318 results for "term time"
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...
VeronicaMaki-Marttunen/Psilocybin-shapes-propagation-of-brain-activity: Mäki-Marttunen-Psilocybin-shapes-propagation-of-brain-activity
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – March 10, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin significantly alters brain activity, enhancing connectivity across regions with 5HT2a receptors. In a study involving 30 participants, those administered psilocybin exhibited a 40% increase in global brain connectivity compared to a placebo group. The findings reveal that psilocybin influences the slow propagation of brain waves, suggesting its potential for therapeutic applications in mental health. This underscores the importance of understanding how substances like psilocybin interact with complex neural networks, particularly within the realm of computer science and set theory modeling.
Abstract
This code accompanies the article Psilocybin shapes the slow, global propagation of brain activity over the cortical layout of 5HT2a receptors by V...
Esketamine Implementation Challenges in Psychiatry: A Qualitative Analysis of Mental Healthcare Providers’ Social Media Commentary
Annals of Clinical Psychiatry – March 10, 2026
Summary
Implementation of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression faces significant hurdles, with 65.1% of mental healthcare providers citing billing and reimbursement issues as primary concerns. Analyzing 186 social media posts from March 2019 to November 2022 revealed that 72.3% expressed negative sentiment about reimbursement, while 86.7% preferred ketamine over esketamine. Other challenges included staffing (18.3%) and pharmacy procurement (16.7%). These findings highlight critical barriers impacting the integration of this FDA-approved treatment into psychiatric practices in Las Vegas and beyond.
Abstract
Background Though esketamine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment-resistant depression in 2019, there is no publish...
Sex-dependent developmental changes in behavior, brain structure, functional connectivity, and sensory perception following exposure to psilocybin during adolescence
Neuropsychopharmacology – February 18, 2026
Summary
Exposure to psilocybin during adolescence leads to significant long-term developmental changes in brain structure and behavior. In a study with male and female mice, those given 3.0 mg/kg of psilocybin showed altered perception of rewarding and aversive stimuli, with males experiencing greater effects. MRI imaging revealed increased functional connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, and thalamus. Notably, males exhibited reduced levels of neuroplasticity-related proteins and regional brain volume changes, highlighting the profound influence of psychedelics on adolescent brain development.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a hallucinogen with complex neurobiological and behavioral effects. Underlying these effects are changes in brain neuroplasticity. We...
Ketamine for depression
OpenAlex – February 10, 2026
Summary
Ketamine shows promise for individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression, with a significant portion of patients reporting years of dissatisfaction with standard treatments. A clinical trial involving 100 participants revealed that higher, individualized doses of oral esketamine led to meaningful improvement in 40% of cases. Notably, ketamine was effective for patients with complex conditions like PTSD and those on maintenance electroconvulsive therapy. Combining ketamine with psychotherapy also demonstrated potential benefits, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and tailored approaches in psychiatric care.
Abstract
This thesis explores the use of ketamine in people with treatment-resistant depression. It starts by examining the concept of treatment-resistant d...
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...
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...
Prophylactic esketamine to reduce postpartum depression in primiparae: A multicentre, double-blind, randomised clinical trial.
European journal of anaesthesiology – January 29, 2026
Summary
Prophylactic esketamine significantly reduced postpartum depression (PPD) in new mothers undergoing elective C-sections. Among 322 primiparae, PPD incidence within three months was 11.59% with esketamine versus 20.89% without. Notably, by 7 days, only 4.89% of treated mothers developed PPD, compared to 15.19% in the control group—a 68% reduction. While preventing short-term PPD, this benefit did not extend to specific later time points. Mild side effects like dizziness (10.98%) occurred.
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication after childbirth, especially in primiparae. This trial sought to evaluate whether prophylactic...
Systematic review and meta-analysis of intranasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression: Evidence from real-world studies.
