An Integrated theory of false insights and beliefs under psychedelics.
Commun Psychol August 1, 2024 H. T. Mcgovern, H. J. Grimmer, M. K. Doss et al. 48 citations
Psychedelics can re-orient beliefs, but they may also produce false insights that lead to false beliefs. A model based on the active inference framework connects laboratory findings on false insights and false memories to psychedelic experiences. Subjective and brain-based changes from psychedelics increase the quantity and intensity of insights and beliefs, including false ones. The neurobiological action of psychedelics may heighten the experience of insight, enabling flexible belief updating but also the adoption of false beliefs. Future research should aim to minimize the risk of false and potentially harmful beliefs to safely leverage psychedelics' therapeutic potential.