Effects of LSD on Neuroplasticity in Healthy Subjects

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=40) aims to investigate the effects of LSD on neuroplasticity in healthy human subjects.

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself in response to various stimuli, is crucial for understanding conditions like depression and anxiety. LSD, a potent psychedelic drug, has shown the ability to stimulate neuroplasticity in animal studies. While some evidence suggests that LSD may enhance neuroplasticity in humans, direct evidence is lacking. This study conducted by the University of Fribourg seeks to fill this gap.

Healthy participants aged 21-55 will be recruited, and they must have a BMI between 18-29, be right-handed, be fluent in German, and be willing to adhere to the study protocol. They must refrain from consuming alcohol and illicit substances during the study period and must not operate heavy machinery after LSD administration. Women of childbearing potential must use effective birth control. Exclusion criteria include severe medical conditions, neurological or psychiatric disorders, and recent participation in another clinical trial.

The study will use a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Participants will receive either a high dose or a low dose of LSD. Motor-evoked potential amplitude after paired associative stimulation (PAS) will be measured as the primary outcome to assess neuroplastic changes in the motor cortex. Secondary outcome measures include auditory event-related potential (ERP) amplitude, plasma and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and motor learning ability.

The study, with an estimated completion date of December 2024, is being conducted at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

Topic Neuroscience Healthy Subjects
Compound LSD
Country Switzerland
Visit trial
Status Recruiting
Results Published No
Start date 02 May 2022
End date 01 December 2024
Phase Phase I
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 40
Sex All
Age 21- 55
Therapy No

Trial Details

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself and adapt in response to changing environmental conditions or pathological stimuli. LSD is a potent psychedelic drug which has been able to rapidly stimulate neuroplasticity in animal studies. Various authors have speculated that changes in neuroplasticity may contribute to LSD's long-term effects, but there is still little direct evidence that LSD or other psychedelics enhance neuroplasticity in humans. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of LSD on several measures of neuroplasticity in healthy human subjects.

NCT Number NCT05177419

Data attribution

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