Pharma Sector – Drug Pricing, NPPA, FDC, Generics, etc.

What are Psychedelic Drugs?

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Psychedelic Drugs

Why in the News?

Researchers from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in collaboration with researchers from Cornell, Yale, and Columbia has uncovered how a psychedelic drug interacts with the brain to alleviate anxiety.

About Psychedelic Drugs

  • Psychedelic drugs are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes. 
  • These drugs often induce hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and enhanced sensory experiences.
  • They are typically associated with spiritual experiences and have historically been linked with counterculture movements, but they are now being studied for their potential in medical therapies.
  • Examples of Psychedelic Drugs:
    • LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): Known for causing intense visual hallucinations and altering thoughts, it is one of the most potent psychedelics.
    • Psilocybin: The active compound found in magic mushrooms, known for creating visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as a deep sense of connection to the environment.
    • MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Often associated with recreational use, but is also being researched for its therapeutic potential, especially in treating PTSD.
    • DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): Produces powerful, short-lived hallucinatory experiences, sometimes referred to as the “spirit molecule.”
    • Mescaline: Found in the peyote cactus, mescaline induces hallucinations and altered states of reality.

How do they work?

Psychedelics primarily affect the brain by interacting with the serotonin system, a network of neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, perception, and cognition.

  • Serotonin Receptors: Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin bind to 5-HT2A receptors, a type of serotonin receptor. This interaction leads to altered perception, enhanced mood, and hallucinations.
  • Brain Connectivity: They increase communication between different regions of the brain, breaking down normal patterns of activity. This leads to heightened creativity, altered sensory experiences, and a sense of connectedness.

How Psychedelics hold promise for treating Anxiety and Depression?

  • Resetting Neural Circuits: Psychedelics may “reset” dysfunctional brain circuits, helping treat mood disorders.
  • Reduced Anxiety: They reduce overthinking by dampening activity in the brain’s default mode network.
  • Emotional Release: Patients experience emotional breakthroughs during psychedelic therapy sessions.
  • Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics may promote adaptive brain connections, aiding in recovery from chronic stress and depression.
PYQ:

[2018] India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (250 Words, 15 Marks)

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