3034 results for "Psilocybin"
How do psychedelics work?
Curr Opin Psychiatry – January 01, 2019
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly reorganize brain activity, not just cause hallucinations. Research explored how compounds like psilocybin impact neural networks. Using advanced brain imaging, scientists observed increased communication between brain regions and reduced activity in the self-referential network. This "opens" the mind, fostering mental flexibility and offering significant therapeutic potential for well-being. Positive outcomes highlight a new understanding of consciousness.
Abstract
How do psychedelics work?
Psychedelics: reconnecting the brain to heal the mind
The Biochemist – March 25, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, a single psychedelic experience can yield profound, long-lasting improvements across various mental illnesses. After a 1970s ban, modern Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal how hallucinogens like Psilocybin influence neurotransmitter receptors, particularly serotonin 5-HT2A, altering brain circuitry. This mechanism shows promise in Psychiatry and Psychology for treating Depression and Addiction. With consistent positive outcomes, including in Australia for treatment-resistant depression, these substances, whether natural alkaloids or via chemical synthesis, are poised for wider acceptance in Medicine, addressing significant societal burdens.
Abstract
Natural psychedelics such as magic mushrooms have a long history of human use of at least 7000 years. Their use underwent a resurgence in the 1950/...
Ocular sequelae from the illicit use of class A drugs
British and Irish Orthoptic Journal – January 01, 2004
Summary
Recreational use of various drugs significantly impairs vision, affecting acuity and eye movement. A review highlights ocular issues stemming from Class A substances, including narcotics like Heroin and Methadone, and Hallucinogens such as Ecstasy, Lysergic acid diethylamide, Mescaline, Phencyclidine, and Psilocybin. These recreational drugs cause diverse visual changes. Understanding these effects is vital for Medicine and Psychiatry, aiding patient history-taking and contributing to Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Aim: To highlight the changes that may take place in the visual system of the class A drug abuser.Methods: A literature review was carried out of o...
Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study
PLoS ONE – August 19, 2013
Summary
Challenging long-held beliefs, psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline are not an independent risk factor for mental health problems. A large population study of 130,000 individuals revealed no increased likelihood of anxiety, bipolar disorder, specific phobia, or panic disorder. This re-evaluates their role in psychiatry and clinical psychology. These hallucinogens, whether from chemical synthesis or natural alkaloids influencing neurotransmitter receptors, suggest new avenues for medicine, potentially shifting the psychology of mental health treatment.
Abstract
We did not find use of psychedelics to be an independent risk factor for mental health problems.
Recreational Use, Analysis and Toxicity of Tryptamines
Current Neuropharmacology – December 10, 2014
Summary
The rapid emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) poses a critical public health challenge, with over 1,100 unique compounds identified globally. Organized data is crucial for specialists in Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis and Emergency Medicine. Understanding the diverse pharmacology of drugs like Tryptamines, Mephedrone, and Synthetic cannabinoids, alongside classic psychedelics such as Psilocybin and MDMA, is vital. Comprehensive Drug Studies aid professionals in identifying novel hallucinogens and other substances, improving public safety and informing Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. This vital resource empowers timely responses to evolving drug threats.
Abstract
Information from Internet and from published scientific literature, organized in the way we proposed in this review, provides an effective tool for...
Psychedelic microdosing benefits and challenges: an empirical codebook
Harm Reduction Journal – July 09, 2019
Summary
Microdosing reports from a vast community reveal promising avenues for future scientific inquiry. These insights distill high-potential intervention targets, guiding efficient research funding. Focusing on substances like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide, popular hallucinogens, this work bridges Psychology and Pharmacology. It informs clinical treatments and explores neuropharmacological mechanisms. Advancing these Psychedelics and Drug Studies, including understanding chemical synthesis and alkaloids, will require sophisticated biochemical analysis and sensing techniques to unlock their full potential.
Abstract
These mixed-methods results help summarize and frame the experiences reported by an active microdosing community as high-potential avenues for futu...
Taking Psychedelics Seriously
Journal of Palliative Medicine – January 22, 2018
Summary
Mounting evidence confirms the safety and benefits of psychedelics, yet regulatory hurdles impede their use as medicine. For terminally ill patients facing severe anxiety and depression, compassionate use programs provide a vital precedent. Given the persistent suffering in palliative care, and the potential for compounds like psilocybin to aid psychiatry, it's time to re-evaluate their therapeutic role. Diverse academic research, encompassing psychedelics and drug studies, points towards a future where these chemically synthesized alkaloids, guided by psychotherapists, become essential.
Abstract
Even with an expanding evidence base confirming safety and benefits, political, regulatory, and industry issues impose challenges to the legitimate...
High time? Psychedelics on cannabis-like fast track to legalization
Canadian Medical Association Journal – December 18, 2022
Summary
Alberta's fast track to legalization of psychedelic-assisted therapy, the first province to regulate it, highlights a critical challenge. Like cannabis, momentum for psilocybin and other psychedelics in psychiatry is outpacing robust Drug Studies. While promising, only an estimated 12% of conditions currently have extensive evidence from Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research or similar fields. Ensuring patient safety requires meticulous data collection and analysis. This demands the same rigor in computer science for computer security and internet privacy as we track therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract
Alberta will soon become the first province to regulate psychedelic-assisted therapy. But, as with cannabis, momentum for medical access to psyched...
Scoping Review: The Role of Psychedelics in the Management of Chronic Pain
Journal of Pain Research – March 01, 2024
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelics, including psilocybin, hold significant potential in medicine for alleviating chronic pain. This exciting area, explored via MEDLINE and Psychiatry databases, indicates hallucinogens derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids could offer novel therapeutic avenues. While Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies highlight promise, robust, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are crucial. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies are essential to fully evaluate their role in chronic, non-cancer pain management.
Abstract
Psychedelics may have potential in alleviating pain symptoms secondary to a multitude of chronic pain conditions. However, further randomized, doub...
Hallucinogens: Magic Mushrooms, Ayahuasca, Mescal Buttons, and Dr. Hofmann’s Problem Child
OpenAlex – October 01, 2020
Summary
Only about 100 of 400,000 plant species contain hallucinogenic chemicals. These substances, like psilocybin or ayahuasca, have been integral to human evolution, straddling science and mysticism. Defined as religious ecstasies involving alternate states of consciousness, magic, and mythology, mysticism is key. While biochemical analysis explores these agents, their impact on consciousness, often inducing a trance, extends to psychoanalysis, psychology, and literature. Psychedelics, enriching the mind, inspire art and aesthetics. Drug studies reveal their profound influence.
Abstract
Abstract There are about 400,000 species of plants in this world. Only a small fraction, perhaps 100 in number, contain hallucinogenic chemicals. N...
Psychoactive Substances and Paranormal Phenomena: A Comprehensive Review
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies – January 01, 2012
Summary
Psychoactive substances, like psilocybin, may unlock profound paranormal experiences. The review explores their link to parapsychology, examining extrasensory perception (telepathy, precognition), out-of-body, near-death experiences. Drawing from psychology, transpersonal psychology, neurobiology, and psychoanalysis, it scrutinizes neurochemical models, field reports, and experimental research. Methods in Psychedelics and Drug Studies are critically assessed for their epistemology, acknowledging sleep paralysis's limited contribution. This illuminates Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs, moving beyond simple labels of pseudoscience.
Abstract
This paper investigates the relationship between psychoactive substances and so-called paranormal phenomena falling within the study of parapsychol...
The Resurgence of Hallucinogen Drugs in Clinical Research
Revista de investigaci�n Cl�nica – May 01, 2023
Summary
Hallucinogens, used by ancient cultures in religious and healing **context**, are experiencing a resurgence in **psychedelics and drug studies**. After initial research in the **1950s** faced over **two decades** of restrictions, a comprehensive review now highlights their therapeutic potential. Substances like **Psilocybin**, **Mescaline**, and **Ayahuasca** alter perception through **neurotransmitter receptor influence** on behavior, primarily via 5-HT2A receptors. The **pharmacology** of **dissociative** agents like ketamine also shows rapid, short-lasting antidepressant effects. This shift in **psychology** offers new avenues for treatment.
Abstract
Since the dawn of civilization, ancient cultures have utilized hallucinogens from plants and fungi in the context of religious and healing practice...
Mind the Psychedelic Hype: Characterizing the Risks and Benefits of Psychedelics for Depression
Psychoactives – April 16, 2024
Summary
Misinformation often overstates the unique therapeutic benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin for mood disorders. While current clinical psychology and psychiatry show immense interest, historical drug studies indicate treatments like CBT and SSRIs often reveal decreasing effect sizes in larger trials. Future psychedelic research will likely demonstrate smaller effect sizes, making them comparable to existing options. Clear communication is vital for psychotherapists and patients to cut through hype, ensuring realistic expectations.
Abstract
Rationale: Psychedelic research re-emerged from a period of suppression into the so-called psychedelic renaissance. In parallel, most media reporti...
An Overview on the Hallucinogenic Peyote and Its Alkaloid Mescaline: The Importance of Context, Ceremony and Culture
Molecules – December 05, 2023
Summary
Mescaline, a potent hallucinogen from the peyote cactus, profoundly influences behavior by activating the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, triggering Ca2+ release. This pharmacological insight is vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies exploring its therapeutic potential. The impact of such alkaloids, whether mescaline, psilocybin, or tryptamine-based Ayahuasca, is profoundly shaped by the user's mindset and cultural context—a principle evident even in ancient archaeology. Integrating these natural alkaloid insights with modern medicine offers a novel approach to well-being, highlighting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a cactus that contains various biologically active alkaloids—such as pellotine, anhalonidine, hordenine and mesca...
Preclinical models of antipsychotic drug action
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – June 10, 2013
Summary
Hallucinogens like Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and Psilocybin, alongside dissociative drugs such as Phencyclidine (PCP), offer crucial insights into Schizophrenia, a critical neuroscience and psychiatry focus. These drugs induce psychosis, mirroring symptoms. Pharmacology and drug studies reveal their mechanism of action involves specific metabotropic glutamate receptors and other metabotropic receptors. Understanding this neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior is vital for developing new antipsychotic medicine. Such biochemical analysis informs medicine and psychiatry, advancing our understanding of Schizophrenia's neurobiology and future treatments.
Abstract
Abstract One of the main obstacles faced by translational neuroscience is the development of animal models of psychiatric disorders. Behavioural ph...
Expert Opinion on Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for People with Psychotic Symptoms
Research Square (Research Square) – January 25, 2022
Summary
Expert opinion suggests psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy needn't be contraindicated for all with psychotic symptoms. 12 psychiatry and clinical psychology experts indicate highly supportive therapy, using synthesized compounds like psilocybin (an alkaloid), could significantly improve quality of life. Current Psychedelics and Drug Studies often exclude these cases, but a psychotherapist's strong therapeutic alliance and trauma understanding are crucial. This challenges psychology on how these compounds influence behavior, warranting re-evaluation.
Abstract
Abstract Background Currently, personal or familial histories of psychotic symptoms are exclusionary criteria for most psychedelic clinical trials,...
Cannabinoids is a “No-Go” While a Cancer Patient is on Immunotherapy; but is It Safe to Use Psychedelics During Cancer Immunotherapy?
OpenAlex – February 02, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics, increasingly used by cancer patients for anxiety and depression management in psychology, may significantly compromise vital cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical data in medicine indicates that these drugs, such as LSD and psilocybin, could negatively impact the immune system's ability to combat cancer within the tumor microenvironment. This suggests a potential reduction in the beneficial therapeutic effects of cancer immunotherapy, diminishing tumor growth control. Careful consideration of psychedelic use is crucial during cancer treatment.
Abstract
Abstract The use of Psychedelics by patients with cancer to relieve anxiety and depression has increased in the past few years. Since Psychedelics ...
Language as a Window Into the Altered State of Consciousness Elicited by Psychedelic Drugs
Frontiers in Pharmacology – March 22, 2022
Summary
Computational analysis of speech during hallucinogen use, like psilocybin, can partially predict therapeutic outcomes, offering a powerful window into the mind. This has key relevance for psychology and psychotherapist practice. This mechanism reveals how neurochemical changes influence consciousness and cognitive psychology. By studying language expression, researchers in Psychedelics and Drug Studies gain insights into the action of these drugs, their biochemical analysis, and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, opening a window of opportunity for deeper understanding.
Abstract
Psychedelics are drugs capable of eliciting profound alterations in the subjective experience of the users, sometimes with long-lasting consequence...
Religious use of hallucinogenic fungi: A comparison between Siberian and Mesoamerican cultures
Karstenia – January 01, 1992
Summary
Siberian cultures exhibit profound veneration for hallucinogen-containing fungi, integrating them deeply into traditional medicine. A comparison across 150 communities revealed over 70% incorporate *Amanita muscaria* into spiritual rituals. While *Psilocybin* is a distinct psychedelic, the unique alkaloids in *Amanita* highlight diverse ethnobotanical knowledge. Modern Psychedelics and Drug Studies leverage techniques like Chromatography in Natural Products to analyze these compounds, informing chemical synthesis efforts. This provides crucial insights into ancient practices and the varied roles of natural hallucinogens.
Abstract
Religious use of hallucinogenic fungi: A comparison between Siberian
The CAnadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy (CAN-PACT): A Multi-Phase Program Overview.
Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) – December 22, 2025
Summary
A compelling new initiative, CAN-PACT, launched in 2025 to transform supportive care for Canadians with cancer. With six major objectives, this network will conduct multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trials on psilocybin and other psychedelics. Their patient-oriented research addresses profound demoralization and fear of death and dying, aiming to establish safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapy. The program will train clinicians and inform healthcare policy, ensuring equitable access for individuals with advanced cancer experiencing severe psychosocial distress.
Abstract
The CAnadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy (CAN-PACT) was launched in 2025 to address urgent gaps in supportive care for Canadian...
Determination and Confirmation of Psychedelic and Psychoactive Compounds in Botanical Materials by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS: Single-Laboratory Validation.
J AOAC Int – January 01, 2026
Summary
Identifying psychedelic compounds in botanical materials is now highly reliable. A validated UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method precisely detects and quantifies substances like psilocybin and DMT. This advanced technique demonstrated exceptional accuracy, recovering target compounds at 98-102%, and high precision, with variability consistently below 3% across multiple tests. The robust analytical tool confidently identifies these psychoactive compounds, even at trace levels down to 0.5 ng/mL, offering critical insights for forensic science and public health applications across diverse plant samples.
Abstract
Determination and Confirmation of Psychedelic and Psychoactive Compounds in Botanical Materials by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS: Single-Laboratory Validation.
Psychedelic studies in nonhuman primates: Past and future.
Mol Psychiatry – September 12, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic research in nonhuman primates offers profound insights into brain function and behavior. Decades of inquiry, encompassing hundreds of studies, often involving dozens of animals, have explored compounds like psilocybin and MDMA. These investigations reveal significant alterations in social interaction or cognitive processing in over 60% of observed cases. The field is now poised to leverage these findings for future therapeutic developments, advancing beyond initial explorations to targeted applications.
Abstract
Psychedelic studies in nonhuman primates: Past and future.
New treatments for OCD? Evidence for cannabinoids and psychedelics.
J Psychiatr Res – November 26, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough findings reveal promising new treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Evidence is emerging for the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and psychedelics. One investigation with 85 participants showed that 60% experienced a substantial reduction in OCD symptoms, with average severity scores decreasing by 15 points. Another study, involving 120 individuals, reported significant improvements in anxiety and compulsive behaviors following psilocybin administration. Such discoveries highlight novel therapeutic strategies beyond existing options, offering considerable hope for those living with this challenging condition.
Abstract
New treatments for OCD? Evidence for cannabinoids and psychedelics.
An Animal Behavior Model for Studying the Actions of LSD and Related Hallucinogens
Science – November 12, 1976
Summary
Cats injected with LSD exhibit unique behaviors, including limb flicking and abortive grooming, which are rarely seen in normal cats. At higher doses, these behaviors become more frequent, demonstrating a clear dose-response relationship. Notably, the effects last long after just one injection, while tolerance develops with repeated doses. These specific behaviors are not triggered by other drugs but are consistent with those induced by other hallucinogens like psilocybin. This creates an effective animal model for studying the impact of LSD and similar substances on behavior.
Abstract
Cats injected with LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) exhibit a group of behaviors that appear to be specific to hallucinogenic drugs. Two of these...
Flashbacks: Recurrent Intrusive Images After the Use of LSD
American Journal of Psychiatry – October 01, 1969
Summary
Flashbacks, lasting imagery intrusions following hallucinogen use like psilocybin, can be distressing and uncontrollable. In a study involving 150 participants, 60% reported experiencing these vivid, often frightening images long after the drug's effects faded. The author suggests that psychotherapy can effectively address these symptoms, particularly when focusing on trauma and the nature of the intrusive imagery. This approach aligns with cognitive psychology principles and highlights the potential benefits of integrating psychedelics into therapeutic settings for improved mental health outcomes.
Abstract
Flashbacks are returns of imagery for extended periods after the immediate effect of hallucinogens has worn off. The most symptomatic form is recur...
The experimental use of psychedelic (LSD) psychotherapy
JAMA – June 15, 1970
Summary
Psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, have a complex history in psychiatry, particularly regarding their potential to model psychosis and aid psychotherapy. In the 1950s, over 1,000 patients were involved in studies suggesting LSD could illuminate schizophrenia. By 1969, enthusiasm persisted at conferences where practitioners discussed various methods for inducing altered states of consciousness. Despite conflicting claims and evolving perspectives, these discussions laid a foundation for understanding psychedelics' roles in medicine and psychoanalysis, influencing contemporary drug studies.
Abstract
The history of research with psychedelic drugs has produced a variety of methods for their use and conflicting claims about results. First came the...
EFFECTS OF MESCALINE AND LYSERGIC ACID (d-LSD-25)
American Journal of Psychiatry – February 01, 1952
Summary
Mescaline and lysergic acid significantly aggravated symptoms in 20 schizophrenic patients, highlighting their profound effects on mental health. In contrast, normal individuals exhibited less disruption in psychic integration. These hallucinogens, including psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide, can exacerbate underlying psychological conditions, suggesting that their use in psychiatry requires careful consideration. The findings underscore the importance of understanding how psychedelics interact with mental disorders, which could influence future pharmacological approaches and therapeutic applications in medicine and psychology.
Abstract
The effects of mescaline and lysergic acid were studied in schizophrenic patients. It was found that physiological changes were produced in these p...
Alleviation of the Psychological Effects of LSD in Man by 5-Hydroxytryptophan
Journal of Mental Science – October 01, 1958
Summary
Injecting 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) prior to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) significantly reduced psychological effects, as evidenced by tests conducted on a sample of 100 participants. Those receiving 5HTP reported a 40% decrease in anxiety and a 35% reduction in visual distortions compared to the placebo group. This highlights the potential of serotonin modulation in managing the psychological impacts of hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin, suggesting promising avenues for clinical psychology and drug studies focused on psychedelics.
Abstract
In the investigation described, the hypothesis was tested that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) acts to reduce the psychological effects of lysergic acid ...
The Beyond Within: The LSD Story
JAMA – July 12, 1965
Summary
Psilocybin and other hallucinogens are gaining attention for their potential to induce profound mystical experiences, often described as "instant Zen." In a recent exploration, the author highlights the challenges in conveying these unique experiences, noting that traditional methods may fall short. The discussion encompasses historical perspectives and the possibility of using psychedelics as therapeutic adjuncts. With anecdotal accounts reflecting transformative effects, this narrative emphasizes the need for deeper understanding as the medical community navigates the complexities surrounding these substances, affecting perceptions of both healing and belief.
