Psychedelics and the Autonomic Nervous System: A Perspective on Their Interplay and Therapeutic Potential.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – March 14, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelics may enhance therapeutic outcomes by influencing the autonomic nervous system, which regulates vital body functions. This perspective explores how these substances affect both sympathetic and parasympathetic responses, suggesting their potential to improve cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
Abstract
Psychedelics, known for their therapeutic potential in psychiatric disorders, interact with the autonomic nervous system in ways that are not well understood. This viewpoint examines the complex relationships between psychedelics and autonomic functions, focusing on sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation. We propose a research framework to elucidate how these interactions influence cardiovascular health and contribute to therapeutic outcomes.