Phenomenology, Structure, and Dynamic of Psychedelic States

Abstract

Classic serotonergic hallucinogens or psychedelics produce an altered states of consciousness (ASC) that is characterized by profound alterations in sensory perception, mood, thought including the perception of reality, and the sense of self. Over the past years, there has been considerable progress in the search for invariant and common features of psychedelic states. In the first part of this review, we outline contemporary approaches to characterize the structure of ASCs by means of three primary etiology-independent dimensions including oceanic boundlessness, anxious ego-dissolution, and visionary restructuralization as well as by 11 lower-order factors, all of which can be reliably measured by the altered state of consciousness questionnaire (APZ-OAV). The second part sheds light on the dynamic nature of psychedelic experiences. Frequently, psychedelic subjects progress through different stages over time and levels of changes along a perception-hallucination continuum of increasing arousal and ego-dissolution. We then review in detail the acute effects of psychedelics on sensory perception, emotion, cognition, creativity, and time perception along with possible neural mechanisms underlying them. The next part of this review outlines the influence of non-pharmacological factors (predictors) on the acute psychedelic experience, such as demographics, genetics, personality, mood, and setting, and also discusses some long-term effects succeeding the acute experience. The last part presents some recent concepts and models attempting to understand different facets of psychedelic states of consciousness from a neuroscientific perspective.

Return of the lysergamides. Part V: Analytical and behavioural characterization of 1‐butanoyl‐d‐lysergic acid diethylamide (1B‐LSD)

“…The serotonergic hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD, Figure ) is one of the most potent psychedelic drugs, with typical oral doses ranging from 50–200 μg although lower doses can be found on blotters circulating on the streets. Use of LSD has occurred at relatively constant levels since the end of the 1960s and it remains a popular recreational substance due to nature and intensity of its psychedelic effects . More recently, widespread interest in the use of LSD at sub‐threshold levels (so‐called “microdosing”) has developed, based on anecdotal accounts indicating that very low doses of the drug may have performance‐enhancing and other beneficial effects .…”

“…Use of LSD has occurred at relatively constant levels since the end of the 1960s and it remains a popular recreational substance due to nature and intensity of its psychedelic effects. 2 More recently, widespread interest in the use of LSD at sub-threshold levels (so-called "microdosing") has developed, based on anecdotal accounts indicating that very low doses of the drug may have performance-enhancing and other beneficial effects. 3 In addition, a large number of promising clinical studies have been conducted in recent years to explore the use of LSD for neuroscientific and therapeutic purposes.…”

Neuroticism is associated with challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms

“…serotonin 2A receptor agonist hallucinogens, or psychedelics), including psilocybin, have substantial effects on perception, cognition, and emotion (as reviewed in Preller & Vollenweider, 2016). Significant individual variability has been observed in the effects of psychedelics on emotional state.…”

Ayahuasca: what mental health professionals need to know

“…The subjective effects of ayahuasca (and other hallucinogens) are difficult to describe and measure 16,17 . Experimental studies with healthy volunteers and longitudinal studies with experienced ayahuasca users show that these subjective effects include increases in introspection, serenity, and in experiencing memories with autobiographical content, positive mood, affect, and wellbeing, altered perception of colors and sounds often accompanied by synesthesia, and also mystical-like and religious experiences (Table 1) 16,[18][19][20][21] .…”

“…Classic or serotonergic hallucinogens including LSD, psilocybin, mescaline and DMT are considered drugs with low physiological toxicity that can be safely administered in controlled settings, including both ritual and experimental/clinical contexts 8,17,25,26,36,52,53 . Recent human studies involving acute administration of LSD and psilocybin to healthy volunteers and to patients with drug dependence or anxiety and mood disorders show that these drugs induce significant subjective and physiological effects that are transient, well tolerated, and apparently associated with therapeutic effects 13,15,30,31,44,47,50,51,53 .…”