Sustained effects of single doses of classical psychedelics in humans

This review (2022) explores the acute effects of classic psychedelics in clinical research with humans and summarizes behavioural, biochemical, neuroimaging and electrophysiological data in order to support the notion that the intriguing effects of psychedelics on the human brain and mind are based on neural plasticity.

Abstract

“The serotonergic classical psychedelics include compounds that primarily activate the brain’s serotonin 2 A receptor (5-HT2AR), such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT (ayahuasca). The acute effects of these compounds are well-known as are their ability to increase the emotional state both in healthy people and in those with neuropsychiatric disorders. In particular psilocybin, the psychoactive constituent in “magic mushrooms”, has shown great potential for the treatment of anxiety and depression. A unique and compelling feature of psychedelics is that intake of just a single psychedelic dose is associated with long-lasting effects. This includes effects on personality, e.g., higher openness, and amelioration of depressive symptoms. This review focuses on these stunning effects and summarizes our current knowledge on which behavioural, biochemical, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological data support that the intriguing effects of psychedelics on the human brain and mind are based on neural plasticity. The review also points to so far understudied areas and suggests research questions to be addressed in future studies which potentially can help to understand the intriguing long-term effects after intake of a single (or a few) psychedelic doses.”

Authors: Gitte M. Knudsen

Summary of Sustained effects of single doses of classical psychedelics in humans

Introduction

A single psychedelic dose is associated with long-lasting effects in humans, including effects on behaviors, attitudes, values, and personality. These effects are apparent not only in healthy individuals but also in patients diagnosed with various neuropsychiatric disorders.

In a ten-year follow-up study including 247 individuals, intake of LSD resulted in positive personality changes, but only in the 23% who subsequently used LSD again. A single dose of psilocybin was also found to improve mindfulness and psychosocial functioning at 3-4-month follow-up.

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