Psychedelic

Psychedelics are a group of tryptamines which have a strong affinity with one particular type of serotonin receptor, called the 5-HT2A. These receptors are found in large numbers in the cortex. Psychedelics resemble serotonin closely enough that they can attach themselves to this receptor site in such a way as to activate it to do various things. Psychedelics effects are primarily the result of a reduction of brain activity, with the falloff concentrated paticularly in the default mode network.

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References

• Pollan, Micheal. (2018). How to Change Your Mind What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence (Location 3995). New York, NY: Penguin Random House.

Metadata

Type:🔵 Tags: Biology / Biochemistry / Neuroscience / Neurochemistry Status:☀️