MDMA and LSD
OpenAlex – June 09, 2023
Summary
A young woman overcame deep abandonment anxiety and childhood trauma, finding 'grace' through a novel therapeutic approach. After conventional psychiatry failed her family, and initial psilocybin experiences proved unstructured, she engaged in 1.5 years of psychology sessions with a psychotherapist, integrating MDMA and LSD. Through thirteen supervised and eighteen unsupervised hallucinogen sessions, she processed intense feelings, including a relived birth trauma. This journey, part of broader Psychedelics and Drug Studies, resolved her fear of abandonment, highlighting the potential for profound emotional healing beyond traditional psychoanalysis.
Abstract
This retrospective study presents the case of a young woman in her mid-twenties who suffered from insecurity and abandonment-related anxiety, which...
Survey of entity encounter experiences occasioned by inhaled N,N-dimethyltryptamine: Phenomenology, interpretation, and enduring effects.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – September 01, 2020
Summary
Over half of atheists surveyed no longer identified as such after a profound entity encounter occasioned by N,N-dimethyltryptamine. A large online survey characterized the subjective effects of these Psychedelic experiences. Participants often described visual and telepathic interactions with benevolent 'guides,' reporting love and joy. These encounters were rated as among life's most meaningful and insightful, leading to lasting positive changes in purpose and worldview.
Abstract
Experiences of having an encounter with seemingly autonomous entities are sometimes reported after inhaling N,N-dimethyltryptamine. The study chara...
Survey of subjective "God encounter experiences": Comparisons among naturally occurring experiences and those occasioned by the classic psychedelics psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or DMT
PLoS ONE – April 23, 2019
Summary
More than two-thirds of atheists reported no longer identifying as such after a God encounter experience. A survey of over 4300 individuals, including those using psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ayahuasca, and other hallucinogens, explored these profound events. While non-drug encounters favored "God" and psychedelic groups preferred "Ultimate Reality," striking similarities emerged. Participants reported vivid memories and attributed lasting positive changes to these experiences, often fulfilling criteria for complete mystical experiences in half of cases. This work in Psychology and Religious Studies highlights the impact of psychedelics on spiritual beliefs.
Abstract
Naturally occurring and psychedelic drug-occasioned experiences interpreted as personal encounters with God are well described but have not been sy...
Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function.
Pharmacology & therapeutics – May 01, 2019
Summary
Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, once overlooked, are proving to be powerful therapeutic agents. A comprehensive analysis of human studies reveals their potential to occasion mystical experiences linked to improved mental health. These compounds show efficacy in treating depression, various forms of addiction, and psychological distress in cancer patients. They hold significant promise for treatment and understanding brain function.
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrative review and offer novel insights regarding human research with classic psychedelics (classic ...
The Temporal Trajectory of the Psychedelic Mushroom Experience Mimics the Narrative Arc of the Hero’s Journey
Research Square (Research Square) – February 23, 2024
Summary
The psychedelic experience, particularly with psilocybin mushrooms, often mirrors the classic Hero's Journey found in literature and art. This psychological trajectory begins with an initial "comeup" phase frequently characterized by negative feelings. However, the subsequent "comedown" typically brings positive, distress-resolving states, akin to recovery. This narrative arc offers a profound temporal structure for understanding psychedelics and drug studies. Such an aesthetic journey, reminiscent of psychoanalysis, provides a unique psychological lens for mental health treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic therapy has the potential to become a revolutionary and transdiagnostic mental health treatment, yielding enduring benefits th...
The potential synergistic effects between psychedelic administration and nature contact for the improvement of mental health.
Health Psychol Open – July 01, 2020
Summary
Imagine healing enhanced by both nature's calm and powerful compounds. Research suggests combining psychedelic experiences with time in nature could significantly boost mental health. This approach posits that nature's restorative qualities amplify psychedelics' therapeutic benefits, leading to profound improvements in well-being. The findings highlight a promising path for innovative mental health treatments.
