Evolving antidepressant: from SSRIs to psychedelic

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by blocking serotonin transport and modulating serotonin levels in the brain. This review examines the mechanisms of both SSRIs and psychedelics, highlighting their potential therapeutic applications for psychiatric disorders. It discusses the limitations of current antidepressants and the need for alternative approaches, exploring how psychedelics interact with receptors and neural networks to promote neuroplasticity, which may help reset maladaptive neural pathways and improve mental health. Recent research on psychoplastogens, non-hallucinogenic analogs of psychedelics, is presented as a promising alternative that may reduce adverse effects while still promoting neuroplasticity.

Study at a glance

Abstract

SSRIs mediate antidepressant effects by inhibiting specific serotonin transport(SERT) and subsequent modulation of serotonin levels in the brain. This review paper provides an overview of the mechanisms of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), as well as psychedelics, including their potential therapeutic applications in treating psychiatric disorders. By examining the limitations of current antidepressant treatments and highlighting the need for alternative approaches, it is necessary to explore the working mechanisms of psychedelic substances, including interaction with various receptors and neural networks in the brain and their potential role in promoting neuroplasticity, which may facilitate a reset of maladaptive neural pathways and promote new patterns of neural connectivity, potentially leading to improved mental health outcomes. Recent research on psychoplastogens, non-hallucinogenic analogs of psychedelic substances, may offer a promising alternative to traditional psychedelic therapies, including the reduced potential for adverse effects while promoting neuroplasticity, potentially improving mental health outcomes.