Oxford University Press eBooks,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 255 - 294
Published: Oct. 19, 2023
Abstract
This
chapter
tackles
the
issue
of
whether
mystical
experiences
are
psychedelic
--
that
is,
they
mind-revealing.
The
argues
to
answer
this
question,
we
need
be
able
define
and
cannot
done,
given
their
ineffability.
Nevertheless,
demonstrates
how
can
deepen
our
understanding
asks
by
engaging
with
ineffability
seriously.
As
part
demonstration,
explores
parallels
between
maximal
uncertainty.
It
also
highlights
discusses
significance
emphasis
many
traditions
place
on
subjective
uncertainty
intellectual
humility.
Biological Psychiatry,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
96(1), P. 57 - 66
Published: Jan. 6, 2024
Background
Serotonergic
psychedelics,
such
as
psilocybin,
alter
perceptual
and
cognitive
systems
that
are
functionally
integrated
with
the
amygdala.
These
changes
can
cognition
emotions
hypothesised
to
contribute
their
therapeutic
utility.
However,
neural
mechanisms
of
subcortical
altered
by
psychedelics
not
well
understood.
Methods
We
used
functional
MRI
resting
state
images
collected
during
a
randomised,
double-blinded,
placebo-controlled
clinical
trial
24
healthy
adults
under
0.2mg/kg
psilocybin
estimate
directed
(i.e.,
effective)
between
amygdala
three
large-scale
resting-state
networks
involved
in
cognition.
default
mode
network
(DMN),
salience
(SN),
central
executive
(CEN).
Results
found
pattern
decreased
top-down
effective
connectivity
from
these
Effective
within
DMN
SN
however
increased
CEN.
were
statistically
associated
behavioural
measures
emotion
influence
psilocybin.
Conclusions
Our
findings
suggest
temporary
signal
attenuation
is
mechanistic
RSN
connectivity.
significant
for
perception
suggests
targets
research
investigating
efficacy
psychedelic
therapy
internalising
psychiatric
disorders.
More
broadly,
our
study
value
quantifying
brain's
hierarchical
organisation
using
identify
important
basic
function
how
they
give
rise
subjective
experiences.
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
22(2), P. 806 - 841
Published: March 7, 2024
Abstract
The
mechanisms
by
which
Psilocybin
Therapy
(PT)
improves
depression
remain
an
important
object
of
study,
with
scientists
actively
exploring
acute
psychological
experiences
and
neurobiological
processes
as
candidates.
In
a
phase
2,
double-blind,
randomized,
active
comparator
controlled
trial
involving
patients
moderate-to-severe
major
depressive
disorder,
we
investigated
whether
could
meaningfully
account
for
the
unique
efficacy
PT
versus
Escitalopram
Treatment
over
core
6-week
period.
An
exploratory-factor-analysis-derived
single-factor
was
used
outcome.
Among
comprehensive
set
related
to
psilocybin,
so-called
“mystical
experience”
“ego
dissolution”
were
in
mediating
effect
treatment
condition
on
response
high
specificity.
Higher
reported
levels
mystical
experience,
emotional
breakthrough,
intense
responses
music-listening
furthermore
associated
greater
antidepressant
response.
These
results
provide
qualified
support
causal
mechanistic
role
via
PT.
NeuroImage,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
275, P. 120162 - 120162
Published: May 15, 2023
Disorders
of
consciousness
are
complex
conditions
characterised
by
persistent
loss
responsiveness
due
to
brain
injury.
They
present
diagnostic
challenges
and
limited
options
for
treatment,
highlight
the
urgent
need
a
more
thorough
understanding
how
human
arises
from
coordinated
neural
activity.
The
increasing
availability
multimodal
neuroimaging
data
has
given
rise
wide
range
clinically-
scientifically-motivated
modelling
efforts,
seeking
improve
data-driven
stratification
patients,
identify
causal
mechanisms
patient
pathophysiology
broadly,
develop
simulations
as
means
testing
in
silico
potential
treatment
avenues
restore
consciousness.
As
dedicated
Working
Group
clinicians
neuroscientists
international
Curing
Coma
Campaign,
here
we
provide
our
framework
vision
understand
diverse
statistical
generative
computational
approaches
that
being
employed
this
fast-growing
field.
We
gaps
exist
between
current
state-of-the-art
biophysical
neuroscience,
aspirational
goal
mature
field
disorders
consciousness;
which
might
drive
improved
treatments
outcomes
clinic.
Finally,
make
several
recommendations
whole
can
work
together
address
these
challenges.
Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
9(5), P. 490 - 499
Published: Feb. 9, 2024
There
has
been
renewed
interest
in
the
use
of
3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine
(MDMA)
and
serotonergic
psychedelics
treatment
multiple
psychiatric
disorders.
