The combination of exercise and psychedelics for the treatment of major depressive disorder - PubMed
4 days ago
- #depression
- #psychedelics
- #exercise
- Combining exercise and psychedelics shows potential for treating major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Both exercise and psychedelics enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling but through different mechanisms.
- Psychedelics primarily enhance neuroplasticity in the cortex, while exercise boosts hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Both interventions increase serotonin release and affect glutamatergic transmission differently.
- Psychedelics temporarily disrupt hippocampal-default mode network (DMN) connectivity, while exercise normalizes it, potentially sustaining benefits.
- Psychedelics may help individuals adopt or maintain physical activity habits and increase psychological flexibility.
- Exercise enhances emotional resilience to stress, possibly improving psychedelic experience outcomes.
- Future research is needed to explore efficacy, safety, and neurobiology of this combined approach.