Chasing the Numinous: Hungry Ghosts in the Shadow of the Psychedelic Renaissance

#NPsychPick of the Month – Chasing the numinous: Hungry ghosts in the shadow of the psychedelic renaissance. Helge Michael Osterhold, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold. Wiley Library August 2023.

Chasing the Numinous: Hungry Ghosts in the Shadow of the Psychedelic Renaissance.

Helge Michael Osterhold, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold.

#NPsychPick of the Month

Abstract

In recent years a renewed scientific, public and commercial interest in psychedelic medicines can be observed across the globe. As research findings have been generally promising, there is hope for new treatment possibilities for a number of difficult-to-treat mental health concerns. While honouring positive developments and therapeutic promise in relation to the medical use of psychedelics, this paper aims to shine a light on some underlying psycho-cultural shadow dynamics in the unfolding psychedelic renaissance. This paper explores whether and how the multi-layered collective fascination with psychedelics may yet be another symptom pointing towards a deeper psychological and spiritual malaise in the modern Western psyche as diagnosed by C. G. Jung. The question is posed whether the West’s feverish pursuit of psychedelic medicines—from individual consumption to entheogenic tourism, from capitalist commodification of medicines and treatments to the increasing number of ethical scandals and abuse through clinicians and self-proclaimed shamans—is related to a Western cultural complex. As part of the discussion, the archetypal image of the Hungry Ghost, known across Asian cultural and religious traditions, is explored to better understand the aforementioned shadow phenomena and point towards mitigating possibilities.

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#NPsychPick of the Month: Developing an understanding of the Frontal Lobe Paradox through clinical group discussions. Copstick, Sue Turnbull, Lorraine Bobbie Tibbles, Jennifer Ashworth, Sarah Swanepoel, Henk J. Kinch, Julianne Moffitt, Jenna. The Neuropsychologist November 2023 via NPsych

The Neuropsychologist 16

Developing an understanding of the Frontal Lobe Paradox through clinical group discussions.

Copstick, Sue Turnbull, Lorraine Bobbie Tibbles, Jennifer Ashworth, Sarah Swanepoel, Henk J. Kinch, Julianne Moffitt, Jenna.

#NPsychPick of the Month

Abstract

This discussion paper presents reflections from a group of clinical, forensic and neuropsychologists on their clinical caseloads in brain injury rehabilitation services at Cygnet Healthcare. These services specialise in working with people with coexisting mental health or behavioural difficulties where the work involves frequent staff discussions on interpreting an individual’s behaviour, considering its functions and whether it is part of an involuntary neuro-psychological disorder related to their brain injury, specifically the Frontal Lobe Paradox. Through consideration of six patients, the cognitive mechanisms that may relate to, or underlie apparent Frontal Lobe Paradox were highlighted. Several additional reasons were found to explain why people might show this paradox, including testing conditions, slowed processing, reduced attention, disinhibition, self-monitoring problems, and premorbid difficulties. The authors also discuss interventions, which could be used to support these individuals, with the aim of broadening clinical understanding and discussion surrounding the causes of, and treatment approaches for individuals presenting with potential Frontal Lobe Paradox.

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