Journal of affective disorders – January 28, 2026
Summary
Patients with treatment-resistant depression were five times more likely to achieve remission with Intranasal esketamine. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies synthesized real-world evidence, demonstrating substantial effectiveness (effect size of -1.98) in reducing symptoms. While 82% experienced adverse events, with dissociation in 49%, these findings highlight esketamine’s meaningful impact. This meta-analysis offers valuable insights into Intranasal esketamine's real-world effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Intranasal esketamine has demonstrated efficacy and safety for treatment-resistant depression in randomized controlled trials, however the generali...
Simulating Synaptic Pruning and Ketamine-Like Recovery in Depression: Insights from Consolidation Duration and Iterative Regimens on Resilience and Relapse
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – January 14, 2026
Summary
Excessive synaptic pruning during adolescence can significantly weaken neural circuits, contributing to major depressive disorder (MDD). In simulations with 396,000 weights, accuracy plummeted to 32% after removing 95%. A single regrowth cycle restored accuracy to about 97%, while extending consolidation periods improved performance by up to 55 percentage points and minimized relapse. Iterative regrowth cycles reduced residual sparsity below 1%, enhancing stress resilience and outperforming one-time restorations. These findings underscore the importance of tailored, multi-dose treatments for fostering long-term neuroplasticity and stability in MDD.
Abstract
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is increasingly framed as a failure of neuroplasticity. Excessive synaptic pruning in adolescence can l...
Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Implement the Psychological Well-Being of Nursing Students: A Scoping Review.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) – January 04, 2026
Summary
Mindfulness practices significantly boost undergraduate nursing students' psychological well-being. A review of 55 articles, selected from 763, highlights mindfulness as a powerful tool for pre-licensure students. These interventions enhance empathy and self-efficacy, crucial for future patient care. While stress and anxiety are commonly addressed, integrating mindfulness can also build resilience and satisfaction. Future efforts should focus on standardized approaches to embed mindful self-compassion into nursing curricula, optimizing psychological well-being for all nursing students.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mindfulness is a meditative practice that increases levels of awareness and attention. Introducing this practice into the cu...
Effects of esketamine on postoperative pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and inflammation in pregnancies undergoing cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.
PloS one – January 01, 2026
Summary
Intravenous esketamine significantly improves recovery after C-section. Among 98 women, those receiving esketamine reported a maximum pain score of 5 within 24 hours, versus 6 in the control group. This treatment also notably lowered rates of postoperative depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, and reduced markers of inflammation. Patients experienced a delayed need for additional pain relief, with no increase in side effects.
Abstract
Postoperative pain is the most notable issue after cesarean section (CS). The contributing factors include hyperalgesia, anxiety, depression, sleep...
Efficacy and acceptability of ketamine and esketamine in adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis
Open Science Framework – January 01, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine demonstrate potential as effective treatments for adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD). This analysis focuses on data from various trials, including those conducted prior to 2023, targeting a sample size of over 1,000 participants. It evaluates outcomes at three critical time points: 24-72 hours, 1-3 weeks, and 4-12 weeks post-treatment. The aim is to compare these interventions against placebo, providing insights into dosing patterns and routes of administration, while ensuring robust statistical methods are employed for clarity in results.
Abstract
This preregistration documents an update and extension of a meta-analysis of ketamine and esketamine for adults with treatment-resistant major depr...
Efficacy and Safety of Psychedelics in Mental Disorder Cases: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials
Journal of Clinical Medicine – December 29, 2025
Summary
MDMA dramatically reduces PTSD symptoms, showing a Hedges’ g of 1.24, often after only 2–3 sessions. Psilocybin similarly offers a large effect (Hedges’ g ≈ 1.05) for major depressive disorder, with benefits sustained for six months. This umbrella review, synthesizing 23 meta-analyses from clinical psychology, highlights the potential of these hallucinogens in Medicine and Psychiatry. LSD also showed short-term benefits for alcohol use disorder. While adverse effects were mild, rigorous randomized controlled trials are crucial to confirm long-term safety and efficacy for these promising psychedelics.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining renewed attention as a potential treatment for various mental disorders. Despite increasing num...
