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.

Inhalt

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.