Psychedelics: a window into perceptual processing
Berit Brogaard, Dimitria Electra Gatzia
September 13, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780192898371.003.0005 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin-induced visual distortions and impaired executive functioning arise from temporary disruptions of attentional mechanisms. The predictive processing account of neural processing cannot provide a unified model of the perceptual mechanisms behind psychedelic experiences caused by classic hallucinogens like psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline. An alternative theory, the Gist Theory of Perception, is proposed to better explain how attentional disruptions from psilocybin may elicit psychedelic experiences.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Window computing Perception Computer science Cognitive psychology |
| Key finding | Psilocybin-induced visual distortions and impaired executive functioning originate in temporary disruptions of attentional mechanisms, and the Gist Theory of Perception offers a better explanation than predictive processing. |
Abstract
Abstract This chapter presents findings indicating that psilocybin-induced visual distortions and impaired executive functioning originate in temporary disruptions of attentional mechanisms. It then revisits a predictive processing account of neural processing and argues that this lacks the resources to provide a unified model of the perceptual mechanisms underpinning psychedelic experiences caused by classic hallucinogens such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and mescaline. Lastly, an alternative theory of perceptual processing is proposed—the Gist Theory of Perception—that can better explain how the psilocybin-induced disruptions of attentional mechanisms may elicit psychedelic experiences.