USE OF PSYCHEDELIC SUBSTANCES FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES: IATROGENIC PROBLEM OR JUSTIFIED NECESSITY? PART 1
Azat R. Asadullin, Асадуллин Азат Раилевич, Andrey Viktorovich Antsyborov
Neurology Bulletin June 15, 2018 DOI: 10.17816/nb14113 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Argues that hallucinogenic substances fall into chemically heterogeneous classes without shared primary mechanisms of action, yet produce similar temporary changes in consciousness, perception, cognition, emotion, and somatic status. The authors contend that recent literature indicates possible therapeutic uses for these substances and review the classes with the most documented therapeutic use. |
Abstract
Hallucinogenic substances are usually classified into several different classes. Most classifications are based on the pharmacological mechanisms of action of these substances and their chemical structure. Psychedelics, entactogens, dissociative substances and “atypical” hallucinogens belongs to chemically heterogeneous group of substances with a hallucinogenic effect. All of the above classes of substances basically do not have common primary mechanisms of action. At the same time, they are similar in the ability to cause temporary, different in depth changes in consciousness, combined with changes in somatic status, perception, cognitive processes, and the emotions. Similar changes contribute to the recreational use of substances of this group. In recent years, a large number of works have appeared in the scientific literature, indicating the possibility of using these substances for therapeutic purposes. This review presents current literature data on several classes of hallucinogens, the therapeutic use of which is documented as much as possible.