Work

Psilocybin alters visual contextual computations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Psilocybin alters perception and brain dynamics. Contextual computations are ubiquitous in the brain. Here, we investigate the effects of psilocybin using psychophysics, ultra-high field functional MRI, and computational modeling. We find that 1) psilocybin alters contextual perception in the Ebbinghaus illusion, 2) psilocybin alters contextual modulation in cortical responses to visual stimuli, and 3) we propose a computational model capable of capturing and linking these changes. Leveraging vision as a beachhead, our findings highlight the alteration of contextual computations as a potential general mechanism underlying psychedelic action. Teaser Psilocybin alters visual-contextual computations, a potential general computational mechanism for psychedelic effects in the human brain.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65150-y

Authors: Marco Aqil, Gilles de Hollander, Nina Vreugdenhil, Tomas Knapen, Serge O. Dumoulin

Institutions: Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Spinoza Centre for Neuroimaging, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Zurich, Utrecht University

Language: English

Topic: Psychedelics and Drug Studies

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990