Exploring Neuroplasticity: The Role of LSD, Methamphetamine, Cannabis, and Ketamine in Psychiatric Disorders
Uğurcan Altıok1, Oytun Erbaş1
1ERBAS Institute of Experimental Medicine, Illinois, USA & Gebze, Türkiye
Keywords: Dimethyltryptamine, methamphetamine, neuroplasticity, psychedelics, psychiatric disorders, psychopharmacology.
Abstract
Psychoactive substances are chemical compounds that cause emotional and behavioral changes by altering perceptions and cognition. These substances can affect communication between brain cells and synaptic connections, thereby influencing neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is a key mechanism underlying various psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The findings suggest that psychoactive substances could open new avenues in the field of neuropsychiatry. However, it is emphasized that these substances must be used safely and under controlled conditions, with consideration given to their side effects and risks, and more clinical research is needed. This review discusses the effects of psychoactive substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide, methamphetamine, dimethyltryptamine, cannabis, ketamine, and psilocybin on neuroplasticity, and how these effects could be beneficial in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.
Cite this article as: Altıok U, Erbaş O. Exploring Neuroplasticity: The Role of LSD, Methamphetamine, Cannabis, and Ketamine in Psychiatric Disorders. JEB Med Sci 2024;5(3):234-240.
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.
The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.