Irene de CasoPsychedelics and Mental Health
Neuroscience and the Power of Psychoactives in Therapy
Irene de Caso, Ph.D., is a biologist who first specialized in neurobiology and then completed a master’s of science and a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience and neuro-imaging from the University of York. A co-organizer of the 2020 Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research and co-director of the Madrid Psychedelic Society, she lives in Madrid, Spain, where she works as a neuroscientific consultant and is studying to become a clinical psychologist.
FOREWORD
by José Carlos Bouso, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION
Unlocking the Therapeutic Power of Psychedelics
A Mental Health Crisis
The Discovery, Prohibition, and
Rebirth of New Tools in Psychotherapy
References for Further Study
1
Understanding Neuroscience
Living Organisms: The Cell
The Neuron
Neuroplasticity
Neurotransmitters and Receptors: A Complex World
A Rich Consciousness: Senses, Thalamus, and Cerebral Cortex
The Cerebral Cortex
The Limbic System
Brain Networks and Neuroimaging Techniques
References for Further Study
2
Using Psychoactives in Therapy
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Depression—Ayahuasca and Psilocybin • Cancer or Terminal Illness
Diagnosis—LSD and Psilocybin • Addictions—Psilocybin and Other
Psychedelics • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—Psilocybin
MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Alcohol Abuse •
Social Anxiety Linked to Autism
References for Further Study
3
Within the Psychedelic Experience
The Mystical Experience
Phenomenology and Neuroimaging
Visual Effects • Synesthesia • Cognitive Effects •
Mnemonic Effects • Emotional Effects • Corporal Effects
Unveiling the Psychedelic Experience’s Transformative Potential
Summary Tables of Studies
References for Further Study
4
Psychedelic Neurobiology, Chaos, and Remodeling
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Action
Deep Cortical Layers, Chaos, and Belief Deconstruction
Neuroplasticity: Remodeling of the Mind and Brain
References for Further Study
5
MDMA: Love Enhancer, Fear Suppressor
Phenomenology of MDMA: Feeling Safe
Neurobiology of MDMA
MDMA’s Psychotherapeutic Properties
Social Anxiety • Conflict Resolution •
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
References for Further Study
6
The Future of Psychedelia
A Warning on Set, Setting, and the Wake
Future Clinical Applications
Integration into Western Society
References for Further Study
APPENDIX I
The Legal Status of Psychedelic Drugs
around the World
APPENDIX II
Glossary
Index
