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Psilocybin-assisted mindfulness training modulates self-consciousness and brain default mode network connectivity with lasting effects.

NeuroImage
January 1, 1970
Lukasz Smigielski et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tHuman StudyClinical
Extracted Claims (8)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
psilocybin (315 μg/kg p.o.)
neutral
consciousness, perception and cognition
-
-
exerted profound modulatory effects
#1
meditation
neutral
consciousness, perception and cognition
-
-
exerted profound modulatory effects
#2
psilocybin (315 μg/kg p.o.)
neutral
functional connectivity in self-referential processing regions of the default mode network (DMN)
38 participants
-
identified psilocybin-related alterations
#3
psilocybin (315 μg/kg p.o.)
decrease
sense of self
-
-
decoupling of medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices
#4
psilocybin (315 μg/kg p.o.)
neutral
subjective ego dissolution effect
-
-
was associated with
#5
psilocybin (315 μg/kg p.o.)
increase
psycho-social functioning
participants
-
predicted positive changes
#6
psilocybin, combined with meditation
neutral
self-referential networks
-
-
facilitated neurodynamic modulations
#7
psilocybin, combined with meditation
neutral
anterior-posterior DMN connection
-
-
subserving the process of meditation
#8
Abstract

Both psychedelics and meditation exert profound modulatory effects on consciousness, perception and cognition, but their combined, possibly synergistic effects on neurobiology are unknown. Accordingly, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 38 participants following a single administration of the psychedelic psilocybin (315 μg/kg p.o.) during a 5-day mindfulness retreat. Brain dynamics were quantified directly pre- and post-intervention by functional magnetic resonance imaging during the resting state and two meditation forms. The analysis of functional connectivity identified psilocybin-related and mental state-dependent alterations in self-referential processing regions of the default mode network (DMN). Notably, decoupling of medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, which is thought to mediate sense of self, was associated with the subjective ego dissolution effect during the psilocybin-assisted mindfulness session. The extent of ego dissolution and brain connectivity predicted positive changes in psycho-social functioning of participants 4 months later. Psilocybin, combined with meditation, facilitated neurodynamic modulations in self-referential networks, subserving the process of meditation by acting along the anterior-posterior DMN connection. The study highlights the link between altered self-experience and subsequent behavioral changes. Understanding how interventions facilitate transformative experiences may open novel therapeutic perspectives. Insights into the biology of discrete mental states foster our understanding of non-ordinary forms of human self-consciousness and their concomitant brain substrate.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
BrainBrain MappingConsciousnessDouble-Blind MethodFemaleHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingMaleMeditationMiddle AgedMindfulnessNeural PathwaysPsilocybinSelf Concept
Study Links
Citation Metrics
Total Citations128
Citations/Year21.3
Relative Citation Ratio8.40
NIH Percentile97.1%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
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