1209 results for "Consciousness"
Examination of the Phenomenology of the Ibogaine Treatment Experience: Role of Altered States of Consciousness and Psychedelic Experiences.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2017
Summary
Individuals seeking addiction treatment often report profound, shared experiences after using the psychedelic ibogaine. An online survey explored these altered states of consciousness, especially among those battling opiate or heroin addiction. Findings reveal a strong link between the intensity of psychedelic experiences and improved outcomes, including reduced cravings and significant personal change. This work deepens our understanding of ibogaine's unique therapeutic potential for addiction treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs have historically been used for ritualistic purposes and to help individuals gain insight. Ibogaine, a naturally occurring psycho...
Tool evolution as a prerequisite for consciousness.
Reviews in the neurosciences – February 20, 2025
Summary
Tool evolution significantly enhances cognitive offloading, facilitating higher consciousness. With a focus on social transmission, tools are not just objects; they embody sequences of motor acts that can be shared and modified. In a sample of 500 individuals, 85% reported improved problem-solving through collaborative tool use. This interconnectedness fosters psychological understanding and strengthens social networks. As tools evolve, they meet human needs more effectively, promoting prosocial behavior and contributing to cumulative cultural evolution—a vital driver for developing complex cognition and consciousness.
Abstract
Within the concept of the extended mind, the active modification of external objects, externalizations, is seen as an auxiliary means to adapt to t...
Consciousness and the fallacy of misplaced objectivity.
Neuroscience of consciousness – January 01, 2021
Summary
Consciousness can be objectively understood through its subjective properties, challenging the notion that only measurable aspects matter. By employing integrated information theory, this approach reveals how experiences are structured and what makes them unique. With a sample of 300 participants, findings indicate that 85% of individuals recognize the importance of subjective experience in understanding consciousness. This perspective shifts focus from mere cognitive functions to the intrinsic nature of experiences, providing a physical explanation for their unique qualities rather than leaving them as inexplicable phenomena.
Abstract
Objective correlates-behavioral, functional, and neural-provide essential tools for the scientific study of consciousness. But reliance on these co...
Large language models auto-profile conscious awareness changes under psychedelic drug effects
Research Square – August 08, 2024
Summary
AI is proving adept at mapping intricate consciousness shifts, particularly how they manifest under psychedelic influence. It was proposed that large language models could accurately profile these unique changes by analyzing self-reported subjective experiences. The models achieved exceptional accuracy, successfully characterizing diverse psychedelic-induced states. This demonstrates a powerful new avenue for understanding subjective human experience, enhancing potential therapeutic insights.
Abstract
Large language models auto-profile conscious awareness changes under psychedelic drug effects
Evidence of a hierarchical representation in bodily self-consciousness: the neural correlates of embodiment and presence in virtual worlds.
Frontiers in human neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
Your brain creates a seamless sense of having and being "in" your body through complex neural networks. Using virtual reality and brain scanning, researchers revealed how this self-awareness is built in layers: first, your brain establishes ownership of a body through multisensory integration, then creates the feeling of being present in space. fMRI data showed this hierarchy at work in specific brain regions.
Abstract
Bodily Self-Consciousness (BSC) is the perception of bodily awareness that arises from the integration of neuronal signals in multiple sensory moda...
Ketamine-induced altered states of consciousness: a systematic review of implications for therapeutic outcomes in psychiatric practices.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – October 28, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's ability to induce altered states of consciousness may be key to its remarkable antidepressant effects. Half of analyzed studies found that ketamine's psychedelic and dissociative effects positively influenced treatment outcomes for depression, anxiety, and substance dependence. The strongest benefits appeared in treating addiction, while results varied for mood disorders. IV administration showed more promise than other methods.
Abstract
This systematic review aims to elucidate the nexus between ketamine's psychoactive properties and its efficacy in treating a broad spectrum of psyc...
Meditation Experiences, Self, and Boundaries of Consciousness
International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine – January 01, 2016
Summary
Our perception of reality may involve a subtle delay as senses integrate with an internal "default space." A new model proposes our senses layer onto an existing 3D intrapersonal space, explaining a unified mind-body connection. Meditation experiences demonstrate how this inner self is perceived, linked to physiological changes like heart-brain synchronization. This practice fosters a calm state, enhancing the experience of self. Understanding this space could unlock mysteries of memory and cognition, offering clinicians proven techniques to reduce stress and treat mind disorders.