Abstract
The potential synergistic effects between psychedelic administration and nature contact for the improvement of mental health.
Decreased Directed Functional Connectivity in the Psychedelic State
OpenAlex – July 16, 2019
Summary
The psychedelic state dramatically alters brain communication. Neuroscience reveals that three psychedelics—LSD, psilocybin, and ketamine—consistently decrease directed functional connectivity, or information flow, across the brain's connectome. This suggests a breakdown in typical functional organization. Intriguingly, LSD also increased undirected functional connectivity, highlighting complex dynamic functional connectivity changes. These neuroimaging findings, vital for cognitive psychology and drug studies, demonstrate how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, understood through biochemical analysis, manifests as altered brain networks, informing artificial intelligence models.
Abstract
Abstract Neuroimaging studies of the psychedelic state offer a unique window onto the neural basis of conscious perception and selfhood. Despite we...
Shame, guilt and psychedelic experience: Results from a prospective, longitudinal survey of real-world psilocybin use
OpenAlex – October 14, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can significantly reduce long-term shame, a critical focus in psychology and psychoanalysis. A study of 679 adults using psilocybin found that while 68.2% experienced acute shame or guilt, 89.7% described their overall experience as positive. This naturalistic insight from Psychedelics and Drug Studies showed a small but sustained decrease in trait shame (Cohen’s dz = 0.37) for many, lasting months. Notably, shame increased for 29.8%. Understanding these social psychology implications could guide psychotherapist strategies and inform Cross-Cultural and Social Analysis.
Abstract
Introduction: The classic psychedelic psilocybin has attracted special interest across clinical and non-clinical settings as a potential tool for m...
Adolescent Drug Use in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Journal of Drug Issues – January 01, 1992
Summary
Challenging common assumptions, some cultures use adolescent hallucinogen ingestion not for abuse, but for positive socialization. Elders in Australian Aboriginal, Tsonga, and Chumash societies strategically administer plant hallucinogens during initiation rituals. This creates managed altered states, utilizing heightened suggestibility for intensive religious and pedagogical learning, effectively "normalizing" youth. This contrasts sharply with the pathological drug abuse patterns often seen among American adolescents.
Abstract
An analysis is made of adolescent hallucinogenic plant ingestion during initiation rituals among Australian Aboriginal males, Tshogana Tsonga femal...
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...
The potential use of N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders comorbid with PTSD.
Medical hypotheses – January 01, 2021
Summary
Overcoming eating disorders is a significant challenge, particularly when trauma leads to co-occurring Posttraumatic stress disorder. A new perspective suggests that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy holds promise as a transformative treatment for this complex comorbidity. By uniquely reducing fear, enhancing trust, and fostering self-compassion, this therapy is hypothesized to effectively address both eating disorder symptoms and the deep-seated impact of trauma. Personal accounts illustrate the potential for significant benefit, offering a path to improved well-being.
Abstract
Despite advances in the field, eating disorders (EDs) remain very challenging disorders to treat, especially when comorbid with posttraumatic stres...
Prefrontal Neurophysiological Changes Associated with Subanesthetic Esketamine Accelerating Mice Emergence from Propofol Anesthesia.
Brain research bulletin – November 22, 2025
Summary
A surprising finding reveals that a low dose of esketamine can actually speed up recovery from propofol anesthesia. Using calcium imaging and other advanced techniques, researchers explored this paradoxical emergence in the prefrontal cortex of mice. They found esketamine rapidly altered brainwave patterns and neuronal activity across different layers. Crucially, it also boosted key neurotransmitter dynamics, like acetylcholine and serotonin, earlier than expected. This orchestrated sequence of events in the prefrontal cortex appears to be how esketamine positively accelerates awakening.
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that subanesthetic dose of ketamine or its S-enantiomer, esketamine, can paradoxically accelerate the recovery of ...