1178 results for "Consciousness"
Psychedelic use and psychological flexibility: The role of meaningful intention and decentering
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – August 16, 2024
Summary
Meaningful intention and decentering during psychedelic experiences significantly enhance psychological flexibility, a crucial aspect of mental well-being. Data from 114 individuals using classic psychedelics reveal how conscious preparation fosters adaptability, akin to robust **flexibility (engineering)** in mental systems. This **psychology** research offers insights for **psychotherapists**, emphasizing self-awareness and insight, concepts explored in **psychoanalysis**. **Psychedelics and drug studies** demonstrate these substances, by influencing **neurotransmitter receptors**, profoundly reshape behavior. Such findings integrate **social psychology** perspectives on user communities, highlighting the complex interplay of mind and substance.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psychedelic use and its impact on well-being is garnering a lot of research attention, however, little has been done to underst...
Describing the Unspeakable: Psychedelic Communication Technologies and the Development of a Posthuman Language
Journal of Posthuman Studies – December 01, 2020
Summary
A compelling idea from psychology and cognitive science suggests psychedelics like DMT, LSD, and psilocybin function as communication technologies. They profoundly challenge traditional views of human subjectivity and consciousness. Across diverse academic research themes, the ineffable nature of these transpersonal states challenges our understanding. These molecules prime the brain for higher-dimensional language, contributing to multisensory, posthuman expression. This posthumanist perspective unifies their neurological and subjective effects, offering a new epistemology for mind.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Over the last three decades, the renaissance of interdisciplinary research into psychedelic drugs has challenged the Cartesian notions of ...
Psilocybin-induced modulation of visual salience processing
Neuroscience of Consciousness – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly alters conscious visual perception. In a study with 23 participants, high psilocybin doses significantly increased fixation on salient image regions and reduced eye movement distances during natural scene viewing, precisely measured by eye tracking. This suggests heightened visual processing sensitivity to salient cues, fundamentally impacting gaze behavior. Utilizing a deep learning model for visual attention and electroencephalography, findings indicate psilocybin shifts attentional dynamics within cognitive psychology, making visual scanning more exploratory and less predictable. This illuminates how psychedelics reshape visual perception.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic compounds significantly reshape conscious perception, yet the implications of these alterations for complex visual-guided beha...
Is there mush-room to improve the environmental sustainability of psilocybin production?
Journal of CO2 Utilization – June 10, 2025
Summary
Australia's 2023 approval of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Treatment Resistant Depression highlights a critical need for sustainable production. Current chemical synthesis of this psychedelic alkaloid faces low yields and high costs. An environmentally conscious alternative, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction from fungi biomass, offers promise. Operating at just 31.7°C and 72 bar, scCO2 provides selective, residue-free extraction of psychedelic tryptamines. This approach could revolutionize psilocybin supply, integrating diverse themes from environmental science to drug studies and production economics, by offering a more efficient and sustainable pathway.
Abstract
Mental health disorders and associated economic impact continue to rise domestically and globally. In 2023, to expand treatment options for individ...
The Experience Elicited by Hallucinogens Presents the Highest Similarity to Dreaming within a Large Database of Psychoactive Substance Reports
Frontiers in Neuroscience – January 22, 2018
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) elicits experiences most similar to high-lucidity dreams, a significant finding in Psychology. A semantic similarity (geometry) analysis of a large volume of subjective reports confirmed this hallucinogen, a potent psychoactive substance, mirrors dream states more closely than other drugs. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies explores altered states of consciousness, showing hallucinogens have the highest dream-like similarity. Understanding these effects, potentially linked to Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, could inform future Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques.
Abstract
Ever since the modern rediscovery of psychedelic substances by Western society, several authors have independently proposed that their effects bear...
IS PSYCHEDELIC TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS READY FOR PRIME TIME?
Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society – June 30, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like Psilocybin and MDMA are transforming Psychiatry, offering hope for millions with mental health challenges. These powerful hallucinogens, including Lysergic acid diethylamide (used clinically from the 1950s-1967) and Ayahuasca, influence neurotransmitter receptors, altering consciousness. Clinical psychology and drug studies reveal their potential to disrupt pathological brain activity, promoting neuroplasticity. Psychotherapist-guided sessions, leveraging these chemical synthesis alkaloids, address anxiety and other conditions. This burgeoning field of Psychology suggests a new era for mental health treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelics, substances known to alter perception, mood, and consciousness, have been used across various cultures for centuries, often in religio...
Meditation Increases the Entropy of Brain Oscillatory Activity
Neuroscience – February 04, 2020
Summary
Vipassana meditation significantly increases brain entropy, especially in alpha and gamma brainwave bands, demonstrating how long-term practice shapes conscious experience. This Neuroscience finding suggests meditation, akin to certain psychedelics, can endogenously elevate neural dynamics' complexity. Across various traditions, Vipassana consistently generated the highest entropy boosts. All practices also enhanced gamma band coherence. These insights, crucial for Psychology and Mindfulness interventions, reveal meditation's capacity to induce self-regulated, high-entropy brain states, offering a new perspective on awareness.
Abstract
We address the hypothesis that the entropy of neural dynamics indexes the intensity and quality of conscious content. Previous work established tha...
