Psychedelics, Spirituality, and Fundamentalism: A Brain Network Approach to Cognitive Flexibility and Rigidity

This viewpoint proposes that mysticism and fundamentalism can be understood as brain network disorders, where rigid neural patterns underlie inflexible belief systems. Psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and DMT may disrupt these patterns, potentially increasing cognitive flexibility and challenging dogmatic thinking. The authors suggest this modulation could have therapeutic applications for extremism and certain mental health conditions, though the argument remains theoretical and not empirically tested.

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Abstract

This viewpoint reconceptualizes mysticism and fundamentalism as brain network disorders, with psychedelics like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine offering potential to modulate these states. By disrupting rigid neural patterns, psychedelics may foster cognitive flexibility, challenge inflexible belief systems, and offer therapeutic value for extremism and mental health disorders.