OPEN Foundation

Phenomenology

Ecstasy (MDMA) mimics the post-orgasmic state: impairment of sexual drive and function during acute MDMA-effects may be due to increased prolactin secretion

November 9, 2004 / MDMA, Neuroscience, Other disciplines, Other subjects, Papers, Phenomenology, Publications / By / , , , ,

Summary

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘‘Ecstasy’’) is a major stimulant drug of abuse worldwide. MDMA produces euphoria, enhances interpersonal communication and feelings of closeness with others. In contrast to the induced emotions of affection and sensual enhancement, clinical studies show that it impairs sexual drive and functioning. In drug-free humans, sexual stimulation with orgasm induces a pronounced secretion of prolactin, which may mediate the post-orgasmic state. The phenomenological features of the psychological state induced by MDMA show some similarities with features of the post-orgasmic state. In addition, MDMA also induces a prominent increase of prolactin plasma levels with a similar time kinetic compared to the post-orgasmic prolactin increase. Here, we present the hypothesis that the impairment of sexual parameters after MDMA may be mediated by increased prolactin.

 

Passie, T., Hartmann, U., Schneider, U., Emrich, H. M., & Krüger, T. H. (2005). Ecstasy (MDMA) mimics the post-orgasmic state: impairment of sexual drive and function during acute MDMA-effects may be due to increased prolactin secretion. Medical hypotheses, 64(5), 899-903. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2004.11.044

 

The Antipodes of the Mind: Charting the Phenomenology of the Ayahuasca Experience

February 6, 2022 / Ayahuasca, Boeken, Book reviews, Phenomenology, Publicaties / By

This is a pioneering cognitive psychological study of Ayahuasca, a plant-based Amazonian psychotropic brew. Benny Shanon presents a comprehensive charting of the various facets of the special state of mind induced by Ayahuasca, and analyses them from a cognitive psychological perspective. He also presents some philosophical reflections. Empirically, the research presented in this book is based on the systematic recording of the author’s extensive experiences with the brew and on the interviewing of a large number of informants: indigenous people, shamans, members of different religious sects using Ayahuasca, and travellers. In addition to its being the most thorough study of the Ayahuasca experience to date, the book lays the theoretical foundations for the psychological study of non-ordinary states of consciousness in general.

Benny Shanon is Professor at the Department of Psychology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and holder of the Mandel Chair in Cognition.

The Antipodes of the Mind: Charting the Phenomenology of the Ayahuasca Experience, door Benny Shanon, Oxford University Press, 496 pagina’s.

Koop dit boek via bookdepository.com en steun daarmee Stichting OPEN.

Influence of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD-25) on Subjective Time

November 1, 1959 / Consciousness, LSD, Other subjects, Papers, Phenomenology, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Publications, Spirituality / By / , ,

Aronson, H., Silverstein, A. B., & Klee, G. D. (1959). Influence of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) on subjective time. AMA archives of general psychiatry, 1(5), 469-472., 10.1001/archpsyc.1959.03590050037003
Link to full text

30 April - Q&A with Rick Strassman

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