Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat

Sci Rep. 2019 Oct 24;9(1):14914. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-50612-3.

Abstract

Meditation and psychedelics have played key roles in humankind's search for self-transcendence and personal change. However, neither their possible synergistic effects, nor related state and trait predictors have been experimentally studied. To elucidate these issues, we administered double-blind the model psychedelic drug psilocybin (315 μg/kg PO) or placebo to meditators (n = 39) during a 5-day mindfulness group retreat. Psilocybin increased meditation depth and incidence of positively experienced self-dissolution along the perception-hallucination continuum, without concomitant anxiety. Openness, optimism, and emotional reappraisal were predictors of the acute response. Compared with placebo, psilocybin enhanced post-intervention mindfulness and produced larger positive changes in psychosocial functioning at a 4-month follow-up, which were corroborated by external ratings, and associated with magnitude of acute self-dissolution experience. Meditation seems to enhance psilocybin's positive effects while counteracting possible dysphoric responses. These findings highlight the interactions between non-pharmacological and pharmacological factors, and the role of emotion/attention regulation in shaping the experiential quality of psychedelic states, as well as the experience of selflessness as a modulator of behavior and attitudes. A better comprehension of mechanisms underlying most beneficial psychedelic experiences may guide therapeutic interventions across numerous mental conditions in the form of psychedelic-assisted applications.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention / drug effects
  • Buddhism
  • Emotions / drug effects
  • Female
  • Hallucinogens / adverse effects
  • Hallucinogens / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meditation / methods
  • Meditation / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mindfulness*
  • Psilocybin / adverse effects
  • Psilocybin / pharmacology*
  • Social Behavior

Substances

  • Hallucinogens
  • Psilocybin