Peripheral signals, central questions: Examining the relationship between psychedelics and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

Psychedelics may increase peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in neural plasticity. A meta-analysis by Shafiee et al. found that psychedelics elevate BDNF levels, suggesting a possible mechanism for their therapeutic effects in psychiatric disorders. This commentary discusses two approaches to understanding psychedelic mechanisms: identifying novel pathways and examining effects on known neurobiological processes underlying psychiatric conditions. The findings support the idea that BDNF upregulation could contribute to the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, though further research is needed to clarify the relationship.

Study at a glance

Abstract

What are the mechanisms through which psychedelics may exert therapeutic effects in psychiatric disorders? There are two approaches to answering this question: first is the identification of novel pathways. Additionally, it would be of interest to determine the effects of psychedelics on mechanisms that already appear to underlie the neurobiology and therapeutics of psychiatric disorders. This commentary highlights a recent article by Shafiee et al. (1) that reported a meta-analysis of the effect of psychedelics on the peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).