An introduction to psychedelic neuroscience.
Progress in brain research January 1, 2018 Tanya Calvey, Fleur M Howells
Psychedelic drugs produce acute experiences and long-lasting neurobiological changes by activating several neuromodulatory systems. Classic and atypical psychedelics are grouped by neuro-receptor affinities, each with distinct treatment potentials. Brain imaging studies show discrepancies between neural activity and hemodynamic needs, requiring further investigation to understand brain 'state' changes. The psychedelic brain state is often compared to acute psychosis, and animal models and human imaging studies are reviewed to contrast the two. Psychedelics have anti-amnesic effects and can make unconscious material conscious through brain state changes, with growing evidence for epigenetic mechanisms supporting traditional therapeutic use for healing ancestral trauma.