Psychoplastogens: A Promising Class of Plasticity-Promoting Neurotherapeutics.
Journal of experimental neuroscience September 19, 2018 DOI: 10.1177/1179069518800508 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Depression Ketamine LSD MDMA Neuroplasticity PTSD DMT |
| Keywords | Psychedelic Induced plasticity Psychoplastogen |
| Key points | Argues that neuropsychiatric disorders arise from an inability to weaken pathologic and strengthen beneficial neural circuits, and proposes "psychoplastogens"—fast-acting compounds including psychedelics, ketamine, and other fast-acting antidepressants—as therapeutics that rapidly promote structural and functional neural plasticity, representing a paradigm shift toward selective circuit modulation rather than correcting "chemical imbalances." |
Abstract
Neural plasticity-the ability to change and adapt in response to stimuli-is an essential aspect of healthy brain function and, in principle, can be harnessed to promote recovery from a wide variety of brain disorders. Many neuropsychiatric diseases including mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders arise from an inability to weaken and/or strengthen pathologic and beneficial circuits, respectively, ultimately leading to maladaptive behavioral responses. Thus, compounds capable of facilitating the structural and functional reorganization of neural circuits to produce positive behavioral effects have broad therapeutic potential. Several known drugs and experimental therapeutics have been shown to promote plasticity, but most rely on indirect mechanisms and are slow-acting. Here, I describe psychoplastogens-a relatively new class of fast-acting therapeutics, capable of rapidly promoting structural and functional neural plasticity. Psychoplastogenic compounds include psychedelics, ketamine, and several other recently discovered fast-acting antidepressants. Their use in psychiatry represents a paradigm shift in our approach to treating brain disorders as we focus less on rectifying "chemical imbalances" and place more emphasis on achieving selective modulation of neural circuits.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on DMT, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| When the Endogenous Hallucinogenic Trace AmineN,N-Dimethyltryptamine Meets the Sigma-1 Receptor | 2009 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| A Model for the Application of Target-Controlled Intravenous Infusion for a Prolonged Immersive DMT Psychedelic Experience. | 2016 | Theoretical or methodological paper | |
| Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): a biochemical Swiss Army knife in neuroinflammation and neuroprotection? | 2016 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Dimethyltryptamine Experiments with Psychotics | 1958 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Enlightening the "Spirit Molecule": Photomodulation of the 5-HT2A Receptor by a Light-Controllable N,N-Dimethyltryptamine Derivative. | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 194
- A non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogue with therapeutic potential. Nature 2021
- Psychedelics promote neuroplasticity through the activation of intracellular 5-HT2A receptors Science February 16, 2023
- Psilocybin therapy increases cognitive and neural flexibility in patients with major depressive disorder. Translational Psychiatry November 8, 2021
- The Subjective Effects of Psychedelics May Not Be Necessary for Their Enduring Therapeutic Effects ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science December 10, 2020
- Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023
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Cites 6
- mTOR-Dependent Synapse Formation Underlies the Rapid Antidepressant Effects of NMDA Antagonists Science August 19, 2010
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Ketamine and rapid-acting antidepressants: a new era in the battle against depression and suicide F1000Research May 24, 2018
- Effects of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine on Rat Behaviors Relevant to Anxiety and Depression ACS Chemical Neuroscience April 17, 2018
- Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience:N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) ACS Chemical Neuroscience July 23, 2018
and 1 more in the library