Serotonergic Hallucinogens: Characteristic Outcomes Considered As Products of a Focal Lesion

Abstract

Psychedelic/Hallucinogenic substances diminish the ability to ruminate (focus attention inward), by damaging the Posterior Cingulate Cortex. Diminished function of the PCC explains the characteristic behavioral outcomes seen emerging in repeat users. Disorders Amenable to Hallucinogens like OCD, Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and intense fear, have distinct etiologies, but are linked by rumination (introversion) as a common feature. Irreversibly deficient ability to plan & anticipate danger are undesirable outcomes, heavily associated with use of these compounds. Key therapeutic benefits observed subjectively can be explained by focal damage; for example, what some interpret as enhanced "self-confidence," is a newly acquired inability to perceive non-verbal communication, especially facial expressions (prosopagnosia).