ISSN 1933-7213; 1878-7479;
4 papers in the library · 334 citations · publishing 2017-2026
Neurotherapeutics July 1, 2017 301 citations
Psilocybin, administered in controlled settings, shows promise as a therapeutic agent for mental health conditions. Research findings indicate significant improvements in patient well-being, with the potential to alleviate symptoms of various psychological conditions. The abstract suggests that psilocybin may be a powerful tool for therapeutic efficacy, offering a new avenue for treatment.
Neurotherapeutics January 25, 2024 22 citations
Psychedelics show promise as treatments for severe psychiatric disorders, especially those resistant to standard therapies. Their effects arise from receptor binding and downstream changes in cells and genes, altering brain structure and function from individual neurons to large-scale circuits. This perspective reviews evidence on how psychedelics produce acute and lasting changes in consciousness, linking molecular, cellular, circuit, and psychological levels. A key controversy is that theoretical models from different levels of inquiry often conflict. Bridging these explanations through innovative methods and collaboration is essential to fully harness psychedelics' therapeutic potential.
Neurotherapeutics May 5, 2017 Ben Sessa 11 citations
MDMA, the psychoactive drug known recreationally as ecstasy, was first developed as a therapeutic agent. Recent clinical research revisits its medical potential, particularly for trauma-focused psychotherapy. MDMA's unique pharmacological properties may assist in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially from early-life child abuse, which underpins many chronic adult mental disorders including addictions. Several studies have investigated MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, with plans for licensing within five years. Controversy and safety concerns arise from negative media bias, but accurate risk-benefit analysis must distinguish clinical MDMA from recreational ecstasy. The author, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, describes potential benefits and relative risks based on experience with current treatments' limitations for complex PTSD from child abuse.
Neurotherapeutics January 1, 2026 Ziran Huang, Xiaoyan Wei, Yihui Wang et al.
A single dose of psilocybin, whose metabolite psilocin activates 5-HT2A receptors, induces long-term genetic and functional changes in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of male mice. Layer 5 pyramidal neurons showed the most significant changes, including reduced expression of glutamate receptors and genes involved in excitatory synapse formation and maintenance, consistent with decreased excitatory synaptic transmission. Parvalbumin- and Somatostatin-positive inhibitory neurons showed minimal changes. Knocking down the 5-HT2A receptor in layer 5 pyramidal neurons, but not in Parvalbumin-positive inhibitory neurons, reduced psilocybin-induced functional changes and its antidepressant effect. These results reveal cell type-specific mechanisms of psilocybin and highlight brain region differences in psychedelic effects.