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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.
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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...
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Cognition plays a pivotal role in shaping emotional experiences, as demonstrated by Schachter and Singer’s two-factor theory of emotion. According to this model, emotion arises from a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation. The body’s physiological response to stimuli is ambiguous and only gains emotional significance through cognitive labeling. For instance, an increased heart rate and adrenaline surge while standing near an attractive person may be...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Human Fear Conditioning Conducted in Full Immersion 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality
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Cyberdelics: Virtual reality hallucinations modulate cognitive-affective processes.

Giulia Brizzi1,2, Chiara Pupillo1,3, Clara Rastelli4,5

  • 1Humane Technology Lab, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.

Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
|May 23, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Hallucinatory Visual Virtual Experiences (HVVEs) show promise for mental health by improving cognitive flexibility and reducing anxiety. These virtual psychedelic simulations offer potential therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks associated with traditional psychedelic use.

Keywords:
DeepDreamPsychedelicsartificial intelligencecognitive flexibilityvirtual realityvisual hallucinations

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

  • Traditional psychedelic research for mental health faces hurdles due to side effect concerns.
  • Technological advancements have led to the development of Hallucinatory Visual Virtual Experiences (HVVEs) as simulated psychedelic encounters.
  • HVVEs offer a novel approach to explore psychedelic effects in a controlled virtual environment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of HVVEs on cognitive flexibility, affective response, and autonomic activity.
  • To assess the feasibility of using virtual reality for psychedelic experience simulation.
  • To explore potential therapeutic applications of HVVEs in mental health.

Main Methods:

  • 50 healthy participants completed baseline assessments of cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, emotional response, and autonomic activity.
  • Participants were exposed to two 10-minute immersive virtual reality (IVR) experiences: 'The Secret Garden' and a DeepDream-generated hallucinated version.
  • Post-experience assessments included all baseline measures plus flow experience evaluation.

Main Results:

  • HVVEs significantly enhanced cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control.
  • Participants reported increased flow-absorption and decreased flow-fluency.
  • Both IVR experiences led to reduced positive affect, state anxiety, heart rate, and sympathetic activity compared to baseline.

Conclusions:

  • HVVEs demonstrate positive effects on cognitive and emotional functioning, mimicking aspects of psychedelic experiences.
  • The observed effects suggest a state of 'awakened relaxation' combined with cognitive enhancement.
  • HVVEs present a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions, potentially offering psychedelic benefits with reduced risks.