Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Published on: April 29, 2007
[Treatment with psychedelics : potential benefits in Parkinson's disease]
Louise Penzenstadler1,2, Sandra Baudois3,4, Alma Lingenberg3
1Service d'addictologie, Département de psychiatrie, Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, CAAP Grand-Pré, Rue du Grand-Pré 70 C, 1202 Genève.
Abstract:
Psychedelics, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide, modulate neuroplasticity and brain connectivity via 5-HT2A receptors. Their efficacy has been demonstrated in depression and anxiety, where they are particularly interesting because of their rapid and long-lasting effect. They could also be beneficial for addictions, post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This article explores their therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease (PD), both symptomatically in PD depression, anxiety, and impulse control disorders, and in terms of neuroprotection. Psychedelics actually stimulate synaptogenesis, increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and exert anti-inflammatory effects. Although promising, these treatments require clinical trials to confirm their safety and efficacy in PD.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects
Despite these side effects, antipsychotics are used therapeutically for various purposes, including managing schizophrenia, preventing nausea and vomiting, curbing...
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents

