Psychedelics and neural plasticity.
Rachael Sumner, Kacper Łukasiewicz
BMC Neuroscience June 30, 2023 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00809-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Brain health Neurological treatment |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key findings | The editorial outlines the major ways psychedelics affect plasticity are being studied and emphasizes the need for better translation of pre-clinical studies to human research. |
Abstract
When it comes to studying neural plasticity and psychedelics, the numerous and diverse neuroscientific fields converging on the topic provide unique insight into a complex picture. This editorial will describe the major ways in which the known effects of psychedelics on plasticity are being studied. We lay out strengths of different techniques and the major gaps and room for future research, particularly in the translation of pre-clinical studies to human research.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on neuroplasticity, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A neurotrophic hypothesis of depression: role of synaptogenesis in the actions of NMDA receptor antagonists | 2012 | Review | |
| Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Review of preclinical and clinical studies | 2023 | Review | |
| Buddha's Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation [In the Spotlight] | 2008 | Review | |
| Neuroplasticity as a convergent mechanism of ketamine and classical psychedelics | 2021 | Review | |
| Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and psychedelics in the treatment of major depressive disorder: A perspective on mechanistic insight and current status. European Journal of Pharmacology August 15, 2025
- Psilocybin and psilocin regulate microglial immunomodulation and support neuroplasticity via serotonergic and AhR signaling. International Immunopharmacology June 26, 2025
- Evaluating the value and risks of psychedelics for psychiatric medicine: a clinical perspective. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics February 1, 2025
- How to set up a psychedelic study: Unique considerations for research involving human participants. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews July 1, 2026
- Synergies in psychedelic-assisted therapy: a qualitative interview study of psychotherapeutic processes Frontiers in Psychiatry April 1, 2026
Cites 10
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo Neuron July 5, 2021
- Harnessing psilocybin: antidepressant-like behavioral and synaptic actions of psilocybin are independent of 5-HT2R activation in mice Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences April 13, 2021
- The Subjective Effects of Psychedelics May Not Be Necessary for Their Enduring Therapeutic Effects ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science December 10, 2020
- Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics Frontiers in Psychiatry September 10, 2021
and 5 more in the library