The effects of psychedelics on neuroplasticity: A review of current research and the possibility of therapeutic application in psychiatry
Engrami January 1, 2025 Mile Jevtić 1 citation
Psychedelics like LSD, DMT, psilocybin, and mescaline alter perception, mood, and cognition primarily by activating serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. After being banned in the 1970s due to political pressures and safety concerns, renewed research over recent decades explores their therapeutic potential for mental disorders, especially where conventional treatments have stalled. The paper reviews the neurobiology of psychedelics, focusing on their effects on neural networks and neuroplasticity. It highlights recent randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials examining effectiveness for depression and alcohol or other substance use disorders. Findings suggest psychedelics may offer a promising new treatment approach, though their use raises bioethical and legal questions.