This review (2023) explores the potential of psychedelics as a therapeutic intervention for acquired brain injury (ABI), such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke. It highlights the challenge in managing ABI despite medical advancements and suggests psychedelics may improve neurobehavioral outcomes due to their impact on serotonin receptors, sigma-1 receptors, and neurotrophic signalling.
Abstract of Psychedelics for acquired brain injury review
“Acquired brain injury (ABI), such as traumatic brain injury and stroke, is a leading cause of disability worldwide, resulting in debilitating acute and chronic symptoms, as well as an increased risk of developing neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. These symptoms can stem from various neurophysiological insults, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, imbalances in neurotransmission, and impaired neuroplasticity. Despite advancements in medical technology and treatment interventions, managing ABI remains a significant challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelics may rapidly improve neurobehavioral outcomes in patients with various disorders that share physiological similarities with ABI. However, research specifically focussed on psychedelics for ABI is limited. This narrative literature review explores the neurochemical properties of psychedelics as a therapeutic intervention for ABI, with a focus on serotonin receptors, sigma-1 receptors, and neurotrophic signalling associated with neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neuroinflammation. The promotion of neuronal growth, cell survival, and anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by psychedelics strongly supports their potential benefit in managing ABI. Further research and translational efforts are required to elucidate their therapeutic mechanisms of action and to evaluate their effectiveness in treating the acute and chronic phases of ABI.”
Authors: Josh Allen, Shannon S. Dames, Claire J. Foldi & Sandy R. Shultz
Summary of Psychedelics for acquired brain injury review
For centuries, humans have engaged with psychedelics for ritualistic purposes. However, in the 1960’s, political concerns surrounding unregulated use of psychedelics led to their classification as Schedule I drugs, signifying no medical value and a high abuse potential.
The classical psychedelics include tryptamines like psilocybin, DMT, 5 -MeODMT, and semi-synthetic LSD, as well as phenylalkylamines like mescaline and synthetic amphetamines like DOI. Classical psychedelics target serotonin (5 -HT) receptors, but there are also nonclassical psychedelics that target other receptors and induce psychedelic-like phenomenology.
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Psychedelics for acquired brain injury: a review of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-02360-0
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Cite this paper (APA)
Allen, J., Dames, S.S., Foldi, C.J. et al. Psychedelics for acquired brain injury: a review of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Mol Psychiatry (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-02360-0