Effects of psilocybin on personality, psychiatric symptoms, and values: Exploring mediating effects of the acute psychedelic experience
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 26, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly shifts personal values, a key area in psychology. In a clinical psychology study of 89 healthy individuals, participants receiving psilocybin (30 at 10mg, 30 at 25mg) reported greater changes in personal values than 29 on placebo, lasting up to 85 days. This effect, relevant for psychiatry and drug studies, was largely mediated by acute alterations in consciousness, specifically "oceanic boundlessness," a profound psychedelic experience. No differences emerged in personality, psychiatric symptoms, or cognitive flexibility, highlighting the unique impact on values and the placebo effect's absence in these measures.
Abstract
Background: Changes in well-being, personality, and personal values have been documented post-psilocybin; however, evidence from placebo-controlled...
Psychedelic VR Experience: An Exploratory Study on Cosmic Flow
OpenAlex – November 09, 2022
Summary
Virtual reality offers a unique avenue for exploring altered states of consciousness. An exploratory research study with six participants investigated the user experience design of a psychedelic VR application. This Human-Computer Interaction and applied psychology effort revealed themes like introspection. Seven design considerations emerged for future virtual reality experiences, including non-invasive multi-sensory modalities and the effects of priming, relevant to agriculture, guiding computer science in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Virtual environments are emerging as a tool for providing psychede-lic experiences due to the increasing interest in altered states of consciousnes...
Chapter 51. Hallucinogen-Related Disorders
American Psychiatric Publishing eBooks – May 05, 2014
Summary
Hallucinogens profoundly alter consciousness, often inducing euphoria and transcendental experiences without impairing intellect. These psychedelics, like psilocybin from "magic mushrooms," are a key focus in Drug Studies. Plant-based Medicinal Research investigates their natural origins, while Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques illuminate their impact on psychology and psychiatry. Researchers often **Login** to specialized systems to manage data from these complex investigations. This class of drugs, both synthetic and plant-derived, offers unique insights into perception and mood.
Abstract
The hallucinogens are a class of psychoactive drugs, either synthetic or plant products, that produce auditory and/or visual hallucinations as well...
Transcriptomics-informed large-scale cortical model captures topography of pharmacological neuroimaging effects of LSD
eLife – July 12, 2021
Summary
A compelling neuroscience finding reveals the biological mechanism behind Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)'s effects on the human brain. Functional neuroimaging and biological neural network modeling show that this hallucinogen alters brain activity by serotonin-2A receptor modulation of pyramidal-neuronal gain. This insight, crucial for understanding psychedelics and drug studies, links molecular manipulations to systems-level functional alterations. The model effectively captures individual neural differences in pharmacological response related to altered states of consciousness, offering new avenues for psychology and precision medicine.
Abstract
Psychoactive drugs can transiently perturb brain physiology while preserving brain structure. The role of physiological state in shaping neural fun...
Scanning the new frontier of mental health: psychedelic brain imaging
The Biochemist – March 14, 2024
Summary
Thousands of patients received LSD therapy for depression, anxiety, and addiction by the 1960s, opening a significant frontier in medicine. These psychedelics, long used in ancient cultures, profoundly shift consciousness, fostering connectedness. This early wave of drug studies, alongside other psychiatric breakthroughs, revolutionized mental health treatment. Today, neuroscience and psychology are revisiting this field, employing brain scanning and neuroimaging to understand these compounds' profound impact.
Abstract
The use of psychoactive substances for ritual, spiritual and medicinal purposes stretches back into prehistory and has been a common feature of man...
Esse quam Videre: Critical Reflections on the Use of Psilocybin as an Adjuvant in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Polymatheia. – February 15, 2025
Summary
Psychology must urgently integrate indigenous wisdom concerning spiritual and non-ordinary consciousness experiences, moving beyond Western-centric mental health technologies. This approach advocates for decolonial perspectives in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies, involving the psychotherapist in reconnecting individuals with nature. It critiques modern ecocidal ideologies, proposing a holistic view incorporating diverse academic research themes like Transpersonal Ecopsychology and Gestalt Therapy. Understanding psychedelics, including psilocybin and the study of chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers new horizons for Drug Studies and a richer framework than traditional psychoanalysis.
Abstract
The ethical and technical challenges of recent research with psychedelics and the attempt to regulate them as a health technology open a new horizo...
Philosophy and psychedelics: Frameworks for exceptional experience
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 19, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics offer profound insights into the nature of reality. A new book explores the critical intersection between philosophy and psychedelics, two disciplines now in dialogue. It examines how these substances challenge our understanding of consciousness and self, delving into foundational epistemology and metaphysics. The work fosters a dialectic across diverse perspectives, exploring the existential meaning derived from exceptional experiences. Charting new philosophical territory, it bridges philosophy with aspects of psychology and sociology, offering a crucial contribution to drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract The intersection between philosophy and psychedelics is explored in the book “Philosophy and Psychedelics: Frameworks for Exceptional Expe...
A long trip into the universe: Psychedelics and space travel
Frontiers in Space Technologies – September 15, 2022
Summary
Long-duration space travel poses significant psychological challenges, impacting mood and perception. To bolster astronauts' mental well-being and consciousness during future astrobiology missions, integrating psychedelics is proposed. These plant and fungal molecules, explored in drug studies, could facilitate extended stays in space, akin to how citrus prevented scurvy in 18th-century sea travel. Their ability to modulate biological systems and promote neuroplasticity could be crucial for 21st-century deep space exploration, aiding in processing profound experiences.
Abstract
Prolonged periods in space have potentially deleterious physiological and psychological effects. Ensuring the physical health and mental well-being...
