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Robin Nusslock

2 papers in the library · 52 citations · publishing 2023-2026

Papers

Low doses of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) increase reward-related brain activity.

Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology January 1, 2023 James Glazer, Conor H Murray, Robin Nusslock et al. 52 citations

Single low doses of LSD increase reward-related brain activity in healthy adults. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment, 18 participants received 13 μg or 26 μg of LSD or a placebo across three sessions. Brain electrical activity was recorded during a monetary incentive delay task. Compared to placebo, the 13 μg dose enhanced three event-related potential components: Reward-Positivity (RewP), Feedback-P3 (FB-P3), and Late-Positive Potential (LPP), indicating increased hedonic, motivational, and affective processing of reward feedback. The 26 μg dose also increased FB-P3 amplitudes for positive feedback. These effects were not linked to most subjective drug effects. The findings provide the first evidence that low LSD doses boost reward-related brain activity, with potential implications for treating depressive disorders.

DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01479-y Full text Microdosing Psychedelics Neuroscience Brain research +1

Reward-related neural activity after low doses of LSD in participants with depressed mood.

Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) January 13, 2026 James Glazer, Hanna Molla, Royce Lee et al.

A low dose of LSD (26 micrograms) altered brain responses to reward feedback in people with mild-to-moderate depression, compared to those without depression. In depressed participants, LSD increased a brain signal called the late positive potential (LPP) when they received loss feedback, suggesting enhanced emotional processing of rewards. This change was linked to immediate positive mood and lower depressed mood two days later. Across all participants, LSD reduced other reward-related brain signals. The findings cautiously support the idea that low-dose LSD may have antidepressant effects.

DOI: 10.1177/02698811251405686 Full text LSD Depression EEG Erp +2