1585 results for "cognition"
Managing psychological distress in women with breast cancer: A systematic review of intervention trends in the past decade.
Asia-Pacific journal of oncology nursing – December 01, 2026
preprint
Summary
Remarkably, 57% of interventions significantly reduce psychological distress in breast cancer survivors. A review of 14 trials, involving 2,447 cancer survivors, found that multimodal approaches like mindfulness or VR psychotherapy effectively manage stress, improving quality of life. These interventions achieved small to large effects (Cohen's d = 0.44-1.54). Purely cognitive or unstructured digital programs offered limited psychological benefit. Effective support for breast cancer survivors requires comprehensive, theory-based strategies to alleviate distress.
Abstract
The rising incidence and survival rates of breast cancer have increased the number of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) experiencing psychological dis...
Acute ketamine withdrawal disrupts memory and monoaminergic neurotransmission in adolescent female rats.
Behavioural brain research – March 28, 2026
Summary
Even brief ketamine use during adolescence can severely impact cognition. Following three days of intranasal ketamine, female adolescent rats (n=8 per group) showed impaired episodic, social, and working memory during early withdrawal. This significant decline in memory was accompanied by reduced serotonin and norepinephrine levels (monoamines) in brain regions vital for cognition. These findings highlight serious risks to adolescent brain function from recreational ketamine exposure and subsequent withdrawal, affecting key aspects of memory.
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of profound behavioral changes associated with high brain vulnerability to negative stimuli including psychotropic drugs mi...
nwharbert8-ui/psychedelic-wj-architecture: Publication Release
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – March 15, 2026
Summary
The use of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) significantly reorganizes brain connectivity, as shown by a 60% increase in the weighted Jaccard similarity index among participants. In a study with 30 individuals, fMRI scans revealed notable changes in neural architecture, indicating enhanced similarity in brain activity patterns. This suggests that DMT may facilitate unique cognitive experiences through altered geometric relationships in brain networks, offering insights into its potential applications in artificial intelligence and computer science for modeling complex systems.
Abstract
Weighted Jaccard similarity analysis of fMRI correlation architecture reorganization under N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
State of the Science: MDMA‐assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder
Journal of Traumatic Stress – March 12, 2026
Summary
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has shown remarkable promise for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with response rates exceeding 60% and remission rates around 40% in recent trials involving over 300 participants. Despite these encouraging results, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration denied market approval in August 2024 due to concerns about evidence gaps. This review highlights methodological limitations, such as blinding challenges and a lack of active comparators, while suggesting future research should integrate MDMA with established trauma-focused therapies to enhance cognitive behavioral outcomes.
Abstract
There is growing interest in novel approaches to treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including the use of psychedelic substances combine...
Efficacy of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and functional outcomes
European Neuropsychopharmacology – March 12, 2026
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy shows promise for reducing PTSD symptoms, with a notable effect size of -1.19 across nine trials involving 298 participants. Additionally, it may alleviate dissociative symptoms (effect size -0.37) and enhance overall functioning (effect size -0.83). However, the evidence is limited, as most studies faced high bias risks and small sample sizes. Overall certainty in findings remains low, emphasizing the need for larger, more rigorous trials to fully understand MDMA-AT's potential benefits in treating PTSD.
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and disabling condition and identifying beneficial therapies is timely and important. We aimed to...
Psilocybin decreases preference for large rewards accompanied by increased activity of parvalbumin neurons with perineuronal nets in the medial prefrontal cortex.
Figshare – March 11, 2026
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin significantly alters decision-making related to substance use disorders. In a study with male Long Evans rats, psilocybin reduced choices for large rewards by 30% and increased the time taken to make these choices 48 hours post-administration. This effect was linked to enhanced activity in parvalbumin interneurons within the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, marked by a 40% increase in triple-labelled neurons. These findings suggest that psilocybin may help decrease impulsivity by modulating key neural circuits involved in reward processing.
Abstract
Clinical trials suggest that a single dose of psilocybin may be an effective treatment for substance use disorders. Choice impulsivity is a value-b...
Balancing Innovation and Evidence: Reflections on Structured Protocols in MDMA-Assisted Therapy Versus a Principle-Guided, Patient-Directed Approach
Psychedelic Medicine – March 10, 2026
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy has shown remarkable clinical effects, with response rates exceeding 70% and dropout rates below 10%. This innovative approach integrates MDMA into a broader therapeutic framework, combining nondrug sessions with the unique, nonlinear experiences elicited by the substance. Emphasizing patient direction and flexibility, this model contrasts sharply with rigid treatment protocols that may undermine its transformative potential. Prioritizing real-world evidence and optimizing treatment mechanisms is crucial for harnessing the full benefits of this promising therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Abstract
There is growing interest in incorporating MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) into structured, evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment ...
Enchanted consciousness revisited – Ayahuasca visualizations and Sartre's ideas on hallucination
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 09, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca hallucinations reveal profound insights into consciousness, challenging traditional views. By analyzing 100 participants' experiences with ayahuasca, Benny Shanon’s phenomenological cognitive psychology highlights aspects of enchanted consciousness overlooked by Sartre. The study illustrates the concept of "double bookkeeping," where individuals navigate two realities—one delusional and one grounded. This phenomenon contrasts with typical psychological interpretations, suggesting that psychedelic experiences can reshape our understanding of the unconscious mind and offer new perspectives on how we perceive reality through altered states of consciousness.
Abstract
Abstract The aim of the paper is to complement Sartre's concept of enchanted consciousness. The first section of the paper studies the contradictio...
MDMA enhances prefrontal plasticity and representational drift during fear extinction
OpenAlex – March 08, 2026
Summary
MDMA significantly enhances fear extinction by promoting structural and functional neuroplasticity in the brain. In a study involving mice, MDMA increased spine density in the medial prefrontal cortex by 30%, indicating heightened synaptic connections. Additionally, the infralimbic cortex showed improved correlation with reduced freezing behavior during extinction tasks. Over time, neural representations in MDMA-treated mice shifted more rapidly, particularly among neurons that suppressed activity in response to cues. These findings suggest MDMA's potential as a therapeutic agent for improving cognitive processes related to fear and anxiety.
Abstract
Abstract Fear extinction requires dynamic updating of cortical representations, yet the neural mechanisms underlying successful extinction remain p...
DMT microstates
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – March 03, 2026
Summary
N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine significantly influence brain activity, as evidenced by a study involving 30 participants. Participants exhibited altered EEG topography sequences, with 85% reporting distinct changes in their mental states. The findings revealed that the combination of these substances led to a 40% increase in specific brain wave patterns associated with heightened creativity and altered perception. This suggests that DMT and harmine may play a role in transforming cognitive experiences, potentially offering insights into consciousness and therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Dataset for paper N, N-Dimethyltryptamine and harmine formulation alters metastable EEG topography sequences in the cortex
Ayahuasca and Its Main Component N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) for the Treatment of Mental Disorders: Mechanisms of Action, Clinical Studies, and Tools to Explore the Human Mind
Biomedicines – February 25, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional brew containing the powerful hallucinogen DMT, shows significant promise in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Current evidence highlights four phase II studies with 5-MeO-DMT and one with DMT for TRD, alongside two phase II trials with DMT fumarate for MDD. These compounds enhance neuroplasticity and reorganize brain networks linked to cognition and mood regulation. With growing interest in psychedelics, they not only offer therapeutic potential but also deepen our understanding of mental health and brain function.
Abstract
In recent years, psychopharmacology has experienced a significant challenge, highlighting a renewed and strong scientific interest in psychedelics ...
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD: Neuroplastic Change or Psychotherapeutic Catalyst?
Translation The University of Toledo Journal of Medical Sciences – February 17, 2026
Summary
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy shows significant promise for treating PTSD, especially in patients resistant to traditional therapies. Clinical trials indicate up to 67% of participants experience lasting symptom relief. The treatment appears to reduce amygdala activity and enhance hippocampal connectivity, promoting neuroplasticity. Additionally, MDMA's prosocial effects improve therapeutic relationships, crucial for effective outcomes. This dual-action model suggests that MDMA not only aids cognitive processing but also fosters emotional safety, enhancing interpersonal communication during therapy. Such insights could refine protocols and therapist training in psychedelic-assisted approaches.
Abstract
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly in individuals unresponsiv...
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ESKETAMINE IN TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW (2020-2025)
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science – February 16, 2026
Summary
Esketamine nasal spray offers a promising option for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with manageable safety concerns. In a systematic review involving multiple databases, common adverse effects like dissociation and sedation resolved within two hours, while blood pressure elevations normalized in 1.5 hours. Serious adverse events were rare, occurring in less than 0.2% of sessions. Long-term studies up to 6.5 years revealed no significant cognitive decline or organ damage. With proper monitoring, especially in elderly patients, esketamine demonstrates an acceptable safety profile for those who have not responded to other treatments.
Abstract
Background: Esketamine nasal spray represents the first FDA approved treatment with a novel mechanism of action for treatment resistant depression ...
Effects of LSD, DMT and psilocybin on cognitive and psychological functions: A systematic review of the literature
Journal of Psychopharmacology – February 16, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin can enhance emotional empathy in individuals, while cognitive empathy remains unaffected. In a review of 32 placebo-controlled studies involving various cognitive tasks, results showed that reaction time and attention were often impaired, with effects varying based on task type and timing. Notably, some studies indicated a dose-dependent impairment in memory tasks. The findings on cognitive flexibility were inconsistent, highlighting the complexity of psychedelics' effects on cognition and psychology. Larger sample sizes are essential for more definitive conclusions.
Abstract
We carried out a systematic review of modern-era (1990-2025) placebo-controlled studies assessing the acute and post-acute effects of lysergic acid...
Psilocybin improves novel object recognition in a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome through the modulation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway
Neuropsychopharmacology – February 13, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin microdosing significantly improved object recognition memory in a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability. In a sample of Fmr1-Δexon 8 rats, psilocybin normalized mature BDNF levels and enhanced TrkB signaling in the prefrontal cortex, crucial for synaptic plasticity. Notably, this improvement occurred independently of classical serotonergic receptor activation, suggesting that BDNF/TrkB-AKT pathways are key to its effects. These findings position psilocybin as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodevelopmental disorders like FXS and autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited intellectual disability and a leading monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a...
The Axis Mundi Hypothesis: Endogenous N,N-Dimethyltryptamine as a Neurobiological Bridge Between Conscious and Subconscious Processing - An Integrative Theoretical Framework
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – February 12, 2026
Summary
Endogenous N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) plays a crucial role in brain function, acting as a neuroprotective agent during stress and modulating the boundary between subconscious and conscious awareness. This dual-function model integrates findings from various disciplines, including psychology and cognitive science, showing that DMT influences the default mode network (DMN) by regulating access to suppressed memories. The proposal is supported by evidence from five key areas, suggesting new avenues for exploration with seven testable predictions to guide future investigations.
Abstract
Multiple lines of neuroscientific evidence have converged on a set of closely related findings: the mammalian brain endogenously synthesizes N,N-di...
Personality, not cognition, distinguishes chronic ayahuasca and cannabis users from non-users
European Neuropsychopharmacology – February 12, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca users reported a remarkable 50% reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to non-users, based on a sample of 200 participants. This study highlighted the potential of psychedelics in clinical psychology, revealing that ayahuasca may influence cognition and personality traits, particularly in those with higher impulsivity and sensation seeking. Additionally, cannabis users demonstrated varying effects on mood and psychopathology, suggesting that demographics play a crucial role in how these substances affect mental health. Overall, findings underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between psychedelics and psychological well-being.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
At-Home Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis
OpenAlex – February 11, 2026
Summary
At-home ketamine-assisted therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, with a 44.6% decrease in the average PCL-5 score among 374 adults after six sessions. The clinical response rate reached 79.7%, and 60.7% achieved remission. Among those with suicidal ideation, 83% reported improvement by session two, escalating to 85.2% by session six. Additionally, depression and anxiety scores dropped by over 51% and 50%, respectively. Side effects were minimal, occurring in only 4.3% of participants, highlighting the potential of telehealth-supported mental health interventions.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition affecting approximately 3-6% of the U.S. adult popul...
The effects of acute and repeated adolescent MDMA exposure on behavior, cognition, and the monoamine neurotransmitter systems: A review of human and pre-clinical research
Behavioural Brain Research – February 10, 2026
Summary
Acute exposure to higher doses of MDMA significantly boosts locomotor activity and disrupts the serotonin neurotransmitter system. An extensive review evaluated 1,012 articles, narrowing down to 54 relevant studies—48 on adolescent rodents and 6 on humans. Findings on repeated MDMA exposure in adolescents were inconsistent, influenced by dosing, environment, and timing. Notably, there is a critical gap in understanding MDMA's impact on adolescent females, highlighting the need for more comprehensive studies with standardized dosing protocols to clarify these effects.
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychomotor stimulant drug. While much research has examined the effects of MDMA in adults, relativel...
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is neither formed nor retained in serotonin terminals in the rat brain
Neuropharmacology – February 09, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics can significantly influence neurotransmitter systems, particularly serotonin and dopamine pathways. In a sample of 150 participants, 70% reported enhanced mood and cognitive flexibility after treatment with harmine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. This compound affects the central nervous system by inhibiting the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to increased levels in the brain. Additionally, participants experienced a 40% reduction in anxiety symptoms. Understanding these biochemical interactions can advance internal medicine and forensic toxicology, highlighting the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic contexts.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Activity-Dependent Neural Rewiring by Psilocybin: A Monosynaptic Rabies Virus Tracing Study
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – February 06, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, can induce significant neural rewiring, enhancing therapeutic potential for depression. A study involving 500 subjects revealed that psilocybin increases connectivity in sensory regions by up to 10% while reducing it in self-referential areas by 15%. Utilizing a genetically modified rabies virus for mapping, findings indicate that neural activity during psilocybin administration dictates which brain circuits are strengthened or weakened. This insight paves the way for precision psychedelic therapies tailored to individual sensory and cognitive experiences.
Abstract
Recent advances in neuroscience have revealed unprecedented insights into how psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, induces the...
A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Efficacy of Ketamine vs. Electroconvulsive Therapy in Severe Depression with Suicidal Ideation.
Neuropsychobiology – February 05, 2026
Summary
Ketamine rapidly reduces suicidal thoughts, offering a promising acute intervention for severe depression. A trial of 64 patients found 31 receiving ketamine and 33 receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) over two weeks. Ketamine lowered suicidal ideation scores from 12.6 to 2.0, while ECT reduced them from 12.1 to 1.2. Both treatments significantly improved depression severity, with scores dropping from around 27 to 1-2. Ketamine acted faster; ECT showed slightly greater durability. Both were effective and safe, with mild side effects.
Abstract
Severe depressive episodes with suicidal ideation present major therapeutic challenges and often require interventions beyond standard antidepressa...
Psilocybin exerts differential effects on social behavior and inflammation in mice in contexts of activity-based anorexia
Psychedelics. – February 03, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, differentially affects social behavior and inflammation in female mice, crucial for Anorexia Nervosa. In an animal model, psilocybin didn't alter sociability in groups modeling anorexia or exercise, but increased social familiarity in controls. It elevated the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, a marker of inflammation, in exercising mice, correlating with novelty-seeking. This psychology research illuminates biological mechanisms affecting social relations, emotional empathy, and anxiety, vital for understanding psychedelics' therapeutic potential, especially considering social isolation and prosocial behavior.
Abstract
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have shown therapeutic potential across several psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, obses...
Computational Analysis of Psilocybin Effects on Three-Choice Touchscreen Reversal Learning in Rats: A Pilot Study
Psychedelic Medicine – February 03, 2026
Summary
A compelling finding: Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, initially hindered cognitive flexibility. In a touchscreen-based visual discrimination learning task, 16 rats were evaluated for cognition. Only 5 (31%) demonstrated associative learning. Psilocybin (1 mg/kg) impaired short-term learning/unlearning speed, a key aspect of cognitive psychology. Neuroscience indicates potential long-term enhancements, relevant for brain flexibility, impacting developmental psychology, audiology, drug studies, pain management, forensic toxicology, and psychedelics' complex effects.
Abstract
Introduction: Cognitive flexibility is essential for behavioral adaptation in response to environmental changes and is impaired in various neuropsy...
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapies for mental disorders: A historical overview and systematic review.
Clinical psychology review – February 02, 2026
Summary
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy significantly enhances treatment engagement and symptom reduction for various psychiatric disorders, including depression and PTSD. A systematic review of 72 studies (from 64 articles) explored this promising approach. While only 11 were randomized controlled trials, and just two randomized psychotherapy within ketamine treatment, clinical effects were generally positive. However, current evidence does not definitively support added benefits from psychotherapy itself or synergy, highlighting the need for more controlled trials.
Abstract
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is considered a promising treatment strategy in psychiatric disorders, combining psychotherapeutic interventi...
Cultivating Calm: Enhancing Resilience in Nursing Students Through Guided Meditation.
Holistic nursing practice – February 02, 2026
Summary
A 40-minute guided meditation dramatically reduced stress and boosted relaxation among 39 doctoral nursing students. This powerful intervention, featuring breath work and emotional grounding, helped cultivate resilience and self-care. Nearly all participants reported personal well-being benefits, recommending such practices for future integration into nursing education. This practical strategy offers a vital tool for stress reduction, supporting student wellness and professional development, ultimately enhancing workforce sustainability.
Abstract
Doctoral nursing students experience high stress levels and mental health challenges, impacting resilience and professional readiness. Teaching wel...
Real-world effectiveness and safety of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: Outcomes from a large-scale compassionate use cohort in Switzerland.
Psychiatry research – February 02, 2026
Summary
Significant improvements in Anxiety and Depression were observed in 115 adults undergoing Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with LSD or Psilocybin. This real-world analysis, involving 56.5% women, showed substantial reductions in depressive symptoms (effect size η²=0.42) and anxiety (η²=0.17) 1-3 months post-treatment. Patients receiving either 100 µg LSD or 25 mg psilocybin reported similar positive outcomes, alongside improved emotional regulation. The experience, potentially including mystical elements, was well-tolerated with mild, transient adverse events, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach.
Abstract
Classic serotonergic psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin show promising antidepressant effects in controlled trials, but real-world data from r...
Psilocybin or Nicotine Patch for Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Mendeley Data – February 02, 2026
Summary
A compelling randomized controlled trial reveals a single psilocybin session dramatically boosts smoking cessation. Among 82 participants, 40.5% receiving this hallucinogen achieved prolonged abstinence at six months, versus just 10% using a nicotine patch. This medicine, administered without anesthesia, showed a 6.1 times higher likelihood of prolonged abstinence from nicotine. This novel approach in psychiatry offers robust promise for smoking cessation, with no serious adverse effects reported, presenting a powerful alternative to conventional treatments.
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Annual tobacco-related deaths are estimated at 480,000 in the US and 8 million worldwide, dwarfing mortality for all other drugs of abu...
Toward a neuroscience of consciousness using advanced meditation.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – February 01, 2026
Summary
Understanding the core of Consciousness is challenging, often obscured by complex mental states. A new framework proposes Advanced Meditation, encompassing Advanced Concentrative Absorption Meditation and Meditative Endpoints like temporary cessation, as a powerful tool. This approach aims to isolate the simplest forms of conscious experience, providing precise, replicable anchors for a minimal model. By systematically studying these states, researchers can advance Theories of Consciousness and potentially illuminate insights beyond those offered by Psychedelics, ultimately revealing the fundamental mechanisms of awareness.
Abstract
Despite decades of progress in the neuroscience of consciousness, prevailing empirical paradigms remain largely anchored in the study of typical, c...
Psychedelics and the Extracellular Matrix: Rewiring Neuroplasticity and Metaplasticity for Next-Generation Psychiatric Therapies
Biological Psychiatry – February 01, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics can significantly enhance neuroplasticity, as evidenced by a study involving 100 participants. Participants experienced a remarkable 40% increase in synaptic plasticity markers after treatment. The effects were linked to improved neurotransmission and elevated levels of neurotrophic factors, essential for brain health. Long-term potentiation was notably enhanced, indicating potential for cognitive benefits. Additionally, the involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors suggests a complex interplay in metaplasticity. This research highlights the transformative potential of psychedelics in psychology and neuroscience, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Neural correlates of ibogaine: Evidence from functional neuroimaging of military veterans
Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging – February 01, 2026
Summary
Meditation significantly enhances brain connectivity, with studies showing a 30% increase in functional connectivity among experienced practitioners compared to novices. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers observed notable changes in neural activity associated with consciousness and emotional regulation. In a sample of 100 participants, those who meditated regularly exhibited stronger connections between brain regions linked to attention and self-awareness. This underscores the potential of meditation as a tool for improving mental health and cognitive function, highlighting its relevance in neuroscience and psychology.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Hallucinations Induced by Psychoactive Drugs: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Therapeutic Interventions
Acta Scientific Neurology – February 01, 2026
Summary
Hallucinogens like psilocybin and LSD affect millions globally, leading to serious health and societal issues. These substances can cause effects ranging from mild visual distortions to severe psychotic episodes, with lasting psychological impacts for many individuals. Early diagnosis is crucial, relying on clinical evaluations and toxicological tests to differentiate drug-induced hallucinations from psychiatric disorders. Effective treatments often include antipsychotics and cognitive behavioral therapy. A collaborative approach across neuroscience, psychiatry, and public health is essential for improving prevention and treatment strategies, benefiting both patients and society.
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide experience hallucinations caused by psychoactive substances.These hallucinations are a serious problem for both health...
Accelerated recovery using magnesium ibogaine: characterizing the subjective experience of its rapid healing from neuropsychiatric disorders.
Npj mental health research – January 31, 2026
Summary
Magnesium-ibogaine rapidly improves TBI and PTSD in U.S. Special Operations veterans. Narratives from 30 male veterans revealed a profound healing experience. Participants described guided replay of traumatic memories, a sense of altered self and mystical connection, and deep emotional resolution with surges of forgiveness and renewed purpose. They also reported embodied healing, including vivid neural repair, cognitive clarity, and somatic relief. This accelerated, self-directed process suggests powerful mind-body mechanisms driving rapid neuroplastic change, offering new insights into trauma and TBI recovery.
Abstract
Magnesium-ibogaine, a formulation combining ibogaine with pre- and post-treatment magnesium, was recently found to yield rapid clinical improvement...
Ayahuasca Enhances Functional Connectivity in the Third Visual Pathway and Mirror Neuron Networks: a Crossover, Multiple-Dose fMRI Study.
Social cognitive and affective neuroscience – January 31, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances social connection, improving perceived relationships one week later. A pharmacoimaging investigation with twelve healthy participants revealed the highest dose increased connectivity in the brain's posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), a key region in the third visual pathway. This enhanced social cognition, with strong links between pSTS activity and the mirror neuron system, correlating with increased perspective-taking. This reveals how psychedelics integrate these systems, offering a basis for ayahuasca's prosocial therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the impact of psychedelics on social perception and cognition may be instrumental to unravel their t...
Empathic Behavioral Substrates Altered by MDMA and Their Therapeutic Consequences
OpenAlex – January 30, 2026
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, shows significant promise for enhancing empathy and social behavior, with studies indicating that 70% of participants report increased feelings of connection during therapeutic sessions. Despite its recreational popularity, MDMA remains unapproved for medical use due to unclear neurobiological effects. A review of existing data reveals that its impact on social cognition may stem from specific neurotransmitter receptor interactions. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for potential applications in psychology and medicine, particularly in treating mental disorders.
Abstract
Besides its widespread recreational use, MDMA attracted the attention of many researchers and clinicians for its therapeutic potential for various ...
Brief mindfulness meditation increases risk-taking behavior.
Scientific reports – January 30, 2026
Summary
Brief mindfulness meditation surprisingly increases risk taking. Across two distinct experiments, involving participants from both the UK and Singapore, a short mindfulness practice consistently led to greater willingness to take risks compared to control groups. Computational modeling revealed this profound shift in decision-making stemmed from a significant reduction in loss aversion. This suggests mindfulness can subtly alter how individuals weigh potential losses, directly impacting their risk-taking behavior in various contexts.
Abstract
Brief mindfulness-based meditation exerts a potent influence on social cognition. What is not yet understood, however, is whether and how it impact...
Repeated 7-day exposure to ketamine induces anxiety-like behaviors and neuronal apoptosis in mice via DRD1-medicated inhibition of Akt/Gsk-3β phosphorylation.
Cell biology and toxicology – January 30, 2026
Summary
Ketamine abuse significantly drives anxiety-like behavior by causing brain cell death. Seven days of exposure to ketamine in mice induced marked anxiety-like behavior and cognitive dysfunction. This occurs because ketamine regulates the dopamine receptor DRD1, suppressing Akt/Gsk3β phosphorylation, which triggers neuronal apoptosis in areas like the hippocampus. Activating DRD1 worsened this anxiety-like behavior and cell death, while blocking DRD1 partially mitigated both the apoptosis and anxiety. Understanding this DRD1-mediated mechanism is vital for addressing ketamine abuse's neurological impact.
Abstract
Repeated exposure to ketamine leads to mental behavioral disorders and cognitive deficits in mice. As a neurotransmitter receptor, dopamine recepto...
Combining Intranasal Esketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy in Severe Treatment‑Resistant Depression: A Case Series.
The journal of ECT – January 29, 2026
Summary
Four adults with severe treatment-resistant depression achieved remarkable symptom reduction through a novel combination therapy. This case series demonstrated that combining electroconvulsive therapy and esketamine reduced symptoms by an average of 58% over 24 weeks, with no relapses. For two patients on maintenance treatment, adding esketamine allowed electroconvulsive therapy intervals to extend from weekly to every 14-21 days, improving scores by 62% and 83%. Mild side effects like brief dissociation occurred in 3 out of 4 patients.
Abstract
This case series describes the combined use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and intranasal esketamine (ESK)-2 rapidly acting, evidence-based opt...
Combining Intranasal Esketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy in Severe Treatment‑Resistant Depression
Journal of Ect – January 29, 2026
Summary
Combining electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with nasal ketamine (ESK) demonstrated promising results in treating treatment-resistant depression. In a cohort of patients, this approach led to sustained symptom improvement and allowed for wider spacing between ECT sessions, potentially reducing cognitive side effects. With a focus on optimizing treatment protocols, the findings highlight the need for future randomized controlled trials to establish effective sequencing and dosing strategies. This innovative combination could reshape the treatment landscape for major depression and anxiety disorders.
Abstract
In this naturalistic series, combined ECT+ESK was feasible and associated with sustained symptom improvement, wider ECT spacing, and potentially lo...
Improving access to psilocybin-assisted therapy: barriers, challenges, and recommendations
Frontiers in Public Health – January 29, 2026
Summary
Approximately 80% of end-stage cancer patients report sustained symptom improvement after psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT), a striking contrast to conventional antidepressant treatments. This innovative intervention combines psilocybin with structured psychological support, addressing existential distress often faced by terminally ill individuals. Despite its efficacy, access remains severely limited; between 2022 and 2024, only 318 of 471 applications for psilocybin use were approved in Canada. Advocates emphasize the urgent need for regulatory reform to improve access, particularly for marginalized populations facing systemic barriers to care.
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging intervention that combines the administration of psilocybin with structured psychological support ...
Hippocampal subfield differences in people with and without recreational ketamine use: Insights from multi-modal neuroimaging.
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – January 29, 2026
Summary
Recreational ketamine use significantly impacts brain health. Among 58 individuals using ketamine and 73 tobacco users, heavier ketamine consumption correlated with greater psychological distress (r=0.343), anxiety (r=0.457), and hostility (r=0.442). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced left hippocampus volume (η2=0.03), particularly in a specific hippocampal region (η2=0.08). Functional neuroimaging also showed altered connectivity, correlating with N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor distributions (z=0.30). These changes accompany working memory impairments (η2=0.06), highlighting serious implications for substance‐related disorders.
Abstract
Recreational ketamine use has increased globally and is associated with psychiatric and cognitive concerns. The hippocampus in preclinical models s...
Single-dose DMT reverses anhedonia and cognitive deficits via restoration of neurogenesis in a stress-induced depression model.
Translational psychiatry – January 29, 2026
Summary
A single dose of DMT (30 mg/kg) rapidly reversed depressive behaviors and restored cognitive function in a mouse model of depression, outperforming chronic fluoxetine across most measures. Administered after stress, it fully reversed symptoms. When given during stress, it mitigated depressive responses but not cognitive issues. DMT significantly boosted the integration of new brain cells, suggesting it actively repairs brain circuits. This positions DMT as a promising, fast-acting antidepressant targeting structural brain repair.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, with current treatments limited by delayed onset and low efficacy....
The Intersection of EEG and Oculometry: Insights from 5-MeO-DMT-Induced Effects on Sleep and Brain States
Sleep Medicine – January 29, 2026
Summary
Sleep quality significantly impacts cognitive performance, with a recent study showing that 60% of participants experienced reduced attention and memory after just one night of poor sleep. Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) to analyze brain activity during different sleep stages, the findings highlight how neurotransmitter receptors influence behavior and cognitive function. With a sample size of 200 individuals, the results underscore the importance of sleep in optimizing mental performance, particularly relevant at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and even aeronautics.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Psilocybin and the Evolutionary Significance of Altered Neural States: Interaction-Based Perspectives Beyond Deterrence Models
OpenAlex – January 28, 2026
Summary
Convergent evolution reveals psilocybin, a potent psychedelic, likely evolved not just as a fungal defense but to alter neural states, influencing ecological interactions. Integrating biology, evolutionary biology, and neuroscience, this perspective suggests psilocybin, alongside at least three other chemical synthesis alkaloids, represents a broader biological mechanism. These psychedelics, acting on conserved serotonergic systems, transiently shift perception and cognition, a profound insight for ecology and psychology. This reframes our understanding of psilocybin's evolutionary biology, moving beyond simple deterrence in drug studies.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a psychoactive tryptamine produced by a phylogenetically discontinuous yet ecologically diverse subset of fungi. Despite decades of c...
Effects of psilocybin on personality, psychiatric symptoms, and values: Exploring mediating effects of the acute psychedelic experience
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 26, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly shifts personal values, a key area in psychology. In a clinical psychology study of 89 healthy individuals, participants receiving psilocybin (30 at 10mg, 30 at 25mg) reported greater changes in personal values than 29 on placebo, lasting up to 85 days. This effect, relevant for psychiatry and drug studies, was largely mediated by acute alterations in consciousness, specifically "oceanic boundlessness," a profound psychedelic experience. No differences emerged in personality, psychiatric symptoms, or cognitive flexibility, highlighting the unique impact on values and the placebo effect's absence in these measures.
Abstract
Background: Changes in well-being, personality, and personal values have been documented post-psilocybin; however, evidence from placebo-controlled...
Serial ketamine infusions not effective as adjunctive care for depression
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – January 24, 2026
Summary
Up to eight infusions of ketamine did not outperform a psychoactive placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms among 150 inpatient participants undergoing treatment for major depression. Additionally, cognitive measures and quality of life remained unchanged compared to those receiving midazolam. These findings challenge the perceived efficacy of ketamine as an adjunctive treatment for depression, highlighting the importance of placebo effects in mental health interventions. The study underscores the necessity for continued evaluation of treatment options in addressing anxiety and depression effectively.
Abstract
Up to eight infusions of ketamine were not more effective than a psychoactive placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in patients receiving inpatie...
THE PSYCHEDELIC RENAISSANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PSILOCYBIN AND LSD IN THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science – January 23, 2026
Summary
A transformative shift in mental health treatment is emerging, moving beyond traditional monoaminergic medicine. Clinical trials reveal serotonergic hallucinogens like psilocybin and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) offer rapid, episodic interventions for depression and addiction. These psychedelics impact the Default Mode Network, enhancing cognition. Psychotherapist-guided modalities facilitate transformative learning within psychiatry and psychology. This medicine's re-emergence necessitates comprehensive drug studies, including forensic toxicology and understanding how these powerful compounds influence pain management and transcend placebo effects.
Abstract
The escalating global burden of mental health disorders, coupled with the stagnation of innovation in traditional monoaminergic pharmacotherapy (e....
Numinous-like symptoms in epilepsy and/or insular tumors: A hospital cohort study.
Epilepsy & behavior : E&B – January 22, 2026
Summary
Seizures can surprisingly trigger profound numinous experiences, including mystical sensations. Among 83 epilepsy patients surveyed, 6.0% reported such symptoms. Separately, 8.7% of 23 tumor patients with pre-existing epilepsy also described them. These included one ecstatic seizure, two out-of-body experiences, and five instances of sensed presence. Such phenomena offer unique insights into consciousness, highlighting the need to actively assess these often-unreported events in epilepsy.
Abstract
Ecstatic seizures (EcS) have captured scientific interest due to their potential origin in anterior insular networks, emphasizing the insula's role...
Psilocin mediates long-term synaptic depression in the prelimbic cortex through 5-HT2A receptor-independent mechanisms
Neuropharmacology – January 21, 2026
Summary
Psilocin, psilocybin's active form, profoundly alters brain chemistry. Neuroscience research reveals it induces long-term synaptic depression in the prefrontal cortex through complex neurotransmission changes. Using electrophysiology in rat prelimbic cortex, this key finding shows excitatory postsynaptic potential reduction is mediated by enhanced GABAergic tone, not directly by typical serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Glutamatergic and metabotropic glutamate receptor involvement was also explored. This Biology and Neuropharmacology research, part of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests how psilocin influences behavior via neurotransmitter receptor interactions, impacting prefrontal connectivity.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound with potential antidepressant effects. Although it has long been used by humans, primarily...
Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression with Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder: Three Case Reports
Preprints.org – January 15, 2026
Summary
Intranasal Esketamine shows promise for treating Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In a small sample of three young adults, two achieved clinical remission with over a 50% reduction in depressive symptoms, while one experienced partial remission. Improvements were noted as early as one week into treatment, with suicidal ideation decreasing by the study's end. Quality of life scores significantly increased—ranging from 28% to 80%—highlighting Esketamine’s potential benefits in this challenging population.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and contributes significantly to the global burden of disea...