Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics: The Essentials

Summary

Psychedelics activate 5-HT2A receptors in the human brain, leading to significant changes in perception and self-awareness, which can positively affect mood and wellbeing. Historically, these substances showed promise in treating addiction, anxiety, and mood disorders during the 1950s and 1960s before being banned. Recent brain imaging studies indicate that psychedelics enhance brain connectivity, potentially disrupting harmful patterns associated with depression, addiction, and OCD.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelics stimulate 5-HT2A receptors in the human brain This can produce profound changes in perceptions and sense of self with positive benefits on mood and wellbeing In the 1950s and 1960s psychedelics were tested in many studies as treatments for addiction and anxiety and mood disorders with considerable success These drugs were banned, since then very little research has occurred Recent brain imaging research with psychedelics has revealed they produce profound alterations in brain activity They allow more flexible and wide-ranging interactions (increased connectivity ) to occur This breakdown of ongoing routines probably explains how psychedelics can disrupt maladaptive brain processes such as depression, addiction, and OCD