Psychotherapy And Psychedelics Can Transform Your Brain

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Introduction

The human brain constantly adapts and changes as a result of the situations it encounters. This is called neuroplasticity. This process takes time and requires prolonged effort if you want to alter, strengthen and set new, different neural pathways. We are all entirely dependent on the brain’s ability to rewire itself to recover from brain injuries, tackle mental health difficulties, or even just change bad habits and patterns of behaviour. With the psychedelic renaissance in full swing, various studies have revealed that numerous psychedelics have the potential to unlock and catalyse the brain’s ability to change. It’s wild to think that substances such as LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca, once firmly underground and counter-culture, may in fact be the key to supercharge neuroplasticity. This exciting prospect gives new hope to individuals suffering that there is a (relatively) side-effect free means of if not solving then dramatically improving their issues.

When combined with carefully curated, individually focused psychotherapy psychedelics have been proven to promote long-lasting psychological benefits. These benefits do exist outside of the therapeutic context, which goes some way to explaining how these substances have become integral to rituals and religious ceremonies the world over. But it is particularly when carefully administered in combination with psychotherapy that their true (and safe) potential can be harnessed. Many clinical trials have already demonstrated that even a single dose of a psychedelic can have a dramatic impact on the psyche. A short series of guided psychedelic sessions in consultation with a knowledgeable therapist can result in significant improvements in symptoms, with these effects persisting for months or even years. This ability of these substances to supercharge our brain’s neuroplasticity has led scientists to describe psychedelics as psychoplastogens which are compounds that rapidly stimulate a period of enhanced neuroplasticity and facilitate long-lasting beneficial changes in brain function.

The Promise of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Psychedelic-Assisted therapy is exactly as we have described above. A course of therapy with a trusted professional in combination with carefully administered psychedelics. The potential of this therapy harnesses psychedelics’ ability to induce profound and incredibly meaningful, even transcendent experiences. The intensity and openness of these experiences is exactly what leads to the corresponding and long-lasting psychological benefits. This temporary state of drastically increased plasticity may allow individuals to break fixed patterns of behaviour or destructive thought loops and promote the breaking of old, and formation of new neural pathways. This can massively increase our ability to process difficult emotions and memories in a constructive manner

Research has already shown with some certainty that psychedelic-assisted therapy can be particularly effective in treating conditions that are often resistant to conventional treatments, such as:

– Treatment-resistant depression

– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

– End-of-life anxiety in terminal illness

– Addiction to substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and opioids

The therapeutic effects of psychedelics come from their ability to enhance psychological flexibility, promote introspection and self-exploration not possible in a non-altered-state, and promote a sense of connectedness and meaning. By integrating these experiences with the guidance of a trained therapist, a rapidly increasing body of people have already made significant progress in their mental health journey and maintained these long-term improvements in their well-being.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Psychedelic Neuroplasticity

Classic psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin create their effects through several key molecular mechanisms:

1. Promoting the expression of genes related to synaptic plasticity: Psychedelics have been shown to increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This results in stimulation of early genes, which play crucial roles in both the creation of neural connections, and fixing these new connections for the long-term.
2. Stimulating the growth of synapses and dendrites: These tiny structures are necessary to allow communication between neurons. Their growth and the structure of their organisation are central to the process of neuroplasticity. Psychedelics have been found to increase the development of these structures and enhance neural connectivity.
3. Enhancing the strength of long-term potentiation (LTP): LTP is a key element of learning and memory. This process is involved in the strengthening of synaptic connections in response to repeated stimulation. Some studies suggest that psychedelics can increase the strength of LTP. This may facilitate the encoding of new information and experiences.

The particular effects of psychedelics on neurogenesis (the creation of completely new neurons) appear to be less distinct, certain compounds such as DMT have shown more promise in boosting this process. In multiple human studies, increased blood levels of BDNF have been observed after the consumption of psychedelics. This is still a very new field of research and therefore results have of course been inconsistent. This is possibly due to the limitations of using BDNF as a biomarker. Neuroimaging studies can provide more direct visual evidence, with multiple investigations revealing changed patterns of brain connectivity after psychedelics have been administered. These are the changes which accurately illustrate psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity.