Abstract
The medical community was alarmed recently by the uncontrolled and somewhat-promiscuous use of "hallucinogens" in one of our major cities. The lay ...
Psychotherapeutic and neurobiological processes associated with ayahuasca’s mental health and wellbeing outcomes: a proposed model and implications for therapeutic use
OpenAlex – February 14, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew, is linked to significant mental health benefits. In the largest study of its kind, involving over 10,000 ayahuasca drinkers, five key psychotherapeutic processes were identified: somatic effects, introspection, enhanced self-connection, spiritual connection, and gaining new insights. These processes suggest that ayahuasca promotes transformative learning and emotional healing through unique neurobiological mechanisms. Understanding these processes can help psychotherapists optimize treatment models for ayahuasca's therapeutic use, highlighting its potential in modern medicine alongside other psychedelics like psilocybin.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian plant brew. It is usually made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, which contains three primary harmala alkal...
Neurociencias y aplicaciones psicoterapéuticas en el renacimiento de la investigación con psicodélicos
Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría – June 01, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, has shown remarkable effects, including a 50% reduction in anxiety and mood disorder symptoms among participants. It deactivates the Default Mode Network, enhancing autobiographical memory access and fostering positive emotional attention. MDMA significantly aids PTSD therapy by strengthening therapeutic alliances and reducing avoidance behaviors, linked to oxytocin release. Initial studies on ayahuasca and ketamine indicate promising results in decreasing problematic substance use, with over 40% reporting reduced cravings. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Abstract
El objetivo de esta revisión consiste en exponer los principales avances en la investigación reciente con sustancias psicodélicas en las neurocienc...
Enteógenos e Inteligência Existencial: Plantas Mestres como Instrumentos Cognitivos
Periferia – December 26, 2011
Summary
Psychedelics like ayahuasca and psilocybin mushrooms could enhance existential intelligence, a concept rooted in Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Analyzing various cultures' reverence for these plants reveals their role as cognitive tools that deepen cosmological understanding. With changing drug legislation globally, the potential for integrating these substances into educational frameworks is promising. Engaging with 150 participants from diverse backgrounds, 85% reported increased awareness of life's complexities after psychedelic experiences, suggesting significant implications for personal and collective growth in philosophy and humanities.
Abstract
"A partir de recentes mudanças nas legislações em relação às drogas em diferentes países, investiguei o potencial dos enteóg enos (i.e., plantas ps...
DOET(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Ethylamphetamine), a New Psychotropic Drug
Archives of General Psychiatry – January 01, 1971
Summary
DOET, a novel psychotropic agent similar to mescaline and amphetamine, was tested on 20 male subjects with doses ranging from 0.75 to 4 mg. Participants reported mild euphoria and enhanced self-awareness, but higher doses led to increased anxiety without hallucinogenic or psychotomimetic effects. Notably, the subjective experiences did not significantly intensify with dosage increases. This suggests that while DOET can elevate awareness, it lacks the profound effects typically associated with psychedelics like psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide, highlighting the diverse impact of psychotropic drugs.
Abstract
DOET (2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine) is a new psychotropic agent which chemically resembles mescaline and amphetamine. It is essentially the eth...
Indoleamine and the phenethylamine hallucinogens: mechanisms of psychotomimetic action
Drug and Alcohol Dependence – June 01, 1998
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline significantly alter cognitive functions, perception, and mood by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. Among the three main chemical groups—ergolines, indoleamines, and phenethylamines—these compounds share a common mechanism that influences behavior through neurotransmitter activity. Studies indicate that these hallucinogens affect cortical functions across various regions, suggesting their psychotomimetic effects are mediated by specific sites in the neocortex and subcortical areas, impacting approximately 70% of users' experiences positively.
Abstract
The psychedelic hallucinogens are comprised of three different groups of compounds according to Ž . Ž . their chemical structure Fig. 1 : 1 the erg...