Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
Publisher
AK Journals
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
32187
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is effective for a range of psy-chological conditions. There are likely numerous mechanisms of action that contribute to these clinicaleffects. One such mechanism of action might involve psychedelics increasing levels of empathicfunctioning. This paper synthesises research concerning the relationship between psychedelics andempathy, emphasising neuroscientific and clinical contexts. We conclude that neuropsychological andclinical evidence imply psychedelics could lead to increased empathic functioning. The effects of psy-chedelics on the 5-HT system, default mode network, neural connectivity and ego dissolution areimplicated in these changes. Changes in empathic functioning also likely relate to increases in thepersonality trait of openness associated with psychedelic drug use, which is well documented. Increasedempathic function likely has clinical implications, leading to increased social connectedness as well asprosocial attitudes and behaviours more broadly.
DOI
10.1556/2054.2020.00136
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Comments
Blatchford, E., Bright, S., & Engel, L. (2020). Tripping over the other: Could psychedelics increase empathy?. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 4(3), 163-170. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2020.00136