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An investigation of acute physiological and psychological moderators of psychedelic-induced personality change among healthy volunteers

Summary

This study examined how a single high dose of psilocybin affects personality in healthy people. Participants who took psilocybin showed decreased anxiety-related personality traits (neuroticism) one month later. The effects were stronger in people who found the experience personally meaningful or who experienced more anxiety during the psychedelic state, suggesting that the intensity and meaning of the experience matters for lasting personality changes.

Background

Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin induce transient changes in consciousness and perception. Previous research shows that personality changes, particularly reductions in neuroticism, can persist after psychedelic use, but the mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear.

Objective

To investigate how personality traits change following a single high-dose of psilocybin (25 mg) in psychedelic-naïve healthy volunteers and to examine whether acute psychological and neurobiological states moderate these personality changes.

Results

Neuroticism significantly decreased one month after 25 mg psilocybin but not after 1 mg. This reduction was moderated by subjective meaningfulness of the experience and dread of ego dissolution. Agreeableness increased after the high dose compared to post-placebo baseline. No significant increase in openness was observed.

Conclusion

Single high-dose psilocybin reduces neuroticism in a dose-dependent manner, with effects moderated by acute psychological factors including meaningfulness and anxiety-related ego dissolution. These findings support the role of acute psychedelic experiences in catalyzing lasting personality changes with potential therapeutic implications.
  • Published in:Neuroscience Applied,
  • Study Type:Clinical Trial,
  • Source: PMID: 40654586, DOI: 10.1016/j.nsa.2024.104092
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