The Role of Serotonin Receptors

Psychedelics affect neuroplasticity mainly through their interaction with the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor. This receptor promotes the release of glutamate, the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter. Psychedelics have been shown to activate this mechanism. The resulting surge of glutamate stimulates a surge of plasticity-related signalling events. This includes the release of BDNF and other known regulators of synaptic growth.

Interestingly, certain psychedelics like DMT may also enhance neurogenesis through other receptors, such as the sigma-1 receptor. This shows us that all psychedelics are worth investigating in this context. As different psychedelics may have particular effects and qualities which may influence neuroplasticity in unique ways – perhaps beneficial for different people, with unique needs.

Understanding specifically which receptors and signalling pathways are involved in neuroplasticity, and which are affected by psychedelic compounds is crucial for harnessing their therapeutic potential. By targeting these receptors selectively, researchers will be able to develop more individual and tailored approaches to enhance neuroplasticity. Different brains will have different constituents and different issues.

Brain Regions Affected by Psychedelic Neuroplasticity

The most powerful changes promoted by psychedelics occur in specific areas of the brain. As we have discussed, psychedelics’ main area of activation is on the 5-HT2A receptors. So, it stands to reason that regions of the brain with a high density of 5-HT2A receptors are likely to be the most affected. As a result, the prefrontal cortex has been the main focus of a lot of research. The prefrontal cortex is central to the control of attention, inhibition, emotion and learning.

Animal studies have consistently demonstrated that psychedelics can:

– Upregulate the expression of plasticity-related genes in the prefrontal cortex.

– Increase synaptic density and promote dendritic growth in this region.

– Enhance functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and other brain areas.

In contrast, the effects of psychedelics on the hippocampus are much less pronounced. The hippocampus is another area of the brain which is key to learning and memory. However in this region there is a higher ratio of inhibitory 5-HT1A receptors along with the 5-HT2A receptors which may at least somewhat cancel out psychedelics’ effects.

Early evidence also suggests that psychedelics may enhance neuroplasticity in other areas. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent and significance of these changes.

Identifying the specific brain regions and networks that are most powerfully affected by psychedelics is key. It is the means by which we will develop targeted therapies for specific individuals.

Dosage and the Concept of Microdosing

Dosage is of course a critical factor. Different doses will drastically alter the levels of neuroplastic effects. Animal studies suggest higher doses will result in higher potential for plasticity. It remains, therefore, unclear if microdoses (which are very low doses designed to avoid any hallucinatory effects) are sufficient to significantly promote neuroplasticity.

Some human studies have found that even sub-hallucinogenic doses of LSD can elevate BDNF levels. This raises the possibility of using non-psychoactive therapies.

The potential benefits of microdosing include:

– Improved mood and cognitive function

– Enhanced creativity and productivity

– Reduced anxiety and stress

To be clear, the long-term safety and efficacy of microdosing remain largely unknown, and more research is necessary to understand how specific doses alter the effects. However, there are innumerable accounts of individuals finding great success with this method of consumption – regardless of whether it is in a clinical setting.

While high doses of psychedelics may produce more profound and lasting neuroplastic changes they also come with a risk of a difficult or even traumatic experience. Finding the balance between safety and effectiveness is key, and will vary from person to person. Increasing our understanding of exactly how these chemicals work is paramount to utilising them as therapeutic tools.

Timeline of Psychedelic Neuroplasticity

How long the effects take to appear, and how long they will last following an experience are another important consideration. Recent studies have shown that changes in gene expression can occur very quickly I.E. within a few short hours of consumption. The stimulation of plasticity-related genes has been observed in rodents a single hour after treatment with LSD or psilocybin.

