This theoretical review (2024) examines how psychedelics may lead to false insights and beliefs by connecting experimental work on false memories with insights under psychedelics using the active inference framework. It suggests that psychedelics increase the quantity and intensity of insights, which could include false beliefs, and proposes future research directions to minimize such risks while maximizing therapeutic potential.
Abstract of An Integrated theory of false insights and beliefs under psychedelics
“Psychedelics are recognised for their potential to re-orient beliefs. We propose a model of how psychedelics can, in some cases, lead to false insights and thus false beliefs. We first review experimental work on laboratory-based false insights and false memories. We then connect this to insights and belief formation under psychedelics using the active inference framework. We propose that subjective and brain-based alterations caused by psychedelics increases the quantity and subjective intensity of insights and thence beliefs, including false ones. We offer directions for future research in minimising the risk of false and potentially harmful beliefs arising from psychedelics. Ultimately, knowing how psychedelics may facilitate false insights and beliefs is crucial if we are to optimally leverage their therapeutic potential.”
Authors: Hugh T. McGovern, Hilary J. Grimmer, Manoj K. Doss, Brendan T. Hutchinson, Christopher Timmermann, Aidan Lyon, Philip R. Corlett & Ruben E. Laukkonen
Summary of An Integrated theory of false insights and beliefs under psychedelics
When an idea or problem solution appears, it can produce a distinct and powerful phenomenology known as an insight moment. However, insight moments can be triggered by unrelated or misleading information and for objectively incorrect problem solutions, and psychedelics can engender false or maladaptive insights.
Insight and the psychedelic experience
Insight moments are a special type of problem-solving process that are often associated with correct solutions to problems. These experiences have been observed in several recent studies on recreational psychedelic use and psychedelic assisted therapy, suggesting that subjective experiences of insight play a key role in psychedelic assisted therapy.
Find this paper
An Integrated theory of false insights and beliefs under psychedelics
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-024-00120-6
Open Access | Google Scholar | Backup | 🕊
Cite this paper (APA)
McGovern, H. T., Grimmer, H. J., Doss, M. K., Hutchinson, B. T., Timmermann, C., Lyon, A., ... & Laukkonen, R. E. (2024). An Integrated theory of false insights and beliefs under psychedelics. Communications Psychology, 2(1), 69.
Study details
Topics studied
Neuroscience
Public Health, Prevention & Behaviour Change
Safety
Study characteristics
Literature Review
Theory Building
?>