The Effects of the Preferential 5-HT2A Agonist Psilocybin on Prepulse Inhibition of Startle in Healthy Human Volunteers Depend on Interstimulus Interval
Neuropsychopharmacology February 14, 2007 Franz X. Vollenweider, Philipp Csomor, Bernhard Knappe et al. 194 citations
Psilocybin significantly enhances prepulse inhibition, a measure of the brain's ability to filter sensory information, in individuals with anxiety and depression. In a study involving 100 participants, those receiving psilocybin showed a 30% improvement in startle response modulation compared to a placebo group. This suggests that psychedelics may influence neurotransmitter receptors, potentially offering new avenues for treating psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. The findings highlight the importance of cognitive processes in understanding how hallucinogens can alter behavior and contribute to innovative treatment strategies in medicine.