Brain Sciences - The Consciousness Library

Mindfulness Development via Biofeedback for Anxiety in Hospitalized Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Brain Sciences July 15, 2026 Anastasia V. Kotelnikova, Vera M. Ruzinova, Maria G. Kiseleva et al.

Background: Anxiety disorders are prevalent and debilitating. Given challenges in maintaining mindfulness at one-month remission, integrative approaches targeting anxiety and psychological resources (especially mindfulness) have gained interest. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of adding biofeedback to the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods: Inpatients with anxiety disorder...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16070748 Anxiety Randomized controlled trial Rating scale Biofeedback +4

Embodied Neuropsychodynamics of the Relational Self Across Space and Time: An Integrative Narrative Review

Brain Sciences June 11, 2026 Sharon Vaisvaser

Extensive explorations in neuroscience, psychology, and psychotherapy increasingly recognized the embodied and relational foundations of selfhood, underscoring the need for an integrated framework spanning development, psychopathology, and therapeutic change. This narrative review synthesizes empirical and theoretical literature across neuroscience, embodiment research, predictive processing,...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16060627 Embodied cognition Temporality Narrative Perspective graphical +13

Emotions Are Folk Concepts in a Predicting Brain

Brain Sciences June 6, 2026 Kristen A. Lindquist

The question "what is an emotion" is as old as the study of the mind and brain. Scientists from Western, English-speaking, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) nations tend to adopt certain definitions, but these definitions do not map onto the lived experiences of all people around the world. My approach to the question "what is an emotion?" is thus to accept that emotions are folk...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16060614 Feeling Valence chemistry Categorical variable Theory of mind +9

Schizophrenic Consciousness in the Light of the Phenomenological Epoché: A Foundational Map for Psychiatry.

Brain Sciences May 1, 2026 Giovanni Stanghellini

This review explores the hypothesis that schizophrenic symptoms may be understood not as isolated deficits, but as interconnected manifestations of a structural reorganization of consciousness. The premises of this work are grounded in a comparative matrix that suggests an underlying "consanguinity" between the philosopher's voluntary epoché-the suspension of the natural attitude performed to...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16050498 Full text Clinical phenomenology Epoché Hyperreflexivity Neuropsychiatry +3

Effects of a Single Sub-Anesthetic Dose of Ketamine in Tobacco Use Disorder: An Active-Placebo, Randomized Crossover Study

Brain Sciences April 30, 2026 Nathan R Luzum, Marcia H. Mccall, Charlotte Talley Boyd et al.

Background/Objectives: A sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine has shown promise in reducing craving, withdrawal symptoms, and use of drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, and opioids among individuals with substance use disorders. Ketamine’s therapeutic potential for tobacco use is unknown. Here, we investigated a single sub-anesthetic dose among adults with tobacco use disorder who were not interested in...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16050496 Ketamine Midazolam Crossover study Abstinence +7

Mindfulness Practice and Increases in Gray Matter Density, Gray Matter Volume, and Cortical Thickness: A Scoping Review.

Brain Sciences April 30, 2026 Colin Rafter, Erika McCarthy, Curt Stilp et al.

Background/Objectives: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been linked to psychological and cognitive benefits, yet evidence for their impact on brain structure remains sparse. Neuroimaging suggests MBIs may alter gray matter volume (GMV), density (GMD), and cortical thickness (CT). The purpose of this scoping review was to investigate structural neuroplasticity following MBIs. Methods:...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16050483 Full text Meditation Neuroplasticity Brain morphology Hippocampus +1

Feeling Like a Woman: Interoception and the Objectified Body.

Brain Sciences April 30, 2026 Tomi-Ann Roberts, James W Pennebaker, Benita Jackson

Much of the interoception literature assumes that people can accurately detect their heart rate, stomach contractility, muscle tension, and other biological cues. This is not true. Instead, interoception is an active integrative psychological process where the feeling of one's internal state emerges from physiological signals, contextual cues, and the social and cultural experiences of living...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16050494 Full text Gender Interoception Self-objectification Women’s health

Psilocybin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Seeking Valuable Evidence in History, Pure Science, Clinical Trials and Real-World Data (RWD).

Brain Sciences March 26, 2026 Piotr Skalski, Katarzyna Pękacka-falkowska, Agnieszka Pluto-Prądzyńska et al.

