Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2025
07:30
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
6.7K
Psilocybin's effects on cognition and creativity: A scoping review
Justin N Bonnieux1, Baeleigh VanderZwaag1,2, Zahra Premji3
1Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|July 3, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin macrodoses may temporarily impair cognition and creativity, while microdoses may enhance creativity. Long-term effects require further investigation with rigorous methods.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- The current psychedelic renaissance has renewed interest in psilocybin research.
- Psilocybin shows promise for mental health, with ongoing studies on clinical applications and cognitive effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review publication trends, methodologies, and findings in psilocybin research on adult cognition and creativity.
- To synthesize current knowledge on how psilocybin impacts cognitive functions and creative processes.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a preregistered scoping review using the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis.
- Included 42 studies examining psilocybin's effects on cognition and creativity.
Main Results:
- Psilocybin was mostly administered orally (83%) to healthy adults (90%).
- Acute macrodoses impaired cognition/creativity; microdoses enhanced creativity.
- Post-acute macrodosing effects were mostly null, with some positive findings.
Conclusions:
- Psilocybin's cognitive and creative effects vary over time, with acute impairment and potential later benefits.
- Methodological limitations and insufficient long-term data necessitate cautious interpretation.
- Future research should adhere to guidelines, using validated measures at multiple timepoints.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Hallucinogens and Psychedelics
211
Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
211
01:22CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
190
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
190
01:06Altered States of Awareness
249
Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
249
01:21Cognitive Learning
433
Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
433
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
160
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
160
01:28An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
260
Psychoactive drugs impact brain function, influencing perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. These substances are grouped based on their effects and the mechanisms by which they act.
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
260