Psychedelics as a treatment for disorders of consciousness
Gregory Scott, Robin Carhart-Harris
Neuroscience of Consciousness 2019 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niz003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Persistent vegetative state Level of consciousness Cognitive psychology Consciousness disorders Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 72 |
| Key points | Proposes that psilocybin may increase conscious awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness by increasing brain complexity. |
Abstract
Based on its ability to increase brain complexity, a seemingly reliable index of conscious level, we propose testing the capacity of the classic psychedelic, psilocybin, to increase conscious awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness. We also confront the considerable ethical and practical challenges this proposal must address, if this hypothesis is to be directly assessed.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Toward a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics | 2019 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm General population | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| What Geometric Visual Hallucinations Tell Us about the Visual Cortex | 2002 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Psilocybin-assisted therapy of major depressive disorder using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a therapeutic frame | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 48
- Pharmacological, neural, and psychological mechanisms underlying psychedelics: a critical review Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews September 1, 2022
- Dimensions of consciousness and the psychedelic state Neuroscience of Consciousness 2018
- Neuropharmacological modulation of the aberrant bodily self through psychedelics Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews December 6, 2019
- Pattern breaking: a complex systems approach to psychedelic medicine Neuroscience of Consciousness 2023
- RETRACTED ARTICLE: A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs Scientific Reports October 20, 2020
and 43 more in the library
Cites 28
- Detecting Awareness in the Vegetative State Science September 7, 2006
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- A Theoretically Based Index of Consciousness Independent of Sensory Processing and Behavior Science Translational Medicine August 14, 2013
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
and 23 more in the library