RANZCP Abstracts

Abstract

Background: This talk focuses on classic psychedelic drugs, compounds such as psilocybin and LSD that have direct agonist properties at the serotonin 2A receptor.Objectives: It will endeavor to address the pharmacological action of classic psychedelics, broader understanding of serotonin 2A receptor functioning, the acute brain effects of psychedelics -as determined by functional brain imaging, the therapeutic potential and approach of psychedelic therapy, and its potential therapeutic action.Methods: Data is presented from functional neuroimaging experiments with classic psychedelics as well as from clinical trials of psilocybin therapy for depression. Neuroimaging methods include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Findings: fMRI findings of decreased network integrity and segregation under psychedelics is presented, as is new data of decreased whole-brain modularity after psilocybin therapy for depression. Conclusions:The talk will provide a multi-level overview of the brain and putative therapeutic action of psychedelic therapy -as pertains to classic psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin. Implications for best practice in psychedelic therapy will be discussed.