Exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics: Fear extinction mechanisms and amygdala modulation
Psychedelics August 9, 2024 Thomas J. Kelly, Qing-Song Liu
Classical psychedelics are being studied as potential treatments for PTSD. Research in rodents shows these substances affect fear learning, recall, and extinction. The amygdala, a brain region central to fear processing, is key to these effects. Psychedelics interact with different cell types in the amygdala, and specific neural circuits may underlie their fear-suppressing effects. Because rodent and human amygdalas are functionally similar, findings from animal studies can guide clinical trials for psychedelic-assisted PTSD therapy. The authors emphasize that each psychedelic's unique pharmacology and duration of action are important factors for future research.