Psychedelics have recently gained a renewed interest in the scientific community with their potential to treat a variety of mental health conditions. Substances such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms), and DMT (dimethyltryptamine) are at the forefront of this research.
These compounds are known for their profound effect they have on thinking, perception and consciousness. But what exactly happens in the brain during a psychedelic experience? Let’s dive into the neurobiological mechanisms of psychedelics and explore recent scientific studies on their effects on brain function and mental health.
Neurobiological mechanisms of psychedelics
Psychedelics primarily exert their effects through interactions with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation, perception, and cognition. When psychedelics bind to the 5-HT2A receptor, they trigger a series of events that significantly alter brain activity.
Altered brain connectivity
One of the most striking effects of psychedelics is their ability to alter brain connectivity. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown that psychedelics decrease the connectivity within the default mode network (DMN). This network is associated with self-referential thought and the ego. Essentially, it is a segment of the brain that goes into autopilot and ruminative thoughts in everyday life – which plays a key role in mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
Simultaneously, psychedelics increase connectivity between other networks that typically do not communicate extensively. This reorganization can lead to a state of “ego dissolution,” where the boundaries between self and the external world become blurred, often described as a mystical or transcendental experience.
Increased neural plasticity
Psychedelics also promote neural plasticity, the brain’s ability to restructure itself by forming new neural connections. Research indicates that psychedelics can increase the growth of dendritic spines, which are small protrusions on neurons that facilitate synaptic connections. This enhanced plasticity is thought to underlie some of the therapeutic effects of psychedelics, as it may help the brain to break free from rigid, maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior that characterize many mental health conditions[1] .
Recent scientific studies on psychedelics
Psychedelics and depression
One of the most promising areas of research is the use of psychedelics in treating depression. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021 compared the effects of psilocybin with a conventional antidepressant. The study found that psilocybin was at least as effective as the antidepressant in reducing symptoms of depression, with some patients experiencing rapid and sustained improvements.
Psychedelics and PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another condition where psychedelics show potential. A 2021 study published in Nature Medicine reported that MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms compared to standard therapy alone. MDMA, while not a classic psychedelic, shares some overlapping mechanisms with other psychedelics, particularly in enhancing emotional processing and empathy, which can be crucial for PTSD therapy with processing trauma.
Psychedelics and anxiety
Research also suggests that psychedelics can be beneficial in treating anxiety, particularly in patients with life-threatening illnesses. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2016 demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced anxiety and depression in patients with advanced cancer, with effects lasting for several months. These findings highlight the potential for psychedelics to provide relief in cases where conventional treatments may fall short.
Mechanisms of therapeutic effects
The therapeutic effects[2] of psychedelics are believed to stem from a combination of biochemical and psychological mechanisms. On a biochemical level, the increased serotonin receptor activation and neural plasticity can help reset dysfunctional brain circuits. However, on a psychological level, the profound alterations in consciousness and perception can facilitate new perspectives and insights, helping individuals to process traumatic memories or break free from negative thought patterns.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy
An essential component of the therapeutic use of psychedelics is the structured setting in which they are administered. Psychedelic-assisted therapy typically involves multiple sessions, including preparatory sessions before the psychedelic experience and integration sessions afterward. This structured approach ensures that patients can process and make sense of their experiences, maximizing the therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential risks.
Interested in expanding your understanding of psychedelics? How Plantific can help
The science behind psychedelics is unveiling a complex and fascinating picture of how these substances interact with the brain. By altering brain connectivity, enhancing neural plasticity, and facilitating profound psychological experiences, psychedelics hold promise for treating a range of mental health conditions. While research is still in its early stages, the findings so far are encouraging and suggest that psychedelics could represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of mental health disorders.
At Plantific our Introduction to the Science of Psychedelics course provides an overview on the history, science and ethics of psychedelics.
Our course can provide you with all of the necessary knowledge to effectively navigate the complex galaxy of psychedelic medicines. The Introduction to the Science of Psychedelics course offers you a competitive edge in preparation for the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly-evolving field. Broadly speaking, the course focuses on the following concepts:
- Historical summary
- Substance overview
- Medical applications
- Clinical practice
- Research
- Ethics and bio-cultural sustainability
If you are interested in learning more about how Plantific can help you on your Psychedelic knowledge journey, explore the various courses we offer.
