Charlie J. Benson

2 papers in the library · 331 citations · publishing 2018-2019

Papers

Effects of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine on Rat Behaviors Relevant to Anxiety and Depression

ACS Chemical Neuroscience April 17, 2018 Lindsay P. Cameron, Charlie J. Benson, Lee E. Dunlap et al. 168 citations

Depression and anxiety impose large economic costs, and many patients do not respond to traditional antidepressants. A single dose of DMT, the main psychoactive compound in ayahuasca, initially increased anxiety-like behaviors in adult male rats but later reduced anxiety by speeding the extinction of conditioned fear memories. DMT also decreased immobility in the forced swim test, a standard measure of antidepressant-like effect. These results indicate that DMT produces both antidepressant and anxiety-reducing behavioral effects in rodents, supporting further research into ayahuasca and similar psychedelics as potential treatments for depression and PTSD.

DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00134 Full text Anxiety Depression economics Psychology Neuroscience +3

Chronic, Intermittent Microdoses of the Psychedelic N , N -Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) Produce Positive Effects on Mood and Anxiety in Rodents

ACS Chemical Neuroscience March 4, 2019 Lindsay P. Cameron, Charlie J. Benson, Brian C. Defelice et al. 163 citations

Repeated low doses of DMT, a psychedelic compound, produced antidepressant-like effects and improved fear extinction learning in male rats, without affecting working memory or social interaction. The rats also gained significant body weight during the study. The findings suggest that microdosing psychedelics may help alleviate symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but potential risks require further study.

DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00692 Anxiety Mood Neuroscience Pharmacology +3