Predicting Responses to Psychedelics: A Prospective Study
Frontiers in Pharmacology November 2, 2018 Adam Hampshire, Christopher Timmermann, Christopher Timmermann et al. 422 citations
Psychological well-being increased two weeks after a psychedelic experience and remained elevated at four weeks. Higher ratings of a 'mystical-type experience' positively influenced this change in well-being, while 'challenging experience' and 'visual effects' did not. Having 'clear intentions' for the experience fostered mystical-type experiences. A positive 'set' and recreational intentions reduced the likelihood of a challenging experience. The trait 'absorption' and higher drug doses amplified all aspects of the acute experience. Baseline traits had the strongest effect on well-being change, underscoring the importance of extra-pharmacological factors in shaping responses to psychedelics.