Neuroplasticity and Psychedelics: a comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models
Claudio Agnorelli, Meg Spriggs, Kate Godfrey, Gabriela Sawicka, Bettina Bohl, Hannah Douglass, Andrea Fagiolini, Hashemi Parastoo, Robin Carhart-Harris, David Nutt, David Erritzøe
arXiv Preprint Archive November 29, 2024 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can rewire brain connections after just one dose, unlike traditional psychiatric medications. These compounds boost the brain's natural plasticity, helping neurons form new pathways and adapt to change. Studies show they create a window of enhanced learning and adaptation, leading to lasting improvements in mood and behavior.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | LSD psilocybin N N-DMT ketamine MDMA |
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc Q-bio.bm Neuroscience Psychopharmacology |
| Key finding | Classic and non-classic psychedelics enhance neuroplasticity through molecular, structural, and functional changes, including meta-plasticity and hyper-plasticity, which may underlie their rapid and enduring therapeutic effects. |
Abstract
Neuroplasticity, the ability of the nervous system to adapt throughout an organism's lifespan, offers potential as both a biomarker and treatment target for neuropsychiatric conditions. Psychedelics, a burgeoning category of drugs, are increasingly prominent in psychiatric research, prompting inquiries into their mechanisms of action. Distinguishing themselves from traditional medications, psychedelics demonstrate rapid and enduring therapeutic effects after a single or few administrations, believed to stem from their neuroplasticity-enhancing properties. This review examines how classic psychedelics (e.g., LSD, psilocybin, N,N-DMT) and non-classic psychedelics (e.g., ketamine, MDMA) influence neuroplasticity. Drawing from preclinical and clinical studies, we explore the molecular, structural, and functional changes triggered by these agents. Animal studies suggest psychedelics induce heightened sensitivity of the nervous system to environmental stimuli (meta-plasticity), re-opening developmental windows for long-term structural changes (hyper-plasticity), with implications for mood and behavior. Translating these findings to humans faces challenges due to limitations in current imaging techniques. Nonetheless, promising new directions for human research are emerging, including the employment of novel positron-emission tomography (PET) radioligands, non-invasive brain stimulation methods, and multimodal approaches. By elucidating the interplay between psychedelics and neuroplasticity, this review informs the development of targeted interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders and advances understanding of psychedelics' therapeutic potential.