Pharmacology research & perspectives

ISSN 2052-1707

2 papers in the library · 5 citations · publishing 2024-2026

Papers

Psychotomimetic compensation versus sensitization.

Pharmacology research & perspectives August 1, 2024 Ari Brouwer, Robin L. Carhart‐Harris, Charles L. Raison 5 citations

Psychotomimetic drugs—such as amphetamines, cannabis, psychedelics, and dissociatives—can paradoxically relieve symptoms like attention deficits, pain, and depression, which themselves increase the risk of psychosis or co-occur with it. The authors propose two concepts to explain this paradox. Psychotomimetic compensation describes a short-term, drug-induced relief from stress, mediated by neurotransmitter systems including endocannabinoid, serotonergic, glutamatergic, and dopaminergic pathways. Psychotomimetic sensitization occurs after repeated stress or drug exposure, gradually intensifying psychotic-like experiences over time. The model has theoretical and practical implications.

DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1217 Full text Psychedelic Psychosis Pychotomimetic Schizophrenia +3

Psychedelic Therapies for Comorbid Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Pain: A Review of Putative Mechanisms of Action.

Pharmacology research & perspectives April 1, 2026 Jordana Kazdan, Karim S. Ladha, M. Ishrat Husain

Major Depressive Disorder and chronic pain often co-occur, worsening symptoms and prognosis, yet treatments typically address each condition separately. Serotonergic psychedelics like psilocybin, DMT, and LSD show promise for both depression and pain. This narrative review examines mechanisms—including 5-HT2A receptor modulation, anti-inflammatory effects, neuroplasticity, altered brain network dynamics, and psychological influences—that could target both conditions simultaneously. The authors argue that existing evidence supports psychedelics as a unified therapeutic approach for comorbid MDD and chronic pain, providing a rationale for future clinical trials.

DOI: 10.1002/prp2.70238 Full text LSD Mdd Depression Psilocybin +3