New Research Reveals How Psychedelics May Help Alleviate Anxiety

Emerging research has identified how certain psychedelics may alleviate anxiety by targeting specific brain cells, potentially paving the way for novel treatments. The study, published in the journal Neuron, focuses on the effects of DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine), a psychedelic similar to LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline. It demonstrates that DOI can reduce anxiety in rodents by activating specialized neurons in the brain that suppress surrounding neural activity.

The research, led by Alex Kwan, PhD, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Cornell University, explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the anxiety-reducing properties of psychedelics. “It hasn’t been known what brain areas and cell types are involved when psychedelics suppress anxiety" said Dr. Kwan. "The idea is that if we know the neurobiology involved, we can design some better drug that would target these pathways."

The study reveals that DOI activates fast-spiking interneurons in the ventral hippocampus—a region associated with social memory, emotion, and affect regulation. These interneurons play a crucial role in moderating the activity of nearby neurons, creating a calming effect on the brain's anxiety circuits.

“The work provides an understanding of the cellular trigger for the psychedelic-induced relief of anxiety,” said Vidita Vaidya, PhD, senior professor of biological sciences at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, and the paper’s corresponding author.

Current research on psychedelics often grapples with the challenge of separating beneficial outcomes, such as reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, from the profound alterations in perception that accompany the substances. By isolating the specific brain circuits involved, Dr. Vaidya explained, there may be a pathway to safer, more targeted interventions. “That opens up the possibility to design psychedelic inspired drugs that target anxiety without evoking potent hallucinations,” she added.   

Previous studies have shown that the ventral hippocampus exhibits abnormal hyperactivity during anxiety states, particularly in neurons that communicate with the amygdala, the brain's emotional processing center. “There’s a hint that in the anxiety state, these cells are active, and maybe the drug works by then silencing some of these,” Dr. Kwan said. 

For integrative practitioners, these findings offer exciting insights into the potential for psychedelic-inspired therapies that align with holistic approaches to mental health. With further research, studies like this suggest that it may become possible to develop new, non-hallucinogenic compounds that harness the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, expanding the toolkit available for treating anxiety and related conditions.