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Related Concept Videos

CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents01:22

CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents

287
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...
287
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.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
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Altered States of Awareness01:06

Altered States of Awareness

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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.
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
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An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs01:28

An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs

321
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.
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
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Depressants01:28

Depressants

191
Depressant drugs, including alcohol and sedative-hypnotics, diminish central nervous system activity by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation. These substances can have various therapeutic uses but also pose significant risks, especially when misused or combined.
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
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Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy01:26

Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy

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Antipsychotic drugs are a crucial treatment method for acute and chronic psychoses, bipolar illness, and behavioral disorders. The selection of these drugs depends on several factors, including the state of the disease, clinical judgment, possible drug interactions, and the patient's sensitivity to adverse effects. In immediate scenarios, such as delirium and dementia, short-term treatment with low doses of high-potency typical or atypical agents can effectively manage symptom exacerbation.
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HSV-Mediated Transgene Expression of Chimeric Constructs to Study Behavioral Function of GPCR Heteromers in Mice
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Psychedelics.

Benjamin Kelmendi1, Alfred P Kaye1, Christopher Pittenger2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.

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|January 25, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Psychedelics, compounds altering consciousness via serotonin receptors, are being re-examined for mental illness treatment. This primer offers a scientific overview of their neurobiological effects and diverse applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Psychedelics are consciousness-altering compounds acting on brain serotonin receptors.
  • Diverse terminology (hallucinogens, entheogens, empathogens) reflects varied effects.
  • Hundreds of psychedelic compounds exist with a spectrum of neurobiological impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a concise scientific overview of psychedelic compounds.
  • To summarize current neurobiological data on psychedelics.
  • To inform researchers and clinicians about the resurgence of psychedelic research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on psychedelics.
  • Analysis of neurobiological mechanisms of action.
  • Synthesis of data on behavioral and psychological effects.

Main Results:

  • Psychedelics exhibit a wide range of effects on consciousness and perception.
  • Serotonin receptor agonism is a key neurobiological mechanism.
  • Emerging data supports psychedelic potential in treating mental health conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Psychedelics represent a diverse class of psychoactive compounds with significant neurobiological underpinnings.
  • Continued research is crucial for understanding their therapeutic potential in mental healthcare.
  • A unified scientific understanding is needed to navigate the complexities of psychedelic research.