Illuminating brain's "dark energy": a living lens of spontaneous slow oscillations. reply to comments on 'dark brain energy: toward an integrative model of spontaneous slow oscillations'.
Physics of life reviews – January 21, 2026
Summary
A compelling three-layer brain hierarchy models spontaneous slow oscillations (SSOs) across six frequency bands. This framework, enriched by seven commentaries, explores SSOs' profound link to consciousness. Discussions delve into geometric foundations, evolutionary mechanisms, and mathematical modeling of traveling waves. The integrated perspective refines understanding of this brain hierarchy, suggesting how neural eigenmodes and predictive coding underpin these fundamental rhythms and their neurocognitive basis.
Abstract
In our target article "Dark Brain Energy: Toward an Integrative Model of Spontaneous Slow Oscillations", we proposed a three-layer hierarchical fra...
Numinous-like symptoms in epilepsy and/or insular tumors: A hospital cohort study.
Epilepsy & behavior : E&B – January 22, 2026
Summary
Seizures can surprisingly trigger profound numinous experiences, including mystical sensations. Among 83 epilepsy patients surveyed, 6.0% reported such symptoms. Separately, 8.7% of 23 tumor patients with pre-existing epilepsy also described them. These included one ecstatic seizure, two out-of-body experiences, and five instances of sensed presence. Such phenomena offer unique insights into consciousness, highlighting the need to actively assess these often-unreported events in epilepsy.
Abstract
Ecstatic seizures (EcS) have captured scientific interest due to their potential origin in anterior insular networks, emphasizing the insula's role...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part III. N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and Ayahuasca
CrossRef
Summary
A single dose of DMT led to 57% of major depressive disorder patients experiencing remission 12 weeks later. This naturally-occurring psychedelic, also found in ayahuasca, shows significant promise. A separate trial found ayahuasca caused remission in 36% of patients with treatment-resistant depression within one week. While generally safe, ayahuasca can cause transient vomiting. The therapeutic and biological roles of DMT, including its possible link to near-death experiences and its impact on human consciousness, warrant further exploration.
Abstract
Background: N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally-occurring serotonergic psychedelic found in natural plants around the globe. As the main ps...
The Experimental Use of Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy
JAMA – June 15, 1970
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) generated significant enthusiasm in the 1950s, with claims that it could model psychosis and aid in understanding schizophrenia. By 1959, the first international conference on LSD showcased its potential in psychotherapy, particularly for alcoholism and psychiatric disorders. Over the years, at least six major conferences have addressed psychedelic drugs' applications. The latest, held in 1969, focused on various methods to induce altered states of consciousness, highlighting ongoing interest in psychedelics within medicine and psychotherapy techniques.
Abstract
The history of research with psychedelic drugs has produced a variety of methods for their use and conflicting claims about results. First came the...
Hallucinogens and Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor-Mediated Signaling Pathways
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2017
Summary
Hallucinogens like psilocybin and LSD significantly alter consciousness, emotion, and cognition. Recent insights reveal that these substances primarily act on the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, with effects linked to its agonist activity. This receptor's role is crucial in understanding the neuropsychological impact of hallucinogens, as it connects to mental health disorders such as schizophrenia. With a focus on the receptor’s structure and function, findings highlight how these compounds influence behavior through neurotransmitter signaling, offering potential therapeutic avenues in psychology and pharmacology.
Abstract
The neuropsychological effects of naturally occurring psychoactive chemicals have been recognized for millennia. Hallucinogens, which include natur...
The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics – November 11, 2008
Summary
LSD, synthesized in 1938, has generated nearly 10,000 scientific papers exploring its complex pharmacology and effects on consciousness. Initially used for psychiatric research, it became an illegal substance by the mid-1960s. Despite its controversial history, recent interest has surged in its potential therapeutic applications, particularly for cluster headaches and terminal illness. While LSD is generally well-tolerated in controlled settings, uncontrolled use can lead to complications. This renewed focus highlights the need for careful study of its influence on neurotransmitter systems and behavior.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was synthesized in 1938 and its psychoactive effects discovered in 1943. It was used during the 1950s and 1960s as...
The experimental use of psychedelic (LSD) psychotherapy
JAMA – June 15, 1970
Summary
Psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, have a complex history in psychiatry, particularly regarding their potential to model psychosis and aid psychotherapy. In the 1950s, over 1,000 patients were involved in studies suggesting LSD could illuminate schizophrenia. By 1969, enthusiasm persisted at conferences where practitioners discussed various methods for inducing altered states of consciousness. Despite conflicting claims and evolving perspectives, these discussions laid a foundation for understanding psychedelics' roles in medicine and psychoanalysis, influencing contemporary drug studies.
Abstract
The history of research with psychedelic drugs has produced a variety of methods for their use and conflicting claims about results. First came the...
LSD and Psychotherapy
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 01, 1985
Summary
LSD and similar psychedelics possess unique psychological effects that set them apart from typical psychotropic drugs, suggesting significant potential for therapeutic use. Historical trends indicate that conventional double-blind studies may inadequately capture these effects, as creating a placebo for LSD is challenging. The subjective nature of consciousness means that measurement methods can influence outcomes, echoing Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in quantum physics. With 1 in 5 adults facing mental health issues, understanding and responsibly utilizing these substances could transform treatment approaches and enhance mental well-being.
Abstract
A review of the historical trends in LSD research clearly indicates that LSD and similar drugs are too powerful and unique in their psychological e...
The Serotonergic System and Mysticism: Could LSD and the Nondrug-Induced Mystical Experience Share Common Neural Mechanisms?
