Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics: The Essentials

Psychedelics stimulate 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, leading to profound changes in perception and sense of self, with positive effects on mood and wellbeing. In the 1950s and 1960s, they were tested as treatments for addiction, anxiety, and mood disorders with considerable success, but were then banned, halting most research. Recent brain imaging shows psychedelics produce profound alterations in brain activity, allowing more flexible and wide-ranging interactions (increased connectivity). This breakdown of ongoing routines likely explains how psychedelics can disrupt maladaptive brain processes such as depression, addiction, and OCD.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelics stimulate 5-HT2A receptors in the human brain This can produce profound changes in perceptions and sense of self with positive benefits on mood and wellbeing In the 1950s and 1960s psychedelics were tested in many studies as treatments for addiction and anxiety and mood disorders with considerable success These drugs were banned, since then very little research has occurred Recent brain imaging research with psychedelics has revealed they produce profound alterations in brain activity They allow more flexible and wide-ranging interactions (increased connectivity ) to occur This breakdown of ongoing routines probably explains how psychedelics can disrupt maladaptive brain processes such as depression, addiction, and OCD