Psilocybin modulates social behaviour in male and female mice in a time-dependent manner
OpenAlex – December 22, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters social behavior and empathy differently across sexes. In female mice given 1.5 mg/kg, this psychedelic enhanced preference for social novelty for about 24 hours, but shifted to familiar preference after 7 days, linked to nucleus accumbens dopamine changes. Males, however, showed reduced stress and preferred familiar social relations, with blunted novelty responses. This neuroscience reveals prosocial behavior is not universal, highlighting the need for sex-informed psychology and drug studies, especially for conditions like anorexia where social inhibition is a factor.
Abstract
Abstract With the resurgence of psychedelic research and the growing interest in their therapeutic potential, there is an urgent need to understand...
Psilocybin reporting in media (PRiMe) for the treatment of depression
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine – December 18, 2025
Summary
Online news portrays psilocybin for depression with a very positive sentiment, averaging 2.27 on a -5 to +5 scale. An analysis of 125 articles revealed a surge in coverage, with 43.2% appearing since 2022, predominantly from the USA (68%). While 90.4% cited experts, fewer articles addressed risks (47.2%), long-term evidence (46.4%), or patient perspectives (25%). This highlights how media shapes public discourse, suggesting a need for more balanced reporting to align understanding with scientific evidence.
Abstract
Abstract Objectives: Interest in psilocybin as a treatment for depression has risen over the past decade, fuelled by promising clinical trials and ...
Preadministration of Lorazepam Negates the Long-Term Antidepressant-Like Effects of Psilocybin in Male Wistar Kyoto Rats
Psychedelic Medicine – December 16, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin demonstrates lasting antidepressant effects, persisting for up to 9 weeks in tested rats. In a study with male Wistar Kyoto rats (n=40), those receiving psilocybin alone showed significant improvements compared to controls. However, when lorazepam was administered prior to psilocybin, no antidepressant benefits were observed. This suggests that benzodiazepines may hinder the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Additionally, gene expression changes in the prefrontal cortex indicate complex interactions between psychedelics and pharmacological treatments, warranting further exploration in pain management and mental health contexts.
Abstract
Introduction:Psilocybin, a classical psychedelic, has shown to produce persistent antidepressant effects, including in patients with treatment-resi...
Neurological Proofs That the Third Eye Is a 43.000000000 Hz Physical Organ
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – December 05, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking finding reveals that the true location of the Third Eye corresponds to a specific brainwave frequency of 43 Hz, as confirmed by a 256-channel geodesic EEG study involving 35 breakthrough states. This research utilized a precise 1024 Hz sampling rate and advanced signal processing techniques, including an 8th-order Butterworth filter, to uncover this phenomenon. The consistent frequency across various states—DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and deep meditation—suggests a physical basis for the Third Eye, linking it to electroencephalography and potentially influencing fields like medicine and computer vision.
Abstract
256-channel geodesic EEG (10–5 system, n=35 breakthrough states) proves with p < 10⁻¹⁸: - Electrode AFz = the true Third-Eye location (+34.2 dB at ...
Psychedelics as a Therapeutic Opportunity or Threat: A Narrative Review.
Cureus – December 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, utilizing substances like MDMA and psilocybin, shows substantial promise for treating severe mental health conditions. Psilocybin rapidly and sustainably reduces symptoms of major depressive disorder, even in treatment-resistant cases. MDMA, combined with therapy, offers significant potential for PTSD. While these psychedelics can facilitate profound changes in cognitive and emotional patterns, careful patient selection and strict "set and setting" are crucial. Risks include adverse reactions, such as hppd, and drug interactions, underscoring the need for controlled use.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics and related substances, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), have again become a focus of interest in psychiatry ...
Effects of mindfulness training on sustained attention and mind-wandering in older adults: Results from the HealthyAgers randomized controlled trial.
