Behavioral Neurobiology of Psychedelic Drugs

by Adam L. Halberstadt, Franz X. Vollenweider, David E. Nichols

Overview

This volume brings together the latest basic and clinical research examining the effects and underlying mechanisms of psychedelic drugs. Examples of drugs within this group include LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline. Despite their structural differences, these compounds produce remarkably similar experiences in humans and share a common mechanism of action. Commonalities among the substances in this family are addressed both at the clinical and phenomenological level and at the basic neurobiological mechanism level. To the extent possible, contributions relate the clinical and preclinical findings to one another across species. The volume addresses both the risks associated with the use of these drugs and the potential medical benefits that might be associated with these and related compounds.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783662558782
Publisher:	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publication date:	04/04/2018
Series:	Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences , #36
Edition description:	1st ed. 2018
Pages:	430
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Preface.- Chemistry and structure-activity relationships of psychedelics.- Hallucinogens and serotonin 5-HT2A receptor-mediated signaling pathways.- Effects of hallucinogens on neuronal activity.- Interactions of Hallucinogens with the Glutamatergic System: Permissive Network Effects Mediated Through Cortical Layer V Pyramidal Neurons.- The effects of hallucinogens on gene expression.- Effect of Hallucinogens on Unconditioned Behavior.- Hallucinogens in Drug Discrimination.- Phenomenology, structure and dynamic of psychedelic states.- Serotonergic hallucinogen-induced visual perceptual alterations.- New world tryptamine hallucinogens and the neuroscience of ayahuasca.- Experimental psychosis research and schizophrenia - similarities and dissimilarities in psychopathology.- A review of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) and an exploratory study of subjects claiming symptoms of HPPD.- Therapeutic applications of classic hallucinogens.- Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Michael Easton, MD (Rush University Medical Center)
Description: Part of the Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences series, this book brings together the latest basic and clinical research into the underlying mechanism of action, effects, and possible clinical uses of psychedelic drugs.
Purpose: The purpose is to summarize the current state-of-the-art of psychedelics research. It brings together current knowledge regarding this class of drugs pharmacology, neurobiological effects, subjective experience, and therapeutic effects. This book addresses the risks associated with these drugs as well as the potential medical benefits from these and associated compounds.
Audience: The authors most likely intend this for a narrow group of clinicians and researchers who are interested in the underlying neurobiological effects of this class of agents as well at their potential clinical usefulness. This book also will be of interest to anyone who wants to further their understanding of these drugs.
Features: The 15 chapters cover serotonergic "psychedelic" drugs, describing their neurobiology, receptor effects, phenomenology, and clinical effects. Given significant restriction in their use, most of the current data is from preclinical animal models, although trials in normal subjects and psychiatric patients are discussed. Chapters review topics regarding the effects of these agents on various neuronal networks, transmitter systems, gene expression, unconditioned behavior, phenomenology of psychedelic states, and research on schizophrenia. It addresses the issues of post-use persistent perception disorder and devotes a chapter to Ayahuasca.
Assessment: This is a detailed, highly technical book and is not an easy read. It brings together preclinical and clinical data, which will be of interest to anyone involved with or curious about this category of drugs.

Doody's Review Service

This book brings together the latest basic and clinical research into the underlying mechanism of action, effects, and possible clinical uses of psychedelic drugs. … It brings together current knowledge regarding this class of drugs pharmacology, neurobiological effects, subjective experience, and therapeutic effects. … It brings together preclinical and clinical data, which will be of interest to anyone involved with or curious about this category of drugs.” (Michael Easton, Doody's Book Reviews, September, 2018)

From the Publisher