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Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics

Summary

This review examines how psychedelic substances like psilocybin and LSD affect brain structure and function. Research shows these compounds can increase BDNF (a protein crucial for brain health) and promote the growth of new neurons and connections between brain cells. These biological changes may explain why psychedelics have shown promise in treating depression and anxiety, with effects lasting weeks after a single dose.

Background

Clinical studies suggest therapeutic potential of psychedelics including ayahuasca, DMT, psilocybin, and LSD in stress-related disorders. These substances induce cognitive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects that may arise from brain neuroplasticity changes similar to conventional antidepressants or ketamine.

Objective

This systematic review summarizes evidence that psychedelics induce neuroplasticity by focusing on cellular and molecular neuroplasticity effects after single and repeated administration. The review aims to link biological pathways to behavioral effects and highlight knowledge gaps in understanding clinical outcomes.

Results

Twenty studies show that single psychedelic administration produces rapid changes in plasticity mechanisms at molecular, neuronal, synaptic, and dendritic levels, including altered BDNF expression and increased dendritic complexity lasting beyond acute effects. Repeated administration directly stimulated neurogenesis and increased BDNF mRNA levels up to one month post-treatment.

Conclusion

Psychedelics induce molecular and cellular adaptations related to neuroplasticity that appear to parallel clinical effects. Future research should focus on deciphering specific cellular mechanisms activated by different psychedelics to enhance understanding of their therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Psychiatry,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: PMID: 34566723; DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724606
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