A Comparative Review of the Neuro-Psychopharmacology of Hallucinogen-Induced Altered States of Consciousness: The Uniqueness of Some Hallucinogens
NeuroQuantology June 1, 2012 Ümit Sayın 17 citations
Altered states of consciousness induced by hallucinogens (H-ASC) remain poorly understood. The diverse psychological effects of LSD, ibogaine, THC, PCP, MDMA, methamphetamine, mescaline, psilocybin, and DMT—including visual, tactile, and auditory hallucinations; synesthesia; perception of fractals and vivid colors; distortions in body perception, time, and ego; euphoria or dysphoria; and mysticomimetic experiences—cannot be explained solely by receptor and neurotransmitter systems (e.g., 5-HT2, glutamate, dopamine, adrenergic, cannabinoid receptors). The effects depend on the person's mood and "set and setting." A hypothetical "holographic brain theory" may offer additional insights. H-ASCs may serve as tools to investigate consciousness and models of psychosis, warranting further research.