The psychedelic drug influences functional connectivity in the brain.
How LSD Frees the Brain. The subject of hallucinogens came to mind as I came across a new study that provides insights into the association between brain function and consciousness. Hallucinogens are substances whose primary effects include the changing of thought patterns, sensory perception, and mood. Natural hallucinogens have existed for millennia and have found roles in religious and ritual activities.
The chemist Albert Hofman created the first synthetic hallucinogen in 1938. He discovered its mind-altering properties by accident five years later when he had accidental exposure to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). While initially used as an anesthetic and thought to be helpful as an adjunct for psychoanalysis, by the 1960s, it had become a popular recreational drug. In 1966, federal law forbade its use in the United States.
More recently, there has been renewed interest in hallucinogenic drugs’ potential therapeutic applications. Researchers are looking at their use for treatment-resistant depression, severe depression, anxiety secondary to end-stage illness, substance abuse disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The results of the therapeutic use of hallucinogens such as LSD suggest promise, but few of the available studies provide high-level evidence of efficacy. Few are randomized clinical trials, and many have small sample sizes and short duration. While single (or a few) doses seem well-tolerated, we don’t have long-term outcome data.
People use hallucinogens recreationally because of the psychedelic effects of the drugs. Sensory stimuli can be heightened or distorted, and introspection and feelings enhanced. Of course, there can be downsides, including an elevation of heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, hyperthermia, and others. Nausea and vomiting are not uncommon, often preceding the hallucinogenic effects of the drugs.
How LSD Frees the Brain
Consciousness appears to involve the integration of multiple segregated brain networks and their subnetworks. Cambridge (England) researchers sought to understand better how brain connectivity patterns varied over time under the influence of LSD
The scientists utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine 15 healthy volunteers during two separate sessions. For one session, the participants took a placebo. For the other, they consumed a dose of LSD.
Typically, nerve cells that fire together wire together. The researchers discovered that LSD uncoupled this connectivity. The LSD resulted in brain activity becoming less constrained than usual by the presence or absence of an underlying anatomical connection. In essence, brain function became less constrained by brain structure. The study authors note that this is the opposite of what occurs during anesthesia.
How LSD Frees the Brain: Psychedelic drugs such as LSD influence functional connectivity in the brain: Learn more by going here:
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