Effect of a one-week spiritual retreat on dopamine and serotonin transporter binding: a preliminary study
Religion Brain & Behavior March 22, 2017 Andrew B. Newberg, Nancy Wintering, David B. Yaden et al. 19 citations
A seven-day spiritual retreat involving meditation and prayer led to measurable changes in brain chemistry. After the retreat, dopamine transporter binding decreased in the basal ganglia and serotonin transporter binding decreased in the midbrain, suggesting altered neurotransmitter activity. Participants also reported changes in psychological and spiritual measures. This preliminary study of 14 individuals provides the first neurophysiological data on such retreats, though the authors note methodological challenges for future research.