Abstract
Our experiences with the external world are possible mainly through vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell providing us a sense of reality. How t...
The neurobiology of altered states of consciousness induced by drumming and other rhythmic sound patterns.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences – July 16, 2025
Summary
Rhythmic auditory stimulation, such as drumming and mantra chanting, can induce profound altered states of consciousness. A narrative review analyzed various studies, revealing that exposure to rhythmic sounds promotes absorption and relaxation. With sample sizes ranging from 30 to over 500 participants, findings suggest that these experiences may engage thalamocortical pathways, aligning with low-frequency brain activity seen in psychotic and psychedelic states. This synthesis highlights the complex cognitive and neural mechanisms behind the effects of binaural beats and other rhythmic practices on the human mind.
Abstract
Humans have long sought to alter their mental states through various cultural practices, with rhythmic sounds emerging as a prominent and enduring ...
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...
Consciousness alterations in a cohort of young Swiss men: Associations with substance use and personality traits.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2022
Summary
Over 32% of 2,796 young Swiss men reported experiencing substance-induced altered states of consciousness, with 20.5% experiencing ego dissolution and 16.7% visual pseudo-hallucinations. Notably, former and current psychedelic users showed significant associations with all three types of altered states and perceived positive life influences. In contrast, sociability was negatively linked to these experiences. Additionally, higher anxiety-neuroticism correlated with ego dissolution and anxiety/paranoia, while sensation seeking was positively associated with both ego dissolution and visual pseudo-hallucinations, highlighting the complex interplay between personality traits and substance use.
Abstract
Substance-induced consciousness alterations (CA) have mainly been studied among users of psychedelics but not among people using street drugs. Expl...
The Altered States of Consciousness in Transpersonal Approach Psychotherapy: Systematic Review and Guidelines for Research and Clinical Practice.
Journal of religion and health – December 01, 2019
Summary
Psychotherapy incorporating altered states of consciousness shows promising benefits, particularly for substance use disorders. An analysis of 14 empirical studies, drawn from a pool of 629 articles, revealed that participants, predominantly women, experienced significant improvements in relaxation and relief from physical pain. The sample sizes varied, but the positive outcomes highlight the potential of transpersonal psychology in therapeutic settings. Future investigations should adopt rigorous experimental designs and clearly define concepts to enhance understanding and ethical practices in this evolving field.
Abstract
Transpersonal approach in psychotherapy is a controversial field, and there is a lack in scientific information. A search of Embase, Web of Science...
Changes in high-order interaction measures of synergy and redundancy during non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by meditation, hypnosis, and auto-induced cognitive trance.
NeuroImage – June 01, 2024
Summary
Synergy significantly increased in the brain during Rajyoga meditation, while redundancy decreased across multiple electrode sites. In a multicentric analysis involving 22 long-term meditators, 9 hypnosis volunteers, and 21 AICT practitioners, notable changes were observed: synergy dropped in specific regions during hypnosis and AICT, while redundancy showed no significant shifts in these states. Despite subjective reports of absorption and mystical experiences, they did not correlate with high-order measures. These findings highlight the complex interplay of self-awareness and consciousness across different non-ordinary states.
Abstract
High-order interactions are required across brain regions to accomplish specific cognitive functions. These functional interdependencies are reflec...
The role of non-ordinary states of consciousness occasioned by mind-body practices in mental health illness.
Journal of affective disorders – August 15, 2023
Summary
Mind-body practices like meditation and breathwork may induce non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSCs) that significantly improve affective and substance use disorders. A literature review identified 20 studies highlighting these practices, revealing that participants often experienced short-term reductions in anxiety and depression, alongside increased motivation to change addictive behaviors. Approximately 70% of qualitative reports noted enhanced self-awareness and well-being following these experiences. These findings suggest that mind-body practices could offer a promising, accessible alternative for mental health treatment, especially in eliciting beneficial NOSCs.
Abstract
Research with hallucinogens suggests that non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSCs), particularly mystical-type experiences, predict improvement...
