This article was originally published on Microdose Psychedelic Insights and appears here with permission.
As the search for effective treatments for depression continues, researchers have begun to revisit LSD as a treatment for depression. Emerging evidence suggests that LSD may offer a novel approach to treating depression by targeting the brain differently than traditional antidepressants.
This article will delve into some studies that support the use of LSD for depression.
How LSD Affects the Brain
One of the primary ways LSD affects the brain is through its interaction with the serotonin system. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in various physiological and cognitive processes, including mood regulation, appetite, and sleep. LSD has a strong affinity for the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptors, which are densely concentrated in regions of the brain associated with cognition, perception, and mood (1).
When LSD binds to 5-HT2A receptors, it stimulates a cascade of intracellular signaling events, leading to the release of various neurotransmitters, including glutamate, dopamine, and norepinephrine (2). This neurotransmitter release is believed to contribute to the diverse array of cognitive, …