Brain Networks, Neurotransmitters and Psychedelics: Towards a Neurochemistry of Self-Awareness.
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep
; 24(8): 323-340, 2024 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38980658
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Self-awareness can be defined as the capacity of becoming the object of one's own awareness and, increasingly, it has been the target of scientific inquiry. Self-awareness has important clinical implications, and a better understanding of the neurochemical basis of self-awareness may help clarifying causes and developing interventions for different psychopathological conditions. The current article explores the relationship between neurochemistry and self-awareness, with special attention to the effects of psychedelics. RECENT FINDINGS:
The functioning of self-related networks, such as the default-mode network and the salience network, and how these are influenced by different neurotransmitters is discussed. The impact of psychedelics on self-awareness is reviewed in relation to specific processes, such as interoception, body ownership, agency, metacognition, emotional regulation and autobiographical memory, within a framework based on predictive coding. Improved outcomes in emotional regulation and autobiographical memory have been observed in association with the use of psychedelics, suggesting higher-order self-awareness changes, which can be modulated by relaxation of priors and improved coping mechanisms linked to cognitive flexibility. Alterations in bodily self-awareness are less consistent, being potentially impacted by doses employed, differences in acute/long-term effects and the presence of clinical conditions. Future studies investigating the effects of different molecules in rebalancing connectivity between resting-state networks may lead to novel therapeutic approaches and the refinement of existing treatments.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Conscientização
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Encéfalo
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Neurotransmissores
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Alucinógenos
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep
Assunto da revista:
NEUROLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil