Underlying Similarities Between Psychedelic and Schizophrenia Hallucinations
American Journal of Student Research January 1, 2025 Katherine Frost
Hallucinations in schizophrenia and those induced by psychedelic drugs, though distinct, share underlying molecular and neural mechanisms. This review examines historical studies from the 1950s-1960s that administered hallucinogens to schizophrenic patients, then details overlaps at the molecular, cellular, and network levels—including neuroplasticity, cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuitry, serotonin (5-HT) signaling, triple network disconnectivity, and synaptic disconnection in computational models. It also discusses nicotine's effects on schizophrenia patients. The paper synthesizes these parallels to advocate for targeted treatments informed by the neuropharmacological commonalities between the two phenomena.