When the Default mode network, Salience and emotion network, and Central executive network connect in different ways this results in different categorized brain states (as per this study). This connectivity can be positive, which means an excitatory connection, or negative, which means an inhibitory connection.

Connectivity between the neural networks results in different brain states

This network includes the mesial prefrontal cortex, the posterior cingulate cortex, the hippocampus, the precuneus, the inferior parietal lobe,  the temporal lobe, and the angular gyrus.

Alma College

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

There are 3 large scale neural networks in the brain that play a role in mindfulness. Neural networks consist of many interconnected neurons. These systems take input information, accumulate it, and then help us with certain processes. This brain function is similar to how computers function, different parts with different duties come together to form a whole. 


Interactions between 3 large scale neural networks  involved in mindfulness

The interacting brain regions that are engaged when we are not working on a task or focused on the external world. The same regions are active when we think about people (so our default thoughts are often about people).

Default mode network

Marusak HA, Elrahal F, Peters CA, Kundu P, Lombardo MV, Calhoun VD, Goldberg EK, Cohen C, Taub JW, Rabinak CA. Mindfulness and dynamic functional neural connectivity in children and adolescents. Behav Brain Res. 2018 Jan 15;336:211-218. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.09.010.

Mindfulness and dynamic functional neural connectivity in children and
adolescents

Gattuso, J. J., Perkins, D., Ruffell, S., Lawrence, A. J., Hoyer, D., Jacobson, L. H., Timmermann, C., Castle, D., Rossell, S. L., Downey, L. A., Pagni, B. A., Galvão-Coelho, N. L., Nutt, D., &amp; Sarris, J. (2022). Default mode network modulation by psychedelics: A systematic review. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 26(3), 155–188. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyac074 

Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A
Systematic Review

This network includes the amygdala, anterior insula (AI), and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). It is involved in present moment awareness. 

Salience and emotion network (SEN)

This network includes the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC). It is involved in shifting and sustaining attentional focus.

Central executive network (CEN)

Brain regions involved in default mode network (DMN)

Default Mode Network modulation has been a consistent approach to understanding the effects and mechanisms of different psychedelic drugs. It is a current hypothesis that the relation of DMN modulation has a relation with the therapeutic effects of these drugs. Nonetheless, the mechanisms of this relation are still unclear.  

DMN modulation by use of psychedelics 

Several studies have related mechanisms within the DMN and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, PTSD, ADD, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, and OCD. 

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