522 results for "memory"
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...
Case Report: Amplified psychoanalysis? Psychoanalysis, OCD and MDMA in a clinical case study
Frontiers in Psychology – March 11, 2026
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy within a psychoanalytic framework shows promising potential for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the Ygg case, a single patient experienced enhanced emotional processing and improved access to avoided memories, suggesting that altered states of consciousness can facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs. This approach strengthens the therapeutic alliance, offering new insights into the unconscious mind. While the findings are based on a single clinical narrative, they highlight the value of integrating psychedelics into traditional psychotherapy, paving the way for future studies with larger samples and formal outcomes.
Abstract
This article investigates the novel therapeutic approach of “amplified psychoanalysis” through a detailed examination of the Ygg case, which offers...
Inhibition of cortico-amygdala projections underlies affective bias modification by psilocybin
OpenAlex – March 04, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, demonstrates rapid and lasting antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder. In a rodent model, psilocin, its active metabolite, was found to significantly modulate negative affective biases by selectively suppressing excitatory inputs to cortico-amygdala projection neurons while enhancing inputs to cortico-cortical targets. Notably, these changes persisted for 24 hours post-infusion. Chemogenetic inhibition of specific neuron types mirrored psilocybin's effects, highlighting the prelimbic cortex's role in altering synaptic transmission and potentially explaining psilocybin's sustained therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, can produce rapid and enduring antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (...
Rebuttal to “Questioning the recovery of dissociated traumatic memories under psilocybin”
Journal of Eating Disorders – February 17, 2026
Summary
Hypnosis can significantly alter the accuracy of memories, with studies showing that around 70% of participants experienced false memories after suggestion. In a sample of 150 individuals undergoing psychoanalysis, 60% reported distress linked to traumatic memories, while 40% experienced paranormal beliefs influenced by their psychological state. The interplay between psychedelics and memory distortion was also highlighted in drug studies, with psychotherapists noting that therapeutic settings could lead to both healing and confusion regarding past events. Forensic toxicology may further complicate these narratives.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
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...
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...
Ketamine attenuates habenula activity in response to aversive outcomes during Pavlovian learning
OpenAlex – February 10, 2026
Summary
Ketamine significantly reduces habenula activity in response to aversive stimuli, potentially transforming how we understand depression treatment. In a study with 70 healthy adults, those receiving ketamine showed decreased habenula responses during negative expectations and outcomes, 24 hours after infusion. This suggests that ketamine may weaken the impact of negative memories formed through aversive learning. These insights bridge preclinical findings with human neuroscience, highlighting ketamine's role as a promising treatment for major depression by targeting memory and neural mechanisms associated with aversive conditioning.
Abstract
Abstract Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist with rapid-antidepressant properties when administered at a sub-anesthetic dose. Preclinical model...
MDMA and psilocybin regulate oligodendrocyte-lineage cell numbers and anxiety-like behaviors in a rat model of fear.
Biological psychiatry – February 03, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin and MDMA significantly reduce fear-related behaviors, acting through brain changes. In a study with 210 rats, these compounds promoted oligodendrocyte plasticity and myelination, crucial for brain function. Psilocybin specifically induced oligodendrogenesis, while MDMA enhanced mature myelin markers. Disrupting myelin abolished the anxiety reduction, highlighting how these psychedelics remodel brain circuitry. This suggests enhancing myelination could boost their therapeutic power for conditions like PTSD.
Abstract
Psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produce rapid, enduring therapeutic effects in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); howev...
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...
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...
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
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...
Ventral pallidal perineuronal nets regulate opioid relapse.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – January 22, 2026
Summary
Heroin exposure boosts specialized brain structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the ventral pallidum, a brain region critical for reward. In male and female mice, breaking down these PNNs stopped cue-induced heroin seeking. This also quieted specific neurons (VP PV neurons) in the area and strengthened inhibitory signals. Artificially activating these neurons reversed the effect, restoring drug-seeking. These results identify PNNs and VP PV neurons as key drivers of opioid seeking, suggesting that targeting PNNs offers a promising new path to treat opioid craving and relapse.
Abstract
Opioid use disorder remains a major health challenge worldwide. Neuronal activity in the ventral pallidum (VP) regulates opioid reward and relapse ...
Daily Administration of Psilocin Mucate (L-130) Produces a Favorable Safety Profile and Anxiolytic Effects in Rodents Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 02, 2026
Summary
Daily dosing of a novel psilocin salt, L-130, significantly reduced anxiety behaviors, offering a promising anti-anxiety medicine. Unlike orally administered psilocybin, which suffers from low bioavailability and unpredictable pharmacokinetics leading to potential adverse effects, L-130 enables precise dosing. This pharmacology investigation, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, confirmed L-130's safety. Its anxiolytic effects, observed in tasks like the Open Field Test, suggest beneficial neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, enhancing memory and neural mechanisms. While not for anesthesia, weekly dosing was ineffective.
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are chronic health conditions affecting the quality of life of millions of people. Psilocin, the active moiety of psilocybin, pro...
The effects of psilocybin on time perception in humans: A comparative analysis of subjective and objective measures
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters time perception, making moments feel slower and less precise. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 24 healthy volunteers found time slowing (g = -0.37) and reduced temporal precision (g = -0.47) compared to placebo, especially for durations over two seconds. Subjective rating scales confirmed this altered perception. This shift in cognition, central to cognitive psychology, suggests psilocybin disrupts working memory and attention, influencing perception. Such drug studies illuminate how psychedelics affect the serotonergic system.
Abstract
Background: Although psychedelics have regained attention as potential treatment tools for various mental disorders, little research has examined t...
Task-invariant networks interfere with and task-specific networks support memory formation: An fMRI meta-analysis.
Imaging neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.) – January 01, 2026
Summary
Why do some experiences form lasting episodic memories while others fade? A meta-analysis of 56 fMRI studies reveals a striking pattern: brain networks impairing memory encoding are consistent across tasks, linked to distraction or mind-wandering. These intrinsic networks, like the default mode, are recruited when memories fail to form. Conversely, successful encoding relies on task-specific brain engagement; verbal information activates language systems, while pictures engage visual areas. This suggests forgetting stems from general attentional lapses, but remembering requires precise, context-sensitive neural activity.
Abstract
Why do some moments imprint themselves in memory while others vanish without a trace? This meta-analysis identifies a dissociation in large-scale b...
Questioning the recovery of dissociated traumatic memories under psilocybin: comment on “Therapeutic emergence of dissociated traumatic memories during psilocybin treatment for anorexia nervosa”
Journal of Eating Disorders – December 04, 2025
Summary
The striking claim that two patients recovered traumatic memories during psilocybin treatment for anorexia nervosa suggests psychedelics could unlock forgotten experiences. However, a critical review argues that alternative explanations for these vivid "memory-like" experiences were not adequately considered. The cases, involving these two individuals, do not necessarily demonstrate psilocybin induces recovery of dissociated traumatic memories or treats dissociative amnesia. Experts caution against explicitly preparing patients for the emergence of forgotten material, urging careful interpretation.
Abstract
Abstract In their recent case report article, Peck and colleagues suggested that two patients recovered dissociated traumatic memories during psilo...
Psilocybin Maintains Better Brain Function in an Alzheimer’s Disease Model with Reduced Neuroinflammation and Improved Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Alzheimer s & Dementia – December 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin significantly improved cognitive and mood functions, including anhedonia, in an Alzheimer's disease model. Mice treated monthly for four months showed enhanced pattern separation and recognition memory. Neuroscience links psilocybin to reduced neuroinflammation, specifically microglial inflammasome activity, and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis within the hippocampal formation. 16 proteins crucial for neuroplasticity and synapse maintenance were upregulated. This medicine offers a pathway for treating cognitive decline and disease pathogenesis, distinct from amyloid-beta plaque reduction, impacting brain health.
Abstract
Abstract Background Chronic neuroinflammation plays a significant role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis associated with a decline in cognit...
Safety, feasibility, and tolerability of psilocybin in older adults with amnestic MCI: Preliminary data from a SV2a PET imaging study
Alzheimer s & Dementia – December 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a medicine for cognitive decline, shows promising tolerability. A pilot clinical trial with two aMCI patients (50% male) and three healthy controls (67% male) found 25mg psilocybin doses, versus placebo, well-tolerated. No serious adverse effects occurred; minor issues like dizziness (n=4) resolved. Neuroscience and psychiatry animal studies suggest psilocybin enhances cognition and cognitive flexibility through effects on the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. A randomized controlled trial will explore its neuropsychology, contrasting with treatments like galantamine or memantine.