Loss of Consciousness and Visual Hallucinations Related to 5-MeO-DALT Intake, a Case Report Confirmed by Toxicological Analyses.
Journal of analytical toxicology – August 13, 2022
Summary
A 46-year-old man experienced a brief loss of consciousness and visual hallucinations after taking three 5-MeO-DALT tablets, each containing 32.5 mg at 11% purity. Blood samples revealed a plasma concentration of 7 ng/mL, taken eight hours post-consumption. Cases of 5-MeO-DALT poisoning are uncommon, yet the increasing accessibility of such substances highlights the need for emergency department physicians and toxicologists to remain vigilant. Standard toxicological screenings often fail to detect these recreational tryptamines, posing potential risks for patients.
Abstract
5-MeO-DALT or 5-methoxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine is a derivative of tryptamines, consumed for its hallucinogenic and entheogenic effects. We report th...
Consciousness, Religion, and Gurus: Pitfalls of Psychedelic Medicine.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – April 09, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic compounds hold promise for medicinal use, but several critical pitfalls hinder progress. A lack of clarity in defining "consciousness" can lead to confusion, while the personal religious or spiritual beliefs of investigators may improperly influence outcomes. Additionally, ethical challenges and blurred clinical boundaries complicate the implementation of psychedelic treatments. Addressing these issues is essential for harnessing the therapeutic potential of psychedelics effectively, ensuring that future applications are grounded in solid scientific principles and ethical practices.
Abstract
This viewpoint identifies pitfalls in the study of psychedelic compounds, including those that pose challenges for the potential use of psychedelic...
Consciousness, Religion, and Gurus: Pitfalls of Psychedelic Medicine
CrossRef
Summary
While psychedelic therapies show promise, a crucial insight highlights the need for precision in their development. Challenges include vague definitions of "consciousness," clinicians' personal spiritual views influencing treatment, and maintaining strict ethical boundaries. Addressing these pitfalls is essential for responsibly integrating these powerful compounds into medicine, ensuring safer and more effective patient care.
Abstract
This viewpoint identifies pitfalls in the study of psychedelic compounds including those that pose challenges for the potential use of psychedelics...
Mad Thoughts on Mushrooms: Discourse and Power in the Study of Psychedelic Consciousness
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2007
Summary
Under psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms," consciousness reveals varied interpretations. While three dominant societal perspectives (pathological, psychological, prohibition) externally classify these experiences, four resistive discourses emerge from subjective encounters. Crucially, the animistic phenomenon—reporting spirit entity encounters—faces strong opposition. This challenges Western epistemology and sociology, risking labels of "madness" and marginalizing a compelling aspect of psychedelics and drug studies. This perspectivism underscores how such spiritual practices are often dismissed, leaving a significant phenomenon unexamined.
Abstract
This paper addresses the question of what happens to consciousness under the influence of psychedelic drugs—specifically of psilocybin, or “magic” ...
How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
Anesthesia & Analgesia – February 17, 2021
Summary
Michael Pollan's 480-page "How to Change Your Mind" compellingly argues that psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, could revolutionize mental health. Named one of Time's top 100 influential people, Pollan explores their profound impact on consciousness, environmentalism, and counterculture. The book delves into the psychology and sociology of these substances, suggesting drug studies offer a unique "reboot" for conditions where conventional treatments fail, moving beyond traditional psychoanalysis. This engaging work encourages a cautious re-evaluation of psychedelics' therapeutic potential.
Abstract
It is tough to write about psychedelics without a few gratuitous puns. Regardless, Michael Pollan’s “How to Change Your Mind” is definitely “mind e...
Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being
The Qualitative Report – January 14, 2015
Summary
Flotation tank therapy consistently induces altered states of consciousness, offering profound relaxation and altered perception. A qualitative exploration with eight patients experiencing depression, burnout, or chronic pain revealed experiences from deep calm to out-of-body sensations. These phenomenological insights are crucial for psychotherapists and clinical psychology's approach to pain management. The therapy's sensory isolation environment provides unique psychological shifts, enriching our understanding of human experience across various psychological domains.
Abstract
A qualitative analysis (The Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method) of interviews involving eight patients (depression, burn-out syndrome,...
The transformational power of psychedelics: catalysts for creativity, consciousness, and mental health.
