Dissociable effects of LSD and MDMA on striato-cortical connectivity in healthy subjects.
Neuropsychopharmacology – October 31, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
LSD and MDMA profoundly yet distinctly reshape how our brain's reward and decision-making centers connect with areas controlling thought. Scientists investigated these unique impacts in healthy individuals using brain imaging. They found LSD significantly alters these connections, potentially explaining its perceptual shifts. In contrast, MDMA specifically strengthens pathways vital for emotional processing and social bonding. This crucial discovery highlights how these compounds precisely influence brain networks, offering valuable insights into their distinct psychological effects and promising therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Dissociable effects of LSD and MDMA on striato-cortical connectivity in healthy subjects.