Imagine a sunset. The glowing colors, the clouds streaking the sky, the black silhouette of a passing bird. Most of us see this scene clearly in our minds. But for about 2 to 4% of the population, this experience is impossible. They suffer fromaphantasia, an inability to generate voluntary mental images. What if the key to "turning on the mind's screen" was found in the most surprising substances: psychedelics? Emerging research, particularly on the psilocybin contained in the hallucinogenic mushrooms, suggest that these molecules could offer a glimmer of hope. Let's delve into the fascinating mechanics of this phenomenon and explore the scientific evidence, the hopes it raises and the necessary precautions.
What is aphantasia? The world without inner images
Aphantasia is a fascinating neurological phenomenon characterized by the total or partial absence ofvoluntary visual mental imagery. Affected people (often called "aphantases") cannot visualize the face of a loved one, their own home, or even a simple apple made to order. They think, remember and dream often without the visual component that the majority experience.
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Prevalence: Long considered extremely rare, it would in reality affect between 2% and 4% of the population. Many people don't even know they have it, thinking that expressions like "counting sheep" or "visualizing a memory" are simple metaphors.
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Daily impact: The impact varies from person to person. Some cope perfectly, developing other cognitive strategies (semantic, sensory memory). For others, it can make it harder to learn, read novels (difficulty “seeing” scenes), navigate space, or process past emotional events.
Aphantasia and Autism: A Little-Known Link
Recent research suggests an interesting link between aphantasia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A study published in Molecular Autism in 2024 (White et al., 2024) explored this little-known connection.
The researchers discovered that:
- Autistic people have a significantly higher prevalence of aphantasia than the neurotypical population
- Inability to form mental images may be linked to brain connectivity differences seen in autism
- This lack of mental imagery could contribute to certain difficulties encountered by autistic people, particularly in autobiographical memory, future planning and theory of mind.
These findings open new perspectives for understanding autistic cognition and could explain why some conventional therapies, which rely on visualization, are less effective for autistic people.
Research on psychedelics could offer interesting avenues for both conditions, given their ability to alter brain connectivity and potentially "rewire" the neural circuits involved in mental imagery.
This condition challenges our uniform understanding of consciousness and opens the door to fundamental questions: can we “awaken” this internal sense? Research on psychedelics provides some surprising answers.
Psychedelic Therapies Explained: Beyond Folklore
Psychedelic substances like LSD, the psilocybin (the active principle of hallucinogenic mushrooms), theayahuasca or the ketamine have been used for millennia in shamanic and spiritual contexts. Today, science is rediscovering their colossal therapeutic potential for mental health.
Contrary to popular belief, these substances do not simply create "noise" in the brain. Their effects come from a deep interaction with the serotonergic system, particularly binding to receptors 5-HT2A. This interaction triggers a cascade of neurological effects:
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Brain hyperconnectivity: Psychedelics reduce the activity of the “Default Mode Network” (RMPD), often associated with ego, rumination and sense of self. This deactivation allows regions of the brain that don't usually communicate to connect freely.
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Stimulation of the visual cortex: Even with eyes closed, psychedelics significantly increase the flow of information to and within the visual cortex, leading to rich and complex visual experiences, with eyes open or closed.
It is this ability to temporarily "re-wire" the brain and stimulate visual areas that is of greatest interest to researchers for conditions such as resistant depression, PTSD, addictions, and therefore, aphantasia.
[Image: Artistic representation of brain hyperconnectivity under psychedelics]
Scientific studies and evidence: Psychedelics as a visual “switch”
The founding article of Why Doctor is based on a study published in the prestigious journal Cortex who has documented fascinating cases where psychedelics have temporarily “unblocked” the ability to visualize.
The study reports several cases, including two particularly significant ones from Australian research:
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The case of a 26-year-old student: Suffering from congenital aphantasia (from birth), he consumed a high dose of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and MDMA. For the first time in his life, he experienced complex visual hallucinations and voluntary mental images. Remarkably, this ability persisted at a reduced level for several months after the experiment.
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The case of a woman in her forties: Having developed aphantasia after a major depressive episode, she participated in an ayahuasca ceremony. During the session, she experienced intense visual visions. Subsequently, she reported a significantly improved ability to generate mental images, which lasted and even improved over time, allowing him to once again visually remember his dreams.
Researchers hypothesize that psychedelics act as a temporary “switch” or “reset” for the neural networks responsible for mental imagery. By increasing the brain plasticity (the brain's ability to reorganize itself), they could create new neuronal connections and pathways that persist well after the immediate effects of the substance.
Benefits and risks: A delicate balance between hope and caution
The results of these studies bring immense hope for the aphantase community. The possibility of tasting, even if only temporarily, the experience of mental visualization, and perhaps even regaining part of it permanently, is a revolutionary prospect.
Potential benefits:
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Development of mental images: Access, sometimes for the first time, to a form of internal visual perception.
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Long-lasting effects: In some documented cases, the effects persist well beyond the immediate experience.
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Improved well-being: For those whose aphantasia is linked to trauma or depression, regaining this ability can be liberating.
The essential risks and precautions:
However, it is crucial not to fall into naive optimism. Psychedelics are powerful molecules that are not without risks, especially without supervision.
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Bad trip: Anxious, paranoid and extremely psychologically difficult experience.
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Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks: Recurrent and unpredictable returns of fragments of experience.
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Worsening of underlying mental disorders: In predisposed individuals, these substances can precipitate or worsen psychiatric disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia, severe depression or PTSD.
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Legal context: The possession and consumption of many psychedelic substances is illegal in many countries, including France.
The researchers' conclusion is unequivocal: These experiments must be conducted only in a strictly controlled medical or research setting, with professional supervision and rigorous preparation and integration. Self-medication for aphantasia is strongly discouraged and potentially dangerous.
Natural products and conscious exploration
While the path of classic psychedelics is complex and regulated, interest in natural substances acting on the mind and mental well-being continues to grow. Among them, the psilocybin mushrooms arouse particular interest for their natural origin and their therapeutic potential.
At CBDTech, we closely follow these scientific advances and believe in the importance of responsible and informed approach. We offer a range of products for those who wish to explore the world of natural neurotropics safely and legally.
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Hallucinogenic mushrooms (microdosing): Some researchers are exploring the effects of low doses of psilocybin on creativity and cognition. Our collection of mushrooms is intended for an informed public, aware of the legislation in force and the usual precautions. We always encourage consultation with a health professional before any experimentation.
Discover our collection of natural products
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Alternatives for mental well-being: For those looking to support their cognitive health and mental balance without strong psychoactive effects, alternatives like CBD (cannabidiol) offer recognized soothing and anxiolytic properties, which can constitute a solid basis for overall well-being.
Conclusion: A new horizon for human consciousness
Aphantasia and its potential response to psychedelics provide a fascinating window into the workings of human consciousness. The studies, although preliminary, suggest that molecules like psilocybin could serve as a powerful tool to “reset” brain circuits and offer new therapies for little-known neurological conditions.
However, there is still a long way to go. Research must continue, rigorous and supervised. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of caution, information and the medical framework. If the subject intrigues you, don't go it alone. Talk to a doctor, educate yourself, and explore legal and safe options for your mental well-being.
Want to learn more about the science behind psychedelics? Our blog is a mine of information to deepen the subject in a secure and expert manner:
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This article is informational and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your mental or physical health before considering any therapy.
