Modulation of Social Cognition via Hallucinogens and “Entactogens”
Frontiers in Psychiatry – December 03, 2019
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Remarkably, hallucinogens show promise for enhancing social cognition, a vital human ability often compromised in conditions like anxiety and depression. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from dozens of controlled studies across Psychology and Neuroscience, exploring how psychedelics and entactogens influence cognitive processes. It delves into the neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, revealing mechanisms by which these substances could improve social functioning. This analysis within Cognitive psychology and Drug Studies points toward innovative treatment strategies and psychometrics for addressing these critical deficits.
Abstract
Social cognition is a fundamental ability in human everyday lives. Deficits in social functioning also represent a core aspect of many psychiatric disorders. Yet, despite its significance, deficits in social cognition skills are insufficiently targeted by current treatments. Hallucinogens and entactogens have been shown to have the potential to modulate social processing. This article reviews the literature on the influence of hallucinogens and entactogens on social processing in controlled experimental studies in humans and elucidates the underlying neurobiological and neuropharmacological mechanisms. Furthermore, it identifies current knowledge gaps and derives implications for hallucinogen-assisted treatment approaches as well as the development of novel medication for trans-diagnostic impairments in social cognition.