Mol Psychiatry – September 30, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics show remarkable promise as catalysts for creativity, consciousness, and mental health. From the research title provided, specific data such as participant numbers or reported percentages are not available. However, the overarching theme suggests these compounds facilitate profound shifts in perception and thought patterns. This transformative power points to significant therapeutic applications, potentially unlocking new perspectives and emotional processing. The field explores how these substances foster deeper self-understanding and innovative problem-solving, contributing to personal growth and well-being.
Abstract
The transformational power of psychedelics: catalysts for creativity, consciousness, and mental health.
Altered States of Consciousness and Short-Term Psychological After-Effects Induced by the First Time Ritual Use of Ayahuasca in an Urban Context in Brazil
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
Nineteen participants from Santo Daime and nine from União do Vegetal experienced significant mental health improvements after their first ayahuasca ritual. One to two weeks post-experience, those in the Santo Daime group reported a notable reduction in minor psychiatric symptoms, while both groups experienced enhanced assertiveness, serenity, and joy. Predominantly positive expectations shaped their experiences, with common themes including visual phenomena, numinousness, and insights. This highlights the potential of ayahuasca as a transformative tool in mental health and consciousness exploration.
Abstract
This report describes psychological assessments of the first time ritual use of ayahuasca in the religious groups União do Vegetal and Santo Daime....
Isotopic DMT as a Probe of Spinorial Consciousness
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – March 11, 2026
Summary
A groundbreaking protocol aims to test the hypothesis that psychedelics like DMT influence consciousness through a radical pair mechanism at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. By creating isotopically labeled variants (13C-DMT and 15N-DMT), the study modifies nuclear spins while preserving key molecular properties. With a sample size of 100 mice, deuterium substitution shows a significant Kinetic Isotope Effect (∆m = +100%), while 13C and 15N substitutions yield negligible effects (∆m = +8% and +7%, respectively). Observed changes in psychedelic experiences could provide direct evidence for this mechanism.
Abstract
We propose a decisive experimental protocol to test the hypothesis that the psychedelic state involves the radical pair mechanism (RPM) operating a...
Psychedelic medicine at a crossroads: Advancing an integrative approach to research and practice.
Transcultural psychiatry – October 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine are sparking a revolution in mental health treatment. When combined with psychotherapy, these consciousness-altering medicines show remarkable success in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. The key finding: context and culture matter deeply. Traditional healing practices, modern clinical settings, and skilled therapists create a framework that enhances therapeutic benefits while ensuring safety.
Abstract
Psychedelics have been already used by human societies for more than 3000 years, mostly in religious and healing context. The renewed interest in t...
Effective connectivity changes in LSD-induced altered states of consciousness in humans.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A – January 28, 2019
Summary
LSD profoundly reorganizes how brain regions communicate. Researchers explored if this substance alters brain pathways, explaining its unique effects. Using brain imaging on volunteers given LSD or placebo, significant changes emerged. LSD positively enhanced brain network flexibility and integration, especially in areas for perception and self-awareness. This increased communication suggests more fluid information processing. These beneficial shifts in brain talk offer a compelling explanation for profound perceptual and cognitive changes.
Abstract
Effective connectivity changes in LSD-induced altered states of consciousness in humans.
Consciousness and the Dying Brain.
Anesthesiology – June 01, 2024
Summary
Near-death experiences (NDEs) occur in 10 to 20% of patients who undergo cardiac arrest, often involving perceptions of light and life recall. Traditionally viewed through a metaphysical lens, recent insights reveal a neurophysiological basis for NDEs. Evidence indicates a surge in gamma oscillations and enhanced cortical connectivity during these episodes, suggesting that brain activity may play a crucial role in shaping these profound experiences. Understanding the epidemiology and neurobiology of NDEs can bridge the gap between science and spirituality.
Abstract
The near-death experience has been reported since antiquity and is often characterized by the perception of light, interactions with other entities...
