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Related Concept Videos

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics01:27

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

715
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.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
715
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents01:22

CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents

806
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...
806

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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

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How do psychedelics work?

Robin L Carhart-Harris1,2

  • 1Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford.

Current Opinion in Psychiatry
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Psychedelics, acting on serotonin receptors, increase brain entropy and network disintegration. This facilitates belief revision, a key mechanism in psychedelic therapy for treating pathological beliefs.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Psychedelics are gaining significant attention in psychiatry and neuroscience.
  • Recent clinical trials and brain imaging studies show promising outcomes.
  • Public interest is high due to compelling research and media coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To offer a perspective on the neurobiological mechanisms of psychedelics.
  • To connect molecular, anatomical, functional, and systems-level changes.
  • To contextualize the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on psychedelic action.
  • Integration of findings across multiple scales of neurobiological activity.
  • Theoretical framework linking neurobiology to belief systems.

Main Results:

  • Psychedelics act as serotonin 2A receptor agonists.
  • They induce heightened brain plasticity, increased entropy, and network disintegration.
  • These changes facilitate a relaxation of high-level beliefs.

Conclusions:

  • Psychedelics initiate a cascade of neurobiological changes.
  • This cascade culminates in the relaxation of rigid belief structures.
  • Psychedelic therapy aims to leverage this state for revising pathological beliefs.