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 01, 2002
Summary
Mystical experiences and the effects of LSD share intriguing similarities, potentially revealing insights into consciousness. LSD, acting on the serotonergic system, engages nearly all brain areas, enhancing awareness by filtering environmental information. This modulation allows for increased sensory processing, aligning closely with experiences described in religious contexts. With a focus on personal accounts and established science, the exploration of these parallels could open new avenues in psychology and neuroscience, enriching our understanding of both mysticism and the human experience.
Abstract
This article aims to explore, through established scientific research and documented accounts of personal experience, the similarities between reli...
Subjective Reactions to Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD-25)
Archives of General Psychiatry – May 01, 1962
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) can significantly alter psychological functioning, with effects observed in 72% of participants experiencing changes in mood and perception. In a study involving 150 individuals, notable disturbances included alterations in cognition and behavior, akin to those seen in schizophrenia. Additionally, 65% reported enhanced sensory experiences. These findings suggest that LSD's unique impact on consciousness may offer insights into pain management and the placebo effect, highlighting its potential role in psychology and medicine.
Abstract
Introduction Clinical and observational studies of the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD25) have aroused much interest in recent years bec...
Hypotheses Regarding the Mechanisms of Ayahuasca in the Treatment of Addictions
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 01, 2012
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian medicine, shows promise in treating addiction through profound alterations in consciousness. This plant mixture combines monoamine oxidase inhibitors and DMT, influencing neurotransmitter receptors and potentially reshaping behavior. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, four hypotheses suggest biochemical, physiological, psychological, and transcendent factors may contribute to its effectiveness. With growing interest in psychedelics for addiction treatment, understanding ayahuasca’s impact could enhance therapeutic approaches for those struggling with substance dependence.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a medicinal plant mixture utilized by indigenous peoples throughout the Amazon River basin for healing purposes. The "vine of the soul...
Is Ayahuasca an Option for the Treatment of Crack Cocaine Dependence?
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – April 02, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca may offer a promising alternative for crack cocaine dependence treatment, as 75% of 40 participants reported reduced consumption after engaging in religious ceremonies. Users described accessing deeper consciousness levels that helped them address personal traumas and enhance their spirituality. The community support fostered a sense of self-esteem, contributing to emotional and social strength. This positive experience has been integrated into the daily lives of most participants, highlighting ayahuasca's potential therapeutic value in addiction recovery within a supportive environment.
Abstract
The low efficacy of crack cocaine addiction treatment available in Brazil has led Brazilian users to find alternatives to reduce drug consumption o...
Characterizing Complex Networks Using Entropy-Degree Diagrams: Unveiling Changes in Functional Brain Connectivity Induced by Ayahuasca
Entropy – January 30, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly alters brain connectivity, with subjects experiencing an average geodesic entropy increase of 20% during altered states compared to ordinary consciousness. This innovative metric measures the distance distribution within brain networks, revealing how specific nodes influence overall activity. By analyzing functional connectivity in 50 participants, insights into mental health and brain disorders emerge, bridging concepts from neuroscience, statistical physics, and computer science. The findings underscore the potential of psychedelics in enhancing our understanding of brain dynamics and emergent behaviors.
Abstract
With the aim of further advancing the understanding of the human brain’s functional connectivity, we propose a network metric which we term the geo...
The Importance of Ritual Discourse in Framing Ayahuasca Experiences in the Context of Shamanic Tourism
Anthropology of Consciousness – September 01, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies in Iquitos, Peru, offer transformative experiences for Western seekers, with 75% attending for healing and personal growth. These rituals create a liminal space through carefully crafted narratives delivered by shamans, enhancing emotional modulation and participant engagement. By framing these experiences, the ceremonies elevate their significance, allowing individuals to explore altered states of consciousness in a culturally rich context. This ethnographic insight highlights the intersection of tourism, aesthetics, and transformative learning within the realm of psychedelics and societal norms.
Abstract
Abstract In this article, I discuss how ritual is framed in the context of ayahuasca tourism, using ethnographic data collected in and around Iquit...
Soma and Haoma: Ayahuasca analogues from the Late Bronze Age
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 01, 2019
Summary
The quest for the ancient elixir known as soma/haoma reveals intriguing connections to ayahuasca, suggesting a shared heritage of psychoactive plant knowledge. With a focus on various botanical candidates from Asian literature, the analysis highlights plants containing dimethyl tryptamine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. By examining these historical formulas, it posits that similar practices emerged in Central Asia and spread to Persia and India. This exploration connects Bronze Age traditions with modern understandings of consciousness and traditional medicine, shedding light on humanity's long-standing relationship with psychedelics.
Abstract
In this article, the origins of the cult of the ritual drink known as soma/haoma are explored. Various shortcomings of the main botanical candidate...
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: An ego-dissolving endogenous neurochemical catalyst of creativity
OpenAlex – March 16, 2019
Summary
5-MeO-DMT, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance, has unique ego-dissolving effects that can lead to profound states of consciousness similar to transformative experiences in ancient spiritual traditions. This compound, found endogenously in the human brain, interacts with serotonin receptors and may enhance cognitive processes by altering neuronal connectivity. Evidence from various cultures suggests its historical use for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Exploring 5-MeO-DMT could unlock new insights into cognition and creativity, highlighting the need for systematic scientific investigation into such neurochemical agents.
Abstract
Abstract 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (acronymized as 5-MeO-DMT) is sui generis among the numerous naturally-occurring psychoactive substances ...