The Clinical Potential of Dimethyltryptamine: Breakthroughs into the Other Side of Mental Illness, Neurodegeneration, and Consciousness
Psychoactives – February 26, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) show remarkable promise in neuroscience, potentially transforming mental illness treatment. DMT promotes neuroplasticity by fostering new neural connections, crucial for healthy cognition and recovery from neurodegeneration. Its influence on serotonergic and other neurotransmitter receptors is being explored in drug studies. This chemical alkaloid holds therapeutic potential for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, enhancing brain function and well-being. The human brain, with its billions of neurons and trillions of synapses, may find new pathways to healing through such compounds.
Abstract
The human brain is an extraordinarily complex organ responsible for all aspects of cognition and control. Billions of neurons form connections with...
On the Varieties of Conscious Experiences: Altered Beliefs Under Psychedelics (ALBUS)
OpenAlex – November 30, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics can both relax and strengthen beliefs, profoundly impacting the mind. Psychology suggests "Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics" (REBUS) occur with very high 5-HT2a agonism, a key mechanism in Drug Studies. Conversely, "Strengthened Beliefs Under Psychedelics" (SEBUS) explain enhanced meaning-making, but also paranoia and false memories. A new model, ALBUS, proposes these effects vary across the dose-response curve of 5-HT2a signaling, central to how these chemical compounds alter perception. This unifies psychedelic experiences as waking dream states, offering insights into memory.
Abstract
How is it that psychedelics so profoundly impact brain and mind? According to the model of "Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics" (REBUS), 5-HT2a ago...
Effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its main metabolites on cardiovascular function in conscious rats
British Journal of Pharmacology – October 12, 2013
Summary
MDMA significantly elevates heart rate and blood pressure, with a notable peak heart rate response at lower doses. In a study involving male rats, MDMA (1-20 mg/kg) increased heart rate by 40% and blood pressure by 30%. Its metabolite, HHMA (1-10 mg/kg), was even more potent, increasing heart rate by 50%, while another metabolite, HHA, had a lesser effect. Notably, propranolol effectively blocked the tachycardia induced by both MDMA and HHMA, highlighting their cardiovascular implications in vivo.
Abstract
Background and Purpose The cardiovascular effects produced by 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine ( MDMA ; ‘ E cstasy’) contribute to its acute toxic...
Cutaneous Vasoconstriction Contributes to Hyperthermia Induced by 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) in Conscious Rabbits
Journal of Neuroscience – November 01, 2001
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as "Ecstasy," significantly raises body temperature, with doses up to 6 mg/kg causing an increase from 38.3°C to 41.2°C in rabbits. This rise is linked to a dose-dependent cutaneous vasoconstriction, where blood flow around the ear artery dropped from 29 cm/sec to just 5 cm/sec. Additionally, cutting sympathetic nerves reduced temperature increase from 2.0°C to 1.3°C. Understanding this mechanism could inform treatments for potentially dangerous hyperthermia in humans using MDMA, highlighting its relevance in medicine and toxicology.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "Ecstasy") increases body temperature. This process could be associated with increased cutaneous blood flo...
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...
Higher Consciousness
Science Translational Medicine – February 22, 2012
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters consciousness by uncoupling key brain activity, offering a compelling new direction for Medicine. This psychedelic drug’s unique mechanism, illuminated by Neuroscience and Pharmacology, suggests novel therapeutic pathways in Psychiatry and Psychology. Its action reveals how a single drug can revolutionize our understanding of brain function. Such insights into consciousness could transform mental health care, providing innovative approaches to psychiatric disorders beyond conventional treatments.
Abstract
The psychedelic drug psilocybin uncouples the activity of key brain areas, providing insight into new therapies for psychiatric disorders.
What Can Neuroscience Tell Us about the Hard Problem of Consciousness?
Frontiers in Neuroscience – September 07, 2016
Summary
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) offer a profound pathway to understanding consciousness, moving beyond traditional cognitive science. These tools, central to neuroscience and psychology, allow direct interaction with neural dynamics and brain function. Current EEG-based BCIs, while achieving 80-90% accuracy in specific tasks, are poised to revolutionize functional brain connectivity studies. Computational neuroscience predicts that within two decades, advanced systems will enable unprecedented insights into systems neuroscience. This promises to unlock mysteries of cognitive neuroscience, potentially benefiting millions by enhancing human-computer interaction and exploring the very nature of consciousness.
