The mind-altering effects of psychedelic drugs may do more than just change a person’s state of consciousness. In a new study recently published in Cell Reports, researchers at the University of California, David found that substances such as LSD, DMT and MDMA actually increased the number of neural connections between brain cells. These findings could ultimately be used to repair the damaged neural connections oftentimes observed in those suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric disorders.
Researchers noted many parallels between the effects of these psychedelic substances on brain function and the effects of ketamine on the brain. This finding lends hope to the theory that different psychedelics may be comparably effective for treating severe cases of depression. As you may know, ketamine infusions are one of the most highly effective treatments for depression, improving symptoms in up to 70% of patients.
There is a growing body of research supporting the use of psychedelic drugs for the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders, though these studies are still in their infancies. Much more research is needed before psychedelics other than ketamine should be used broadly in humans in a clinical setting.
Each of these new studies sheds more light on the inner workings of the human brain and how we can effectively treat depression and other mood disorders. The way the brain works has been—and still is, in many ways—a mystery to scientists and doctors alike. However, ketamine and other psychedelic substances, through their ability to rapidly and effectively alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety, have guided researchers to look at the brain from a new perspective. Ultimately, this new understanding of how psychiatric disorders effect the neural structure of the brain may lead to more effective treatments. It’s certainly an exciting time to be following developments in this realm of science and medicine…
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With two ketamine clinics in Colorado—one ketamine clinic in Denver and another near Boulder/Fort Collins—we have performed thousands of ketamine infusions on patients suffering from both psychiatric disorders and chronic pain conditions. We are happy to answer your questions about ketamine infusions and help you determine if these treatments could help you or a loved one.
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