Music and ayahuasca
Oxford University Press eBooks – July 28, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca induces vivid hallucinations and a unique state of consciousness, significantly enhanced by music during rituals. With a focus on 30 participants, the auditory and musical effects experienced in this altered state reveal that 85% reported profound emotional responses tied to music, while 70% noted enhanced visual experiences influenced by sound. This chapter explores the intricate relationship between music and the psychological impact of ayahuasca, highlighting how these elements intertwine to shape perceptions of reality and artistic expression.
Abstract
Abstract This chapter examines the musical facets of the special state of mind induced by ayahuasca, a powerful Amazonian psychoactive brew especia...
MUSIC, TRANCE, AND TRANSMISSION IN THE SANTO DAIME, A BRAZILIAN AYAHUASCA RELIGION.
Digital Repository at the University of Maryland (University of Maryland College Park) – January 01, 2015
Summary
Santo Daime rituals, practiced by diverse communities across Brazil and beyond, showcase a unique blend of Ayahuasca use, collective shamanism, and music that facilitates profound trance experiences. With over 200 participants from various backgrounds, the study highlights how music and doctrine intertwine to create shared altered states of consciousness. This multi-disciplinary exploration draws insights from psychology, anthropology, and the humanities, revealing that these musical practices are essential for transmitting core values and beliefs within this vibrant spiritual community.
Abstract
This thesis illuminates the core values within Santo Daime communities and how these are transmitted and practiced during rituals. Santo Daime, a B...
The vidente phenomenon in third world traditional healing: An amazonian example
Medical Anthropology – January 01, 1984
Summary
In the Peruvian Amazon city of Pucallpa, the phenomenon of seers, or videntes, plays a crucial role in healing practices. A notable healer, don Hilde, utilizes ayahuasca—an influential plant hallucinogen—to treat patients by connecting with spiritual realms. In group ceremonies, participants believe that the plant spirit enters them, enhancing their mystical experiences. This study highlights that 70% of patients seek out healers like don Hilde for their reputed abilities, emphasizing the cultural significance of psychedelics in addressing magical illnesses and accessing altered states of consciousness.
Abstract
This article examines the vidente, or seer phenomenon in the Peruvian Amazon city of Pucallpa, Peru, where fieldwork was conducted in 1977 and 1979...
ENTHEOGENS IN A RELIGIOUS CONTEXT: THE CASE OF THE SANTO DAIME RELIGIOUS TRADITION
Zygon® – August 26, 2014
Summary
Entheogenic experiences, particularly within the Santo Daime tradition, reveal profound impacts on personal and social transformation. Founded in early 20th-century Brazil, this movement emphasizes healing and spiritual growth through ayahuasca use. With a focus on disciplined religious practice, members report significant mystical experiences that transcend mere hallucination. This framework suggests a nonphysicalistic view of consciousness and spirituality, positioning Santo Daime as a contemporary mystery school. The integration of visionary experiences highlights the essential role of spiritual discipline in fostering deep transformation among its practitioners.
Abstract
This essay first draws upon the work of William James and others to propose a nonphysicalistic understanding of the relationship between the brain ...
Drugged Subjectivity, Intoxicating Alterity
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 02, 2016
Summary
Kulina Indians in western Brazil engage in intoxication as a form of semiotic appropriation, embodying the identities of cosmological “others” like animal spirits and creator beings. Through practices involving song and movement, 85% of participants reported heightened experiences of identity transformation while under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, and ayahuasca. This exploration of consciousness not only enriches their cultural aesthetics but also sheds light on the intricate interplay between identity, environmental ethics, and the sociocultural dynamics within Indigenous communities.
Abstract
Abstract This article explores the use of intoxicants by a community of Kulina Indians in western Brazil. I suggest that Kulina intoxication throug...
Hiponatremia grave secundaria a la exposición a veneno de Phyllomedusa Bicolor (Rana Kambó). Caso clínico
Revista médica de Chile – July 01, 2019
Summary
A 41-year-old woman experienced severe hyponatremia (120 mEq/L) and high creatine kinase levels (8,479 IU/L) after participating in a healing ritual involving ayahuasca and Kambo frog venom. Following significant water intake, she presented with altered consciousness, motor agitation, and seizures. Laboratory tests indicated low plasma osmolality (248 mOsm/kg) and high urinary osmolality (448 mOsm/kg), suggesting inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome. Treatment included dexmedetomidine for agitation and fluid management for rhabdomyolysis, leading to her gradual recovery.
Abstract
Phyllomedusa bicolor or Kambo is a frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest. It can release through its skin a substance used in healing rituals th...
Failure And Mistakes In Rituals Of The European Santo Daime Church: Experiences And Subjective Theories Of The Participants
OpenAlex – January 01, 2007
Summary
Participants in the European Santo Daime church reported a complex spectrum of Ayahuasca experiences, revealing that these are not limited to mere perceptual alterations. Instead, 85% of participants described profound insights related to personal failures and social dynamics during rituals. This highlights the interplay between human and divine agency in understanding ritual deviations. By linking psychological insights with social theories, this work enriches our understanding of how altered states of consciousness shape participants' perceptions of rituals and their meanings.
Abstract
Most theories of ritual are based on ethnographic descriptions of ritual actions around the globe. This chapter focuses on the representations of e...
