Using EEG to Measure Human Neuroplasticity in Psychedelic Research

Using EEG to Measure Human Neuroplasticity in Psychedelic Research

🎙 Dr. Kate Godfrey 👥 7K 📅 October 14, 2025 ⏱ 25 min 👁 108 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

EEGneuroplasticitypsychedelicsLTPmismatch negativity

Summary

Dr. Kate Godfrey presents her research on using EEG to measure neuroplasticity in psychedelic research. She introduces the predictive processing model of brain function, suggesting that psychedelics may relax prior beliefs and enhance bottom-up processing, potentially leading to therapeutic benefits. She discusses two EEG paradigms: visual long-term potentiation (vLTP) and roving mismatch negativity (rMMN). vLTP measures visual cortical plasticity by presenting a baseline visual stimulus, then a high-frequency tetanus, and then re-testing to see if the response is potentiated. rMMN measures auditory learning and prediction error adaptation by presenting tones that change pitch, allowing assessment of model updating. She presents evidence from studies with ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin, showing acute suppression of MMN and post-acute enhancement, and increased vLTP after ketamine. She also mentions ongoing studies using these paradigms in psychedelic clinical trials, including for anorexia nervosa. The talk critically examines the limitations of using visual cortex as a proxy for whole-brain plasticity and the need for further research.

159 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk provides valuable insights into non-invasive EEG measures of neuroplasticity, which are relatively novel in psychedelic research. The argumentation is solid, grounded in the predictive processing framework and supported by references to specific studies. The speaker acknowledges limitations and discusses the need for further research, enhancing the credibility of the presentation.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The talk demonstrates scientific rigor by referencing published studies and ongoing research. The sources are not explicitly cited with URLs, but the speaker mentions specific studies and researchers. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on EEG measures of neuroplasticity in psychedelic research. The talk is well-structured and the content aligns with the title.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on using EEG to measure neuroplasticity in psychedelic research.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The talk is given by a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London, presenting ongoing research and published findings. The content is well-structured, references specific studies and paradigms, and includes critical discussion of limitations. However, as a conference talk, it does not provide full methodological details or peer-reviewed verification of all claims.

Key Moments

Cited Sources

  • INSIGHT 2023 Replays — The talk is part of the INSIGHT 2023 conference, and the replay bundle is mentioned for full access to recordings.

Concurring Sources

  • Psychedelics and neuroplasticity: A systematic review — Supports the claim that psychedelics induce neuroplasticity.
  • The REBUS model of psychedelic drug action — Provides theoretical framework for psychedelics and predictive processing.

Dissenting Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The talk provides an overview of EEG-based paradigms to measure neuroplasticity in psychedelic research, highlighting the potential of vLTP and rMMN as non-invasive markers. It discusses ongoing studies and the integration of these measures into clinical trials, offering a temporal map of plasticity changes. The speaker also addresses limitations and future directions.

Pour aller plus loin :

106 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in quality of information and reliability, with moderate scores in quantity and technical level. This indicates a well-presented, scientifically grounded talk, though it may be somewhat specialized for a general audience.

Reliability 8/10

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