Does acute stress play a role in the lasting therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs?
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology September 1, 2023 H De Wit, M Heilig, A K Bershad
High 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.