BMC Neuroscience announced a new article Collection focused on psychedelics and neural plasticity. Recent research has revealed that certain psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have the potential to induce lasting changes in the structure and function of neural circuits in the treatment of a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions – including in treatment-resistant populations – opening exciting new avenues for investigating the mechanisms underlying neural plasticity.
This Collection aimed to bring together new research on the effects of psychedelics on neural plasticity from diverse fields, including neuroscience, psychology, and pharmacology. We welcomed original research articles that explore the relationship between psychedelics and neural plasticity, both in human patients and animal models, and that build upon our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of psychoactive substances.
Potential topics for submission included, but were not limited to:
• The effects of psychedelic substances on synaptic plasticity and neuronal connectivity
• The impact of psychedelics on the biological neural networks involved in cognition, perception, and emotion
• Potential therapeutic applications of psychedelic-assisted therapy for neuropsychiatric conditions
• Genetic and epigenetic factors in mediating the effects of psychedelics on neural plasticity
• Long-term effects of psychedelic use on brain structure and function
We encouraged submissions that utilize a range of experimental techniques, including neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays, to investigate the effects of psychedelics on neural plasticity. Furthermore, given the still somewhat controversial public perception of psychedelics and their use in clinical contexts, submissions that include discussion of the ethical, social, and political implications of psychedelic research may also be considered for inclusion.
We hope that this Collection will provide a valuable platform for advancing our understanding of the relationship between psychedelics and neural plasticity.
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