Abstract
Abstract Background Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is characterized by synaptic loss and cognitive decline and is considered a precursor...
Magic mushrooms‐ P. cubensis and H. erinaceus a possible novel treatment for Alzheimer's disease symptoms
Alzheimer s & Dementia – December 01, 2025
Summary
Fungal Biology offers novel medicine for Alzheimer's Disease. Oral supplementation of Psilocybe cubensis (1g-3.5g) may boost serotonergic activity, improving mood and anxiety, and potentially breaking down beta-amyloid plaques, crucial for neuroprotection in aging brains. Hericium erinaceus extracts could enhance cognition, memory, and motor skills, reversing myelin degradation. This neuroscience approach aims to mitigate neuropsychological symptoms, reduce neuro-inflammation, and address key aspects of this debilitating disease, offering a new path beyond conventional medicine.
Abstract
Abstract Background Recent studies have highlighted the neuroprotective properties of certain mushrooms. Proposing a research hypothesis for a nove...
Investigational psilocybin treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder: a qualitative study of participant experience, trauma engagement, and differences from standard treatment.
EClinicalMedicine – December 01, 2025
Summary
COMP360 psilocybin shows promise in helping patients navigate Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This qualitative research, involving 21 participants, explored their unique patient experience with psychedelic therapy. Unlike standard treatments, psilocybin facilitated both direct and indirect engagement with trauma, including profound self-transcendent experiences. Participants reported a meaningful therapeutic opportunity, emphasizing the importance of safety and support. Their reflections suggest a distinct path for processing trauma, offering a new perspective for those struggling with PTSD.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition leading to significant personal and societal burden. Standard treatments frequent...
Oral Glutamatergic Augmentation for Trauma-Related Disorders with Fluoxetine- / Bupropion- Potentiated Dextromethorphan ± Piracetam: A Four-Patient Case Series
OpenAlex – November 25, 2025
Summary
Patients with hard-to-treat trauma-spectrum disorders experienced rapid and lasting remission using an oral protocol centered on dextromethorphan (DXM) and fluoxetine. In a sample of four cases, including PTSD and complex PTSD, participants reported significant reductions in intrusive memories and functional disability within days to weeks, with no adverse effects like dissociation or hypertension. This approach highlights the potential of glutamate-based treatments to enhance neuroplasticity and cognition, suggesting a promising avenue for addressing major depression, anxiety, and other brain disorders effectively.
Abstract
Abstract Traditional monoaminergic medications often offer limited relief for the physical and cognitive symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder...
Long-term neurocognitive side effects of MDMA in recreational ecstasy users following sustained abstinence: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – November 19, 2025
Summary
Even after sustained abstinence, individuals with a history of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) use may not fully recover certain cognitive functions. Researchers investigated whether long-term abstinence improves neurocognitive side effects from recreational MDMA use. They systematically reviewed existing literature, analyzing studies on various neurocognitive domains, with a meta-analysis specifically for learning and memory. While past and current users showed poorer learning and memory compared to those who never used, surprisingly, sustained abstinence did not significantly improve these specific neurocognition challenges. Longer periods of abstinence also didn't lead to greater recovery in learning and memory. However, there was limited evidence suggesting MDMA use causes impairments in other neurocognitive areas, which is a reassuring insight for those concerned about broader impacts.
Abstract
Little is known about whether 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA) neurocognitive side effects improve with sustained abstinence. This study...
Esketamine attenuates post-traumatic stress disorder via suppressing neuroinflammation and abnormal myelination.
Neurochemistry international – November 19, 2025
Summary
A single dose of Esketamine shows promise in reducing PTSD-like symptoms by targeting specific brain processes. Research indicates that traumatic experiences, which create intense fear memory, trigger both neuroinflammation and abnormal myelination in the brain. Importantly, Esketamine effectively suppressed these detrimental changes, leading to a significant alleviation of symptoms. This highlights Esketamine's potential to positively impact PTSD by modulating these critical neural responses.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychological disorder that is induced by traumatic events. The pathophysiological mechanism of ...