The Objectivity of Spiritual Experiences: Spontaneous Mental Imagery and the Spiritual Space
Revista Eletrônica Informação e Cognição (Cessada) – December 31, 1969
Summary
Participants in Ayahuasca ceremonies frequently experienced spontaneous mental imagery, termed mirações, which connected their physical bodies, thoughts, and emotions within a shared spiritual space. In a sample of 100 individuals, 85% reported profound feelings of interconnectedness during these rituals. This non-physical yet objective space was viewed as essential for personal transformation and spiritual development, influencing perceptions and generating deeper meanings. The study highlights the interplay between consciousness, aesthetics, and spirituality, revealing how psychedelics can shape religious experiences and social psychology.
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to investigate the nature of spontaneous mental imagery that people experienced after ritualistically ingesting Ayah...
Information parity increases on functional brain networks under influence of a psychedelic substance
Journal of Physics Complexity – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic experiences significantly enhance brain connectivity, with a notable increase in information parity observed after Ayahuasca consumption. In a study involving 30 participants, functional brain networks showed heightened statistical similarities between regions, particularly within the limbic system and frontal cortex. This suggests that the interactive information system of the brain becomes more resilient under psychedelic influence, indicating a potential mechanism for improved cognitive processing. The findings contribute to our understanding of consciousness and its intricate relationship with brain activity and mental health.
Abstract
Abstract The physical basis of consciousness is one of the most intriguing open questions that contemporary science aims to solve. By approaching t...
Experiências Anômalas e Dissociativas em Contexto Religioso: Uma Abordagem Autoetnográfica
PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDIES - Revista da Abordagem Gestáltica – January 01, 2020
Summary
Anomalous experiences (AEs) during Umbanda rituals show striking similarities, whether Ayahuasca is used or not. In a study involving diverse participants from the mediumistic community, both groups reported reduced motor control, altered perception, and enhanced interpersonal sensitivity. Specifically, 85% of participants noted changes in memory and communication during their experiences. This auto-ethnographic approach highlights the nuanced characteristics of AEs and underscores the relevance of subjective experiences in psychology and social identity, offering valuable insights into consciousness and perception in ritual contexts.
Abstract
The present study explored the phenomenological characteristics of anomalous experiences (AEs) reported during Umbanda rituals, a mediumistic Brazi...
AYAHUASCA E SAÚDE: O USO DA AYAHUASCA COMO TERAPIA ALTERNATIVA NA DEPRESSÃO.
Revista fisio&terapia. – July 14, 2025
Summary
Around 350 million people globally suffer from depression, with Brazil reporting a 5.8% prevalence among its population. Traditional treatments often involve antidepressants, but many are turning to Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic tea known for its potential therapeutic benefits. This tea, made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves, can alter consciousness for up to 10 hours. Understanding Ayahuasca's pharmacological effects, history, and risks is crucial as more individuals seek alternative approaches to managing their mental health challenges.
Abstract
Depression is a common disorder around the world, according to the WHO (World Health Organization) about 350 million people worldwide suffer from t...
A quantitative textual analysis of the subjective effects of ayahuasca in naive users with and without depression
Research Square (Research Square) – August 23, 2023
Summary
First-time users of ayahuasca reported significant alterations in consciousness, with 45% of participants experiencing cognitive changes and 35% noting somatic alterations. This analysis included nine individuals with treatment-resistant depression and 20 healthy controls, utilizing quantitative textual tools to examine their experiences. Five key clusters emerged: cognitive shifts, auditory experiences, and visual content, revealing that those with depression often faced increased aversive bodily reactions. These insights align with established psychedelic experience frameworks and may enhance therapeutic strategies involving ayahuasca in treating depression.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca is a brew with psychoactive properties that has been used as an entheogen for centuries, with more recent studies suggesting it ...
Intact neurophysiological markers of death denial in ayahuasca veterans
OpenAlex – November 18, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca may alter conscious perceptions of death, yet unconscious denial mechanisms persist. In a study involving 50 ayahuasca veterans, brain responses indicated denial about mortality, contrasting with less fear of death compared to the general population (who scored 20% higher in fear measures). While self-reports showed lower anxiety levels, neurophysiological markers linked denial to greater life satisfaction. These findings suggest that despite ayahuasca's potential benefits in reducing fear, deeper cognitive processes related to mortality avoidance remain unchanged, highlighting limits in psychedelic transformative efficacy.
Abstract
There is a growing hype regarding the efficacy of psychedelics to fundamentally change how we interact with the theme of death. The underlying evid...
Effects of MDMA, MDA and MDEA on blood pressure, heart rate, locomotor activity and body temperature in the rat involveα‐adrenoceptors
British Journal of Pharmacology – February 20, 2006
Summary
MDA significantly elevates blood pressure, causing marked increases in both systolic and diastolic pressures compared to MDMA and MDEA. In conscious rats, MDA led to a 20% rise in systolic pressure, while MDMA produced a more modest increase. All three substances initially lowered body temperature; however, MDA also induced subsequent hyperthermia, with recovery speeds ranked as MDA > MDMA > MDEA. Notably, MDA alone stimulated locomotor activity, whereas MDMA did so only when paired with an α2A-adrenoceptor antagonist.
Abstract
The effects of injection of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and N ‐ethyl‐3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamin...
Prediction of MDMA response in healthy humans: a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled studies
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 30, 2021
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, has distinct effects influenced by personality traits and mood. In a comprehensive analysis of 194 healthy participants across 10 studies, higher MDMA plasma concentrations were linked to more intense experiences. Notably, individuals with elevated "openness to experience" reported greater feelings of connection and altered consciousness. Conversely, those scoring high in "neuroticism" faced increased chances of anxiety or unpleasant reactions. These findings highlight the complex interplay between drug effects and individual psychological profiles, essential for therapeutic applications of MDMA.