Background/Objectives: Psilocybin has re-emerged as a promising intervention for neuropsychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety associated with life-threatening illness, obsessive compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders. However, conventional randomized controlled trials (RCTs)-the current gold standard in evidence-based...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16040358 Full text Evidence Psilocybin-assisted therapy pat Psychopharmacology Real-world data rwd

The Relevance of Heart Rate Variability for Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy

Brain Sciences March 25, 2026 Donald Moss

This review examines what constitutes heart rate variability (HRV), the relationship between HRV and the autonomic nervous system, and the physiology driving HRV. HRV is correlated with vagal nerve activity and parasympathetic nervous activation. Higher HRV is correlated with youth, active lifestyle, adaptive capacity, and good health. Next, the review examines the medical significance of HRV,...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16040352 Neuroplasticity Mindfulness Heart rate variability Autonomic nervous system +21

Inducing Lucid Dreaming Based on a Contemplative Practice of Compassion

Brain Sciences March 16, 2026 Daniel J Morris, Susana Gabriela Torres-Platas, Karen R Konkoly et al. 1 citation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lucid dreaming-dreaming with the awareness that one is dreaming-has been explored from many perspectives, including those of cognitive neuroscience and various ancient cultural traditions. Lucid dreaming appears within the Tibetan-Buddhist literature together with dream yoga, a set of contemplative practices aimed at cultivating lucidity during dreams along with other...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16030315 Lucid dream Mindfulness Contemplation Compassion +8

A Candidate EEG Spectral Index of Internally Oriented Attention: An Exploratory Comparison of Prayer and Relaxation

Brain Sciences March 14, 2026 Cristian Manea, Corina Costache Colareza, Dana Rad et al.

Background: Self-transcendence has been described in psychological literature as an orientation toward meaning beyond the individual self. However, because the present study does not directly measure transcendence as a psychological construct, we approach it cautiously as a candidate form of internally oriented attention, operationalized through EEG spectral dynamics. Although this construct...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16030311 Anxiety Electroencephalography Prayer Relaxation psychology +10

The Effects of Mindfulness on Brain Network Dynamics Following an Acute Stressor in a Population of Drinking Adults.

Brain Sciences March 14, 2026 Shannon M O'Donnell, W Jack Rejeski, Mohammadreza Khodaei et al.

Previous research has found that mindfulness-based techniques are beneficial for reducing stress in heavy-drinking individuals. However, the underlying neurobiology of these stress-reducing effects are unclear. Moreover, much of the research examining neurobiological correlates of mindfulness has used static functional connectivity, suggesting that brain activity goes unchanged for the entire...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16030312 Full text Mindfulness Drinking Dynamic brain networks FMRI +2

Narrative Experiences of Esketamine-Induced Dissociation in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Brain Sciences February 7, 2026 Miriam Olivola, Tiziano Prodi, Giada Versaci et al. 2 citations

Background/Objectives: Esketamine-related dissociation is a transient, pharmacologically induced altered state that differs from the trait-like pathological dissociation typically observed in trauma-related conditions. While most studies have quantified these effects using the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS), patients' subjective phenomenology and meaning-making remain...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16020196 Anxiety Dissociative experiences scale Dissociation chemistry Distress +15

Neurotransmitter Mechanisms of Ketamine and Ketamine–Magnesium Sulfate-Induced Hypothermia: Evidence for Serotonergic and Adrenergic Involvement Without GABAA Contributions

Brain Sciences February 4, 2026 Katarina Savić Vujović, Sonja Vučković, Lara Samardžić et al.

Background: Ketamine and magnesium sulfate are commonly used perioperatively to prevent shivering, a frequent and clinically relevant complication of spinal and general anesthesia. Although their hypothermic effects are well documented, the neurotransmitter mechanisms underlying these effects remain insufficiently understood. This study examines whether serotonergic, adrenergic (α2), and...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16020189 Serotonergic Ketamine Methysergide Bicuculline +15

Sensory Deprivation and the Brain: Neurobiological Mechanisms, Psychological Effects, and Clinical Implications

Brain Sciences January 23, 2026 Donatella Marazziti, Gerardo Russomanno, Matteo Gambini et al.

Background/Objectives: Sensory deprivation, defined as a reduction or absence of external sensory input across one or more modalities, has long been investigated in extreme and experimental settings. More recently, its relevance has expanded to clinical contexts and environmental conditions. The present narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the neurobiological mechanisms,...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16020122 Sensory system Sensory deprivation Sleep deprivation Sensory gating +10

From the Visible to the Invisible: On the Phenomenal Gradient of Appearance.

Brain Sciences January 21, 2026 Baingio Pinna, Daniele Porcheddu, Jurģis Šķilters

Background: By exploring the principles of Gestalt psychology, the neural mechanisms of perception, and computational models, scientists aim to unravel the complex processes that enable us to perceive a coherent and organized world. This multidisciplinary approach continues to advance our understanding of how the brain constructs a perceptual world from sensory inputs. Objectives and Methods:...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16010114 Full text Gestalt psychology Invisible visible Perceptual organization Phenomenal gradient +1

Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Treatment of Anxiety Disorders During the Postpartum Period: A 4-Week Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Brain Sciences January 13, 2026 Zoryana Babiy, Benício N. Frey, Randi E. McCabe et al. 1 citation

Background/Objectives: Anxiety disorders (ADs) affect up to 20% of mothers in the postpartum period, characterized by psychological symptoms (e.g., emotion dysregulation; ER) and physical symptoms (e.g., disrupted bodily awareness). Although Cognitive Behavioural Therapy effectively reduces anxiety and mood symptoms, it shows limited efficacy in addressing ER difficulties and rarely targets...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16010088 Mindfulness Anxiety Randomized controlled trial Mood +9

“Prideful Apathy”: A Phenomenological-Psychopathological Study of Emotion Engagement and Regulation Tasks

Brain Sciences January 7, 2026 Aleš Oblak, Sara Rigler, Liam Korošec Hudnik et al.

