Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications
March 1, 2023
Michael C Mithoefer, David E. Presti
Abstract MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) was originally synthesized and patented by the Merck chemical company in 1914. It was not explored for human use until the 1970–80s when there were published reports that it could be a useful catalyst to psychotherapy, in part because it often produced reduced anxiety and increased emotional openness. In 1985, in response to media attention to...
The Journal of Comparative Neurology
December 1, 2020
David E. Presti
Investigation of consciousness (experience, mind, awareness, subjectivity) has become an accepted endeavor in contemporary neuroscience. However, current work is largely limited to study of neural correlates of consciousness. While this is interesting and important, it may not be sufficient to carry us to a place of truly new insight regarding consciousness. I argue that one element of...
arXiv Preprint Archive
April 16, 2019
David E. Presti
Henry Stapp has for 60 years been a leader, perhaps the leader, in exploring the role of mind (psyche, consciousness, experience) in the ontology of quantum mechanics. Henry's contention is that the very structure of quantum mechanics implies a central and irreducible role for mind: an experiential aspect of nature distinct from that of the physical matter and energy described by the dynamical...
PLoS One
November 7, 2018
Cassandra Vieten, Helané Wahbeh, B Rael Cahn et al.
124 citations
The science of meditation has grown tremendously in the last two decades. Most studies have focused on evaluating the clinical effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions, neural and other physiological correlates of meditation, and individual cognitive and emotional aspects of meditation. Far less research has been conducted on more challenging domains to measure, such as group and...
arXiv Preprint Archive
June 1, 2012
Jeremy Coyle, David E. Presti, Matthew J. Baggott
Background: Psychedelic drugs facilitate profound changes in consciousness and have potential to provide insights into the nature of human mental processes and their relation to brain physiology. Yet published scientific literature reflects a very limited understanding of the effects of these drugs, especially for newer synthetic compounds. The number of clinical trials and range of drugs...
Current Biology
June 1, 2005
Olivia Carter, David E. Presti, C. Callistemon et al.
262 citations
Neuroscientific studies of the mind are likely to benefit from the insights and skills of Tibetan Buddhist monks who have practiced the historic tradition of meditative training over many years — a point made recently at a forum between a selection of Buddhist leaders and distinguished scientists [1Barinaga M. Buddhism and neuroscience. Studying the well-trained mind.Science. 2003; 302:...
Philippe Goldin, Aaron Eisen, Amanda Frazier et al.
preprint
Abstract Global events are becoming more complex at a swifter pace than humans are developing resilience. This leads to increasing dissonance and despair, especially in young adults who are experiencing mental distress and dread at exceedingly high rates. Awareness of global warming is increasing climate distress and decreasing self-efficacy. However, younger minds are also highly flexible,...