Psychedelics as Transformative Therapeutics
Carolina Digital Repository May 11, 2024 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.17615/bkw1-d506 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic compounds are being explored as potential treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The review highlights recent advances in understanding their biological mechanisms and drug discovery efforts, while also addressing possible risks associated with their therapeutic use. As clinical trials increase, it is crucial to grasp how these compounds work and the challenges they may present in treatment settings.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psychedelics have shown promise as therapeutics for various neuropsychiatric disorders, but understanding their mechanisms and potential pitfalls is essential. |
Abstract
Over the past decade, psychedelic compounds have emerged as potentially transformative therapeutics for a variety of intractable neuropsychiatric conditions. However, historically most of the basic science has utilized these compounds as probes to interrogate various endogenous neurotransmitter systems-mainly the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. With the renewed interest in utilizing these compounds as therapeutics and the explosion in clinical trials, psychedelics have been purported to treat many neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, cluster headaches, migraines, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is therefore imperative to understand the biology and pharmacology behind their therapeutic mechanisms as well as expose any potential pitfalls in their widespread use as treatments. This review covers the latest advances in understanding the biological mechanisms, the newest efforts in drug discovery, and potential pitfalls when it comes to utilizing this class of compounds as emerging therapeutics.