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Pivotal mental states.

Ari Brouwer1, Robin Lester Carhart-Harris1

  • 1Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.

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|November 11, 2020
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The pivotal mental state is a hyper-plastic brain condition that facilitates rapid learning and psychological transformation. This state, potentially triggered by stress and mediated by serotonin 2A receptors, is an inherent human capacity.

Keywords:
Stresspsychedelicpsychosisserotoninspiritual experience

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • The concept of a 'pivotal mental state' is introduced as a hyper-plastic state.
  • This state is proposed to facilitate rapid, deep learning and mediate psychological transformation.
  • Pivotal mental states are hypothesized to have an evolutionary function in adapting to environmental pressures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define and explore the construct of the pivotal mental state.
  • To investigate the role of stress and serotonin 2A receptors in inducing pivotal mental states.
  • To propose a multi-level model linking molecular mechanisms to psychological transformation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing evidence on stress, neuroticism, and psychedelic research.
  • Hypothesizing the role of the serotonin 2A receptor system.
  • Developing a theoretical model of the pivotal mental state.

Main Results:

  • Chronic stress and neurotic traits may prime the brain for pivotal mental states.
  • Acute stress can trigger pivotal mental states, potentially via serotonin release.
  • Serotonergic psychedelics may activate this system, but the capacity is inherent to the brain.

Conclusions:

  • Pivotal mental states represent a hyper-plastic brain state crucial for adaptation and learning.
  • The serotonin 2A receptor system is a key molecular gateway for inducing these states.
  • The pivotal mental state model offers a framework for understanding psychological transformation across various contexts.