The relationship between the default mode network and the theory of mind network as revealed by psychedelics - A meta-analysis.
Carla Soares, Gerardo Gonzalo, João Castelhano, Miguel Castelo-Branco
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews September 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105325 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,122 |
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Keywords | Meta-analysis Psychedelics Theory of mind |
| Key findings | The cingulate cortex (BA23 and BA31) plays a crucial role in the overlap between the DMN and ToM networks, and psychedelics affect their neural relationship. |
Abstract
The Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Theory of Mind (ToM) networks play a crucial role in our understanding of the neurocognition of the self. The DMN is commonly associated with introspection, while the ToM is involved in perspective-taking. There is no research investigating the overlap between the DMN and ToM in relation to causal effects such as induced by psychedelics, and their precise relationship remains therefore unknown. Psychedelics alter self-perception and modulate these networks, providing a unique opportunity to shed light on this relationship. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of 88 studies with a total of 2122 participants to investigate the overlap between DMN and ToM and whether psychedelics affect their neural relationship. We found that the cingulate cortex (BA23 and BA31) plays a crucial role in the overlap between these networks which is substantiated by the effects of psychedelics. These compounds affect the neural basis of ToM and social cognition, which may underlie their therapeutic potential and deepen our understanding of the neural correlates of the self.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The wandering brain: Meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies of mind-wandering and related spontaneous thought processes | 2015 | Meta-analysis | |
| Investigating the Functional Heterogeneity of the Default Mode Network Using Coordinate-Based Meta-Analytic Modeling | 2009 | Meta-analysis | |
| The Default Mode Network in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy individuals | 2016 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| Dreaming as mind wandering: evidence from functional neuroimaging and first-person content reports. | 2013 | Systematic review with meta-analytic comparison | |
| Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review Participants from included studies | 2022 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 12
- Increased functional connectivity between brain regions involved in social cognition, emotion and affective-value in psychedelic states induced by N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024
- What fMRI studies say about the nature of the psychedelic effect: a scoping review Frontiers in Neuroscience July 1, 2025
- The Psychedelic Renaissance: A Catholic Perspective. Linacre Q September 15, 2024
- The psychedelic-peptide paradox: a hormetic hypothesis. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology June 2, 2025
- The transformational power of psychedelics: catalysts for creativity, consciousness, and mental health. Molecular Psychiatry September 30, 2025
and 7 more in the library
Cites 27
- The Brain's Default Mode Network Annual Review of Neuroscience May 4, 2015
- On the relationship between the “default mode network” and the “social brain” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012
- Patients’ Accounts of Increased “Connectedness” and “Acceptance” After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression Journal of Humanistic Psychology June 19, 2017
- Investigating the Functional Heterogeneity of the Default Mode Network Using Coordinate-Based Meta-Analytic Modeling Journal of Neuroscience November 18, 2009
- The Subjective Effects of Psychedelics Are Necessary for Their Enduring Therapeutic Effects. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science December 10, 2020
and 22 more in the library