Psilocybin-induced brain hyperconnectivity links to oceanic boundlessness and ego-modifying effects

Psilocybin-driven brain hyperconnectivity is linked to the psychedelic experience of oceanic boundlessness and to ego-modifying effects. Resting-state fMRI data from 22 participants given a single dose of psilocybin and 27 given placebo were analyzed during peak effects. The psilocybin group showed dynamic, time-varying hyperconnectivity that transitioned in sync with reports of oceanic boundlessness, a dimension tied to unity, bliss, insight, and spiritual-type feelings. The findings suggest psilocybin makes brain function more globally connected, more fluid, and less modular. The study also reports a stronger relationship between the hyperconnected pattern and ego-modifying experiences than with hallucinatory dimensions, informing how psychedelic therapy sessions might be engineered for better clinical outcomes in disorders such as depression.