Psilocybin-induced spiritual experiences and insightfulness are associated with synchronization of neuronal oscillations
Psychopharmacology July 31, 2015 Michael Kometer, Thomas Pokorny, Erich Seifritz et al. 165 citations
A moderate dose of psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogen, decreased brain electrical activity at 1.5-20 Hz in a network involving the anterior and posterior cingulate cortices and parahippocampal regions. The intensity of spiritual experience and insightfulness correlated with the synchronization of delta oscillations (1.5-4 Hz) between the retrosplenial cortex, parahippocampus, and lateral orbitofrontal area. These findings directly link a specific spatiotemporal neuronal mechanism to spiritual experiences and enhanced insight into life, suggesting a pathway for modulating mental health and promoting well-being.