Cited by 1,252Psychedelics and Drug StudiesParanormal Experiences and BeliefsPhilosophy and Theoretical Science

The entropic brain: a theory of conscious states informed by neuroimaging research with psychedelic drugs.

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Carhart-Harris, Robin L., Leech, Robert, Hellyer, Peter J., Shanahan, Murray, Feilding, Amanda, Tagliazucchi, Enzo, Chialvo, Dante R., Nutt, David·2014·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Abstract

Entropy is a dimensionless quantity that is used for measuring uncertainty about the state of a system but it can also imply physical qualities, where high entropy is synonymous with high disorder. Entropy is applied here in the context of states of consciousness and their associated neurodynamics, with a particular focus on the psychedelic state. The psychedelic state is considered an exemplar of a primitive or primary state of consciousness that preceded the development of modern, adult, human, normal waking consciousness. Based on neuroimaging data with psilocybin, a classic psychedelic drug, it is argued that the defining feature of "primary states" is elevated entropy in certain aspects of brain function, such as the repertoire of functional connectivity motifs that form and fragment across time. Indeed, since there is a greater repertoire of connectivity motifs in the psychedelic state than in normal waking consciousness, this implies that primary states may exhibit "criticality," i.e., the property of being poised at a "critical" point in a transition zone between order and disorder where certain phenomena such as power-law scaling appear. Moreover, if primary states are critical, then this suggests that entropy is suppressed in normal waking consciousness, meaning that the brain operates just below criticality. It is argued that this entropy suppression furnishes normal waking consciousness with a constrained quality and associated metacognitive functions, including reality-testing and self-awareness. It is also proposed that entry into primary states depends on a collapse of the normally highly organized activity within the default-mode network (DMN) and a decoupling between the DMN and the medial temporal lobes (which are normally significantly coupled). These hypotheses can be tested by examining brain activity and associated cognition in other candidate primary states such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and early psychosis and comparing these with non-primary states such as normal waking consciousness and the anaesthetized state.

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Crossref · 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00020

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  • Psychedelic consciousness, in which the mechanisms of self-binding are compromised, is usually described as a state of increased or intensified consciousness.

    “Indeed, psychedelic consciousness, in which the mechanisms of self-binding are compromised, is usually described as a state of increased or intensified consciousness, leading Carhart-Harris et al. (2014) to suggest that self-referential processes constrain consciousness rather than enabling it.”

    From Self unbound: ego dissolution in psychedelic experience (2017) · cites this paper as Carhart-Harris et al. (2014)

    In “Introducing primary consciousness” (page unavailable), the paper says the ego’s entropy-suppressing function may narrow consciousness. “The default mode network and the ego” links psilocybin to ego disintegration. These passages support the suggestion that self-related processes can constrain consciousness, but the paper describes psychedelic consciousness as higher in entropy, not as usually experienced or described as more intense consciousness. (LLM, conf=0.82)

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  • During psychedelic experience, fMRI shows the default mode network is modulated, sharply reducing blood flow and connection within its nodes, leading to decreased functional connectivity within the DMN and increased between-network connectivity.

    “It has been demonstrated with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that during psychedelic experience, the DMN is modulated, which sharply reduces blood flow and connection within its nodes [46], leading to decreased functional connectivity within the DMN and increased between-network connectivity [47, 48].”

    From Mindfulness meditation and psychedelics: potential synergies and commonalities (2023) · cites this paper as [46]

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  • The Default Mode Network is usually active in meta-cognition, day-dreaming, and reflecting on memories, but is apparently disabled by psychedelics.

    “This Default Mode Network is usually active in meta-cognition, day-dreaming, reflecting on memories, but is apparently disabled by psychedelics (Carhart-Harris et al., 2014).”
  • Psychedelics alter relaxed brain function by reducing cerebral blood flow and oscillatory power in brain areas of the Default Mode Network that are typically synchronized and functionally connected.

    “Psychedelics alter this relaxed brain function by reducing cerebral blood flow and the oscillatory power in brain areas of the Default Mode Network that are typically synchronized and functionally connected.”

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Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. Freud S. (1949). An Outline of Psycho-Analysis. Hogarth Press, [S.l.].
  2. Hutson M. (2012). The 7 Laws of Magical Thinking: How Irrational Beliefs Keep Us Happy, Healthy, and Sane. New York, NY: Hudson Street Press
  3. Jung C. G. (1982a). Dreams. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul
  4. Monroe R. R. Heath R. G. (1961). Effects of lysergic acid and various derivatives on depth and cortical electrograms. J. Neuropsychiatr. 3, 75– 82 14475431

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Authors
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Leech, R., Hellyer, P. J., Shanahan, M., Feilding, A., Tagliazucchi, E., Chialvo, D. R., & Nutt, D.
Affiliations
  • Imperial College London (GB)
  • Beckley Foundation (GB)
  • Goethe University Frankfurt (DE)
  • Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (AR)
Corresponding author
Carhart-Harris, Robin L.
Venue
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Published
2014
Volume
8
Pages
20-20
ISSN
1662-5161 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2109543774
Cited by
1,252
References
255
Citations by year
2026: 145 · 2025: 169 · 2024: 169 · 2023: 157 · 2022: 152 · 2021: 112 · 2020: 85 · 2019: 71 · 2018: 59 · 2017: 54 · 2016: 42 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 2
FWCI
49.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Portal (King's College London) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Americanae (AECID Library) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • eScholarship (California Digital Library) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Greater South Information System
Funders
Medical Research Council (MR/J00460X/1)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychedelics and Drug Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Philosophy and Theoretical Science
Keywords
entropy (information theory), states of consciousness, psychedelic states, psilocybin, criticality, power-law scaling, default mode network, medial temporal lobe, self-awareness, reality testing, metacognition, REM sleep, early psychosis, anesthesia

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