American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

Special Issue

Advancements and Implications of Psychedelics in Science, Practice, and Theory

  • Submission Deadline: 15 August 2020
  • Status: Submission Closed
  • Lead Guest Editor: Tyler Durns
About This Special Issue
The aim of this issue would be to evaluate the basic science and clinical implications of psychedelic use as an emerging therapy in psychiatric conditions. The pathophysiology of the various agents being studied across the world will be reviewed and included so as to offer insight into their influence on the brain (in regards to neural connectivity, neural activation, and molecular processing) and subsequent effect on disorders including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and addiction. There has been increasing discussion and debate over how many of these substances (psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, N, N- Dimethyltryptamine, 3, 4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and their active metabolites) may play a role in the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Much of the information available relies solely on clinical data, with there being a dearth of published data on the underlying mechanisms of these potential therapies, including functional neuroimaging and molecular studies that should be emphasized in this issue. However, clinical data underscoring the effects, risks, and benefits of these potential treatments are welcome as well. Concurrently, philosophical approaches to the use of psychedelics and conditions where they may be indicated will be examined, as is necessary in addressing these emerging and controversial treatments. There also exists potential to include information from varying philosophical perspectives and logistical complications in providing these therapies including legislative and systems issues that continue to impact scientific research and clinical care.
In summary the journal issue chiefly will:
  1. present emerging research on the pathophysiology of psychedelic compounds on the human brain and in animal models
  2. examine functional neuroimaging to elucidate the effect of psychedelic compounds
  3. review previous literature on the fundamental science and clinical findings of psychedelics in clinical practice
  4. assess philosophical approaches of the nosology and treatment for psychiatric illnesses with psychedelic compounds
  5. discuss ethical and logistical complications of the implementation of psychedelics

Aims and Scope:
  1. Psychedelics
  2. Emerging therapies
  3. Neurocircuitry
  4. Functional neuroimaging
  5. Philosophy/ethics
  6. Regulation
Lead Guest Editor
  • Tyler Durns

    University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States