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Cited by 248Psychedelics and Drug StudiesParanormal Experiences and BeliefsMindfulness and Compassion Interventions

Psilocybin-assisted mindfulness training modulates self-consciousness and brain default mode network connectivity with lasting effects

Open access
Smigielski, Lukasz, Scheidegger, Milan, Kometer, Michael, Vollenweider, Franz X.·2019·NeuroImage
DOI 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.04.009
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Abstract

Both psychedelics and meditation exert profound modulatory effects on consciousness, perception and cognition, but their combined, possibly synergistic effects on neurobiology are unknown. Accordingly, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 38 participants following a single administration of the psychedelic psilocybin (315 μg/kg p.o.) during a 5-day mindfulness retreat. Brain dynamics were quantified directly pre- and post-intervention by functional magnetic resonance imaging during the resting state and two meditation forms. The analysis of functional connectivity identified psilocybin-related and mental state-dependent alterations in self-referential processing regions of the default mode network (DMN). Notably, decoupling of medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices, which is thought to mediate sense of self, was associated with the subjective ego dissolution effect during the psilocybin-assisted mindfulness session. The extent of ego dissolution and brain connectivity predicted positive changes in psycho-social functioning of participants 4 months later. Psilocybin, combined with meditation, facilitated neurodynamic modulations in self-referential networks, subserving the process of meditation by acting along the anterior-posterior DMN connection. The study highlights the link between altered self-experience and subsequent behavioral changes. Understanding how interventions facilitate transformative experiences may open novel therapeutic perspectives. Insights into the biology of discrete mental states foster our understanding of non-ordinary forms of human self-consciousness and their concomitant brain substrate.

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  • During these processes, rigid thought patterns are loosened and experiences of ego-dissolution and deep universal connections are reported.

    “During these processes, rigid thought patterns are loosened and experiences of ego-dissolution and deep universal connections are reported. 54”

    From The revival of psilocybin between scientific excitement, evidence of efficacy, and real-world challenges (2024) · cites this paper as [54]

  • Smigielski et al. reported similar outcomes following psilocybin administration to long-term meditators during a 5-day Zen retreat.

    “Smigielski and colleagues [7, 108] reported similar outcomes following the administration of psilocybin to individuals with long-term experience of mindfulness meditation during a 5-day Zen meditation retreat.”

    From Mindfulness meditation and psychedelics: potential synergies and commonalities (2023) · cites this paper as [108]

  • Smigielski et al. study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 38 participants.

    “This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 38 participants who were screened with psychometric instruments and in addition with functional magnetic resonance imaging during the resting state and two meditation forms, pre to post-intervention.”

    From Mindfulness meditation and psychedelics: potential synergies and commonalities (2023) · cites this paper as [108]

  • When psilocybin was administered to long-term mindfulness meditators, it led to enhanced context-dependent DMN flexibility, as meditators who received psilocybin were able to downregulate DMN activity significantly more than the comparison group during mindfulness meditation.

    “Furthermore, when psilocybin was administered to long-term mindfulness meditators, it led to enhanced context-dependent DMN flexibility, as the meditators who had received psilocybin were able to downregulate DMN activity significantly more than the comparison group, during mindfulness meditation (101).”

    From Examining the Potential Synergistic Effects Between Mindfulness Training and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (2021) · cites this paper as [101]

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Authors
Smigielski, L., Scheidegger, M., Kometer, M., & Vollenweider, F. X.
Affiliations
University of Zurich (CH)
Corresponding author
Smigielski, Lukasz
ORCID
Venue
NeuroImage
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2019-08
Volume
196
Pages
207-215
ISSN
1053-8119 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.04.009
OpenAlex
W2926998013
Cited by
248
References
83
Citations by year
2026: 20 · 2025: 43 · 2024: 45 · 2023: 29 · 2022: 45 · 2021: 31 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 8
FWCI
32.13
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • NeuroImage (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) (acceptedVersion)
  • Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) (submittedVersion)
  • Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich)
Funders
Swiss Neuromatrix Foundation (2014-0101)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Keywords
psilocybin, mindfulness meditation, self-consciousness, default mode network, functional connectivity, ego dissolution, medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, self-referential processing, psychedelics, meditation, long-term mental health outcomes, altered states of consciousness
MeSH terms
Brain, Brain Mapping, Consciousness, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Middle Aged, Neural Pathways, Psilocybin, Self Concept, Meditation, Mindfulness

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