Life-altering journey: Psychedelics, genetic exploration, and reconfiguring your mind
In recent years, the world of psychology and neurology has been abuzz with the re-emergence of psychedelics as potential therapeutic agents. These substances, once shrouded in controversy, are now being recognised for their significant therapeutic potential across various domains, including psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke recovery, and neuropathic pain.
Psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and ayahuasca, have shown promise in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant symptom reduction in treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions. For instance, a positive Phase 3 trial for psilocybin showed marked depression improvement, sometimes within hours of administration.
However, it's important to note that naturalistic use of psychedelics alone may not always be therapeutic and can sometimes worsen depressive symptoms. This underscores the importance of clinical settings in the administration and management of these substances.
A recent study found that people who used both psychedelics and cannabis showed mental health recovery during crisis times (pandemic), with improvements in depression and anxiety scores. This is in contrast to cannabis alone, which did not show these benefits.
Psychedelics exhibit affinity for various receptors, including the 5-HT2A receptor, a serotonin receptor. Activation of this receptor is linked to the anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics, as they modulate immune responses and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. Some psychedelic-inspired drugs may offer these benefits without the psychedelic effects.
In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, clinical trials are testing synthetic psilocybin-like drugs to alleviate anxiety and depression in patients with serious diagnoses such as ALS, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These trials focus on adjustment disorders that accompany such illnesses and may improve quality of life and emotional distress associated with terminal or disabling diseases.
The anti-inflammatory and neuroplasticity-promoting effects of psychedelics, noted in psychiatric and neurodegenerative contexts, suggest potential therapeutic avenues under investigation for stroke recovery and neuropathic pain. However, specific recent studies on these indications were not found in the queried results and warrant further investigation.
In summary, recent research and clinical trials affirm psychedelics’ substantial therapeutic potential for psychiatric disorders and adjustment problems related to neurodegenerative diseases, mediated both through neural and immune system mechanisms. The regulatory environment is becoming favorable, accelerating clinical development and potential medical use.
Moreover, psychedelics have been shown to produce overlapping genetic changes in many different regions of the brain, and these changes have been shown to last for months after a single dose. For example, a single dose of 5-MeO-DMT induces neurogenesis and the development of dendritic spines in neurons in mice.
The activation of the 5-HT2A receptor by psychedelics can influence neural plasticity. Genes involved in "covalent chromatin modification" and "histone modification" were highly enriched, including the gene Tet1, which is involved in the erasure of DNA methylation.
DMT, LSD, and DOI increase dendritic complexity, promote dendritic spine growth, and stimulate synaptogenesis. Prolonged LSD exposure has a long-term effect on epigenetic machinery.
DMT, found in ayahuasca, a South American brewed drink, has a neuroprotective effect in in vitro cultured human cortical neurons. DMT-induced neurogenesis may improve memory in mice.
In conclusion, the therapeutic potential of psychedelics is a rapidly evolving field, with significant implications for mental health and neurological disorders. As research continues, we can expect to see more advancements in our understanding of these substances and their potential to revolutionise treatment methods.
- Genes associated with "covalent chromatin modification" and "histone modification" are influenced by the activation of the 5-HT2A receptor by psychedelics, as seen through the gene Tet1, which is involved in the erasure of DNA methylation.
- In psychiatric contexts, psychedelics have shown potential in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and treatment-resistant conditions, with positive Phase 3 trials for psilocybin demonstrating significant symptom reduction.
- Naturalistic use of psychedelics alone may not always be therapeutic and can sometimes worsen depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of clinical settings in the administration and management of these substances.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics are linked to their modulation of immune responses and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which could potentially lead to psychedelic-inspired drugs without psychedelic effects.
- Clinical trials are investigating the use of synthetic psilocybin-like drugs to alleviate anxiety and depression in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on adjustment disorders and improving the quality of life of patients.
- Psychedelics like DMT, found in ayahuasca, have shown potential in neuroprotection, with in vitro studies demonstrating a neuroprotective effect on human cortical neurons and DMT-induced neurogenesis improving memory in mice.