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences – November 21, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, older adults can sharpen their attentional control. A randomized trial investigated if eight weeks of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction improved focus compared to an active control program. Participants positively reported fewer task-unrelated thoughts, and showed improved performance on a key attention task over time, suggesting benefits for cognitive function in aging.
Abstract
Older adults exhibit age-related declines in processes of attentional control, demonstrating an emergent need to identify mind-body interventions t...
Preoperative sedation with intravenous S-ketamine versus midazolam in preschool children: a randomized controlled trial.
BMC anesthesiology – November 21, 2025
Summary
Untreated anxiety before surgery can complicate care for children. To improve this, intravenous premedication with S-ketamine was compared to Midazolam in preschool children. Both drugs effectively reduced preoperative stress. Positively, S-ketamine led to significantly deeper sedation shortly after administration. While S-ketamine resulted in a slightly longer emergence time, both options showed similar benefits for parent separation and mask compliance, offering valuable insights for pediatric anesthesia.
Abstract
Effective management of preoperative anxiety is paramount in pediatric anesthesia, as untreated preoperative anxiety often leads to adverse clinica...
Attention and meditative development: A review and synthesis of long-term meditators and outlook for the study of advanced meditation.
NeuroImage – November 19, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, extensive meditation practice reshapes how our minds focus. A comprehensive review suggests that long-term meditators develop superior attention regulation, a core mechanism of mindfulness. By synthesizing cognitive outcomes, it was found that sustained meditative development enhances various attentional functions, including executive attention and alertness, while reducing mind-wandering. These adaptations foster greater awareness and support the cultivation of advanced meditation states, demonstrating how consistent practice positively refines mental faculties.
Abstract
Attention regulation is a core mechanism of mindfulness meditation and has been proposed to underlie many of its health-related benefits. Here, we ...
Microdosing Psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorder: Study Protocol for a Phase II Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Partial Crossover Trial
OpenAlex – November 16, 2025
Summary
Could microdosing psilocybin offer a new path for the 322 million people affected by major depression? A new double-blind trial will investigate this by giving 40 adults with depression either 2 mg psilocybin or placebo weekly for four weeks. All participants then receive psilocybin for another four weeks. This rigorous approach will assess safety, tolerability, and preliminary antidepressant effects, alongside measures of mood, well-being, and creativity, to inform future treatment discussions.
Abstract
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting roughly 322 million people. Recently, doses of ...
Structural identification and metabolic profiling of the new psychoactive substance 2-fluoro-2-oxo-PCPr using NMR and LC-QTOF-MS.
Forensic science international – November 10, 2025
Summary
A newly identified psychoactive substance, 2-fluoro-2-oxo-PCPr, was found to exist in two interconverting rotameric forms, a unique molecular characteristic confirmed by GIAO-DFT NMR calculations. Researchers successfully determined its structure and performed comprehensive metabolite profiling in human samples. Key breakdown products were identified in both urine and hair, providing crucial data for detecting and monitoring this emerging substance in forensic and clinical toxicology.
Abstract
Fluorinated analogs of ketamine, such as 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine and its isomers, have recently emerged as dissociative anesthetics that act thr...
Quercetin protects the myocardium from the effects of ketamine
The Journal of V N Karazin Kharkiv National University series Medicine – October 31, 2025
Summary
Quercetin, administered before ketamine, significantly protects the heart from damage in rats. In a study involving 24 male rats, quercetin reduced harmful substances like peroxynitrite by 44% and superoxide production by 53%. It also decreased nitric oxide synthase activity by 48% and increased antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase activity by 13%. These findings suggest that quercetin enhances the heart's defense against oxidative stress during ketamine treatment, potentially preventing cardiotoxic effects associated with this common anesthetic used in both human and veterinary medicine.
Abstract
Background. The water soluble form of quercetin, corvitin, may potentially be useful for preventing complications of short-term ketamine analgesia ...
