Does acute stress play a role in the lasting therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs?
H De Wit, M Heilig, A K Bershad
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology September 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01642-z via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHigh doses of psychedelic drugs activate autonomic and hormonal stress responses. Acute stress, for evolutionarily adaptive reasons, instills meaning in the immediate context and leads to the formation of salient, lasting memories of surrounding events. The stress-inducing effect of psychedelic drugs may therefore contribute to the reported sense of meaning and the durability of memories from the drug experience. In therapeutic contexts, this could enhance the salience of insights gained and strengthen memories formed. Future empirical studies are needed to determine whether acute stress contributes to the emotional significance and lasting effects of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The stress-inducing effect of psychedelic drugs may contribute to the sense of meaning and durability of memories formed during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. |
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, when used in the context of psychotherapy, can produce significant and long-lasting memories with enduring beneficial effects. Yet, the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms that underlie these beneficial effects remain a mystery. Here, we suggest that both the quality and durability of memories of the drug-facilitated therapeutic experience may be mediated, in part, by the acute stress responses induced by the drugs. It is known that high doses of psychedelic drugs activate autonomic and hormonal stress responses. For evolutionarily adaptive reasons, acute stress is known to i) instill meaning to the immediate context in which it is experienced, and ii) lead to the formation of salient and lasting memories of the events surrounding the stress. Thus, the stress-inducing effect of psychedelic drugs may contribute to the reported sense of meaning, as well as the durability of the memory of the drug experience. When used in a therapeutic context these actions may i) enhance the salience of insights gained during the experience and ii) strengthen the memories formed by these experiences. Future empirical studies will help to determine whether acute stress contributes to the emotional significance and lasting effects of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.