Many
these
compounds
are
known
to
produce
prosocial
effects,
but
how
effects
relate
therapeutic
efficacy
extent
which
unique
a
particular
drug
class
is
unknown.
In
this
article,
we
present
narrative
overview
compare
evidence
for
MDMA
elucidate
shared
mechanisms
that
may
underlie
process.
We
discuss
4
categories
effects:
altered
self-image,
responses
social
reward,
negative
input,
neuroplasticity.
While
both
drugs
alter
self-perception,
do
so
way
less
related
experience
mystical-type
states
than
psychedelics.
case
supports
ability
enhance
suggests
also
so,
more
research
needed
area.
Both
classes
consistently
dampen
reactivity
stimuli.
Finally,
preclinical
induce
neuroplasticity,
promoting
adaptive
rewiring
neural
circuits,
be
helpful
trauma
processing.
they
differ
through
this.
These
differences
affect
types
psychosocial
interventions
work
best
with
each
compound.
Neuroscience of Consciousness,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
2024(1)
Published: Jan. 1, 2024
Modern
medicine
has
been
shaken
by
the
surge
of
psychedelic
science
that
proposes
a
new
approach
to
mitigate
mental
disorders,
such
as
depression
and
post-traumatic
stress
disorder.
Clinical
trials
investigate
whether
substances
can
treat
psychiatric
conditions
are
now
underway,
yet
less
discussion
gravitates
around
their
use
in
neurological
disorders
due
brain
injury.
One
suggested
implementation
brain-complexity
enhancing
psychedelics
is
people
with
post-comatose
consciousness
(DoC).
In
this
article,
we
discuss
rationale
endeavour,
examining
possible
outcomes
experiments
postulating
existence
an
optimal
level
complexity.
We
consider
counterintuitive
effects
both
DoC
on
functional
connectivity
default
mode
network
its
impact
selfhood.
also
elaborate
role
computational
modelling
providing
complementary
information
experimental
studies,
contributing
our
understanding
treatment
mechanisms
path
towards
personalized
medicine.
Finally,
update
discourse
surrounding
ethical
considerations,
encompassing
clinical
scientific
values.
Oxford University Press eBooks,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Oct. 19, 2023
Abstract
Psychedelic
Experience
presents
a
philosophical
account
of
psychedelic
experience.
A
central
premise
the
book
is
that
such
experiences
are
mind-revealing
and
they
can
be
induced
by
means
other
than
psychedelics.
In
particular,
argues
also
had
as
result
meditation.
The
then
unified
conceptual
framework
for
thinking
about
different
kinds
one
may
have
psychedelics,
meditation,
their
combination.
This
used
to
shed
new
light
on
various
commonalities
between
psychedelics
ability
promote
long-lasting
increases
in
mindfulness
reputation
inducing
mystical
experiences.
Finally,
uses
these
resources
flip
things
around
shine
back
philosophy
itself,
arguing
tools
doing
philosophy.
approach
(or
revival
an
ancient
one),
which
integrates
traditional
analytic
methods
with
range
techniques.
Molecular Psychiatry,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: June 11, 2024
Abstract
Visual
alterations
under
classic
psychedelics
can
include
rich
phenomenological
accounts
of
eyes-closed
imagery.
Preclinical
evidence
suggests
agonism
the
5-HT2A
receptor
may
reduce
synaptic
gain
to
produce
psychedelic-induced
However,
this
has
not
been
investigated
in
humans.
To
infer
directed
connectivity
changes
visual
underlying
psychedelic
imagery
healthy
adults,
a
double-blind,
randomised,
placebo-controlled,
cross-over
study
was
performed,
and
dynamic
causal
modelling
applied
resting
state
functional
MRI
scans
24
subjects
after
administration
0.2
mg/kg
serotonergic
drug,
psilocybin
(magic
mushrooms),
or
placebo.
The
effective
model
included
early
area,
fusiform
gyrus,
intraparietal
sulcus,
inferior
frontal
gyrus.
We
observed
pattern
increased
self-inhibition
both
higher
visual-association
regions
that
consistent
with
preclinical
findings.
also
reduced
inhibition
from
earlier
areas
indicated
top-down
is
enhanced
during
results
were
analysed
behavioural
measures
taken
immediately
scans,
suggesting
psilocybin-induced
decreased
sensitivity
neural
inputs
associated
perception
findings
inform
our
basic
clinical
understanding
perception.
They
reveal
mechanisms
that,
by
affecting
balance,
increase
impact
feedback
on
perception,
which
could
contribute
seen
experiences.