Castillo Bihler, Raquel (2022) Psilocybin-Assisted Neurofeedback: A Multimodal Approach to Improving Executive Functions. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Executive functions are thought to be fundamental for success in a myriad of domains. However, since they are needed in difficult situations implementing these higher cognitive functions require increased amounts of cognitive power. Specifically for executive functions, frontoparietal theta band oscillations are suggested to be an underlying substrate of these cognitive control processes. Disruptions of frontoparietal theta oscillations have been linked to neuropsychological disorders, hence why upregulation of theta oscillations is important for several reasons. In this study, we are specifically interested in upregulation of theta amplitude and through its mechanisms are thought to achieve improved cognitive functions. Neurofeedback provides a promising technique to promote neuroplastic changes which help to improve cognitive impairments. In addition to neurofeedback, which acts on a top-down mechanism, psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, acts upon neuroplasticity mechanisms from a bottom-up perspective. Together they form a new approach to enhance cognitive function. This study employed a naturalistic paradigm where participants took a psilocybin micro-dose and were given three neurofeedback training sessions. This study investigated if improvements in an executive function test-battery assessing conflict monitoring, set-shifting, response inhibition, and working memory updating after the psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback intervention could be observed. This study was to our knowledge the first to examine this novel approach and therefore paves the way for future research as a rehabilitation tool for clinical practice. Keywords: executive functions, neurofeedback, psilocybin, plasticity, (frontal midline) theta oscillations
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Supervisor name: | Enriquez Geppert, S. and Lietz, M.P. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Aug 2022 08:59 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Aug 2022 08:59 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1292 |
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