The default mode Network
The Default Mode Network (DMN) encompasses areas of the cortex normally active during rest and is involved in event recall, social and emotional judgment, and future planning. The DMN is often considered the opposite of the "task-oriented" network, which is active during cognitive tasks and assignments.
The DMN is one of the first brain networks identified using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), a technique that measures blood flow in the brain and can thus indicate the activity of brain regions. The DMN is activated when the brain is not engaged in specific tasks or tasks, such as thinking about a problem or reading the news.
The DMN is one of the largest and most complex brain networks, comprising various parts of the brain, including the medial prefrontal cortex, the parietal cortex, the temporal cortex, the cingulate cortex, and the hippocampus. These brain areas are involved in various cognitive functions, such as working memory, attention, emotion regulation, language, and social cognition.
The medial prefrontal cortex, also called the ventral medial prefrontal cortex, is a key part of the DMN. It is involved in emotion regulation, self-reference, and mental simulation. The parietal cortex is involved in the integration of visual, auditory, and somatosensory information and in movement planning. The temporal cortex is involved in language, memory, and auditory processing. The cingulate cortex is involved in emotion regulation and attention. The hippocampus is involved in memory and emotion regulation.
Depression and anxiety
Recent research suggests that the DMN is also involved in mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that DMN activity is increased in people with these conditions. It is also thought that the DMN could be used as a biomarker for mental illness, as changes in DMN activity can be used to determine the severity of the condition and measure the effectiveness of treatments.
Psychedelic drugs decrease activity in the DMN
Psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, are substances that influence brain function and can lead to altered states of consciousness and emotional experiences. These substances have been shown to reduce the activity of the Default Mode Network (DMN).
One way psychedelics can reduce DMN activity is by increasing communication between normally less connected parts of the brain. This can lead to reduced DMN activity because the network is less essential for information processing.
Another way psychedelics can reduce DMN activity is by decreasing blood flow to these brain areas. This can lead to a decrease in DMN activity.
There are also studies suggesting that psychedelics can reduce DMN activity by reducing the brain's tendency to default to familiar patterns of thought and feeling. This can help gain new perspectives and insights.
Less activity in the DMN through trip therapy
Give yourself more rest and enjoy being more present in the here and now. Embrace life with both hands. Life isn't just about surviving, but especially about experiencing. Reduce your DMN activity by making as many healthy choices as possible. Kickstart your life by using our support in healthy choices and a guided psychedelic session. The combination of a healthy lifestyle and psychedelic therapy works better than either component on its own.
To be eligible for a trip therapy session, we must screen for health and safety. We do this through an intake interview. The intake interview will also serve as the basis for advice during the preparation for the psychedelic session. The intake interview can be found below via the link: