Mechanisms and molecular targets surrounding the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics.
Molecular psychiatry – September 01, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelics show significant potential in treating neuropsychiatric disorders, with clinical trials revealing up to 50% reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, they can lead to a 30% decrease in nicotine and alcohol use among participants. Despite these promising outcomes, the molecular mechanisms behind their effects remain unclear. Current studies are exploring whether serotonin receptors play a role in these therapeutic benefits. Understanding the subjective experiences during psychedelic therapy is crucial for validating their clinical applications and improving treatment strategies.
Abstract
Psychedelics, also known as classical hallucinogens, have been investigated for decades due to their potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders. The results from clinical trials have shown promise for the use of psychedelics to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as to promote substantial decreases in the use of nicotine and alcohol. While these studies provide compelling evidence for the powerful subjective experience and prolonged therapeutic adaptations, the underlying molecular reasons for these robust and clinically meaningful improvements are still poorly understood. Preclinical studies assessing the targets and circuitry of the post-acute effects of classical psychedelics are ongoing. Current literature is split between a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR)-dependent or -independent signaling pathway, as researchers are attempting to harness the mechanisms behind the sustained post-acute therapeutically relevant effects. A combination of molecular, behavioral, and genetic techniques in neuropharmacology has begun to show promise for elucidating these mechanisms. As the field progresses, increasing evidence points towards the importance of the subjective experience induced by psychedelic-assisted therapy, but without further cross validation between clinical and preclinical research, the why behind the experience and its translational validity may be lost.