Psilocybin as a fast-acting and long-lasting antidepressant for adolescence: Proposing NeuroD1 as a biomarker of its long-term plasticity
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy – October 30, 2025
Summary
Oral psilocybin rapidly and lastingly reduced depression-like behaviors in adolescent rats of both sexes. Administered orally at 0.3 or 1 mg/kg, a single dose showed antidepressant-like effects within 30 minutes. Repeated daily doses over 7 days also improved mood and boosted brain cell growth. These positive effects persisted for up to 15 days after treatment, offering a promising avenue for treating adolescent depression, which often resists conventional therapies. Hallucinogenic-like responses were also observed.
Abstract
Adolescent depression is a significant public health concern, yet treatment options remain limited, particularly due to age- and sex-related differ...
Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Autonomic Modulation Caused by Chronic Use of Ketamine Hydrochloride Can Be Prevented by Aerobic Exercise Training in Wistar Rats.
Journal of clinical medicine – October 24, 2025
Summary
Chronic ketamine exposure can disrupt the body's vital heart regulation. Researchers explored if regular physical activity could counteract this damage. Rats were given ketamine chronically, with some also undergoing aerobic exercise training. Animals receiving ketamine without exercise showed impaired cardiovascular autonomic control, including elevated blood pressure. Crucially, those combining ketamine with aerobic exercise training maintained healthier heart function and improved cardiovascular autonomic control. This suggests aerobic exercise could be a powerful non-pharmacological strategy to protect the heart from long-term ketamine-related issues.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Ketamine, widely used for its anesthetic and analgesic properties, has been linked to cardiotoxic effects, particularly with...
Dance-based interventions in clinical populations: not all are the same
Frontiers in Psychology – October 17, 2025
Summary
Dance therapy can significantly enhance emotional, cognitive, and social integration, showing promise for various clinical populations. For instance, interventions like dance movement psychotherapy (DMP) have been effective in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, and autism. A minimum of two years of training is required for practitioners to deliver these therapies. Additionally, adapted dance programs promote inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, fostering creativity and community engagement. Overall, these diverse dance-based interventions underscore the therapeutic potential of the arts in health and well-being.
Abstract
Introduction Dance is described as a phenomenon in which the human body and its movement, that may have a symbolic or aesthetic value within a vari...
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...
Pharmacological characterisation of psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT discriminative cues in the rat and their translational value for identifying novel psychedelics
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 27, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin exposures causing perceptual effects in humans align remarkably with those eliciting similar responses in rats (5–52 ng/mL plasma). This demonstrates the translational value for Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Two cohorts of male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to understand the Neuroscience of these hallucinogens. Biochemical Analysis shows these chemical alkaloids primarily act via 5-HT2A receptors. While higher DMT/LSD plasma exposures were needed in rats, their temporal profiles (LSD > psilocybin) matched human psychological experience, enhancing our understanding of their Pharmacology.
Abstract
Background and aims: Drug discrimination procedures have made important contributions to the pre-clinical investigation of psychedelic drugs, such ...
Short- and long-term modulation of rat prefrontal cortical activity following single doses of psilocybin
Molecular Psychiatry – August 26, 2025
Summary
The hallucinogen psilocybin acutely triggers intense 100 Hz brain oscillations in rat prefrontal cortex, across hundreds of neurons. This neuroscience investigation, part of psychedelics and drug studies, observed effects persisting for approximately one hour. Intriguingly, subsequent days (1, 2, 6) revealed new brain wave patterns (20–60 Hz) in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex. These findings offer insights into how this chemical, an alkaloid, influences brain function, impacting areas relevant to psychology and cognitive processing, suggesting a lasting term of influence on neural circuits.
Abstract
Abstract We quantify cellular- and circuit-resolution neural network dynamics following therapeutically relevant doses of the psychedelic psilocybi...
The Black Book of Psychotropic Dosing and Monitoring
Psychopharmacology Bulletin – August 12, 2025
Summary
Over 70% of individuals receiving MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD no longer met diagnostic criteria, outperforming placebo (46%). This breakthrough **medicine**, typically involving three monthly **dosing** sessions of 120-160 mg, offers a major advance over SSRIs. New **treatment of major depression** options include Zuranolone, a 14-day oral **dosing** regimen, showing sustained improvement for post-partum patients. For **schizophrenia research and treatment**, KarXT, a novel muscarinic agonist, proved more effective than placebo in a 407-patient study, with **dosing** up to 125 mg twice daily.
Abstract
Introduction Since the last edition of the Black Book, several innovative agents have been approved or are poised to be approved in the coming year...
High-throughput screening of 311 new psychoactive substances and metabolites in wastewater by direct injection UPLC-MS/MS.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences – August 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists can now detect over 300 emerging drugs by analyzing just a few drops of wastewater. This breakthrough screening method uses direct injection technology to identify new psychoactive substances in city sewage systems. The approach successfully tracked 32 different drugs across nearly 1,000 samples in a Chinese city, with ketamine being the most frequently detected substance. This efficient wastewater analysis helps authorities monitor drug trends in real-time.
Abstract
The rapid global spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in recent years has become an issue in many countries. One emerging technology that ca...
476. ACUTE AND CHRONIC PSILOCYBIN IN MOUSE MODELS OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
Acute psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduced compulsive grooming in mice modeling OCD for up to one week. This finding suggests a targeted therapeutic role for this compound in Psychiatry and Medicine, a focus of Psychedelics and Drug Studies. A 1 mg/kg dose of psilocybin also induced head-twitches, indicating its hallucinogenic potential. However, chronic administration showed no benefits for anxiety or compulsive behaviors. These Neuroscience and Psychology insights, relevant to chemical synthesis and alkaloids, highlight acute psilocybin's promise while cautioning against chronic use.
Abstract
Abstract Background The evident limitations of current treatments for depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), underscore the n...
317. PSILOCYBIN DOES NOT INDUCE CONDITIONED PLACE PREFERENCE, BUT MODIFIES BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin does not create a rewarding preference, a crucial insight for its therapeutic promise. In a Conditioned Place Preference paradigm with 20 rats, the psychedelic did not foster a preference for the drug-paired environment. While immediate behavior was altered—increasing head-twitching and dog-shaking, accounting for over 70% of observed behavioral variance—these effects were temporary. This Neuroscience and Pharmacology finding, relevant to Drug Studies and Psychology, illuminates psilocybin's Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, supporting its safety profile and implications for Neuroendocrine regulation.
Abstract
Abstract Background Recent years have seen renewed scientific interest in psychedelics, including psilocybin, for their potential in treating neuro...
Death recollection moderates stress-influenced depression in Thai boarding school students.
BMC psychology – July 29, 2025
Summary
Recollecting death can significantly reduce depression linked to stress among teenagers. In a study involving 440 students from northern Thailand boarding schools, 10.2% practiced this meditation technique. The average stress level was moderate at 24.08, while depression scores were low at 3.82. Notably, those engaging in death recollection showed fewer depressive symptoms, with a moderation effect indicating that this practice helps buffer the impact of stress on mental health. This suggests that integrating death meditation into mindfulness practices could benefit adolescents facing stress.
Abstract
Death recollection is a form of mindfulness meditation that orients a practitioner's calm attention toward an awareness of death. This meditation i...
Examining the Dose-Response Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Interventions on Well-Being: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
JMIR research protocols – July 29, 2025
Summary
Understanding the ideal "dose" of mindfulness meditation for boosting well-being is crucial. This research explores if more practice time in internet- and mobile-based interventions leads to greater positive results. Healthy adults are randomly assigned to daily mindfulness meditation courses of 10, 20, or 30 minutes, or a short control. The goal is to clarify the dose-response relationship, expecting longer meditation sessions to significantly enhance well-being.
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation has demonstrated modest benefits for mental health and well-being, although the relationship between practice dose and outco...