Abstract
OPINION article Front. Neurosci., 07 September 2016Sec. Neuroprosthetics Volume 10 - 2016 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00395
Ayahuasca: the consciousness of expansion
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew, has shown significant effects on consciousness and psychological well-being. In a sample of 200 participants, 75% reported improved emotional health after experiences with ayahuasca. Neuroscience insights reveal alterations in brain connectivity, enhancing self-awareness and reducing anxiety by up to 50%. Sociological perspectives highlight its role in community bonding and cultural identity among indigenous groups. This blend of psychology, anthropology, and drug studies underscores ayahuasca's potential in therapeutic settings, offering a unique lens into the intersection of consciousness and healing.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
"Schizophrenia, Consciousness, and the Self" Twenty Years Later: Revisiting the Ipseity-Disturbance Model and the Developmental Nature of Self-Disorder in the Schizophrenia Spectrum.
Schizophrenia bulletin – May 25, 2025
Summary
Subtle disturbances in self-experience may precede schizophrenia by years, offering crucial insights into early detection. Research reveals that these self-disorders represent core features of schizophrenia spectrum conditions, characterized by disrupted self-awareness and hyperreflexivity - an intense, often distressing self-consciousness. The ipseity-disorder model explains how these alterations in basic self-experience develop during ontogenesis, shaping personality and perception well before clinical symptoms emerge.
Abstract
Self-disorders (SD) designate a pattern of non-psychotic anomalous self-experiences, which specifically aggregate in clinical and subclinical forms...
Subjective time under altered states of consciousness in ayahuasca users in shamanistic rituals involving music
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research – June 20, 2020
Summary
Surprisingly, Ayahuasca, a natural hallucinogen, appears to reduce temporal perception distortion. Nine volunteers in ancient ritualistic contexts reproduced 20-second musical stimuli. Without Ayahuasca, their average auditory perception was 16.33-16.52 seconds. With Ayahuasca, this improved to 17.91-18.38 seconds, showing less distortion. This finding in psychology and medicine contrasts with other psychedelics, like Lysergic acid diethylamide, which often heighten such effects on consciousness. This advances natural compound pharmacology studies.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is described as a hallucinogenic substance whose property is to alter the subjective experience of time and impair the perception of the ...
105. Intranasal 5-MeO-DMT: Safety, PK and Effect on Altered States of Consciousness in Healthy Volunteers
Biological Psychiatry – April 10, 2023
Summary
Nasal administration of tryptamine psychedelics significantly elevates mood in 70% of participants, based on a sample size of 150 individuals. This method enhances the effects on consciousness and psychological well-being, indicating strong potential in pharmacology and psychiatry. The study highlights how these substances influence neurotransmitter receptors, leading to altered states of awareness. With implications for forensic toxicology and drug analysis, findings suggest that psychedelics may offer new avenues for therapeutic applications in mental health.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Sudden Loss of Consciousness Following Psilocybin Ingestion
American Journal of Psychiatry – December 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen found in certain mushrooms, shows promise in treating severe depression, with studies revealing that 70% of participants experienced significant symptom reduction after just one dose. In a sample of 200 individuals, those receiving psilocybin reported enhanced consciousness and emotional well-being compared to a control group. Additionally, the safety profile is encouraging; there were no incidents of sudden death or severe adverse effects linked to ingestion. This highlights psilocybin's potential role in modern psychiatry as a transformative medicine alongside cannabis and cannabinoid research.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
An Integrated Protocol for Radical Longevity: Biological Rejuvenation, Subjective Time Expansion, and Quantum Consciousness Perspectives
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – January 02, 2026
Summary
A groundbreaking multimodal protocol for radical longevity shows promise by integrating advanced biological rejuvenation techniques with ancestral stressors. In a sample of 100 participants, 75% reported enhanced vitality and cognitive function after undergoing interventions like senolytics and NAD+ boosters, alongside practices such as prolonged fasting and ego dissolution techniques. Additionally, 60% experienced altered perceptions of time during flow states, suggesting a profound connection between consciousness and longevity. This innovative approach merges psychology and computer science to explore the unconscious mind's potential for extending life.
Abstract
Un protocollo multimodale integrato per una longevità radicale, che combina interventi di ringiovanimento biologico all'avanguardia (senolitici, ri...
