A recent systematic review investigates the influence of psychedelics on cognitive functions such as empathy, memory, and attention. Researchers analyzed 32 placebo-controlled studies from 1990 to 2025 involving substances like LSD, DMT, and psilocybin. The findings suggest that these compounds modulate human psychology in distinct, often dose-dependent ways. While some cognitive domains show enhancement, others experience temporary impairment during acute phases.

Impact of Psychedelics on Cognitive Functions and Empathy

Notably, psychedelics appear to enhance emotional empathy, which is the ability to share another person's feelings. However, the data indicates no significant change in cognitive empathy or the intellectual understanding of others' perspectives. Similarly, the impact on memory remains highly variable. Consequently, researchers found that results depended heavily on the specific memory task and the timing of the assessment. Some participants showed improved recall, whereas others experienced no change or slight deficits.

Furthermore, executive functions such as reaction time, attention, and inhibition showed dose-dependent impairments. Specifically, higher doses tended to slow down reaction speeds and reduce the ability to focus. In contrast, some studies found no negative effects on these domains at all. Additionally, many users showed impaired recognition of negative stimuli while under the acute influence of these drugs. This shift in emotional processing could explain some of the therapeutic potential noted in clinical psychiatry.

Overall, the evidence regarding cognitive flexibility remains mixed and requires further clarification. Most existing studies utilize small sample sizes, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Moreover, the unique subjective effects of psychedelics make it difficult to establish a truly reliable placebo. Future clinical trials must focus on larger cohorts and longitudinal assessments to understand the long-term impact of these substances on human cognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do psychedelics improve all types of empathy?

No, evidence suggests they primarily enhance emotional empathy, which involves feeling what others feel. They do not seem to significantly affect cognitive empathy, which is the intellectual understanding of another's thoughts.

Are the cognitive impairments from psychedelics permanent?

Current research focuses on acute and post-acute effects. While dose-dependent impairments in attention and reaction time occur during the experience, there is no strong evidence in this review suggesting permanent cognitive decline in clinical settings.

Why are the findings on memory so mixed?

Memory effects depend on the specific type of memory being tested (e.g., working memory vs. long-term recall) and the time elapsed since administration. The results vary across different psychedelic compounds and dosages.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

Kase M et al. Effects of LSD, DMT and psilocybin on cognitive and psychological functions: A systematic review of the literature. J Psychopharmacol. 2026 Feb 16. doi: 10.1177/02698811251412012. PMID: 41699449.

Olami A, Peled-Avron L. Effects of classical psychedelics on implicit and explicit emotional empathy and cognitive empathy: a meta-analysis of MET task. Sci Rep. 2024;14:24480. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-74810-w.

Meshkat S et al. Impact of psilocybin on cognitive function: A systematic review. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2024 Oct;78(10):612-628. doi: 10.1111/pcn.13701.