Psychedelics: effects on the human brain and physiology | Simeon Keremedchiev | TEDxVarna
TEDx Talks・20 minutes read
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin mushrooms, have profound effects on the brain, enhancing communication between neurons and leading to perceptional changes described as a journey into the subconscious mind. Research suggests that psychedelics can have long-term positive impacts on mental health, including treating addiction and depression, with minimal harm reported compared to other substances.
Insights
- Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin mushrooms, have the potential to enhance neuronal communication in the brain by reducing default mode network activity, leading to increased synchronization and the creation of new connections.
- Research and studies suggest that psychedelics, when used in appropriate set and setting, can induce profound and potentially life-changing subjective experiences, impacting perception, emotions, and long-term mental health positively, with promising results in treating addiction and minimal reported harm compared to other substances.
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Recent questions
What are psychedelics?
Psychedelics are substances that alter perception and consciousness.
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Summary
00:00
Psychedelics: Brain, Consciousness, and Potential
- The speaker, Beatrice Carpi, discusses the human brain and its functioning, emphasizing the similarity in brain operation across different individuals.
- Psychedelics are the central topic, with a focus on their potential in medicine, research, and personal development.
- The default mode network in the brain, responsible for consciousness and perception, is highlighted as a key area affected by psychedelics.
- Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and DMT are discussed, with a specific focus on psilocybin mushrooms and their serotonin receptor agonist properties.
- Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in religious and spiritual settings, not recreationally.
- Research conducted in 2012 and 2014 showed that psilocybin reduces blood flow and neuronal activity in the default mode network, leading to enhanced communication between neurons.
- The brain under the influence of psilocybin resembles a brain in meditation, with increased neuronal communication and synchronization.
- The substance allows the brain to create new connections and pathways, enhancing overall communication and activity.
- The subjective effects of psychedelics, known as "the trip," are described as a journey into the subconscious mind, potentially life-changing and eye-opening.
- The importance of the set and setting in which psychedelics are consumed is emphasized for a safe and meaningful experience.
15:39
"Psychedelics: Spiritual, not recreational; profound impact"
- Psychedelic substances should not be approached lightly and are traditionally used in spiritual and religious settings, not for recreational purposes.
- Perceptional changes reported include feeling colors, experiencing open-and-closed-eyes visuals with complex patterns and vivid imagery, and memory recall being significantly enhanced.
- Users often report a loss of self and concept of time, along with extreme emotions ranging from love and euphoria to panic attacks and paranoia during the experience.
- Long-term effects of psychedelics include a new perspective on life, with reports of positive impacts on depression, anxiety, and addiction lasting up to 14 months after a single use.
- Psychedelics have been found to treat addiction, with substances like DMT, ayahuasca, LSD, and magic mushrooms showing promise in treating various addictions.
- Research comparing harm done by different substances places psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms in a separate category with minimal harm reported.
- Studies sponsored by the US government have shown that psychedelics can lead to profound spiritual experiences, with some individuals considering it the most significant event of their lives.