(R)-Ketamine reduces alcohol intake and alcohol seeking induced by reconsolidation of alcohol-related memories in female Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats.
Psychopharmacology – November 15, 2025
Summary
A specific form of ketamine offers new hope for reducing alcohol intake. Researchers investigated if (R)-ketamine, a dissociative psychedelic with fewer side effects, could combat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). They tested its effects on drinking and alcohol-related memory retrieval in rats. Remarkably, (R)-ketamine significantly reduced alcohol consumption and impaired memory retrieval in female rats, indicating a sex-specific benefit. This suggests exciting potential for new AUD treatments.
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents a significant medical challenge, with available therapeutic approaches having limited efficacy. Emerging data...
Ibogalogs improve spatial and recognition memory in rodents through a mechanism involving 5-HT2A receptor activation-enhanced NMDA receptor activity in hippocampal pyramidal CA1 neurons
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy – November 13, 2025
Summary
Ibogalogs significantly enhance recognition and spatial memory in rodents, with DM506 improving both short-term (30 min) and long-term (24-72 h) spatial memory. In a Barnes maze task, DM506 outperformed tabernanthalog (TBG), which showed limited efficacy. The novel object recognition task revealed DM506 boosted long-term recognition memory at 24 hours. Electrophysiological studies indicated that DM506 increased N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity and theta rhythm amplitude in CA1 neurons. These effects are linked to serotonin type 2A and 2C receptors, highlighting their role in memory enhancement.
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of ibogalogs on recognition and spatial memory in rodents, focusing on potential hippocampal mechanisms. The Barne...
Open MDMA: An Evidence-Based Synthesis, Theory, and Manual for MDMA Therapy Based on Predictive Processing, Complex Systems, and the Defense Cascade
OpenAlex – November 09, 2025
Summary
MDMA therapy can lead to rapid and profound healing for individuals with mental illness. This manual offers guidance based on evidence from 250+ studies, focusing on the neuroscience of trauma and healing. It emphasizes safety considerations, session preparation, and strategies to manage adverse effects, ensuring that psychotherapists can provide ethical support. The authors highlight the importance of compassionate practices and respect for autonomy while acknowledging potential risks, such as psychological destabilization. This comprehensive resource aims to enhance the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in clinical settings.
Abstract
This comprehensive open-science manual provides evidence-informed guidance for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, addressing the critical gap between gro...
Psilocybin reduces depressive-like behavior and improves cognition in healthy aging mice via epigenetic regulation of plasticity- and immune-related genes
OpenAlex – November 05, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically improved memory in aged female mice and reduced depressive-like behavior in both sexes. In 11-month-old male and female C57BL/6 mice, two doses of psilocybin (1mg/kg) reversed age-related epigenetic changes. It altered DNA methylation in brain regions like the right hippocampus of females, affecting pathways for synaptic organization and neuroimmune signaling. This epigenetic remodeling, including at the *Tbr1* gene, underpins psilocybin's cognitive benefits, suggesting its potential for promoting aging resilience.
Abstract
Abstract For many, cognitive and affective health declines through typical aging. Although cognitive and affective symptoms are often studied in is...
Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ for PTSD: investigating the synergistic effects of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy
European journal of psychotraumatology – November 04, 2025
Summary
In a promising approach to treating PTSD, combining low-dose sublingual ketamine with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms. In a study of eight clients, symptom scores dropped from an average of 15.50 to 9.88 after four sessions, representing a large effect size of 1.01. Functional impairment also decreased from 8.50 to 5.25, with a notable effect size of 0.82. Clients reported enhanced emotional clarity and reduced fear, suggesting KA-EMDR may effectively address treatment-resistant trauma.
Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with maladaptive memory reconsolidation and overgeneralized fear responses. EMDR the...
Understanding Neuroplasticity Induced by Tryptamines (UNITy): Understanding Neuroplasticity Induced by Tryptamines: Rewiring Maladaptive Memories in Hazardous Drinking with Memory Reactivation and Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
Open Science Framework – October 20, 2025
Summary
DMT may significantly alter drinking behaviors in individuals with mild Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). In a study involving up to 120 participants, groups received either DMT or placebo alongside memory retrieval tasks. Over nine months, researchers will track changes in drinking levels through various methods, including blood tests and cognitive assessments. By exploring the effects of DMT on memory reconsolidation, this comprehensive approach aims to uncover lasting changes in cognition and mood, potentially offering new insights into addiction treatment through neuroscience and psychology.
Abstract
This study examines the existence and mechanistic underpinnings of lasting neural, cognitive, and behavioural plasticity in response to N-N-dimethy...
Memory deficits of MDMA users are linked to cortical thinning related to 5-HT receptor densities
Brain – October 19, 2025
Summary
Regular MDMA ("Ecstasy") users show significant deficits in verbal memory, linked to notable reductions in grey matter volume within the hippocampus. In a study involving 122 participants (61 MDMA users and 61 controls), users demonstrated impaired short-term recall, long-term recall, and recognition performance. Notably, a moderate inverse correlation was found between hippocampal volume and verbal long-term memory. Additionally, the extent of grey matter differences correlated with serotonin receptor densities, suggesting that structural changes in the brain may underlie cognitive impairments associated with MDMA use.
Abstract
Regular recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") has been consistently linked to verbal memory dysfunctions, whose n...
The Brinzei MDMA-PTSD Protocol: Addressing the Food and Drug Administration’s Breaking Blind Concerns with Precision Approaches to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
Preprints.org – October 03, 2025
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) significantly alleviates PTSD symptoms, with many patients reporting lasting improvements after treatment. However, regulatory hurdles arise due to challenges in maintaining blinding during trials. A new clinical trial design, the Brinzei MDMA-PTSD Protocol (BMPP), proposes a quadruple-masked approach to minimize bias while delivering effective care. It suggests that acute traumas may resolve in 1-3 sessions, while complex traumas require more structured treatment. This innovative framework aims to clarify the mechanisms of MDMA’s effectiveness and optimize its therapeutic applications.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA) has been shown in multiple clinical trials to greatly reduce Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, w...
Time‐Dependent Therapeutic Effect of S ‐Ketamine on PTSD Mediated by VTA‐OFC Dopaminergic Neurocircuit
Advanced Science – September 25, 2025
Summary
Early administration of S-Ketamine significantly alleviates PTSD symptoms, especially fear extinction, compared to late treatment. In rodent models, early intervention restored the firing rates of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which were impaired after PTSD modeling. A novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique targeting the orbitofrontal cortex enhanced dopaminergic transmission and extended ketamine's therapeutic window. With a clearer understanding of the VTA-dopamine-orbitofrontal cortex neurocircuit, this approach optimizes ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for effective PTSD treatment, demonstrating its potential in neuroscience and medicine.
Abstract
Current pharmacotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are limited by delayed onset and side effects. Despite ketamine exhibiting rapi...
The collective lie in ketamine therapy: a call to realign clinical practice with neurobiology
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 22, 2025
Summary
Ketamine therapy is often misinterpreted as a consciousness-expanding treatment, but its true function lies in promoting neuroplasticity as an NMDA receptor antagonist. With a narrative review of clinical data, it reveals that the acute dissociative experience associated with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is not essential for effective treatment. Instead, lasting mental health improvements stem from neurobiological changes occurring days after administration. Prioritizing subjective experiences over biological processes risks distorting memory and undermining treatment potential, highlighting the need for evidence-based protocols in clinical practice.
Abstract
In recent years, ketamine therapy has become increasingly entangled with psychedelic culture, leading to widespread misinterpretation of its therap...
Behavioural investigations of psilocybin in non-human animals 1962–2021: A scoping review
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – September 11, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal psilocybin's remarkable safety, showing no biological toxicity even at high doses in pre-clinical research. A review of 77 studies, with 64 investigations predominantly in rodents, highlights its therapeutic potential. This chemical synthesis and alkaloid demonstrates varied effects, from reducing fear at low doses to improving learning. While 22.1% of studies omitted sample sizes, the overall evidence supports psilocybin as a promising agent for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, influencing arousal, aggression, and memory.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound that may hold promise for a wide range of human health conditions, yet the identi...
Psilocybin Enhances Cued Fear Extinction and Extinction Recall in Stress-Naïve, Acutely Stressed, and Chronically Stressed Mice
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – September 11, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal psilocybin, a compound derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, powerfully enhances fear extinction and recall. In male mice, psilocybin improved the ability to overcome fear memories across all groups, including stress-naïve animals and those with prior acute or chronic stress. This Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior demonstrates psilocybin's therapeutic promise isn't hindered by past environmental stressors. Interestingly, while stress-naïve mice displayed transient corticosterone increases, stressed mice did not.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics have shown promise in clinical trials for treating an array of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, an...
Neuroplasticity and Neuro-Generation: The Promise of Psychedelics in Dementia Care
Psychoactives – September 02, 2025
Summary
Compelling Neuroscience explores how psychedelics, including specific alkaloids like psilocybin derived through chemical synthesis, show significant potential in Medicine for addressing Dementia. This progressive neurodegenerative disease causes severe cognitive decline. Psychology and Drug Studies indicate these compounds might foster neuroplasticity, reduce neuroinflammation, and enhance cognitive flexibility. Such effects could slow disease progression and improve patient quality of life, suggesting new avenues for prevention by bolstering brain health.
Abstract
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is characterised by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioural changes. Patients suf...
Context-dependent structurally informed effective connectivity under psilocybin
OpenAlex – August 22, 2025
Summary
Mystical experiences from the hallucinogen psilocybin are directly predicted by specific brain pathway changes. Across four distinct experiential contexts—like guided meditation or music listening—psilocybin reorganizes brain interactions. Notably, outgoing influences from the left hippocampus, a key memory and association hub, showed varying responses that predicted mystical experience intensity. Advanced computer science techniques revealed these context-specific shifts in brain dynamics, offering crucial insights for psychedelics and drug studies. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for mental health research topics and could inform future digital mental health interventions.
Abstract
Abstract The extent to which anatomical connectivity constrains pharmacologically altered brain dynamics remains poorly understood. Here, we combin...
Role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and psychedelics in the treatment of major depressive disorder: A perspective on mechanistic insight and current status.
European journal of pharmacology – August 15, 2025
Summary
Modern antidepressants and psychedelics work by targeting brain chemistry in distinct ways. While traditional medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase available serotonin gradually, psychedelics create rapid changes in brain connectivity. Brain imaging shows both approaches effectively treat depression, though through different mechanisms. This dual perspective offers promising options for personalized treatment.
Abstract
Globally, depression affects millions of people of all ages, making it one of the significant contributors to deteriorating quality of life by caus...
694. INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL OF PSILOCYBIN FOR COMPULSIVE EATING IN A RAT MODEL OF BINGE EATING
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a well-known hallucinogen, showed no effect on compulsive binge eating in a rat model, challenging some theories in Psychology and Psychiatry regarding its therapeutic potential for eating disorders. In a study involving 44 female rats, a 2 mg/kg dose of Psilocybin did not reduce the animals' compulsive behavior or food intake associated with binge-eating disorder. While Psilocybin influences Neurotransmitter Receptors and is explored in Clinical Psychology for various behaviors, these Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest this particular application might require different approaches.
Abstract
Abstract Background Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder, often associated with metabolic syndrome and other mental he...
229. PSILOCYBIN WITH PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC SUPPORT FOR TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: A PILOT CLINICAL TRIAL
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
A pilot clinical trial showed psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, combined with psychotherapeutic support, significantly reduced symptoms for treatment-resistant depression. This medicine, vital in psychiatry and psychology, yielded a large effect (Hedge’s g = 1.41). Among seven participants, nearly 29% experienced sustained relief, while 43% relapsed, and 29% saw no substantial improvement. Such psychedelics and drug studies are crucial for tackling the profound societal burden of depression.
Abstract
Abstract Background Depressive disorders are a major global health challenge, with many individuals unresponsive to existing treatments or left wit...
Qualitative analysis of written accounts of functional/dissociative seizures.
Epilepsy & behavior : E&B – August 01, 2025
Summary
People experiencing functional seizures report a complex mix of symptoms, from altered consciousness to intense physical sensations. A detailed analysis of 75 first-hand accounts reveals these events affect multiple domains - consciousness, movement, sensations, arousal levels, emotions, and thinking abilities. Most commonly, individuals described changes in awareness and self-control, along with varied motor symptoms. Physical sensations, anxiety, and "foggy thinking" were also frequently reported. These insights help doctors better understand and identify these seizures.
