Biologie aujourd'hui
January 1, 2019
Rémi Corne, Raymond Mongeau
7 citations
Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine show therapeutic potential for depression and addiction with effects lasting beyond drug elimination, suggesting neuroplastic changes. Ketamine and serotonergic psychedelics, despite targeting different receptors (NMDA and 5-HT2A), initiate similar plastic adaptations in the prefrontal cortex via brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). MDMA's effect on BDNF appears paradoxical, while ibogaine may exert anti-addictive properties through glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Whether benefits can be obtained without psychotomimetic effects or toxicity remains unknown.
Biologie aujourd'hui
January 1, 2023
Fahd Hilal, Jérôme Jeanblanc, Mickaël Naassila
3 citations
Ketamine, an atypical psychedelic used for major depression, shows promise for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) by reducing withdrawal symptoms and alcohol craving. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate its antidepressant properties contribute to lower relapse likelihood, especially in ketamine-assisted psychotherapies. Effectiveness is linked to regulating glutamatergic pathways, enhancing neuroplasticity, and rewiring brain connectivity. However, sex differences in responses and the roles of ketamine metabolites require further investigation. Current research also examines ketamine addiction and the comorbidity of alcohol addiction and depression, which is more frequent in females.
Biologie aujourd'hui
January 1, 2025
Amel Bouloufa, Sarah Delcourte, Nasser Haddjeri
About 30% of people with major depressive disorder do not respond to at least two standard antidepressants, a condition called treatment-resistant depression. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is being investigated as a potential fast-acting antidepressant because it modulates both the serotonin system, especially the 5-HT2A receptor, and the glutamatergic system, which may enhance neuroplasticity and produce rapid, sustained mood improvements. Ongoing clinical trials are testing LSD-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression, but methodological challenges include designing proper placebo controls and providing adequate psychological support during the acute psychedelic experience. Further research is needed to confirm its clinical utility and establish safe protocols.