Spotlight commentary: REBUS and the anarchic brain.
Tehseen Noorani, Ben Alderson-Day
Neuroscience of Consciousness 2020 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niaa007 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Rebus Altered states Context Predictive processing Psychedelic |
| Citations | 8 |
| Key points | Argues that the REBUS model of psychedelic action should incorporate greater attention to contextual factors and that comparisons with non-psychedelic altered states may overlook more informative parallels. |
Abstract
In 'REBUS and the Anarchic Brain: Towards a Unified Model of the Brain Action of Psychedelics', Carhart-Harris and Friston offer an important analysis of what the predictive processing framework has to offer our understanding of psychedelic experiences, providing an invaluable ground for psychedelic psychiatry. While applauding this, we encourage paying greater attention to contextual factors shaping extreme experiences and their sequalae, and suggest that the authors' comparisons with certain non-psychedelic altered states may overlook more informative parallels that can be drawn elsewhere. Addressing both points will prove fruitful, ultimately, in identifying the mechanisms of action of greatest interest in psychedelic experiences.