Oscillatory Components of Psychedelic Experience

Psychedelic substances have been used for millennia, yet systematic understanding of the brain processes underlying the nonordinary states of consciousness (NSC) they induce has only recently become possible. Brain imaging reveals dynamic changes, and observations of spontaneously occurring NSC in major mood disorders show that the propensity for NSC increases at peaks of oscillatory brain activity and fully unfolds when oscillations exceed normal range. Neurobiological correlates of experientially opposite states—melancholy and mania—appear qualitatively the same, supporting the idea that experiential content emerges from nonlocal consciousness. Psychedelic experiences are triggered by the drug but shaped by mental set and setting, and their transformative process can be used psychotherapeutically for healing and inner restructuring.

Study at a glance

Abstract

As humanity has been utilizing psychedelic substances for millennia, much knowledge has already been accumulated about the exploratory potential and therapeutic power of the psychedelic-induced nonordinary states of consciousness (NSC). However, we still have only a limited understanding of the process that unfolds in mind and the brain. Only recently have systematic investigations become possible, as the myths about psychedelics are abating and the legal strictures gradually loosening. With the availability of brain imaging techniques, exciting findings have been made about the associated dynamic brain processes. Our prospective observations of spontaneously generated NSC, major mood disorders, have been elucidating another dynamic aspect, the oscillatory brain processes. The findings indicate that the NSC’s propensity is markedly increased at the peaks of the oscillatory brain activity and that the NSC entirely unfolds when the oscillations exceed their normal range. The observation that neurobiological correlates of experientially opposite NSC, melancholy and mania, appear qualitatively the same is compatible with the concept that the experiential content is emerging from nonlocal consciousness. Psychedelic experiences are triggered by the administration of the psychedelic drug. However, they are influenced by nondrug factors and molded, in particular, by the individual’s mental set and the setting of the session. The transformative process can be utilized psychotherapeutically for healing and profound inner restructuring.