Rainer Krahenmann: New Findings on Mechanism of Action of Psilocybin & LSD

Psychedelic-induced states share deep similarities with the dreaming process, as both involve a spontaneous activation of unconscious material. Clinical trials examining lsd and psilocybin at the University of Zurich suggest that these substances enhance mental imagery in ways comparable to dreams, providing a unique potential for psychotherapeutic integration. By temporarily relaxing self-boundaries and suppressing habitual cognitive control, these substances create a flexible window where patients can confront internalized challenges through guided imagery. LSD exposure specifically increases cognitive bizarreness, a measurable indicator of dreamlike cognition. Pre-treatment with ketanserin, a serotonin 2A receptor antagonist, effectively blocks this effect, demonstrating that these dreamlike states are directly dependent on serotonin 2A receptor activation. These findings offer a mechanistic basis for how psychedelics can facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs by allowing individuals to move from a fixed, rigid mindset to a more dynamic, growth-oriented perspective.