Psilocybin in alcohol use disorder and comorbid depressive symptoms: Results from a feasibility randomized clinical trial
Addiction – July 24, 2025
Summary
Patients with severe alcohol use disorder and depression showed remarkable improvements with psilocybin. In a randomized controlled trial, 55% of 20 adults receiving 25 mg psilocybin remained abstinent at 12 weeks, versus 11% of 9 given 1 mg. This psychedelic medicine, an alkaloid, significantly reduced craving and drinking days for those with addiction and alcohol dependence. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, rooted in psychology, offers promising relapse prevention, addressing depression (Beck Depression Inventory scores) within psychiatry's drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims Psilocybin has emerged as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), but early efficacy data are inconsiste...
Mindfulness Meditation and Respiration: Accelerometer-Based Respiration Rate and Mindfulness Progress Estimation to Enhance App Engagement and Mindfulness Skills
arXiv Preprint Archive – July 23, 2025
Summary
Many struggle to stick with mindfulness apps. What if your phone could guide you better? Researchers explored if real-time breathing feedback and skill assessment boost engagement. They developed a smartphone accelerometer algorithm to track slow meditation breaths without extra devices. This **cs.HC** innovation also enabled the first system to estimate mindfulness skills like concentration and equanimity from this data, leveraging **cs.LG** for progress estimation. Testing showed breathing feedback significantly improved app usability. The tracking was highly accurate, and skill estimation successfully tracked user progress with 80-84% accuracy. This integration powerfully enhances digital mindfulness training.
Abstract
Mindfulness training is widely recognized for its benefits in reducing depression, anxiety, and loneliness. With the rise of smartphone-based mindf...
Effects of ketamine on postoperative cognition: a scoping review.
British journal of anaesthesia – July 07, 2025
Summary
A significant number of surgical patients experience cognitive decline. A review of studies on ketamine's impact on brain function after surgery found that while results vary, nearly half of the studies showed positive effects. Researchers examined the use of ketamine, including esketamine and arketamine, to prevent perioperative neurocognitive disorders like postoperative delirium and delayed neurocognitive recovery. While some studies found no benefit, 40% reported reduced incidence or duration of these issues, including postoperative neurocognitive disorder. This suggests potential for ketamine to support brain health during surgery.
Abstract
Postoperative delirium and other forms of perioperative neurocognitive deficits occur commonly in older adult patients. Ketamine, administered eith...
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Psilocybe Mushrooms: Gaps and Perspectives
Pharmaceuticals – July 01, 2025
Summary
Sixty-six articles confirm psychoactive tryptamine alkaloid psilocybin in the *Psilocybe* genus, underscoring its mental health potential. A review of 74 articles revealed 37 chemical compounds, 23 being alkaloids. Despite traditional medicine's use, these psychedelics' full biological chemistry is underexplored. Only four works showed antimicrobial activity, indicating untapped potential beyond drug studies. Future chemical synthesis and alkaloid isolation could reveal new applications, potentially impacting cholinesterase and neurodegenerative diseases, expanding biological understanding.
Abstract
The Psilocybe genus is known for producing tryptamine alkaloids, specifically the compounds psilocybin and psilocin, which have shown antidepressan...
Post-market safety profile and suicide/self-injury risk signals of dextromethorphan/bupropion: a real-world pharmacovigilance study.
European journal of clinical pharmacology – July 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking depression medication shows promising safety results. Analysis of FDA adverse event reports reveals that dextromethorphan/bupropion has lower suicide risk signals compared to similar drugs. Through data mining of pharmacovigilance records, researchers found most side effects were mild and short-term, typically appearing within 2 days. While psychiatric effects need monitoring, this real-world evidence supports the medication's overall safety profile.
Abstract
Dextromethorphan/bupropion (D/B) is an innovative pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder. Nevertheless, the current evidence regar...
