Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity Across the Lifespan

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to grow, change, and reorganize itself. In some psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, neuroplasticity becomes impaired in specific parts of the brain. This has led to the theory that restoring neuroplasticity in those areas might help the brain become “unstuck” from the negative patterns of thought and behavior. Interventions which enhance neuroplasticity may also have the potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, and other disorders associated with rigid patterns of thought and behavior.

Psychedelics include ketamine, LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA. Psychedelic means “mind-manifesting”, and these substances are known for causing strong altered states of consciousness in which people experience thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a very different way. Psychedelics may also be able to enhance neuroplasticity. Studies in animals show that psychedelics can rapidly enhance neuroplasticity, particularly in the neocortex, and some preliminary data suggests that this might also be true in humans. Additionally, when given in a safe and supportive setting, psychedelics may be highly effective treatments for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

A main focus of our lab is studying how psychedelics affect neuroplasticity in humans. We are currently investigating the effects of LSD on various measures of neuroplasticity in younger (21-55) and older (55+) participants, and studies in clinical populations will follow. These studies will help us learn whether neuroplasticity is an important mechanism of action for psychedelics in humans, as well as exactly which aspects of neuroplasticity are impacted, how long any changes may last, and what that means for cognition, health, and well-being.