Virtual Reality May Re-create Psychedelic-Like Effects Sans Drugs

A study from Catholic University of the Sacred Heart reveals that virtual reality can induce hallucination-like experiences, enhancing creativity and cognitive flexibility without using any psychedelic drug.

• Researchers at Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan conducted a study demonstrating that virtual reality experiences can safely replicate psychedelic effects, boosting creativity and cognitive flexibility.
• The findings suggest that immersive cyberdelic environments may provide benefits similar to those of psilocybin and LSD, without the psychological risks associated with these psychedelic drugs.
• Participants in the study reported heightened hallucination-like visual effects, indicating that neuroscience could leverage virtual reality as a tool for psychological enhancement in creative fields.