Evaluating the evidence for repressed memory recovery in psychedelic contexts

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Reports of repressed memory resurfacing during psychedelic experiences are common but lack empirical validation.
• The veracity of repressed memories and the mechanisms of psychedelic influence remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on repressed memory in the context of psychedelic use.
• To examine definitions, substances, proposed mechanisms, and empirical support for psychedelic-induced memory recovery.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searched Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar.
• Analyzed 53 eligible sources for study design, substance, definitions, results, and mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was the most discussed psychedelic.
• Few sources defined repressed memory; proposed mechanisms lacked empirical support.
• Psychoanalytical and neurobiological mechanisms were suggested but not consistently evidenced.

Conclusions:

• The literature does not provide a clear or consistent explanation for how psychedelics might recover repressed memories.
• Future research requires precise definitions, placebo-controlled designs, and investigation into false memory occurrence.