Psychedelic Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology & Neural Correlates (Barrett & Griffiths, 2018)

Описание: I. Understanding Mystical Experiences
Mystical experiences are defined by a sense of unity and sacredness.
These states include deeply felt positive moods and transcending time.
A sense of ineffability makes these states difficult to describe.
Classic hallucinogens like psilocybin have a long history of use.
Indigenous groups used them for healing and spiritual purposes.
Such substances can occasion profound spiritual experiences.
These effects are distinct from mere intoxication or delirium.

II. Experimental Evidence With Psilocybin
Research shows psilocybin can reliably occasion mystical experiences.
These effects are dose dependent and specific to the substance.
Participants report enduring positive changes in attitudes and moods.
High doses led to complete mystical experiences in many subjects.
Effects are distinct from placebo or control drugs like methylphenidate.
Observers noted positive behavior changes in participants months later.
The Mystical Experience Questionnaire validates these reports.

III. Therapeutic Implications Of Psychedelics
Mystical experiences may mediate therapeutic benefits for patients.
Studies suggest efficacy in treating addiction and mood disorders.
Psilocybin aided smoking cessation in 80 percent of a study sample.
Anxiety and depression in cancer patients were significantly reduced.
High mystical experience scores correlated with positive outcomes.
Reduced craving in addiction correlates with mystical intensity.
These findings suggest mechanisms beyond simple pharmacology.

IV. Neural Correlates In The Brain
Psilocybin decreases activity in the default mode network (DMN).
Key areas affected include:
Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)
Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC)
Inferior Parietal Lobe.
This decreased activity relates to a dissolved sense of self or ego.
Brain changes mirror those found in experienced meditators.
Reduced brain connectivity supports the experience of unity.
The PCC is a key node for self-referential thought.
Altered neural communication may underlie the sense of timelessness.

V. Additional Resource Support
See NourishED RFI's NotebookLM Resource Support Page.
https://notebooklm.google.com/noteboo...

VI. Source
Barrett, F. S., & Griffiths, R. R. (2017). Classic hallucinogens and mystical experiences: Phenomenology and neural correlates. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, 36, 393–430.

#mysticalexperiences #mysticalexperience #neuroscience #psychedelicresearch #psychedelicscience #psychedelictherapy #psilocybin #psychedelics #mentalhealth #addictionrecovery #brainresearch #consciousness #defaultmodenetwork #meditation ‪@NIH_NCCIH‬ ‪@NIHVideoCast‬ ‪@NIHgov‬ ‪@NIMHgov‬ ‪@PsychedelicsToday‬ ‪@PsychedelicsCom‬ ‪@psychedelicsupport‬ ‪@naropaallianceforpsychedel7015‬ ‪@psychedelicassociationofca2578‬ ‪@Psychopharmacologyinstitute‬ ‪@PortlandPsychedelicSociety‬ ‪@PsychedelicSpotlight‬ ‪@ThePsychedelicScientist‬ ‪@sciencistpsychedelicdubexp3519‬ ‪@yalepsychedelicsciencegrou9534‬ ‪@stanfordpsychedelicscience12‬ ‪@OxfordPsychedelicSociety‬ ‪@mghcenterfortheneuroscienc28‬ ‪@UCBCSP‬ ‪@DMNBand‬ ‪@consciousnessevolution1111‬ ‪@ConsciousnessResearch‬ ‪@psychedelicsmadnessawakeni3921‬