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Hallucinogens and Psychedelics01:27

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

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Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
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CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents01:22

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Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
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An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs01:28

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Psychoactive drugs impact brain function, influencing perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. These substances are grouped based on their effects and the mechanisms by which they act.
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Altered States of Awareness01:06

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Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
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Effects of Chemicals: Overview01:27

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Drugs, encompassing various chemical compounds from natural sources, lab synthesis, or genetic engineering, elicit different biological responses in living organisms. Some of these responses are desirable or therapeutic, while others are undesirable. The primary goal of administering a drug is to achieve a therapeutic effect, that is, to address a specific disease or health condition. Any concurrent effects outside of this therapeutic outcome are considered undesirable. These undesirable...
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Positive Symptoms Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions01:26

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Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that significantly impact cognition, behavior, and emotional regulation. Among these, the positive symptoms stand out as they involve the addition or exaggeration of normal mental functions, deviating markedly from typical behavior and perception. Hallucinations and delusions are prominent positive symptoms, each profoundly affecting the individual's experience of reality.
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Psilocybin: Good Trip or Bad Trip.

E M Sellers1

  • 1Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|May 27, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Researchers are exploring new therapeutic uses for psychedelic drugs, which were historically used in religious ceremonies. This rediscovery highlights the evolving landscape of pharmacology and the potential of these compounds in modern medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • The history of drug development often involves repurposing existing medications.
  • Psychedelic compounds, known for altering perception, have a complex past including ceremonial use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs.
  • To re-evaluate the role of psychedelic substances in modern medicine.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and current pharmacological research.
  • Analysis of the perceptual effects of psychedelic drugs.

Main Results:

  • Psychedelic drugs are being rediscovered for potential therapeutic benefits.
  • Historical context of psychedelic use provides a unique perspective.

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Conclusions:

  • Despite their unusual properties and historical use, psychedelic drugs warrant further scientific investigation.
  • The field of pharmacology continues to find novel applications for established drug classes.