By Gabriel García July 18, 2024
Recent research is revealing the potential benefits of psychedelics on brain health, particularly in the cognitive and emotional realms. A recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology has identified that people who use psychedelics have significantly higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) compared to non-users. This increase in BDNF suggests that psychedelics may enhance the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise itself, offering new opportunities to treat mental disorders.
BDNF is a crucial protein for brain health and function, as it promotes the survival of existing neurons and stimulates the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. It is essential for long-term memory, learning and brain plasticity - the brain’s ability to change and adapt to new experiences.
Alterations in BDNF levels have been linked to several neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Elevated levels of BDNF are often associated with improved cognitive function and mental health, making it a prime area of interest for brain researchers.
The research team conducted a meta-analysis to examine the relationship between psychedelics and BDNF levels, addressing an important gap in the existing literature. While individual studies have investigated the effects of psychedelics on immediate neurotransmitter systems and brain function, the long-term molecular impacts, especially in relation to BDNF, have not been extensively studied.
A meta-analysis allows for the identification of patterns, common findings and possible discrepancies between studies by aggregating data from different research. This approach increases statistical power and improves effect size estimation, making it easier to draw meaningful conclusions.
“My interest in this topic stems from the growing evidence that psychedelics have a significant impact on mental health,” said Arman Shafiee, lead author of the study from Alborz University of Medical Sciences.
The researchers followed strict guidelines in conducting this meta-analysis, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. They registered their study protocol in the international PROSPERO database.
They conducted a comprehensive search of multiple databases, including Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, from their inception to 9 July 2023. They used a wide range of keywords related to psychedelics and BDNF to ensure a comprehensive search. Only randomised clinical trials assessing changes in BDNF levels following psychedelic use were included, excluding observational studies, animal research and other non-relevant publications.
From an initial pool of 549 articles, nine studies met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. These studies, conducted between 2019 and 2023 in Switzerland and Brazil, had a low risk of bias.
The meta-analysis confirmed that psychedelic users had significantly higher BDNF levels than non-users, with a standardised mean difference of 0.20, indicating a modest but significant increase. Subgroup analyses revealed that this BDNF increase was more pronounced with certain psychedelics, especially dimethyltryptamine (DMT). The results were consistent across different sources of BDNF measurement, with plasma levels being more robust than serum levels.
Despite the promising results, the study has several limitations. Sample sizes were relatively small, ranging from 16 to 73 participants, and heterogeneity between studies could have influenced the results. In addition, variations in the duration of psychedelic use and gender distribution among participants may have affected the findings.
Future research should consider larger and more diverse samples to provide more reliable evidence. Studies also need to consider both plasma and serum BDNF levels and explore possible differences in BDNF response between men and women. In addition, more randomised controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of psychedelics as therapeutic agents.
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting world, we invite you to consult the Psychonaut’s Guides by Argonowta. These books will give you a broad and balanced view of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic effects. Remember, however, that these substances are not a panacea or a magic solution to all your problems. Their use requires professional guidance, an appropriate context and a responsible attitude. Psychedelics can be a powerful tool for personal change, but they can also be dangerous if used inappropriately or irresponsibly.
The Psychonaut’s Guides from Argonowta Publishing is a collection of books that explain in a rigorous and accessible way the scientific, historical, cultural and experiential aspects of psychedelic substances. These guides offer updated and contrasted information on the therapeutic and neuroscientific applications of psilocybin, LSD, DMT and MDMA, as well as practical advice on how to prepare, carry out and take advantage of psychedelic experiences. The Psychonaut’s Guides are a must-have reference for anyone interested in learning about the psychedelic renaissance that is transforming mental health and changing lives.
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