Neuropharmacology

Biography

Biography: Filip Tyls

Abstract

The serotonergic hallucinogen psilocybin, has profound effects on the human mind, which can be characterized by alteration in perception, thinking disorder and strong emotional salience. The character of the altered state of consciousness induced by hallucinogens is hardly predictable; while an important role has the environment in which psilocybin is administered (setting). Recent works showed that psilocybin-induced altered state of consciousness has a potential in the treatment of some psychiatric disorders. Twenty volunteers completed the psilocybin (0.26mg/kg) session in a double-blind, placebo-controlled arrangement in a living-room-like setting. This study describes the phenomenology, physiological parameters, pharmacokinetics of psilocybin intoxication and focuses on electrophysiological measures of brain activity. The effects of psilocybin peaked in 60 minutes and subsided after 6 hours. Psilocybin induced mydriasis, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. A significant increase of psychopathology was documented by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Altered States of Consciousness Scale. Psilocybin decreased the EEG spectral power in alpha frequency band, however increased the power of gamma oscillations. The LORETA analysis revealed the source of decreased alpha in midline parietal structures and occipital lobes. The increase in higher frequencies was pronounced in large temporal areas. EEG findings will be correlated with neuropsychiatric scales. We confirmed the safety and beneficial effects of psilocybin administration under controlled experimental conditions. The decrement of EEG alpha activity was observed mainly in brain structures involved in Default Mode Network, which is thought to represent introspective processes. These findings will help facilitate future clinical trials using psychedelics in patients.