Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine

Psychedelic drugs like LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin produce strong effects on the brain and behavior. After decades of research difficulties, they are being tested again as possible treatments for hard-to-treat medical conditions. Preclinical research, human brain imaging, and early clinical trials suggest these compounds may help with addiction, depression, anxiety, and other disorders. However, many questions about how they work, their safety, and their effectiveness remain. This review summarizes recent preclinical and clinical data, discusses their pharmacological mechanisms, and outlines key areas for future research to maximize the potential benefits of psychedelic medicine for patients.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelic drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin, exert profound effects on brain and behavior. After decades of difficulties in studying these compounds, psychedelics are again being tested as potential treatments for intractable biomedical disorders. Preclinical research of psychedelics complements human neuroimaging studies and pilot clinical trials, suggesting these compounds as promising treatments for addiction, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. However, many questions regarding the mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy of psychedelics remain. Here, we summarize recent preclinical and clinical data in this field, discuss their pharmacological mechanisms of action, and outline critical areas for future studies of psychedelic drugs, with the goal of maximizing the potential benefits of translational psychedelic biomedicine to patients.