hallucinogens

Question 1

What are classical hallucinogens?

Answer 1

Drugs like LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline that alter perception and consciousness, often causing hallucinations and ego dissolution.

Question 2

What are dissociative anaesthetics?

Answer 2

Synthetic drugs like ketamine and PCP that cause detachment from the body and environment at low doses and anaesthesia at high doses.

Question 3

What is the main receptor target of classical hallucinogens?

Answer 3

5-HT2A serotonin receptors. (Halberstadt, 2017)

Question 4

How do dissociative anaesthetics work neuropharmacologically?

Answer 4

They block NMDA-type glutamate receptors, leading to disinhibition and increased neural excitation. (Vollenweider & Kometer, 2010)

Question 5

What neurotransmitters does MDMA primarily affect?

Answer 5

Serotonin and dopamine. (Liechti et al., 2000; Bankson & Yamamoto, 2004)

Question 6

What psychological effects are common with hallucinogens?

Answer 6

Altered perception, hallucinations, ego dissolution, and sensory distortions.

Question 7

What are ‘set’ and ‘setting’ in hallucinogen use?

Answer 7

‘Set’ is the user’s mindset; ‘setting’ is the environment. These factors influence the drug experience. (Grof, 1975; Barr et al., 1972)

Question 8

What is the 5DASC scale?

Answer 8

A scale to measure altered states including oceanic boundlessness, ego-disintegration, and visionary restructuralization. (Vollenweider & Kometer, 2010)

Question 9

What adverse effects are associated with ketamine?

Answer 9

Dependence, neurodegeneration, bladder and kidney issues. (Morgan & Curran, 2012)

Question 10

What is the risk of MDMA to serotonergic neurons?

Answer 10

MDMA can damage serotonergic neurons, especially with heavy use. (Hatzidimitriou et al., 1999; Muller et al., 2019)

Question 11

Is MDMA more likely to cause dependence than LSD?

Answer 11

Yes, MDMA has a higher potential for dependence than LSD. (Degenhardt et al., 2010)

Question 12

How are classical hallucinogens classified legally in the UK?

Answer 12

They are Class A drugs, with strict penalties for possession and supply. (Nutt et al., 2013)

Question 13

What are therapeutic uses of hallucinogens?

Answer 13

Used in psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, addiction. (Mithoefer, 2016; Nutt, 2019; Elk & Fried, 2023)

Question 14

What is esketamine used for?

Answer 14

Treatment-resistant depression, approved as a nasal spray. (Krystal et al., 2019)

Question 15

Why is MDMA’s therapeutic use controversial?

Answer 15

Due to risks like neurotoxicity and dependence, despite clinical promise. (Parrott, 2013)