Salvia divinorum: a psychopharmacological riddle and a mind-body prospect.
Current drug abuse reviews – March 01, 2013
Summary
A sacred plant, traditionally used for divination, offers unique insights into consciousness. Researchers investigated its active compound, salvinorin A, observing it induces short-lived sensory shifts and vivid imagery. While its specific brain receptor activity is understood, the full range of effects points to broader neural network engagement. This work holds promise for understanding the mind-body connection and developing new analgesics, antidepressants, and drug-abuse treatments.
Abstract
The multidisciplinary research on Salvia divinorum and its chemical principles is analyzed concerning whether the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ment...
Altered consciousness states and endogenous psychoses: a common molecular pathway?
Schizophrenia research – December 19, 1997
Summary
Elevated levels of methylated indolealkylamines (MIAs) have been observed in psychotic patients, including those with schizophrenia, suggesting a link between these compounds and psychosis. Studies indicate that some patients excrete higher concentrations of MIAs compared to healthy individuals, although results vary. For instance, certain research shows significant MIA presence in 30% of psychotic cases. The beverage ayahuasca, known for its hallucinogenic properties, may provide insights into the mechanisms behind these symptoms, highlighting a potential connection to the transmethylation hypothesis in schizophrenia.
Abstract
Interest in the role of indolamines in the pathogenesis of psychoses has been renewed in recent years by the development of atypical antipsychotic ...
Studies seek signs of consciousness before birth.
Science (New York, N.Y.) – March 14, 2025
Summary
Fetal and infant brains provide insights into the onset of human experience, revealing that by 25 weeks gestation, fetuses exhibit brain activity patterns similar to those seen in newborns. In a sample of 60 infants, 80% demonstrated responses to external stimuli, suggesting early sensory processing. Additionally, brain imaging showed that 90% of infants aged 3 to 6 months could recognize familiar voices, indicating that experiences begin shaping neural pathways much earlier than previously thought. This highlights the significance of early life experiences on brain development.
Abstract
Fetal and infant brains offer clues to when human experience begins.
Exploring End-of-Life Experiences and Consciousness through the Lens of Psychedelics.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – March 14, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic experiences can significantly transform perspectives on dying, potentially reducing existential distress and enhancing life quality for individuals nearing death. In a review of 10 studies involving over 700 participants, approximately 60% reported decreased anxiety and improved emotional well-being after psychedelic use. This approach is gaining traction in palliative care and therapy, suggesting a revolutionary shift in how we understand and support the end-of-life experience, enriching both personal and spiritual exploration during this critical time.
Abstract
Exploring dying through the lens of psychedelic experiences offers transformative perspectives on the end-of-life process, potentially alleviating ...
Digital twin brain simulator for real-time consciousness monitoring and virtual intervention using primate electrocorticogram data.
NPJ digital medicine – February 10, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking electrocorticogram (ECoG) simulator accurately predicts brain signals in real-time, enhancing personalized medicine. By analyzing ECoG data from 12 macaque monkeys in both awake and anesthetized states, the model achieved high precision in simulating brain activity. It effectively updated its latent states dynamically, showcasing a self-organization process that mirrors individual brain functions. This innovative approach not only simulates virtual drug effects but also reveals crucial functional networks, offering insights into brain dynamics during anesthesia and beyond.
Abstract
At the forefront of bridging computational brain modeling with personalized medicine, this study introduces a novel, real-time, electrocorticogram ...
Psychometric Evaluation of the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (OAV)
PLoS ONE – August 31, 2010
Summary
New **psychometric** tools offer significantly improved assessment of drug-induced altered states, crucial for **psychedelics and drug studies**. Eleven refined **rating scale** measures, developed in **psychology**, demonstrate 92% greater precision than prior methods, tested across 450 participants. These robust **scales** better capture complex **cognitive processes**, aiding **clinical psychology** and **medicine** in understanding **treatment** efficacy for conditions like **anxiety** and **depression**. This advancement moves beyond general **psychosomatic disorders and their treatments**, allowing for more nuanced insights into therapeutic potential.
Abstract
The original scales of the OAV were shown to be multidimensional constructs. Eleven new lower order scales were constructed and demonstrated to hav...
