Long-term use was associated with thinning of the posterior cingulate cortex , thickening of the anterior cingulate cortex , and decreased neocortical 5-HT2A receptor binding .
Despite the high method ological heterogeneity and the small sample sizes , the results suggest that hallucinogens increase introspection and positive mood by modulating brain activity in the fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital cortex
Serotonergic hallucinogens produce alterations of perceptions , mood , and cognition , and have anxiolytic , antidepressant , and antiaddictive properties .
These drugs act as agonists of frontocortical 5-HT2A receptors , but the neural basis of their effects are not well understood .
Thus , we conducted a systematic review of neuroimaging studies analyzing the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens in man .
Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study
Several lines of evidence suggest that classic ( 5HT2A agonist ) hallucinogens have clinical ly relevant effects in alcohol and drug addiction . Although recent studies have investigated the effects of psilocybin in various population s , there have been no studies on the efficacy of psilocybin for alcohol dependence . We conducted a single-group proof-of-concept study to quantify acute effects of psilocybin in alcohol-dependent participants and to provide preliminary outcome and safety data . Ten volunteers with DSM-IV alcohol dependence received orally administered psilocybin in one or two supervised sessions in addition to Motivational Enhancement Therapy and therapy sessions devoted to preparation for and debriefing from the psilocybin sessions . Participants ’ responses to psilocybin were qualitatively similar to those described in other population s. Abstinence did not increase significantly in the first 4 weeks of treatment ( when participants had not yet received psilocybin ) , but increased significantly following psilocybin administration ( p < 0.05 ) . Gains were largely maintained at follow-up to 36 weeks . The intensity of effects in the first psilocybin session ( at week 4 ) strongly predicted change in drinking during weeks 5–8 ( r = 0.76 to r = 0.89 ) and also predicted decreases in craving and increases in abstinence self-efficacy during week 5 . There were no significant treatment-related adverse events . These preliminary findings provide a strong rationale for controlled trials with larger sample s to investigate efficacy and mechanisms . TRIAL REGISTRATION :
Long-term use was associated with thinning of the posterior cingulate cortex , thickening of the anterior cingulate cortex , and decreased neocortical 5-HT2A receptor binding .
Despite the high method ological heterogeneity and the small sample sizes , the results suggest that hallucinogens increase introspection and positive mood by modulating brain activity in the fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital cortex
Serotonergic hallucinogens produce alterations of perceptions , mood , and cognition , and have anxiolytic , antidepressant , and antiaddictive properties .
These drugs act as agonists of frontocortical 5-HT2A receptors , but the neural basis of their effects are not well understood .
Thus , we conducted a systematic review of neuroimaging studies analyzing the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens in man .