The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Treatment Resistant Depression has become extremely prevalent with 30% of depression cases being unresolvable. Psychedelics specifically Lysergic Acid Diethylamide has been a newfound unconventional approach that has demonstrated significant benefits for depression. LSD is a hallucinogenic drug mainly acting on the serotonin receptors that leads to altered sensory and perception affecting mood. This research paper comprehensively examines animal and human studies on LSD’s healing properties and enduring effects. The studies find that LSD induces neuroplasticity, and alters gene expressions associated with synaptogenesis and neurogenesis. Additionally LSD affects the activity of different neurotransmitters in the central nervous system enhancing mood. Lastly LSD reduces Default Mode Network activity leading to a loss of subjective identity and feelings of unity with the universe. All these mechanisms alter brain chemistry in different regions leading to lasting benefits of LSD. Furthermore, there is continuous research for improved analogs of LSD drugs that can alter mood but with less hallucinogenic effects. Overall, psychedelics elicit significant psycho-spiritual experiences as well as modulate neural circuits implicated in mood.
Recommended Citation
Eliana Cohen. (2025). Novel Pharmacotherapies for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 19(1), 69-77. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol19/iss1/10