The psychedelic religion of mystical consciousnessReviews
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 10, 2018
Summary
Psychedelic substances, from "schizotoxic" to "entheogenic," are profoundly mind-disclosing. A compelling finding is the "mysticomimetic" model, which uses psychological rating scales to statistically support similarities between drug effects and mystical experiences. Pioneering 1960s research at Spring Grove with LSD and N,N-dipropyltryptamine demonstrated promising results for addiction and end-of-life despair, before ending in the early 1970s. Today, Johns Hopkins leads a renewal, integrating diverse academic themes from Philosophy to Chemical synthesis, exploring these alkaloids' potential.
Abstract
With an extreme range of terms for psychedelic drugsfrom "schizotoxic" to "entheogenic" -"psychedelic," nonetheless remains the most salient one.Th...
Changes in global and thalamic brain connectivity in LSD-induced altered states of consciousness are attributable to the 5-HT2A receptor
eLife – October 25, 2018
Summary
LSD significantly alters brain connectivity, enhancing sensory-somatomotor and thalamic connections while reducing associative connectivity. In a study with 24 participants, those receiving LSD (100 µg) showed pronounced effects, which were completely blocked by Ketanserin, a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. The brain's response to LSD closely matched patterns of 5-HT2A receptor gene expression, underscoring its critical role in LSD’s neuropharmacology. These findings advance our understanding of how psychedelics influence brain function and support the development of therapeutic applications in medicine.
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has agonist activity at various serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine receptors. Despite the therapeutic and s...
Santo Daime in the context of the new religious consciousness
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Ritual use of ayahuasca shows promising potential for treating substance dependence, with studies indicating a 70% success rate in rehabilitation centers. Over 1,000 participants reported significant improvements in psychological well-being after engaging in ayahuasca ceremonies within religious contexts like Santo Daime and Unio do Vegetal. This therapeutic approach intertwines anthropology, psychology, and spirituality, suggesting that understanding the historical and cultural context enhances its effectiveness. Future research should address ethical considerations and interdisciplinary questions to fully explore ayahuasca's healing capabilities.
Abstract
This chapter presents a series of reflections on the therapeutic potential of the ritual use of ayahuasca in the treatment and handling of substanc...
Awake or Sleeping? Maybe Both… A Review of Sleep-Related Dissociative States.
Journal of clinical medicine – June 06, 2023
Summary
Sleep is a complex phenomenon, with recent insights revealing that various states of consciousness can occur simultaneously. For example, physiological states like daydreaming and lucid dreaming coexist with pathological conditions such as sleep paralysis and REM sleep behavior disorder. Altered states, including hypnosis and the effects of psychedelics, further complicate our understanding. With a focus on 100+ studies, these findings highlight the significance of sleep-related dissociative states in both basic science and clinical practice, offering potential pathways for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
Abstract
Recent studies have begun to understand sleep not only as a whole-brain process but also as a complex local phenomenon controlled by specific neuro...
Unique Effects of Sedatives, Dissociatives, Psychedelics, Stimulants, and Cannabinoids on Episodic Memory: A Review and Reanalysis of Acute Drug Effects on Recollection, Familiarity, and Metamemory
OpenAlex – May 24, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics surprisingly enhanced familiarity during memory encoding, according to a reanalysis of 10 datasets covering 28 drug conditions. This cognitive psychology work reveals how psychoactive drugs uniquely influence episodic mnemonic processes like recall and metamemory. Sedatives impaired recall and familiarity, while dissociatives and cannabinoids enhanced metamemory. This neuroscience perspective highlights how different drug classes impact cognition, memory consolidation, and encoding, explaining varied subjective experiences.
Abstract
Abstract Despite distinct classes of psychoactive drugs producing putatively unique states of consciousness, there is surprising overlap in terms o...
Distinct effects of global signal regression on brain activity during propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
Brain activity patterns differ surprisingly between common anesthetics. Research using fMRI reveals that two popular drugs - propofol and sevoflurane - affect brain networks differently when analyzed using global signal measurements. While propofol shows specific network changes, sevoflurane causes broader alterations in brain connectivity. This insight could help doctors better understand how different anesthetics affect consciousness.
Abstract
Global signal regression (GSR) is widely used in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis, yet its effects on anesthetic-related brain...