Dynamic Functional Hyperconnectivity after Psilocybin Intake is Primarily Associated with Oceanic Boundlessness
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) September 18, 2023 Sepehr Mortaheb, Larry D. Fort, Natasha L. Mason et al. 7 citations preprint
Psilocybin increases functional connectivity across the brain and induces a recurrent hyperconnected pattern with low BOLD signal amplitude, suggesting heightened cortical arousal. These brain dynamics are linked to feelings of oceanic boundlessness and visionary restructuralization, as measured by the 5-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale. The brain's tendency to enter this hyperconnected-hyperarousal pattern under psilocybin may enable variant mental associations. For the first time, these findings connect brain dynamics with phenomenological alterations, offering new insights into the neurophenomenology and neurophysiology of the psychedelic state.