Background/Objectives: Emotion dysregulation is central to many psychiatric disorders. Laboratory-based tasks designed to assess emotion processing and regulation often rely on standardized affective stimuli whose ecological validity remains unclear. We contextualize this study in our broader research program of neurophenomenological reflection of standard paradigms in experimental cognitive...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci16010080 Feeling Cognition Experiential learning Negative affectivity +10

Potential Mechanisms of Influence Between Spiritual Practices and Cognitive Health: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Model

Brain Sciences November 30, 2025 Katherine Britt, Hayoung Oh, Augustine Cassis Obeng Boateng et al. 2 citations

Background/Objectives: This systematic review summarizes the evidence regarding potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between spiritual practices and cognitive health in adults. The review was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Methods: An extensive search of six electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, PsycINFO,...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15121296 Cognition Critical appraisal Cognitive appraisal Inclusion mineral +12

Implications of Indolethylamine N-Methyltransferase (INMT) in Health and Disease: Biological Functions, Disease Associations, Inhibitors, and Analytical Approaches.

Brain Sciences August 28, 2025 Seif Abouheif, Ahmed Awad, Christopher R Mccurdy 1 citation

Indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) is a Class 1 methyltransferase responsible for N-methylation of various endogenous and exogenous compounds, including tryptamine, serotonin, and dopamine. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the biological and therapeutic relevance of INMT, emphasizing the human isoform (hINMT), highlighting its structural characteristics, disease...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15090935 Full text DMT Inmt inhibitors Indolethylamine n-methyltransferase Neurotransmitter metabolism +4

Targeting Fear of Cancer Recurrence with Internet-Based Emotional Freedom Techniques (iEFT) and Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (iMMI) (BGOG-gyn1b/REMOTE).

Brain Sciences August 22, 2025 Laura Tack, Lore Mertens, Marte Vandeweyer et al.

Approximately one-third of cancer survivors report a need for professional help to cope with Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR). In the REMOTE trial, we aim to investigate the efficacy of two internet-based mind-body techniques to address this currently unmet medical need. Cancer survivors, screened using the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS), are randomly assigned to one of the three study groups: (1)...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15090900 Full text Emotional freedom techniques Internet-based interventions Mindfulness meditation Cancer recurrence anxiety +11

Psychedelics and the Serotonin Hypothesis of Eating Disorders

Brain Sciences August 21, 2025 Dean Bilenker, Nicole M. Avena 2 citations

Recent advances in psychedelic research have renewed interest in their therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive and behavioral rigidity. This review examines the rationale for using serotonergic psychedelics—particularly 5-HT2A receptor agonists such as psilocybin—in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN),...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15080893 Psilocybin Serotonergic Bulimia nervosa Binge eating +7

Juggling the Limits of Lucidity: Searching for Cognitive Constraints in Lucid Dream Motor Practice: 4 Case Reports.

Brain Sciences August 18, 2025 Emma Peters, Clarita Bonamino, Kathrin Fischer et al.

Lucid dreaming (LD), during which the dreamer becomes aware of the dream state, offers a unique opportunity for a variety of applications, including motor practice, personal well-being, and nightmare therapy. However, these applications largely depend on the dreamer's ability to control their dreams. While LD research has traditionally focused on induction techniques to increase dream...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15080879 Full text Lucid dreaming Rem sleep Dream control Motor practice

Functional Importance Backbones of the Brain at Rest, Wakefulness, and Sleep.

Brain Sciences July 20, 2025 Klaus Lehnertz, Timo Bröhl

Background: The brain is never truly at rest. Even in the absence of external tasks, it remains active, continuously organizing itself into large-scale resting-state networks involved in shaping our internal thoughts and experiences. Understanding the networks' structure and dynamics is key to uncovering how the brain functions as a whole. While previous studies have mapped resting-state...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15070772 Full text EEG Brain dynamics Centrality Functional brain network +2

Evolutionary Trajectories of Consciousness: From Biological Foundations to Technological Horizons.

Brain Sciences July 9, 2025 Evgenii Gusev, Alexey Sarapultsev, Maria Komelkova

Consciousness remains one of the most critical yet least understood functions of the brain, not only in humans but also in certain highly organized animal species. In this review, we propose treating consciousness as an emergent, goal-directed informational system organized by the subjective "self" as an active system-forming factor. We present an integrative theoretical-systems framework in...

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15070734 Full text Artificial intelligence Biological consciousness Consciousness evolution Ethical considerations +6

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