https://getpocket.com/explore/item/what-ecstasy-does-to-octopuses?utm_source=pocket-newtab Interesting, apparently it has similar effects on octopi to what it has on humans making them more gregarious as well. Given that octopi are generally loners, if not out and out hermits. The study is in its preliminary stages to put it mildy, but already I wonder if that hold eventual promise for a therapeutic treatment for autism
It’s a common misconception that autism is a single condition. It’s not, it’s a group of related but often totally different psychological conditions.
But most are diagnosed by an inability to relate to others. The really problematic thing is that autism has become a useful psychiatric catchall for a host of psychological maladies that are either undefined or poorly understood if at all. We went through a period back in the eighties when every behavioral problem in school especially if it was exhibited by boys was automatically diagnosed as ADHD I'm afraid we are falling into the same trap with Autism.
There is also evidence of reduced hormonal uptake which indicates a physiological base for the range of the disorder. Its the same kind of process as the recent discovery that microdoses of psylocibin can modify hormonal uptake and relieve ptsd and depression related symptoms.
So I wonder what an octopus sees when it hallucinates. OH MY GOD I have ten legs!!! When did I grow two extra legs?!?!