Sub-Acute Effects of Psilocybin on Empathy, Creative Thinking, and Subjective Well-Being
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs February 26, 2019 Natasha L. Mason, Elisabeth Mischler, Malin V. Uthaug et al. 176 citations
A single dose of psilocybin, given in a retreat setting, may boost creative thinking, empathy, and well-being for at least a week. The morning after use, divergent thinking and emotional empathy improved; seven days later, convergent thinking, certain types of emotional empathy, and life satisfaction remained enhanced. Changes in empathy were linked to changes in well-being. These sub-acute effects outlast acute intoxication and may help explain psilocybin's potential as a treatment for conditions like depression, where social interaction and well-being are impaired.