Peripheral signals, central questions: Examining the relationship between psychedelics and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

Summary

Psychedelics may have therapeutic effects on psychiatric disorders through various mechanisms. One area of interest is the impact of psychedelics on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, as discussed in a recent meta-analysis by Shafiee et al. This commentary emphasizes the need to explore both novel pathways and existing mechanisms in understanding how psychedelics can influence neurobiology and treatment of these disorders.

Study at a glance

Abstract

What are the mechanisms through which psychedelics may exert therapeutic effects in psychiatric disorders? There are two approaches to answering this question: first is the identification of novel pathways. Additionally, it would be of interest to determine the effects of psychedelics on mechanisms that already appear to underlie the neurobiology and therapeutics of psychiatric disorders. This commentary highlights a recent article by Shafiee et al. (1) that reported a meta-analysis of the effect of psychedelics on the peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).