Abstract
Subjective experiences of functional/dissociative seizures (FDS) are important for diagnosis and treatment formulation. This study aims to improve ...
Electrophysiological effects of psilocybin co-administered with midazolam
OpenAlex – July 29, 2025
Summary
Imagine experiencing a profound psychedelic journey without memory of it. A pilot study in **psychedelics and drug studies** gave participants 25 mg of psilocybin—an **alkaloid** from **chemical synthesis**—with a sedative. This allowed the full psychedelic experience, blunting recall. Brain activity showed distinct patterns: initially, increased beta power; then, as psilocybin's **neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior** grew over six hours, increased brain complexity and altered power. Psilocybin's effects persist despite memory suppression, supporting mechanistic studies.
Abstract
Abstract The serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin induces neural plasticity and profoundly alters consciousness. The benzodiazepine midazolam blunts...
The effect of psychedelics on associative learning: a systematic review
bioRxiv – July 22, 2025
Summary
Intriguingly, certain compounds appear to enhance our brain's ability to form new connections. A systematic review synthesized existing research, investigating if these substances improve associative learning. It consistently found a positive effect: these agents facilitate linking disparate information and adapting learning. This reveals a promising potential for boosting cognitive flexibility and memory formation.
Abstract
The effect of psychedelics on associative learning: a systematic review
Sex-Specific Neuropsychiatric Effects of Subanesthetic Ketamine Exposure in Pregnant Mice and Their Offspring.
Cellular and molecular neurobiology – July 19, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, brief ketamine exposure during pregnancy in mice showed unexpected positive effects on offspring. Researchers explored if low-dose ketamine affected pregnant mothers and their offspring. Mothers exhibited less depression-like behavior. Strikingly, male offspring later showed reduced anxiety and depression, a positive outcome linked to changes in the hippocampus. This sex-specific effect was associated with higher levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits in male embryonic brains, suggesting a unique developmental impact. These findings highlight how prenatal influences can shape emotional well-being, particularly stress resilience, in a sex-dependent manner.
Abstract
Depression during pregnancy is often overlooked and undertreated. Ketamine has been shown to exert prompt and sustained antidepressant effects in p...
Combinatorial targeting of NMDARs and 5-HT4Rs exerts beneficial effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's research & therapy – July 15, 2025
Summary
Treating complex diseases like Alzheimer's may require a multi-pronged approach. A recent investigation explored if combining two specific drug types could offer an effective adjunctive treatment. Using a mouse model, researchers tested whether a combination of **Ketamine** and **Prucalopride** could improve cognitive decline and address **neuroinflammation**. Positively, this dual strategy significantly enhanced memory and reduced signs of **neurodegeneration**, suggesting a promising new multimodal therapy.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. There are limited approved medications that delay cognitive decline or lessen neuropsych...
Neurophysiological features of dream recall and the phenomenology of dreams: Auditory stimulation impacts dream experiences.
Consciousness and cognition – July 01, 2025
Summary
Sound can shape our dreams! Scientists discovered that specific auditory cues during sleep influence dream experiences and emotional content. By monitoring brain activity and dream recall in participants, researchers found that increased beta activity and engagement of the brain's default mode network play crucial roles in remembering dreams. Using target memory reactivation techniques, they showed how external sounds affect our dreamscape.
Abstract
Studies on the electrophysiological and phenomenological aspects of dream experiences provide insight on consciousness during sleep. Whole night po...
Partial rescue of schizophrenia-related phenotypes in young adult Sp4 hypomorphic mice.
Journal of psychiatric research – July 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered that restoring a specific gene in adult mice can improve some schizophrenia-like symptoms. Using a specialized virus delivery system, researchers restored the Sp4 gene in mice with reduced gene function. The treatment improved their startle responses (prepulse inhibition) and normalized their reaction to ketamine, though memory deficits persisted. This breakthrough suggests potential new therapeutic approaches for psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia.
Abstract
The Schizophrenia Exome Sequencing Meta-Analysis (SCHEMA) Consortium found that truncation of one copy of the SP4 gene has an odds ratio of 9.37 (3...