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Psychedelics and the science of self-experience

Matthew M. Nour, Robin Carhart-Harris

The British Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.116.194738 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Keywords Religious experience Altered state Neuroimaging Hallucinogen Self-consciousness Psychotherapist Psychoanalysis
Citations 90
Key findings A neuroscience of self-experience is crystallizing from functional neuroimaging and psychedelic-induced altered states, potentially advancing psychiatry.

Abstract

Summary Altered self-experiences arise in certain psychiatric conditions, and may be induced by psychoactive drugs and spiritual/religious practices. Recently, a neuroscience of self-experience has begun to crystallise, drawing upon findings from functional neuroimaging and altered states of consciousness occasioned by psychedelic drugs. This advance may be of great importance for psychiatry.