Research Keyword: consciousness alteration

Psilocybin’s effects on cognition and creativity: A scoping review

This comprehensive review examines how psilocybin affects thinking abilities and creativity. Researchers found that large doses initially impair mental performance during the experience, but small doses may enhance creativity. Importantly, the cognitive effects appear to improve after the acute effects wear off, suggesting initial impairment doesn’t cause lasting damage. The review emphasizes the need for more rigorous long-term studies to better understand psilocybin’s effects on brain function.

Read More »

Why psychedelic-assisted therapy studies in eating disorders risk missing the mark on outcomes: a phenomenological psychopathology perspective

This scientific commentary examines how research on psychedelic-assisted therapy for eating disorders may be missing important aspects of how people actually experience the treatment. The authors argue that current study methods rely too heavily on questionnaires that don’t capture the full depth of what people experience during psychedelic sessions. They propose using phenomenological approaches—methods that deeply explore lived experience—to better understand which aspects of the psychedelic experience actually lead to recovery from eating disorders.

Read More »

Psychedelic-assisted therapy for palliative care within a home treatment setting: A case report

A 54-year-old man with terminal throat cancer received a single dose of LSD (100 μg) as part of psychedelic-assisted therapy delivered at his home. The treatment helped him experience relief from existential distress and feelings of peace. Six months later, he was in better psychological health, more motivated to pursue meaningful activities, and had discontinued pain medications while maintaining stability. This case demonstrates that psychedelic therapy can be safely administered at home for patients with life-threatening illnesses seeking existential relief.

Read More »

The phenomenology of psilocybin’s experience mediates subsequent persistent psychological effects independently of sex, previous experience, or setting

A research study examined how psilocybin experiences affect long-term mental health and well-being in healthy volunteers. Participants received two doses of psilocybin in controlled medical settings while undergoing brain imaging. The study found that psilocybin consistently produced positive, lasting improvements in mood, well-being, and spiritual outlook, regardless of whether people had used psychedelics before, their sex, or the specific imaging setting used.

Read More »

Deconstructing Psychedelic Phenomenology: A Thematic Analysis of Discrete Phases of the Psychedelic Experience

This study examined how people describe their experiences with psychedelic drugs by analyzing personal accounts shared online. Researchers found that experiences naturally fall into three phases: preparation (where knowledge and intentions matter), the actual experience (where sensory changes, mindset, and environment shape what happens), and afterward (where lasting behavioral and attitude changes occur). The study highlights how music, nature, supportive people, and clear intentions can help guide psychedelic experiences toward positive, meaningful outcomes.

Read More »
Scroll to Top