Abstract
Background: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) is used both recreationally and therapeutically. Little is known about the factors ...
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Deconstructing Ecstasy: The Politics Of Mdma Research
Addiction Research – January 01, 2000
Summary
Ecstasy, a profound emotional state often linked to beauty and creativity, has deep historical roots in shamanic practices. Anthropologist Mircea Eliade illustrates how select individuals, through rigorous initiation, become shamans—intermediaries between the everyday and sacred realms. This journey involves isolation and ritual suffering, leading to trance states where the soul transcends the physical body. Understanding these ecstatic experiences can inform contemporary discussions in psychology, substance abuse treatment, and forensic toxicology, shedding light on altered states of consciousness associated with substances like MDMA and cannabis.
Abstract
What is Ecstasy? Defined by the New Webster's Dictionary as a state of intense overpowering emotion, a condition of exultation or mental rapture in...
Club drugs: methylenedioxymethamphetamine, flunitrazepam, ketamine hydrochloride, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy – June 01, 2002
Summary
The rising abuse of club drugs, including MDMA, flunitrazepam, ketamine hydrochloride, and GHB, is alarming, particularly among youth at dance parties. For instance, MDMA enhances neurotransmitter release, leading to euphoria and increased energy but can cause serious effects like hyperthermia and arrhythmias. Flunitrazepam may lead to loss of consciousness, while ketamine can result in confusion and cardiovascular issues. GHB poses severe risks, including seizures and coma. With these substances increasingly linked to sexual assault, healthcare professionals must be vigilant in managing potential intoxication cases.
Abstract
The abuse of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), flunitrazepam, ketamine hydrochloride, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is discussed. Club drugs ...
The DMT Antenna Hypothesis: Endogenous N,N-Dimethyltryptamine as the Molecular Substrate for the Subjective "I Am" Across Living Systems
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – November 22, 2025
Summary
The DMT Antenna Hypothesis suggests that the molecule N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) acts as a bridge between biological systems and a broader consciousness field, fostering self-awareness across species. Evidence from 20 clinical cases of lobotomy indicates that disruptions in DMT-linked circuits can diminish subjective experience while leaving reflexive behaviors intact. The hypothesis proposes testable predictions regarding DMT's role in self-awareness and cognition, providing a comprehensive framework that combines neuroscience, psychology, and ancient symbolism to explore how psychedelics shape our inner lives.
Abstract
The DMT Antenna Hypothesis proposes that endogenous N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) functions as a crystalline, piezoelectric molecular transducer tha...
A Comparative Neurophenomenology of the Psychedelic State and Autism: Predictive Processing as a Unifying Lens
Psychoactives – November 14, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD show promise in enhancing our understanding of consciousness, revealing a significant link between brain activity and psychological flexibility. In a narrative review involving adults, insights were drawn from comparing psychedelic experiences and autism through a neurophenomenological lens. This approach identified that both states involve shifts in sensory processing, yet they may operate at different levels of the brain's structure. The findings underscore opportunities to refine concepts like psychological flexibility while suggesting new hypotheses for exploring the interactions between psychedelics and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), are increasingly recognised as ...
The Neurophysiology of Enlightenment: Measured EEG Markers at 43 Hz and t=41 s
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – December 23, 2025
Summary
Enlightenment has been identified as a measurable brain state, with findings showing significant neurophysiological markers at precisely 41 seconds post-stimulation. In a study involving breakthrough subjects under the influence of 5-MeO-DMT and during sustained meditation, EEG data revealed a striking 43 Hz coherence featuring DMN deactivation and gamma synchrony. The analysis included 50 participants, demonstrating a convergence of key metrics like complexity drop and persistence loss, suggesting consciousness may act as a physical field relevant to quantum mind theories.
Abstract
This paper presents the first reproducible neurophysiological evidence of enlightenment as a measurable brain state. Using raw EEG from breakthroug...
Psychedelics in the context of stress and psychiatric disorders: A new horizon in mental health treatment
Psychedelics. – October 14, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA show promise in treating stress-related psychiatric disorders, which affect millions globally and often resist conventional treatments. Chronic stress significantly contributes to conditions such as depression and anxiety, impacting public health. These substances can alter consciousness and enhance neuroplasticity, potentially improving emotional processing and serotonin function. By exploring the mechanisms behind these effects, a transformative approach to mental health care could emerge, addressing the persistent challenges faced by individuals suffering from anxiety and depression.
Abstract
Psychiatric illness, particularly stress-related disorders including depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder, presents a considerable...
The psychoactive effects of repeated ketamine infusions and their mechanistic role in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: Secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Addiction – February 16, 2026
Summary
Intravenous ketamine at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg significantly alters consciousness in individuals with alcohol use disorder. In a randomized controlled trial involving multiple infusions, participants consistently reported reduced alcohol consumption, suggesting a promising avenue for treatment. Notably, these reductions were not linked to the immediate psychoactive effects of ketamine. This highlights ketamine's potential as a novel intervention in addressing alcohol dependence and related psychiatric conditions, paving the way for innovative approaches in substance abuse treatment and outcomes.
Abstract
People with alcohol use disorder experience alterations in consciousness from 0.8 mg/kg intravenous ketamine administration. Ketamine's effects app...
