serotonergic

“Having an underlying biological rationale for a treatment — that is, the modulation of serotonergic function — also helped to improve the public understanding of the role of mental-health professionals,” they wrote, “as it provided a clear basis for discussing the biology of a psychiatric disorder.”

“The serotonergic system is an absolute focus, it’s just other aspects of the neurotransmission in the serotonin system that is gaining traction.”

The findings also have implications for disorders involving dopamine and serotonin dysfunction, such as addiction, where dopaminergic hypersensitivity and serotonergic deficits contribute to compulsive reward-seeking -- and in mood disorders including depression and anxiety, where diminished serotonin signaling might impair behavioral flexibility and long-term planning.

“It is established that serotonergic psychedelics have immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory properties,” Kelly said.

It points to fascinating directions for future research into the effects of serotonergic psychedelics on the gut.