A Neurocognitive Framework for Psychedelics as Learning Opportunities
April 16, 2024 Sonny Mattek preprint
Existing theories of psychedelics focus on their disruptive effects, but a new framework proposes that serotonergic psychedelics create learning opportunities by activating the orienting response via the noradrenergic system. This response, which naturally occurs only in compelling situations, disrupts ongoing processes to reorder attention toward salient stimuli, harnessing neural plasticity to generate adaptive behaviors through real-time learning. The perspective has implications for therapy, including preparation, set and setting, dosage, and outcome measurement, suggesting that a minimum effective dose may vary based on therapeutic learning goals. This approach could expand therapeutic possibilities and improve outcomes.