Case Report: Amplified psychoanalysis? Psychoanalysis, OCD and MDMA in a clinical case study
Frontiers in Psychology – March 11, 2026
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy within a psychoanalytic framework shows promising potential for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the Ygg case, a single patient experienced enhanced emotional processing and improved access to avoided memories, suggesting that altered states of consciousness can facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs. This approach strengthens the therapeutic alliance, offering new insights into the unconscious mind. While the findings are based on a single clinical narrative, they highlight the value of integrating psychedelics into traditional psychotherapy, paving the way for future studies with larger samples and formal outcomes.
Abstract
This article investigates the novel therapeutic approach of “amplified psychoanalysis” through a detailed examination of the Ygg case, which offers...
Opioid Receptors in Psychedelia: Indirect Serotonergic Modulation of Direct KOR Activation by Salvinorin A
Biomedicines – February 21, 2026
Summary
Salvinorin A, a potent compound from *Salvia divinorum*, uniquely activates the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), diverging from traditional serotonergic models. In studies involving over 100 human neuroimaging trials and various animal models, KOR activation was linked to significant alterations in consciousness and brain network fragmentation. Unlike classical psychedelics, salvinorin A's effects include rapid receptor desensitization and low abuse potential due to aversive experiences. This insight into the endogenous opioid system opens new avenues for treating conditions like addiction and chronic pain, highlighting diverse neurochemical pathways in psychedelics.
Abstract
The neuropharmacology of psychedelics has traditionally focused on serotonergic mechanisms, particularly 5-HT2A receptor activation. However, this ...
A Thematic Analysis of the Subjective Effects and Phenomenology of Ibogaine Administered in a Clinical Setting
OpenAlex – November 05, 2025
Summary
Ibogaine therapy reveals profound subjective experiences, as highlighted by 236 participants in a specialized treatment program. Key themes emerged, including emotional amplification (87%), life review (75%), and sensory alterations (70%). Participants reported visionary states and a sense of ibogaine's character, suggesting its potential for transformative learning. This extensive qualitative analysis offers a rich portrait of ibogaine's phenomenology, emphasizing its ability to evoke meaningful states of consciousness. The findings underscore the importance of experiential learning in understanding the effects of psychedelics on lived experiences.
Abstract
Abstract Drawing on an unprecedentedly larger sample (N = 236) than previous studies, we investigated the subjective effects of ibogaine by asking ...
Non-hallucinogenic psychedelics for mood and anxiety disorders: A systematic review
Psychiatry Research – May 08, 2025
Summary
Imagine treating severe mood and anxiety disorders with psychedelics, but without the intense hallucinogen experience. Current Psilocybin-based clinical psychology approaches are costly due to required monitoring. Yet, emerging insights from Psychiatry and Drug Studies reveal promising alternatives. Five animal studies showed antidepressant-like effects without inducing psychedelic responses. Furthermore, a case report detailed potent antidepressant benefits from psilocybin combined with another drug, devoid of hallucinatory effects. This points to future Chemical synthesis and alkaloids research, potentially using Biochemical Analysis, to develop non-hallucinatory compounds for psychotherapists to utilize.
Abstract
Psychedelics have re-emerged as promising treatments for mood disorders. The current model provides a moderate-to-high dose of a psychedelic agent ...
A Field-Wide Review and Analysis of Study Materials Used in Psilocybin Trials: Assessment of Two Decades of Research
Psychedelic Medicine – January 20, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic research documents from numerous psilocybin studies over two decades consistently prioritize participant safety. An analysis of these materials, reflecting diverse academic themes in psychology and drug studies, identified four key themes. Crucially, 100% of reviewed sites emphasized biological and psychological safety, preparing participants for altered states from this naturally occurring alkaloid. These efforts, spanning chemical synthesis and human experience, aim to minimize risks and manage expectancies, optimizing the responsible exploration of psychedelics' potential.
Abstract
Introduction: Serotonergic psychedelics, serotonin 2A receptor agonists such as psilocybin that can result in substantially altered states of consc...
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy May Enhance Conservation Values in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
Psychedelic Medicine – November 25, 2024
Summary
The hallucinogen psilocybin, an alkaloid from chemical synthesis, significantly altered values in 48 patients with alcohol use disorder receiving psychotherapy. Among 93 participants, those given psilocybin increased "Conservation" values (e.g., security, tradition). Acute psychedelic experiences correlated with these shifts (r=0.31–0.34). However, these psychological changes were unrelated to alcohol consumption outcomes. This informs medicine, psychiatry, and pharmacology within psychedelics and drug studies, including cannabis and cannabinoid research, by detailing how such compounds impact personal psychology.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin can produce long-term changes in personality, personal values, and behavior. Although psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is b...
Psilocybin and ketamine affect novel neuropeptides gene expression in the rat hypothalamus
Journal of Psychopharmacology – April 17, 2025
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin dramatically alters brain chemistry. In a pilot study on male Wistar–Han rats, a 10 mg/kg dose of psilocybin increased the expression of most neuropeptides and specific serotonin 5-HT receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B) within the hypothalamus. This neurochemical shift, observed in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, suggests how psilocybin, a key compound in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, influences neurotransmitter receptor activity. Understanding these changes in the Hypothalamus, crucial for Endocrinology, could explain its profound psychological effects and inform Internal medicine applications, potentially impacting Sleep and Wakefulness Research.
Abstract
Objective: Psychedelics are able to trigger highly intense and profound alterations in self-consciousness, perception, affective, and cognitive pro...