Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Induces Changes in Fractional Anisotropy in Patients with Depression

INSIGHT 2023 Replay from the Clinical Research Track: Talk – LSD, Neuroplasticity, and White Matter Changes in Major Depression Dr. Mihai Avram Can psychedelics like LSD promote structural brain changes that support recovery from depression? In this talk, Dr. Mihai Avram presents cutting-edge findings from the clinical trial NCT03866252, which investigated the antidepressant effects of LSD in 61 patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Patients received either low-dose (2 x 25μg) or moderate-to-high-dose LSD (2 x 100μg or 200μg), with the latter group showing more pronounced symptom improvements. The study explored whether these clinical improvements were linked to LSD-induced changes in white matter (WM) integrity and microstructure, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Results showed that patients in the higher-dose group exhibited increased fractional anisotropy (FA)—a marker of WM organization—in brain regions such as the internal and external capsule, sagittal stratum, and fornix. These changes were significantly correlated with reductions in depressive symptoms, suggesting that LSD may enhance neuroplasticity at the structural level. This talk provides rare neuroimaging insights into how psychedelics may physically reshape the brain in ways that support long-term mental health recovery. This is only one of dozens of excellent contributions to the INSIGHT 2023 conference. Get full access to over 50 recordings of the latest discoveries in psychedelic science and therapy, ranging from talks to panel discussions and whole symposia – with the INSIGHT 2023 Replays bundle for only 29 EUR: https://mind-foundation.org/product/i... Each purchase supports the MIND Foundation's mission to promote human development by bridging science and experience, and to make psychedelic therapies a reality in the public health care system.