These initial molecular changes are thought to set the stage for lasting change. Preceding the structural and functional changes in the brain as a whole. Increased synaptic density and dendritic growth likely follow in the days and weeks after consumption of psychedelics. The exact duration of the plasticity itself remains uncertain, some studies in animals have documented persistent molecular and structural changes more than a month after treatment.

In humans, the therapeutic effects of psychedelic-assisted treatments often endure for 6-12 months, if not longer. This suggests that the neuroplastic changes induced by psychedelics may be relatively stable and long-lasting.

Understanding the timeline of psychedelic neuroplasticity will be essential for optimising treatment protocols and maximising long-term therapeutic outcomes.

Implications for Mental Health Treatment

Psychedelics’ ability to increase neuroplasticity has profound implications for mental health treatment as a whole. Current treatments available for most mental difficulties come with the potential for extremely distressing or dangerous side-effects. Psychedelics are some of the least dangerous substances we are aware of. Therefore, their ability to facilitate the rewiring of neural circuits involved in mood, reward, and cognition, may offer a powerful tool for overcoming rigid, and negative patterns of thought and behaviour. It is these fixed patterns which are believed to be the underlying cause or result of many mental health disorders.

The extensive literature on psychedelic-assisted therapy suggests that these compounds can induce significant and lasting improvements in a range of conditions, including:

– Major depressive disorder

– Anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety and social anxiety

– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

– Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

– Substance use disorders, including alcohol and tobacco addiction

Psychedelics can evoke powerful subjective experiences which promote a sense of unity, transcendence, or emotional catharsis. It is this which may provide the “reset” cutting entrenched neural patterns and creating opportunities for psychological change.

As research progresses, psychedelics will likely become invaluable, safe tools for increasing psychological flexibility and expanding the capacity for personal growth and self-awareness. However, it is important to recognise that the profound alterations in neural connectivity induced by psychedelics also raise important safety considerations, highlighting the need for carefully controlled, clinical settings and appropriate therapeutic support.

Conclusion

The field of psychedelic induced neuroplasticity is rapidly evolving. An ever increasing number of studies are revealing their potential with more and more clarity. The knowledge we have already gained provides numerous potential avenues for future research. To fully harness the potential of these compounds in a therapeutic context it will be essential to:

4. Develop novel neuroimaging approaches to directly visualise psychedelic-induced synaptic changes in the human brain. This could involve techniques such as PET imaging with radioligands that bind to synaptic proteins or advanced MRI methods that can detect subtle changes in neural connectivity.
5. Conduct detailed time-course studies to map the onset, peak, and persistence of psychedelic neuroplasticity. This will require longitudinal assessments that combine molecular, structural, and functional measures of brain plasticity with clinical outcomes.
6. Optimise psychedelic therapy protocols, including dosage regimens, frequency and duration of sessions, and the integration of psychotherapeutic support. Identifying the most effective and efficient treatment parameters will be crucial for maximising therapeutic outcomes while minimising risks.
7. Investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies, with a focus on the durability of neuroplastic changes and clinical improvements. This will require extended follow-up studies that monitor both neurobiological and psychological outcomes over months and years.

It appears that the brain can change and adapt rapidly as a result of intense and profound experiences. Unravelling the mechanisms of this change, induced by psychedelics, offers a unique window into our innate potential for growth and healing. This will only serve to create more openings and further avenues for personal transformation.

We stand at the threshold of a new era in psychedelic medicine. They hold the potential to transform mental health treatment completely and massively improve millions of lives. Not only that, their effects themselves can deepen our own understanding of our minds as individuals. Of course, this field is in its infancy so much remains to be discovered, but the future of psychedelic neuroplasticity research holds immense promise for unlocking the brain’s extraordinary capacity for change.

David Blackbourn | Community Blogger at Chemical Collective

David is one of our community bloggers here at Chemical Collective. If you’re interested in joining our blogging team and getting paid to write about subjects you’re passionate about, please reach out to David via email at blog@chemical-collective.com