Psychedelics and Pro-Social Behaviors: A Perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorders
Xue Wang, Cong Lin, Xiaohui Wang
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science February 10, 2025 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.5c00034 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | LSD psilocybin MDMA |
| Keywords | Mental health treatment Psychedelics Autism spectrum disorders Social cognition |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key points | Proposes that psychedelics may positively influence pro-social behaviors in individuals with ASD through modulation of neural pathways, but emphasizes the need for further research. |
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. This viewpoint explores the potential mechanisms through which psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) may positively influence pro-social behaviors, focusing on their implications for individuals with ASD.
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Psilocybin improves novel object recognition in a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome through the modulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway Neuropsychopharmacology February 13, 2026
- Psychedelics and the Extracellular Matrix: Rewiring Neuroplasticity and Metaplasticity for Next-Generation Psychiatric Therapies Biological Psychiatry February 1, 2026
- Evolutionary neuropharmacology of serotonergic psychedelics: a cross-species perspective on mechanisms, consciousness, and therapeutic potential. Molecular Psychiatry October 28, 2026
- Therapeutic potential of classic and non-classic psychedelics in neurodevelopmental disorders: Opportunities and challenges Pharmacological Research August 26, 2026
- Classic psychedelics and autism spectrum disorder: preclinical evidence, mechanistic insights and unresolved challenges. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews August 1, 2026
Cites 10
- Oxytocin-dependent reopening of a social reward learning critical period with MDMA Nature April 3, 2019
- Psychedelics reopen the social reward learning critical period Nature June 14, 2023
- Reduction in social anxiety after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with autistic adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Psychopharmacology November 1, 2018
- Psilocybin desynchronizes the human brain. Nature August 1, 2024
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) promotes social behavior through mTORC1 in the excitatory neurotransmission Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 25, 2021
and 5 more in the library