Biological Drivers, Effects, and Mechanisms of Psychedelic-Induced Behavioral Change

We are pleased to announce this Research Topic in Frontiers in Neuroscience, dedicated to exploring the biological underpinnings, effects, and mechanisms of psychedelic-induced behavioral change, in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. Psychedelics have garnered significant interest for their potential to induce profound and lasting changes in behavior, and understanding how these substances interact with biological systems is crucial for harnessing their therapeutic potential

The primary aim of this Research Topic is to provide a multidisciplinary examination of how psychedelics influence biological systems to produce immediate and/or lasting changes in behavior. By addressing this topic, we hope to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between psychedelics and biological processes, and how these interactions translate into behavioral outcomes. Insights gained from this research could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches for mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. We encourage contributions that explore various aspects of these interactions, from genetic and epigenetic influences to neurobiological mechanisms and physiological responses.

This Research Topic will focus on the latest research findings that elucidate the interplay between psychedelics and biological processes, and how these translated into behavioral outcomes. We welcome submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Genetic and Epigenetic Influences:

o Studies investigating how genetic variations affect individual responses to psychedelic compounds.

o Research on epigenetic modifications induced by psychedelics and their long-term implications for behavior.

• Neurobiological Mechanisms:

o Insights into the neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems modulated by psychedelics.

o Mechanistic studies on the role of psychedelics in neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis.

• Physiological and Psychological Responses:

o Examination of the physiological pathways activated by psychedelics and their correlation with psychological experiences.

o Investigations into the acute and chronic biological effects mediating the psychological impact on mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

• Molecular and Cellular Studies:

o Research on the impact of psychedelics at the molecular and cellular levels, including receptor binding and intracellular signaling.

o Studies on the role of immune and inflammatory pathways in mediating the effects of psychedelics.

• Behavioral Change and Integration:

o Longitudinal studies tracking behavioral changes post-psychedelic treatment and their integration into daily life.

o Comparative studies on the efficacy of different psychedelic compounds, focusing on their varying pharmacological actions.

• Novel Methods of Acute Effects:

o Studies in animals or humans measuring the acute effects of psychedelics with metrics other than self-report.

We are interested in a variety of manuscript types, including Original Research articles, Review articles, and Brief Research Reports. We look forward to your valuable contributions to this exciting and rapidly evolving field.