Clinical research on psychedelics has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade, following their prohibition in the early 1970s, with highly promising results in various psychiatric disorders such as depression, end-of-life anxiety and addictions.

Psychedelics act as serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists, leading to acute perceptual and cognitive distortions. In a medical setting, the psychedelic experience requires specific support and monitoring to ensure safety and prevent psychological adverse effects (bad trips). Additionally, the psychedelic experience could enhance psychotherapeutic work, referred to as "psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy." However, the neurocognitive mechanisms behind these acute effects and their role in the therapeutic efficacy of psychedelics remain largely unknown.

Using neuroimaging and cognitive tasks we pursue two main objectives: i) to better characterize the acute effects of psychedelics and ketamine in healthy subjects, ii) to better understand the role of these effects in the therapeutic benefits observed in patients. Finally, we will continue evaluating the benefit-risk ratio of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for various psychiatric conditions. and to compare the benefit-risk profile of psychedelics to existing treatments to better define their place in the therapeutic arsenal.