The emotional architecture of the psychedelic brain
Flora Moujaes, Nathalie M. Rieser, L. Belinger, Marcus Herdener, Zarmeen Zahid, Katrin H. Preller
Trends in Cognitive Sciences August 18, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2025.07.006 via OpenAlex
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics show promise as treatments for psychiatric conditions, particularly in mood disorders, by influencing emotional processing. The review highlights the complexity of their effects on emotions, emotional empathy, and mood, suggesting that understanding long-term emotion management strategies and the role of challenging experiences is essential. It emphasizes the need for precise characterization of emotional states and attention to the timing of psychedelic effects to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psychedelics may significantly influence emotional processing and mood management, but their effects are complex and require further exploration to optimize therapeutic use. |
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are being explored as treatments for a range of psychiatric conditions. Promising results in mood disorders indicate that their effects on emotional processing may play a central role in their therapeutic potential. However, mechanistic and clinical studies paint a complex picture of the impact of psychedelics on emotions and mood. Here, we review recent findings on the effects of psychedelics on emotion, emotional empathy, and mood. We discuss how psychedelics may impact long-term emotion management strategies, the significance of challenging experiences, and neuroplastic changes. More precise characterization of emotional states and greater attention to the temporal dynamics of psychedelic-induced effects will be critical for clarifying their mechanisms of action and optimizing their therapeutic impact.