Psychotomimetic compensation versus sensitization.
Ari Brouwer, Robin Carhart-Harris, Charles L. Raison
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives August 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1217 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelic Psychosis Pychotomimetic Schizophrenia Sensitization Stress Substance use |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key points | Proposes that psychotomimetic compensation and psychotomimetic sensitization explain the paradoxical relief of psychosis-risk symptoms by psychotomimetic drugs. |
Abstract
It is a paradox that psychotomimetic drugs can relieve symptoms that increase risk of and cooccur with psychosis, such as attention and motivational deficits (e.g., amphetamines), pain (e.g., cannabis) and symptoms of depression (e.g., psychedelics, dissociatives). We introduce the ideas of psychotomimetic compensation and psychotomimetic sensitization to explain this paradox. Psychotomimetic compensation refers to a short-term stressor or drug-induced compensation against stress that is facilitated by engagement of neurotransmitter/modulator systems (endocannabinoid, serotonergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic) that mediate the effects of common psychotomimetic drugs. Psychotomimetic sensitization occurs after repeated exposure to stress and/or drugs and is evidenced by the gradual intensification and increase of psychotic-like experiences over time. Theoretical and practical implications of this model are discussed.
Citations in the library
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- From Suffering to Salvation: Making Sense of Religious Experiences International Journal for the Psychology of Religion December 13, 2024
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