Essay on Commonality of Synesthesia Induced by Serotonin

Images from the study suggest a greater connectivity across the brain. There is evidence that the visual hallucinations produced by the drug involve not only the visual cortex, but many other parts of the brain. This lack of boundaries are highly segregated and may suggest a mechanism behind the altered state of consciousness experienced by users and the “ego dissolution”, or loss of a sense of self, described by many. (E., R. (201126) 426.)

Abstract: The human brain is the most complex organ in the body. Its functions control every aspect of life. It is important to attempt to comprehend the workings of the brain and to learn the effects of natural and unnatural substances on it. In order to look at chemical effects on the brain, one must first get an understanding for the chemicals as well as how the brain works to interpret and react to signals set out by these chemicals, rhythmically and physiologically. Several chemicals observed include: cocaine (and other chemicals), seratonin, and melatonin.

It is important to note that from the tens of thousands of doses of LSD and other classical compounds such as mescaline which has been conducted under medical administration, a general fact about these drugs have emerge which posits that the drugs are not addictive but is self-limiting meaning that if taken three days in a row it will no longer produce a psychic effect (Buckley, 1966). Studies on LSD have revealed that it causes no organic changes to the brain or any permanent changes in brain activity.

Ecstasy acts by increasing the activity of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine three neurotransmitters. Serotonin triggers the release of vasopressin and oxytocin which play important roles in love, trust, and sexual arousal. This may account for the characteristics of emotional closeness and empathy produced by the drug. However the surge of serotonin depletes the brain of the chemical causing confusion, sleep problems, depression, and problems with attention and memory. Signs of withdrawal include

Newer treatments for schizophrenia symptom management focus on both the DA and the 5-HT systems in an attempt to alleviate positive, negative and cognitive symptoms (Leucht et al., 2009; Leucht, Wahlbeck, Hamann, & Kissling, 2003). The 5-HT hypothesis of schizophrenia arose from toxicologic explanations of mental illness that were popular in the 1950s (Osmond, 1958). Toxicologic explanations received their inspiration from the observation that exogenous substances could produce effects that resemble certain signs and symptoms of mental illness, such as hallucinations (Osmond, 1958). The 5-HT hypothesis arose based on the observation that hallucinogenic-effects, such as those seen with LSD administration, are mediated by 5-HT agonism, and hence, schizophrenia symptoms likely arise from a similar mechanism (Baumeister & Hawkins, 2004). However, in the 1970s, the 5-HT hypothesis of schizophrenia was almost completely replaced by the DA hypothesis, only making a comeback later with the proven effectiveness of the atypical antipsychotics, such as clozapine (Baumeister & Hawkins, 2004).

Part of the Neuron Affected, Inhibitory or Excitatory Potential Changes and Ion Channels Affected by Psilocybin Psilocybin belongs to the classification of drugs called hallucinogens. Hallucinogens typically act by stimulating serotonin receptors at different times or for longer durations than serotonin itself would (Kalat 2004). When psilocybin enters the brain, the enzyme alkaline breaks down one of its phosphate groups through hydrolysis. It then becomes psilocin, an even stronger hallucinogen (Psilocybin 2003). It is particularly potent due to the position of its hydroxyl group (Jacobs 1984).

Secondary injuries can manifest from hours to weeks after the primary injury. The secondary brain injury involves numerous metabolic processes that result from the interruption of blood flow and lack of oxygen to undamaged cells, which causes anaerobic metabolism to occur. Once anaerobic metabolism has started this causes a disruption in the energy producing mechanisms in the body, which causes inadequate synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (Tran,

The purpose of this research paper is to examine the different effects of different types of hallucinogenic drugs on the human brain. The paper will focus specifically on LSD, DMT, and Shrooms as they are amongst the strongest types of drugs in their category. The chemical structure of the different drugs and the way they alters chemicals in the brain will be examined as well. This topic is worth investigating because if you or anyone you know is interested in trying LSD, DMT, and Shrooms, it is important to know the effects they will have on your brain if you are unaware or don’t

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT5A and 5-HT6 agonist demonstrating psychedelic properties. It is generally used recreationally however there is ongoing research into it’s application in LSD-assisted psychotherapy (Müller, 2015)

It is one of the most powerful hallucinogens known. Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter one’s awareness of surrounding objects and conditions, thoughts, and feelings. They cause sensations and images that seem real, though they are not. People who have taken psychedelics commonly report feelings of “becoming one with nature” and “feeling the self dissolve.” Images of the human brain on LSD reveal the regions of the brain responsible for higher cognition light up, suddenly becoming heavily connected with other networks in the brain that do not normally communicate with one another (Schlangerz). This breaks down parts of the brain that separate different functions, such as vision and movement, thus creating distorted

The psychedelic effects of d-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-25 (LSD) were discovered by Dr. Albert Hoffman by accident in 1938. In the 1950s and 1960s, LSD was used by psychiatrists for analytic psychotherapy. It was thought that the administration of LSD could aid the patient in releasing repressed material. It was also suggested that psychiatrists themselves might develop more insight into the pathology of a diseased mind through self experimentation. 1,2 During the late 60s, LSD became popular as a recreational drug. While it has been suggested that recreational use of the drug has dropped, a recent report on CNN claimed that 4.4% of 8th graders have tried it. LSD is considered to be one of, if not the, most

The affect LSD has on the body is controlled in the brain. As the substance enters the

Research of Psychedelic studies have been around the 60’s and have been tested in the medical field with individuals that have had negative psychological issues, ranging from addiction solving to patients with the anxiety of mortality by facilitating a spiritual experience. According to Dr. Stanislav Grof, “they initially gave LSD to alcoholic patients with the intention of deterring them further drinking by the horrors of a simulated delirium tremens. Paradoxically, however, it seemed to be the profound positive experiences in LSD sessions that were correlated with good therapeutic results.” (Grof 32). To elaborate, research shows that Lysergic Acid-25 had a positive influence on individuals with addiction to alcohol. This shows that individuals with Addiction to alcohol and other substances have a potential for better wellbeing with the use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, in a therapeutic environment. As for the spiritual aspect of Psychedelic substances, “They speak about cosmic unity, unio mystica, mysterium, tremendum, cosmic consciousness, union with God, Atman-Braham union, Samadhi, satori, moksha, or the harmony of the spheres. Occasionally, patients even receive direct advice and guidance as to how they can

An individual’s behavior and emotion becomes chemically altered often resulting in dependency, aggression, onset of diseases and poor judgement. This poses a dangerous threat to the neurotransmitters since they have multiple jobs in different parts of the brain. Drugs of abuse are able to exert influence over the brain reward pathway either by directly influencing the action of dopamine within the system, or by altering the activity of other neurotransmitters that exert a modulatory influence over this pathway. These drugs are often powerful and have been known to trigger schizophrenic behavior and can also cause a person to cease breathing, for example hallucinogens such as LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin are able to artificially stimulate the serotonin receptor (Sapolsky, 2005).

Psychosis is a symptom of many serious mental disorders characterized by a loss of touch with reality. The perception of reality is a major component of self-awareness. The pathology of psychosis is key to understanding the neurological agents responsible for aspects of consciousness. Several neurotransmitter systems are associated with the pharmacological