Psychedelics and Consciousness: Expanding the Horizons of Mind and Therapy.
Miyuan Zhang, Yibo Wang, Tian-Ming Gao, Xiaohui Wang
Research (Wash D C) October 4, 2024 DOI: 10.34133/research.0495 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsychedelics alter sensory perceptions, disrupt self-referential thought, and can catalyze spiritual and existential experiences. As research advances, these substances are being integrated into therapeutic settings, challenging existing psychiatric models and offering new insights into consciousness and mental health. This emerging paradigm calls for careful regulation and ethical considerations, promising a more holistic approach to mental health disorders.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelics Mental health Neuroscience Consciousness research Therapeutic medicine |
| Citations | 10 |
| Key finding | Argues that psychedelics, by altering consciousness and disrupting self-referential thought, are being integrated into therapy, challenging psychiatric models and requiring careful regulation. |
Abstract
Psychedelics have long been recognized not only for their profound impact on human consciousness but also for their potential therapeutic applications. This perspective explores the multifaceted relationship between psychedelics and consciousness, emphasizing their capacity to alter sensory perceptions, disrupt self-referential thought processes, and catalyze profound spiritual and existential experiences. As research advances, psychedelics are being integrated into therapeutic settings, challenging existing psychiatric models and offering new insights into the complex nature of consciousness and mental health. This emerging paradigm marks the need for careful regulation and ethical considerations in the therapeutic use of psychedelics, promising a more holistic approach to mental health disorders.