Neurociencias y aplicaciones psicoterapéuticas en el renacimiento de la investigación con psicodélicos
Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría June 1, 2014 S Christopher Timmermann 7 citations
This review presents recent advances in neuroscience research on psychedelic substances and their psychotherapeutic applications. Psilocybin, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, has been linked to deactivation of the Default Mode Network, increased access to autobiographical memory, a positive emotional attentional bias, and reductions in anxiety and mood disorder symptoms. MDMA may significantly assist therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder by strengthening the therapeutic alliance and enabling reprocessing of traumatic memories with less avoidance, through oxytocin release and enhanced frontal regulation of the amygdala. Ayahuasca and ketamine have shown initial reductions in problematic use of cocaine, heroin, alcohol, and tobacco, as well as associated craving. Though modern research is recent, initial results encourage further investigation into risks, benefits, and mechanisms.