The mechanism of hallucinations caused by lysergic acid diethylamide

LSD induces hallucinations by activating 5-HT2A receptors in the serotonin system, a mechanism distinct from other hallucinogens. Functional MRI shows changes in cerebral blood flow from LSD. This research reviews nearly 50 years of molecular and neuroanatomical evidence linking LSD's hallucinatory effects to perceptual disorders and other diseases, potentially identifying new treatments. Understanding this mechanism may aid in developing therapies and clarifying physiological changes from drugs.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semi-synthetic hallucinogen that induces intense hallucinogenic effects. There are various ways that hallucinations can occur, but classic psychedelics like LSD differ significantly in their effects from those caused by other means. The primary focus of current research is on activating 5-HT2A receptors within the serotonin system, which is essential for causing hallucinations and related behavioral responses in humans. In addition, through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), people can clearly observe the changes in cerebral blood flow influenced by LSD. This research presents the mechanism behind LSD’s hallucinatory effects from perspectives such as molecular biology and neuroanatomy spanning nearly half a century. As the understanding of its mechanism deepens, it can link the hallucinations caused by LSD to perceptual disorders and other diseases in humans, thus identifying more treatment methods. The analysis of the hallucination mechanism can also be beneficial for developing new treatment methods and understanding the specific physiological changes caused by drugs in hallucinations.