The Role of Mental States on Psychedelic Experiences
Article Title: “Replication and Extension of a Model Predicting Response to Psilocybin”
Authors: Suzanne L. Russ, R. L. Carhart-Harris, G. Maruyama, M. S. Elliott
Publication Date: 15 June, 2019
Background
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, especially in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. However, not everyone has the same experience when using psilocybin, and the outcomes can vary widely. This variation has led researchers to explore the factors that might influence whether someone has a mystical, transformative experience or a challenging, adverse one.
Study Overview
The study by Russ et al. (2019) sought to replicate and extend a previous model that identified key mental states predicting the nature of psilocybin experiences. Using crowdsourced data from 183 individuals who had self-administered psilocybin, the researchers explored various mental states before, during, and after ingestion. These mental states were assessed through retrospective self-reports and included factors like surrender, preoccupation, and mystical experiences.
Key Findings
Surrender Predicts Positive Experiences: The study confirmed that a mental state of surrender—where individuals let go of personal goals, preferences, and even identity—was the strongest predictor of having a mystical experience during psilocybin use. This aligns with previous findings and underscores the importance of mental readiness for a positive psychedelic journey.
Preoccupation Leads to Adverse Experiences: On the flip side, a state of preoccupation, where individuals are mentally occupied with daily concerns or future tasks, was a significant predictor of adverse experiences. This mental busyness prevented full immersion in the psychedelic experience, leading to feelings of dread or anxiety.
Mystical Experiences and Long-term Change: The study also highlighted the lasting impact of mystical experiences induced by psilocybin. Participants who reported a complete mystical experience were more likely to experience positive long-term changes in their well-being, including increased gratitude, joy, and social concern.
Discussion
The findings from this study emphasise the critical role that mental states play in shaping the outcome of a psilocybin experience. While dosage and setting are important, the individual’s mindset—especially their ability to surrender and avoid preoccupation—can significantly influence how their experience will be. This has important implications for both recreational users and those considering psilocybin for therapeutic purposes.
Implications
For those involved in psychedelic therapy, these findings suggest that preparing patients mentally before a psilocybin session could enhance the likelihood of a beneficial experience. Therapists might focus on helping patients achieve a state of surrender, while addressing and alleviating any preoccupations or anxieties that could lead to adverse effects. This mental preparation could be as important as controlling the physical setting and dosage.
Potential Application
These insights could be applied in both clinical and retreat settings where psilocybin is used. Practitioners might incorporate techniques to foster a state of surrender, such as meditation or guided visualisation, as part of the preparatory process. Additionally, understanding the signs of preoccupation could help in identifying individuals who may need additional support before undergoing a psychedelic experience.
Conclusions
The study reinforces the idea that the mental state at the time of psilocybin ingestion plays a crucial role in determining the nature of the experience. By focusing on fostering a mindset of surrender and minimising preoccupation, practitioners can help maximise the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, leading to more consistent and positive outcomes.
Reference:
Russ, S. L., Carhart-Harris, R. L., Maruyama, G., & Elliott, M. S. (2019). Replication and extension of a model predicting response to psilocybin. Psychopharmacology, 236(9), 3221–3230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-019-05279-z
