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Schizophrenia Research

ISSN 0920-9964

2 papers in the library · 1 citation · publishing 2015-2026

Papers

Psychedelics for treatment of negative symptoms and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorder: A narrative review

Schizophrenia Research March 13, 2026 Michel Sabé, Paul Grof, Nathan B. Sackett et al. 1 citation

Serotonergic psychedelics, which are being explored for treatment-resistant depression, might also help with depressive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Schizophrenia and depression share some underlying brain disturbances, including problems with dopamine, glutamate, and neuroplasticity, as well as abnormal brain network connectivity. Depressive symptoms in SSDs may combine features of both disorders, and psychedelics could potentially recalibrate maladaptive brain networks. Preclinical studies show psychedelics increase dendritic spines and BDNF and restore reward sensitivity. Clinical evidence is limited: uncontrolled psychedelic use is linked to increased psychosis, but controlled administration may be tolerated in stable individuals. Only one early-phase trial with MDMA in schizophrenia is ongoing; no randomized trials have tested psilocybin or LSD in SSDs. The authors conclude that psychedelics are biologically plausible but unproven for these symptoms.

DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2026.03.003

Sensorimotor gating, cannabis use and the risk of psychosis

Schizophrenia Research May 1, 2015 T. Winton-Brown, V. Kumari, F. Windler et al.

Sensorimotor gating—measured by how a quieter sound modifies the eye-blink startle reflex to a loud noise—is altered in people with psychosis, their relatives, and those at high clinical risk. Cannabis use also alters gating, though less strongly, and is a known risk factor for psychosis in susceptible individuals. This study tested prepulse inhibition (PPI) and prepulse facilitation (PPF) in participants with an At Risk Mental State (ARMS) for psychosis and matched controls, some of whom had recently used cannabis (confirmed by urine drug screening). ARMS participants showed reduced PPF and PPI compared to controls; the PPI reduction was driven by an interaction with cannabis use, where recent use reduced PPI only in ARMS participants.

DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.02.017 Full text Psychology Medicine