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Related Concept Videos

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics01:27

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

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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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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Schizophrenia, a term introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911, describes a severe psychological disorder marked by profound disruptions in attention, thought processes, language, emotion, and interpersonal relationships. The core feature of schizophrenia is psychosis — a state characterized by a fundamental detachment from reality. This disconnection manifests through distorted logic, impaired perception, and atypical behavior, severely affecting the lives of those diagnosed.

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HSV-Mediated Transgene Expression of Chimeric Constructs to Study Behavioral Function of GPCR Heteromers in Mice
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The intersection between psychedelics and schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Reevaluating risk and therapeutic

Pavan S Brar1, Rebecca B Price2, Stephen Ross3

  • 1Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.

Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|June 25, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Psychedelic research is resurging, but their link to psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) needs more study. While psychedelics may worsen psychosis in vulnerable individuals, controlled low-dose use might treat specific symptoms in stable patients.

Keywords:
DMTLSDmescalinephenomenologypsilocybinpsychedelicspsychosisschizophrenia

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Interest in psychedelic therapeutics has resurged, necessitating a deeper understanding of their relationship with psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs).
  • Historically, psychedelics have been linked to psychosis, a concept known as the psychotomimetic hypothesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the historical and theoretical relationship between psychedelic drugs and SSDs.
  • To review phenomenological and mechanistic aspects of psychedelic use in relation to SSDs.
  • To provide recommendations for managing psychosis-related risks and exploring therapeutic applications of psychedelics in SSDs.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of historical literature, theoretical frameworks, and clinical evidence.
  • Examination of phenomenological manifestations of key psychedelic compounds.
  • Review of neural mechanisms involving serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic systems.
  • Analysis of clinical data on psychedelic effects in individuals with and without psychotic disorders.

Main Results:

  • Phenomenological overlap exists between psychedelic experiences and SSDs, but qualitative differences challenge a uniform psychotomimetic classification.
  • Psychedelics can exacerbate pre-existing psychotic illness and potentially trigger psychosis in vulnerable individuals, though risks are not fully quantified.
  • Neural mechanisms involve complex interactions within serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Carefully selected patients with stable SSDs may benefit from low-dose, controlled psychedelic interventions for specific symptoms like negative symptoms and depression.
  • Further research is needed to quantify risks and refine therapeutic strategies for psychedelic use in psychiatric populations.
  • Recommendations are provided for managing psychosis-related risks and exploring potential treatment avenues as psychedelic therapies advance.