Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates.
Frederick S. Barrett, Roland R. Griffiths
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2018 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_474 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Mystical experience Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | These substances Specific compounds Substance use Mystical states Subjective experiences Deeply meaningful states Spiritual experiences Self-referential activity Biological basis Brain networks Well-being Potential |
| Citations | 268 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin can occasion complete mystical experiences in the majority of people studied under double-blind conditions, with enduring positive effects on mood, attitudes, and behavior. |
Abstract
This chapter begins with a brief review of descriptions and definitions of mystical-type experiences and the historical connection between classic hallucinogens and mystical experiences. The chapter then explores the empirical literature on experiences with classic hallucinogens in which claims about mystical or religious experiences have been made. A psychometrically validated questionnaire is described for the reliable measurement of mystical-type experiences occasioned by classic hallucinogens. Controlled laboratory studies show that under double-blind conditions that provide significant controls for expectancy bias, psilocybin can occasion complete mystical experiences in the majority of people studied. These effects are dose-dependent, specific to psilocybin compared to placebo or a psychoactive control substance, and have enduring impact on the moods, attitudes, and behaviors of participants as assessed by self-report of participants and ratings by community observers. Other studies suggest that enduring personal meaning in healthy volunteers and therapeutic outcomes in patients, including reduction and cessation of substance abuse behaviors and reduction of anxiety and depression in patients with a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, are related to the occurrence of mystical experiences during drug sessions. The final sections of the chapter draw parallels in human neuroscience research between the neural bases of experiences with classic hallucinogens and the neural bases of meditative practices for which claims of mystical-type experience are sometimes made. From these parallels, a functional neural model of mystical experience is proposed, based on changes in the default mode network of the brain that have been observed after the administration of classic hallucinogens and during meditation practices for which mystical-type claims have been made.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for 2 syntheses in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Controlled double-blind studies show psilocybin occasions complete mystical experiences in the majority of participants in a dose-dependent manner, with enduring effects on mood, attitudes, and behavior and links to therapeutic outcomes.
Synthesized
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Reports that under double-blind conditions psilocybin can occasion complete mystical experiences in the majority of people studied, with dose-dependent and enduring effects on mood, attitudes, and behavior.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| Peak experiences and the afterglow phenomenon: When and how do therapeutic effects of hallucinogens depend on psychedelic experiences? | 2015 | Review | |
| Are “mystical experiences” essential for antidepressant actions of ketamine and the classic psychedelics? | 2024 | Review | |
| Psychedelic Mystical Experience: A New Agenda for Theology | 2022 | Review | |
| Predictors and potentiators of psychedelic-occasioned mystical experiences | 2022 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 226
- Psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experience in combination with meditation and other spiritual practices produces enduring positive changes in psychological functioning and in trait measures of prosocial attitudes and behaviors Journal of Psychopharmacology October 11, 2017
- Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. Pharmacology & Therapeutics May 1, 2019
- Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review Frontiers in Psychiatry July 12, 2022
- Psilocybin-assisted mindfulness training modulates self-consciousness and brain default mode network connectivity with lasting effects. Neuroimage August 1, 2019
- Long-lasting subjective effects of LSD in normal subjects Psychopharmacology September 16, 2017
and 221 more in the library
Cites 66
- A default mode of brain function Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 16, 2001
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- 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
and 61 more in the library