Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behaviorJul 9, 2026

Psychedelics and the brain's relay and thinking systems: a broad review

Psychedelic Science Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jul 10, 2026

Abstract

Psychedelics may influence thalamocortical connectivity, which is associated with various psychiatric conditions.

Psychedelics have shown potential as therapeutic interventions for conditions like depression and substance use disorder.
Research indicates that psychiatric disorders may involve alterations in thalamocortical functioning.
A deeper understanding of thalamic function could enhance insights into the neurobiology of psychedelics.
The review synthesized evidence on the effects of psychedelics on the thalamocortical system from both preclinical and clinical studies.
Findings suggest that specific psychedelic compounds could have significant implications for clinical practice.

Simplified

In recent years, psychedelics have shown promising results as therapeutic interventions for individuals with depression, terminal illnesses, substance use disorder, neurodegenerative diseases, trauma and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Moreover, research involving psychedelics have contributed to the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms behind the "psychedelic state of consciousness" and to the physiological and pathological thalamocortical functioning. Also, there is evidence that several psychiatric conditions-such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism-are characterized by alterations in the thalamocortical system. Therefore, a deeper understanding of thalamic function could have significant implications for the psychedelic research field and for biological psychiatry. The aim of this scoping review (using the PRISMA method) was to synthesize the available evidence (preclinical and clinical) on the effects of psychedelics on the thalamocortical system that showed potential for clinical use (specifically NMDA receptor antagonists, serotonin 2 A receptor agonists and mixed-pharmacology compounds like iboga alkaloids). This review discussed findings regarding psychedelic administration and specific effects on thalamocortical connectivity suggesting its importance for clinical practice and for the understanding of psychedelic's neurobiology.

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Psychedelics and the brain's relay and thinking systems: a broad review

Abstract

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