Abstract
Background: A resurgence of neurobiological and clinical research is currently underway into the therapeutic potential of serotonergic or ‘classical’ psychedelics, such as the prototypical psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,Ndimethyltryptamine), and ayahuasca – a betacarboline- and dimethyltryptamine (DMT)-containing Amazonian beverage. The aim of this review is to introduce readers to the similarities and dissimilarities between psychedelic states and night dreams, and to draw conclusions related to therapeutic applications of psychedelics in psychiatry.
Methods: Research literature related to psychedelics and dreaming is reviewed, and these two states of consciousness are systematically compared. Relevant conclusions with regard to psychedelicassisted therapy will be provided. Results: Common features between psychedelic states and night dreams include perception, mental imagery, emotion activation, fear memory extinction, and sense of self and body. Differences between these two states are related to differential perceptual input from the environment, clarity of consciousness and meta-cognitive abilities. Therefore, psychedelic states are closest to lucid dreaming which is characterized by a mixed state of dreaming and waking consciousness. Conclusion: The broad overlap between dreaming and psychedelic states supports the notion that psychedelics acutely induce dreamlike subjective experiences which may have long-term beneficial effects on psychosocial functioning and well-being. Future clinical studies should examine how therapeutic outcome is related to the acute dreamlike effects of psychedelics.Keywords: Dreams, psychedelics, subjective experience, perception, mental imagery, emotion activation, fear memory extinction, sense of self and body.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Neuroinflammation and Neuroprotection: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Frontiers
It offers a comprehensive exploration of neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective pathways that play central roles in a range of neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This issue invites research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving neuroinflammation, such as the roles of ...read more
Advances in paediatric and adult brain cancers: emerging targets and treatments
Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors affecting children and adolescents, with up to 5,000 children diagnosed per year. Pediatric brain tumors, because of their location, are often untreatable and their clinical management can cause significant long-term impairment to intellectual and neurological function with epilepsy and neurodegeneration. Other than ...read more
Emotion (Dys)regulation: An integration of Pharmacological, Neurobiological, and Psychological Frameworks
Emotion regulation is a critical aspect of mental well-being and interpersonal relationships. To fully understand and effectively address emotion regulation, an integrative approach that considers pharmacological, neurobiological, and psychological frameworks is essential. Pharmacological interventions, such as medications targeting neurotransmitter imbalances, can play a significant role in managing emotional dysregulation. Understanding ...read more
Intercellular Communications in Cerebral Ischemia
Cerebral ischemia, a condition in which there is inadequate blood supply to the brain, ranks as one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally. Despite its prevalence and severity, efficacious treatment options for this debilitating disorder remain limited. Recent scientific explorations have delved deeply into the pathological mechanisms ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Cancer Drug Targets
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Current Drug Therapy
Related Books
Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research-Dementia
Anthocyanins: Pharmacology and Nutraceutical Importance
The Roles and Responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacists in Hospital Settings
Interventional Pain Surgery
Endoscopy and Fetoscopy Techniques for the Brain and Neuroaxis
Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention
Regenerative Medicine & Peripheral Nerve Endoscopy
Advances in Diagnostics and Immunotherapeutics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain
Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research
75
3
1