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

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 psych

SUBMITTER: Smigielski L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6813317 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature