Serotonergic hallucinogens and recognition of facial emotion expressions: a systematic review of the literature
Juliana Mendes Rocha, Flávia de Lima Osório, José Alexandre S. Crippa, José Carlos Bouso, Giordano Novak Rossi, Jaime E. C. Hallak, Rafael G. Dos Santos
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology 2019 DOI: 10.1177/2045125319845774 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | LSD psilocybin |
| Topics | Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Facial expression Cognitive psychology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 44 |
| Key findings | Serotonergic hallucinogens reduce recognition of negative emotions and modulate amygdala activity, correlating with antidepressive effects. |
Abstract
Background: Recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a key aspect of social cognition. Anxiety and mood disorders are associated with deficits in REFE, and anxiolytics and antidepressants reverse these deficits. Recent studies have shown that serotonergic hallucinogens (i.e. ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], and mescaline) have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, but their effects on REFE are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review analyzing the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on REFE in humans.
Methods: Studies published in the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases until 19 October 2018 which analyzed the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on REFE in humans were included.
Results: Of the 62 studies identified, 8 studies were included. Included studies involved the administration of a single or a few doses of LSD or psilocybin, and most trials were randomized and controlled with placebo. LSD and psilocybin reduced the recognition of negative emotions in most studies and modulated amygdala activity to these stimuli, which was correlated with antidepressive effects in patients. Both drugs were well tolerated.
Conclusions: Serotonergic hallucinogens reduced the recognition of negative emotions by modulating amygdala activity. Despite the small sample sizes, results suggest that serotonergic hallucinogens show promising beneficial effects on deficits in REFE.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on serotonin, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 35
- Emotions and brain function are altered up to one month after a single high dose of psilocybin. Scientific Reports February 10, 2020
- Ayahuasca Improves Self-perception of Speech Performance in Subjects With Social Anxiety Disorder Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology June 23, 2021
- Depression, Mindfulness, and Psilocybin: Possible Complementary Effects of Mindfulness Meditation and Psilocybin in the Treatment of Depression. A Review Frontiers in Psychiatry March 31, 2020
- Psychedelics, Sociality, and Human Evolution Frontiers in Psychology September 29, 2021
- Low doses of LSD reduce broadband oscillatory power and modulate event-related potentials in healthy adults Psychopharmacology October 6, 2021
and 30 more in the library
Cites 21
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology November 8, 2017
- Rapid antidepressant effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca in treatment-resistant depression: a randomized placebo-controlled trial Psychological Medicine June 15, 2018
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for alcoholism: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Journal of Psychopharmacology March 8, 2012
- Antidepressant Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in Patients With Recurrent Depression Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology December 11, 2015
- MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience October 4, 2013
and 16 more in the library