Processing of self-related thoughts in experienced users of classic psychedelics and non-users: a source localisation EEG study
Bola, M., Brzezicka, A., Hobot, J., Kołodziej, A., Magnuski, M., Orłowski, P., Ruban, A.
This comparative study (dataset I: n=70, II: n=38) explores differences between naturalistic psychedelics users and non-users during the processing of self-related thoughts, using behavioural testing combined with EEG and source localization. Results from Dataset I suggest weaker increases in alpha and beta power in psychedelics users, primarily in brain regions linked to processing self-related information and memory. However, Dataset II did not replicate these effects, possibly due to sample size and spatial resolution limitations.
Abstract
Psychedelics have gained increasing interest in scientific research due to their ability to induce profound alterations in perception, emotional processing and self-consciousness. However, the research regarding the short- and long-term impact of using psychedelics in non-controlled, naturalistic contexts remains limited. Here we aim to fill this gap and explore differences between naturalistic psychedelics users and non-users during processing of self-related thoughts, using behavioural testing combined with electroencephalography (EEG) with source localisation. To ensure robustness of our results, we included two datasets collected at two different laboratories. The results from Dataset I (N = 70) suggest that during self-related thoughts psychedelics users exhibit weaker increases in alpha and beta power in comparison to non-users, primarily in brain regions linked to processing of self-related information and memory. However, analysis of Dataset II (N = 38) did not replicate between-group effects, possibly due to the smaller sample size and spatial resolution limitations. While non-replicability restricts interpretation of our findings, this study contributes to understanding the relationship between the use of psychedelics, self-related thoughts, and well-being, which is crucial for assessing mental health impact of psychedelic substances.