The emotional architecture of the psychedelic brain

Serotonergic psychedelics are being investigated as treatments for psychiatric conditions, with promising results in mood disorders suggesting their effects on emotional processing may be central to therapeutic potential. However, mechanistic and clinical studies reveal a complex picture of how psychedelics impact emotions and mood. This review covers recent findings on psychedelics' effects on emotion, emotional empathy, and mood, discussing their influence on long-term emotion management strategies, the role of challenging experiences, and neuroplastic changes. The authors argue that more precise characterization of emotional states and attention to temporal dynamics of psychedelic-induced effects are critical for clarifying mechanisms and optimizing therapeutic impact.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Serotonergic psychedelics are being explored as treatments for a range of psychiatric conditions. Promising results in mood disorders indicate that their effects on emotional processing may play a central role in their therapeutic potential. However, mechanistic and clinical studies paint a complex picture of the impact of psychedelics on emotions and mood. Here, we review recent findings on the effects of psychedelics on emotion, emotional empathy, and mood. We discuss how psychedelics may impact long-term emotion management strategies, the significance of challenging experiences, and neuroplastic changes. More precise characterization of emotional states and greater attention to the temporal dynamics of psychedelic-induced effects will be critical for clarifying their mechanisms of action and optimizing their therapeutic impact.