LSD, MDMA And d-Amphetamine: Study Provides New Insights Into Neurobiological Effects
A new study is shedding light on the complex brain connectivity changes induced by three psychoactive substances: lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA) and d-amphetamine. These compounds, while distinct in their classification—psychedelic, entactogen and stimulant, respectively—share overlapping effects on neurotransmitter systems, influencing large-scale brain connectivity in unique ways.
The study, which analyzed data from 25 healthy volunteers, used a placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover design to compare the effects of these substances on brain function. Data revealed both shared and unique patterns of brain connectivity, offering critical insights into their neurobiological mechanisms.
LSD’s Distinctive Brain Connectivity Impact
LSD, long known for its profound impact on perception and consciousness, demonstrated a striking reduction in within-network connectivity in the default mode network (DMN), a brain region associated with self-referential thinking and introspection. This effect is consistent with prior research suggesting that psychedelics diminish the DMN’s role, facilitating experiences …