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Medical Hypotheses

ISSN 0306-9877

8 papers in the library · 289 citations · publishing 1990-2023

Papers

Neuroscience and the Near-Death Experience: Roles for the NMSA-PCP receptor, the sigma receptor and the endopsychosins

Medical Hypotheses January 1, 1990 Karl Jansen 96 citations

The near-death experience (NDE) is a dissociative mental state with characteristic features that can be reproduced by ketamine, which acts at sigma sites and blocks NMDA-linked PCP receptors to reduce ischemic damage. Endogenous ligands, alpha and beta-endopsychosin, have been detected for these receptors, suggesting an explanation for some NDEs: the endopsychosins may be released in abnormal quantity to protect neurons from ischemic and other excitotoxic damage, and the NDE is a side effect on consciousness with important psychological functions.

DOI: 10.1016/0306-9877(90)90048-j Ketamine Phencyclidine Nmda receptor Neuroscience +7

Epistemological implications of near-death experiences and other non-ordinary mental expressions: Moving beyond the concept of altered state of consciousness

Medical Hypotheses April 11, 2015 Enrico Facco, Christian Agrillo, Bruce Greyson 61 citations

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are deep, universal altered states of consciousness with clear phenomenology and incidence, whose features challenge the dominant mechanist-reductionist view of mind as a byproduct of brain circuitry. This paradigm originated from Descartes' separation of mind and matter and the historical conflict between science and the Inquisition, which removed subjective mental properties from scientific inquiry. Twentieth-century physics moved beyond this classical paradigm, renewing scientific interest in mind. Modern NDE research has reopened debate on the mind-brain relationship and consciousness. The authors argue it is time to reappraise scientific interpretations of NDEs, their relationship with other altered states, and the concept of altered state itself, which appears ill-founded, suggesting a need for revision of conventional approaches to subjective phenomena and reflection on links between non-ordinary mental expressions.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.04.004

Neurobiology and clinical implications of lucid dreaming

Medical Hypotheses July 6, 2013 Sérgio Mota‐rolim, John Fontenele Araújo 50 citations

Lucid dreaming—being aware of dreaming during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep—may be linked to increased frontal lobe activity, contrasting with psychosis, which involves reduced frontal activity and dream-like features intruding into wakefulness. The authors propose that frontal brain stimulation during REM sleep could trigger lucid dreams, offering a test of this hypothesis. They suggest lucid dreaming research could advance understanding of consciousness and its disorders, serve as therapy for recurrent nightmares in depression and PTSD, and aid physical rehabilitation through motor imagery during dreams.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.04.049 Lucid dream Psychosis Frontal lobe Neuroscience +4

Psychedelic medicine: The biology underlying the persisting psychedelic effects

Medical Hypotheses February 11, 2019 K.p.c. Kuypers 34 citations

Psychedelic substances show promise for treating stress-related disorders, with effects that can persist after a single dose. Even low, micro-doses that do not alter consciousness may improve cognitive processes and well-being. The neurobiological mechanisms behind these lasting effects remain unclear. While prior research focused on the central nervous system, immune system, and neuroendocrine system, a central role is proposed for sleep and the microbiome in the effects of regular and low doses of psychedelics, respectively. The hypothesis is explained and studies to test it are suggested. A holistic approach is needed, incorporating all affected biological processes and factors like route of administration, form, diet, and lifestyle.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.02.029

The Psilocybin-Telomere Hypothesis: An empirically falsifiable prediction concerning the beneficial neuropsychopharmacological effects of psilocybin on genetic aging

Medical Hypotheses September 24, 2019 Christopher B. Germann 20 citations

A new hypothesis proposes that controlled psilocybin interventions can positively impact leucocyte telomere length, a predictor of mortality and aging-related diseases. The argument draws on evidence that psilocybin improves mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and addiction, and that better mental health correlates with longer telomeres. Meditative states of consciousness, which share neurophysiological and phenomenological features with psilocybin-induced states, also benefit genetic aging. A single psilocybin dose can produce transformative experiences rated among the five most meaningful life events by about 70% of healthy volunteers. The hypothesis suggests these profound psychological events leave molecular genetic or epigenetic marks. Quantitative telomere analysis is proposed as an adjunctive biological marker in future psilocybin studies to facilitate scientific consilience.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109406 Psilocybin Consciousness Argument complex analysis Context archaeology +8

Out of the box: A psychedelic model to study the creative mind

Medical Hypotheses March 23, 2018 K.p.c. Kuypers 16 citations

Creativity involves both flexible divergent thinking and rigid convergent thinking. Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin can enhance creativity and influence mood, empathy, and openness to experience. Flexible thinking is impaired in anxiety disorders and depression, and preliminary evidence suggests psychedelics may help treat these conditions. The neurobiological mechanisms by which psychedelics enhance flexible thinking remain unknown. A model is proposed that integrates neuronal networks, neurotransmitters, and personal factors, which can be tested through placebo-controlled pharmaco-imaging studies in healthy volunteers.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.03.010 Psilocybin Anxiety Creativity Empathy +14