Study Uses Linguistic Analysis to Find Differences in Effects of Psychedelic Experiences
A new study looked into the various types of subjective experiences produced by five types of psychedelic drugs. Using computer algorithms, the researchers conducted an analysis of thousands of reports on the effects of psychedelic substances that were anonymously published.
Research has shown that psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and MDMA, possess the potential to treat psychiatric conditions such as PTSD and depression. While various studies have shown that these drugs cause changes in an individual’s consciousness and perception, minimal research has been conducted quantifying the experiences linked to the consumption of these drugs.
Adrian Hase, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Fribourg and the study’s author, revealed that he was interested in the promising findings from studies that assessed psychedelic treatments for different mental health condition. These treatments were used to treat patients who hadn’t responded to standard treatments.
The researchers carried out basic research into the effects of these substances, with a focus on psychopathology and stress. For their study, the academics analyzed the content of more than 2,900 online reports sourced from the Erowid experience vault, using software known as the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. The Erowid Center is a not-for-profit educational organization that provides the Erowid experience vault.
The sample comprised of reports about antidepressants, ayahuasca, ketamine, DMT, LSD and magic mushrooms.
In an interview, Hase stated that the group observed differences in how individuals wrote about their experiences with psychedelic substances, noting that this mainly depended on the substance used. He explained that the language in the substance report groups that they analyzed was different from the language from the control reports, which described the use of antidepressant drugs.
The researchers also found differences between different substances, noting that the differences were found on language outcomes associated with mystical experience, psychedelic experience, analytical thinking, cognitive processes and affective processes.
For instance, reports on DMT and ayahuasca contained more language related to analytical thinking and fewer words associated with emotions, in comparison to other substances. Contrastingly, reports on MDMA contained less language linked to analytical thinking and more emotional language.
In their report, the researchers noted that they hoped their study would contribute to harm reduction and education adding that they did not promote the use of illicit drugs. The researchers plan to replicate their findings in an experiment in a controlled setting where participants will have the substances administered.
The study’s findings were reported in the “Psychopharmacology Journal.” Other researchers who were part of the study include Gregor Hasler, Verena Limbach and Max Erdmann.
It is encouraging to see so many entities, such as Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (NEO: CYBN), engaged in psychedelics-focused R&D activities aimed at bringing to market formulations that will address the unmet needs of patients suffering from mental health conditions and other ailments.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (NYSE American: CYBN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the PsychedelicNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by PNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
A new study looked into the various types of subjective experiences produced by five types of psychedelic drugs. Using computer algorithms, the researchers conducted an analysis of thousands of reports on the effects of psychedelic substances that were anonymously published.
Research has shown that psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and MDMA, possess the potential to treat psychiatric conditions such as PTSD and depression. While various studies have shown that these drugs cause changes in an individual’s consciousness and perception, minimal research has been conducted quantifying the experiences linked to the consumption of these drugs.
Adrian Hase, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Fribourg and the study’s author, revealed that he was interested in the promising findings from studies that assessed psychedelic treatments for different mental health condition. These treatments were used to treat patients who hadn’t responded to standard treatments.
The researchers carried out basic research into the effects of these substances, with a focus on psychopathology and stress. For their study, the academics analyzed the content of more than 2,900 online reports sourced from the Erowid experience vault, using software known as the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. The Erowid Center is a not-for-profit educational organization that provides the Erowid experience vault.
The sample comprised of reports about antidepressants, ayahuasca, ketamine, DMT, LSD and magic mushrooms.
In an interview, Hase stated that the group observed differences in how individuals wrote about their experiences with psychedelic substances, noting that this mainly depended on the substance used. He explained that the language in the substance report groups that they analyzed was different from the language from the control reports, which described the use of antidepressant drugs.
The researchers also found differences between different substances, noting that the differences were found on language outcomes associated with mystical experience, psychedelic experience, analytical thinking, cognitive processes and affective processes.
For instance, reports on DMT and ayahuasca contained more language related to analytical thinking and fewer words associated with emotions, in comparison to other substances. Contrastingly, reports on MDMA contained less language linked to analytical thinking and more emotional language.
In their report, the researchers noted that they hoped their study would contribute to harm reduction and education adding that they did not promote the use of illicit drugs. The researchers plan to replicate their findings in an experiment in a controlled setting where participants will have the substances administered.
The study’s findings were reported in the “Psychopharmacology Journal.” Other researchers who were part of the study include Gregor Hasler, Verena Limbach and Max Erdmann.
It is encouraging to see so many entities, such as Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (NEO: CYBN), engaged in psychedelics-focused R&D activities aimed at bringing to market formulations that will address the unmet needs of patients suffering from mental health conditions and other ailments.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Cybin Inc. (NEO: CYBN) (NYSE American: CYBN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CYBN
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the PsychedelicNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by PNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