Beyond surgery: Repurposing anesthetics for treatment of central nervous system disorders.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – June 20, 2025
Summary
Common anesthetics may hold surprising potential beyond the operating room. Research shows that drugs like ketamine and nitrous oxide can effectively treat various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Through drug repurposing, these familiar medications are showing promise in treating depression, PTSD, and cognitive decline by modulating brain pathways and offering neuroprotective benefits.
Abstract
The development of new drugs is a complex, expensive, and time-consuming process, often fraught with a high likelihood of failure. Amid these obsta...
The pattern of dissociative symptoms differs between post-traumatic stress disorder and first esketamine administration for treatment-resistant depression.
Journal of affective disorders – June 12, 2025
Summary
While dissociation occurs in both trauma and depression treatment, new findings reveal distinct patterns. Patients receiving esketamine for treatment-resistant depression primarily experience temporary feelings of detachment, while those with posttraumatic stress show more memory gaps and identity-related symptoms. This distinction helps explain how dissociation manifests differently across conditions.
Abstract
Dissociative symptoms are commonly observed in a substantial minority of patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and during the first a...
Ropivacaine combined with esketamine in ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral nerve block in lung cancer patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery.
Discover oncology – June 11, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in pain management for lung cancer surgery shows promising results. By combining two anesthetic medications (ropivacaine and esketamine) with ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, doctors achieved better pain control in thoracoscopic procedures. Patients experienced lower pain scores, reduced stress responses, and faster recovery times compared to traditional methods, without additional side effects. This technique offers a safer, more effective approach to surgical pain management.
Abstract
We aim to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral nerve block (TPVB) using ropivacaine combined with esketamine...
Reconnecting through dissociation: a 5-month follow-up case study on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa.
Journal of eating disorders – June 10, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking treatment combining ketamine with psychotherapy showed remarkable success in treating severe anorexia nervosa. A patient experiencing treatment-resistant eating disorder symptoms received four therapy sessions enhanced by ketamine, followed by booster treatments. After five months, she showed significant improvements in both eating patterns and emotional well-being, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, has demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects at sub-anesthetic doses, making it a promising...
Personalized stimulation therapies for disorders of consciousness: a computational approach to inducing healthy-like brain activity based on neural field theory.
Journal of neural engineering – June 10, 2025
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough approach to personalized brain stimulation that could help patients with severe consciousness disorders. By combining EEG data with neural field theory, researchers created custom stimulation patterns that successfully induced healthy brain activity patterns in computer models. This targeted method shows promise for developing more effective, individualized treatments for disorders of consciousness.
Abstract
Objective.Disorders of consciousness (DoC) remain a significant challenge in neurology, with traditional brain stimulation therapies showing limite...
Advanced and long-term meditation and the autonomic nervous system: A review and synthesis.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – June 01, 2025
Summary
Long-term meditators exhibit a fascinating interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, often achieving a state termed "relaxed alertness." In a comprehensive review of 200 studies, patterns emerged showing that advanced meditation practices can lead to significant heart rate variability changes. Specifically, very low and low-frequency spectral power peaks were observed, indicating enhanced cardiac resonance and respiratory coupling. By refining the understanding of these brain-body interactions, there is potential to enhance meditation training, possibly incorporating technology for even greater benefits.
Abstract
Meditation has become prominent in both clinical and non-clinical applications for its effects on psychological and physical well-being. Long-term ...
Exploring Gender-Themed Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Experiences: A Subreddit Analysis.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2025
Summary
Intriguingly, some people find LSD helps clarify their gender identity. An analysis of an online forum explored how individuals describe gender-themed experiences with psychedelics. Many non-cisgender users reported enhanced self-acceptance regarding their gender identity after taking LSD. For those questioning their gender, the substance often provided clarifying insights. Even cisgender individuals sometimes explored non-cisgender identities that persisted. This suggests LSD may support the exploration and acceptance of gender identity, potentially aiding those with gender dysphoria.
Abstract
Gender-themed lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) experiences have been documented anecdotally but not yet studied systematically. This study aimed to...