Mapping the Neurocircuit for the Effects of Psychedelics on Anxiety

Psychedelics have been used in indigenous cultures for centuries, with empirical evidence of their mood and perception altering effects. Recently, there has been a renewal of interest in psychedelics given putative therapeutic effects in psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, it has remained a mystery as to how psychedelics actually bring about changes in mood-related behavior. In this colloquium I will discuss the work that has led to mapping the precise part of the brain, and the specific class of neurons within this brain region, that drives the decrease in anxiety caused by acute treatment with the psychedelic DOI. 

Article Reference

1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2024.08.016