Approximately 264 million people globally suffer from depression, with PTSD affecting around 8 million adults in the United States each year.

Neuroimaging & Brain Measures

Recent advances in neuroimaging have shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of psychedelics, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression and PTSD. Studies involving compounds like psilocybin and MDMA have demonstrated significant changes in brain activity associated with therapeutic outcomes.

What is Neuroimaging & Brain Measures?

Neuroimaging techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), are employed to observe brain activity and connectivity patterns in various psychological disorders.

In conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), neuroimaging can reveal alterations in brain circuits that regulate mood, often associated with disruptions in neurotransmitter systems. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, loss of interest, and cognitive impairments.

The application of psychedelics in therapeutic settings aims to restore normal functioning in these brain circuits, influencing emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility.

Current Treatments

Current standard treatments for MDD and PTSD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), psychotherapy, and in some cases, ketamine infusions. However, these treatments do not work for everyone, pointing to the need for novel therapeutic approaches.

Psychedelic Effect Matrix

Systematic comparison of compound efficacy and evidence levels for Neuroimaging & Brain Measures.

Compound	Magnitude	Evidence	Consistency
Psilocybin Numerous studies confirm psilocybin's efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression and enhancing neuroplasticity.	Large	High	Consistent
MDMA Robust evidence supports MDMA's effectiveness in treating PTSD, showing changes in emotional processing regions in the brain.	Large	High	Consistent
Ibogaine Emerging data suggest potential benefits for addiction but require more consistent clinical evidence.	Medium	Moderate	Inconsistent

Psilocybin and Neuroimaging & Brain Measures

Psilocybin has been shown to induce significant changes in brain activity, particularly in areas associated with emotion regulation and self-referential thinking. Neuroimaging studies reveal that psilocybin can enhance functional connectivity between the default mode network and other key brain regions, which is believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects, including symptom relief in patients with MDD.

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MDMA and Neuroimaging & Brain Measures

MDMA acts primarily by releasing large amounts of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, resulting in heightened emotional engagement and empathy. Neuroimaging studies highlight MDMA's capacity to decrease activity in the amygdala, a region involved in fear processing, while promoting connectivity in regions related to emotional regulation and attachment.

View full MDMA profile →

Key Insights

1
Studies have indicated that psilocybin can lead to significant improvements in depressive symptoms shortly after administration, with effects persisting for several months.
2
Neuroimaging findings suggest that psychedelics can promote neuroplasticity, potentially aiding in the healing process of traumatised brain networks.
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MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promising results in treating PTSD, supported by neuroimaging evidence of changes in brain connectivity post-treatment.

Industrial Landscape

Key industry players include organisations such as MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and The Beckley Foundation, which advocate for psychedelic science and its integration into mainstream healthcare.

Quick Indicators

PrevalenceApproximately 264 million people globally suffer from depression, with PTSD affecting around 8 million adults in the United States each year.

Research Footprint

0Trials

0Papers

\"Ongoing clinical evaluations are investigating Neuroimaging & Brain Measures as a primary indication for various psychedelic compounds.\"

Key Organizations

4 Connected

Delix Therapeutics

Delix Therapeutics is harnessing the power of neuroplastogens, a novel class of compounds designed to bring about a new paradigm in brain health therapeutics with treatments intended to be safe, fast-acting, and long-lasting. Through its discovery platform, Delix has identified non-hallucinogenic versions of psychedelic compounds with favorable safety and therapeutic profiles. The company was co-founded in 2019 by David E. Olson and Nick Haft, building upon Olson's discovery at the University of California, Davis, of several novel psychoplastogens that have significant therapeutic potential in preclinical models, without hallucinogenic side effects. Delix's treatments are designed to address the root cause of neuropsychiatric conditions by repairing the underlying synaptic damage through targeted neuroplasticity. To date, the company has synthesized over 2000 novel psychoplastogens, many of which are analogs of known psychedelics such as ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT. Their lead compound, zalsupindole (DLX-001), produces the same rapid and sustained structural and functional plasticity as ketamine, psilocybin, and DMT, without inducing hallucinations or dissociation. Recent Phase I data have demonstrated that DLX-001 is associated with robust signs of CNS engagement and a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with no serious adverse events reported to date. The company's compounds are tailored for swift neuronal repair and can be taken at-home, providing significant advantages to patients, their loved ones, and healthcare providers. Delix focuses on developing non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogens as scalable alternatives to first-generation hallucinogenic psychoplastogens like ketamine and psilocybin.

MAPS

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Lykos Therapeutics

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Leiden University

Leiden University doesn't have a dedicated research centre for psychedelics. However, several staff members from their medical centre and psychology faculty are working with psychedelics. Researchers here are working with other universities including Utrecht University as well as Compass Pathways.