Self-Entropic Broadening Theory: Toward a New Understanding of Self and Behavior Change Informed by Psychedelics and Psychosis

Abstract

The extremes of human experiences, such as those occasioned by classic psychedelics and psychosis, provide a rich contrast for understanding how components of these experiences impact well-being. In recent years, research has suggested that classic psychedelics display the potential to promote positive enduring psychologic and behavioral changes in clinical and nonclinical populations. Paradoxically, classic psychedelics have been described as psychotomimetics. This review offers a putative solution to this paradox by providing a theory of how classic psychedelics often facilitate persistent increases in well-being, whereas psychosis leads down a "darker" path. This will be done by providing an overview of the overlap between the states (i.e., entropic processing) and their core differences (i.e., self-focus). In brief, entropic processing can be defined as an enhanced overall attentional scope and decreased predictability in processing stimuli facilitating a hyperassociative style of thinking. However, the outcomes of entropic states vary depending on level of self-focus, or the degree to which the associations and information being processed are evaluated in a self-referential manner. We also describe potential points of overlap with less extreme experiences, such as creative thinking and positive emotion-induction. Self-entropic broadening theory offers a heuristically valuable perspective on classic psychedelics and their lasting effects and relation to other states by creating a novel synthesis of contemporary theories in psychology.Significance Statement--Self-entropic broadening theory provides a novel theory examining the psychedelic-psychotomimetic paradox, or how classic psychedelics can be therapeutic, yet mimic symptoms of psychosis. It also posits a framework for understanding the transdiagnostic applicability of classic psychedelics. We hope this model invigorates the field to provide more rigorous comparisons between classic psychedelic-induced states and psychosis and further examinations of how classic psychedelics facilitate long-term change. As a more psychedelic future of psychiatry appears imminent, a model that addresses these long-standing questions is crucial.

Reports of self-compassion and affect regulation in psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder: An interpretive phenomenological analysis.

“…Some theoretical models regarding psychedelics’ psychological effects also comport with these qualitative reports. One recent model called the self-entropic broadening theory suggests that psychedelics trigger a style of cognition and psychological plasticity in which stereotyped, self-focused schemas are deemphasized and novel information is accommodated that supports new perspectives and appraisals (Dourron et al, 2022). Another model proposes that psychedelics can help loosen entrenched psychological protective patterns and behaviors that become canalized over time; initially adaptive, these learned coping patterns wear down one’s ability over time to respond to situations in a flexible manner (Carhart-Harris et al, 2022).…”

“…Psychedelic therapy consists of a complex interaction of pharmacological and psychological processes. Classic psychedelics exert their effects at the serotonin-2A receptor and activate signaling pathways that lead to increased synthesis of proteins supportive of neuroplasticity and may lead to increased entropic processing (Dourron et al, 2022; Inserra et al, 2022). These states are also typically characterized by changes in perception, altered experience of time and space, and strong activation of emotions and a sense of unity, sacredness, and positive mood (Preller & Vollenweider, 2016).…”

Psychedelic-assisted therapy for people with gambling disorder?

“…The fourth model of Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics (REBUS) ( Carhart-Harris & Friston, 2019 ) suggests that the key mechanism by which psychedelics produce their effect is the reduction of the strength of prior beliefs and assumptions. Fifth, the Self-entropic broadening theory suggests that psychedelics can lower the person's self-focus, leading to positive changes in well-being ( Dourron, Strauss, & Hendricks, 2022 ). In the sixth model, the 5-HT2A receptor hypothesis, the therapeutic effects of psychedelics are supposed to be mediated through their interaction with serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, leading to a cascade of neural effects that may facilitate therapeutic insights and promote emotional processing in individuals with mental disorders ( Vollenweider & Kometer, 2010 ).…”

Psilocybin in Palliative Care: An Update

“…Until safety is demonstrated this is a valid concern among those providing psychedelic assisted psychotherapy and ceremonial use, and psychotic spectrum conditions are commonly contraindications for psychedelic therapy with ketamine. An interest is emerging in the scientific community to differentiate a psychedelic state from psychoses which will better inform the role, if any, of psychedelic healing for patients living with psychotic spectrum syndromes [65][66][67]. A case study published in December of 2022 documents the decline of a previously high-functioning, cognitively well 32 year old woman after two psilocybin sessions (dose unknown) over the course of two days.…”