Psychedelic Modulation of Excitation/Inhibition Balance: A Dual-Phase Neurodevelopmental Model.
ACS Chem Neurosci – January 07, 2026
Source: PubMed Central
Summary
Psychedelics dramatically reconfigure the brain's internal activity, offering novel therapeutic insights. A new neurodevelopmental model reveals how these compounds modulate the delicate balance between excitation and inhibition, crucial for healthy brain function. The model proposes distinct effects across two developmental phases: an initial "plasticity window" where activity shifts by up to 30%, followed by a "stabilization phase" showing changes around 10%. This framework, synthesizing findings from over 200 previous studies, illuminates how psychedelics could restore optimal neural network function, potentially guiding future treatments for various neurological conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelic Modulation of Excitation/Inhibition Balance: A Dual-Phase Neurodevelopmental Model.