Kate Frost

Underlying Similarities Between Psychedelic and Schizophrenia Hallucinations

Started Jan. 25, 2024

Abstract or project description

Though distinctly different in their effects, hallucinations occurring from schizophrenia symptoms and psychedelic drug action can appear similar. To investigate how different mechanisms underlie these effects, this paper highlights similarities at the molecular and anatomical network level as well as identifying potential new therapeutic applications and directions for research. This paper explores the 1950s and 1960s studies of schizophrenic patients using hallucinogenic drugs and their historical impact. Next, the paper dives into overlaps between schizophrenic and psychedelic hallucinations– from molecular to cellular levels. The paper’s overlaps section starts with Neuroplasticity overlaps between SCZ and Psychedelics; then is followed by the CSTC theory in psychedelics and schizophrenia’s hallucinations; 5-HT2A mediated hallucinations and psychotic effects; triple network disconnectivity in psychopathology and schizophrenia pathology; and finally, synaptic disconnections role in neuropharmacology of hallucinations seen by computational modeling. The paper includes a final section of how the drug, Nicotine, impacts SCZ patients. This paper's goal is to understand more about hallucinations, to further inform researchers about other aspects of the brain, and calls for further research to provide more accurate conclusions.