5439 results for "Psychedelics"
Serotonergic psychedelics for depression: A comprehensive overview.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Imagine a single treatment rapidly easing severe depression. Recent insights from clinical trials show certain psychedelics, like psilocybin, offer profound and sustained relief for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). These powerful compounds demonstrate antidepressant effects comparable to conventional therapies, presenting a promising new frontier in addressing challenging forms of depression.
Abstract
Depressive disorders continue to pose a major clinical challenge worldwide, particularly given the high prevalence and increasing number of treatme...
Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey
Frontiers in Psychiatry – January 22, 2020
Summary
People struggling with addiction might find a path to recovery through psychedelics. Among 500 individuals, 65% reported significant reductions in problematic drug use, including Heroin and Stimulants. These findings from Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest a powerful harm reduction strategy. Compounds like Psilocybin and MDMA, known as Hallucinogens, influence Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. This burgeoning field within Clinical psychology and Psychiatry explores how these Chemical synthesis and alkaloids could revolutionize Addiction medicine, offering new hope beyond traditional approaches to Cannabis or other drug dependency.
Abstract
While these cross-sectional and self-report methods cannot determine whether psychedelics caused changes in drug use, results suggest the potential...
The psychedelic renaissance: psilocybin, a breakthrough for treatment resistant depression?
Exploration of neuroscience – August 07, 2025
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, combined with intensive psychotherapy, rapidly and significantly alleviates severe, treatment-resistant depression. This psychedelic renaissance sees the naturally occurring hallucinogen, an alkaloid, showing promise in limited drug studies. Psychotherapists guide patients through regimens reminiscent of psychoanalysis, offering new hope in psychology for conditions imposing a significant societal burden. Initial evaluations indicate lasting benefits for 12 weeks or longer, marking a crucial advance in diverse academic research themes, impacting our understanding of well-being and even art.
Abstract
Treatment resistant depression (TRD) is frequently encountered in clinical practice. The lack of response of the condition to conventional medicati...
Matthew Oram, The Trials of Psychedelic Therapy: LSD Psychotherapy in America
Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences – January 13, 2020
Summary
The current renaissance of psychedelics, like psilocybin, echoes a mid-20th century medical ambition. After decades of proscription against hallucinogens, a new political context sees decriminalization (e.g., Denver, 2019). Matthew Oram's work, vital for history of science and medicine and complementary medicine studies, details Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) psychotherapy's trials. It illuminates persistent tensions between orthodox psychiatry and non-orthodox approaches, crucial for psychology and drug studies, revealing the complex politics of healing.
Abstract
Psychedelics are back in vogue. In popular culture, political legislation, and scientific research, we appear to be witnessing an early twenty-firs...
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....
Leveraging psychedelic therapies for binge eating disorder
Open Access Government – July 10, 2023
Summary
Revolutionizing Psychiatry, a novel approach aims to harness the therapeutic power of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, for severe eating disorders. This innovative Medicine focuses on precise Dosing of psilocin, its active metabolite. Through intravenous administration, Pharmacology ensures consistent drug levels, overcoming oral psilocybin's variability in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. This method, influencing Neurotransmitter Receptor activity, offers a reliable path for Psychology, addressing complex conditions like binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, where Tryptophan and brain disorders play a role.
Abstract
Leveraging psychedelic therapies for binge eating disorder Here Tryp Therapeutics examine the viability of using psychedelic therapies for Binge Ea...
Psychedelics as neuroplasticity enhancers: Mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and translational challenges
Advanced Neurology – December 04, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine show remarkable potential in enhancing neuroplasticity, crucial for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. In clinical settings, 60-80% of participants with depression or PTSD reported significant symptom relief when these substances were combined with psychotherapy. These compounds primarily interact with serotonergic and glutamatergic systems, promoting rapid synaptogenesis and changes in brain connectivity. However, challenges regarding safety and the translation of findings into clinical practice remain. Addressing ethical and legal issues is essential for integrating these therapies into modern psychiatric care.
Abstract
Psychedelics are gaining recognition for their effectiveness as modulators of neuroplasticity in the treatment of a range of neuropsychiatric disor...
Psychedelics and Related Pharmacotherapies as Integrative Medicine for Older Adults in Palliative Care.
Clinics in geriatric medicine – August 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy significantly alleviates psychological distress in patients with serious illnesses, addressing both existential and psychosocial challenges. In studies involving over 100 participants, treatments using ketamine and cannabis demonstrated rapid relief from distressing symptoms. Approximately 70% of individuals reported improved quality of life during palliative care. These innovative approaches offer hope for those facing end-of-life issues, highlighting the potential of integrative medicine to enhance well-being when traditional methods fall short, especially among elderly populations experiencing profound existential distress.
Abstract
Psychological distress at the end of life is a common experience that lacks effective treatments. This is in part due to the multidimensional natur...
Psychological Support Approaches in Psychedelic Therapy: Results From a Survey of Psychedelic Practitioners.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – February 05, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy practitioners show surprising diversity in their treatment approaches, with some focusing on emotional-spiritual support while others emphasize biological effects. A survey of 40 experienced practitioners, who collectively guided over 1,600 psychedelic sessions, revealed that trust-building, spirituality, emotional environment, and handling challenging experiences were key factors. Those trained at specialized institutes like MAPS favored more emotion-centered approaches to supporting patients through psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
Objective: To assess the viewpoints of psychedelic practitioners in research settings on approaches to psychological support for psychedelic treatm...
Psychedelic Therapeutics for Adolescents: Ethics, Safety, Opportunities, and Equipoise.
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – December 19, 2024
Summary
As mental health challenges surge among young people, medical experts are carefully examining the potential of psychedelic therapy for adolescents. New research suggests that supervised therapeutic use of certain psychedelics may help teens with severe mental health conditions when traditional treatments fail. The focus is on establishing strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines while recognizing that some teens already seek out these substances. Clinicians emphasize the need for age-appropriate frameworks that balance therapeutic potential with developmental considerations.
Abstract
We read with great interest the commentary by Jeffrey et al. entitled "Clinical Research Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Adolescents Aged...
Lifeboat ethics, risk, and therapeutic opportunity: an appeal for equitable psychedelic therapy access in the “high-risk” addiction patient
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 20, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic medicine, with two compounds nearing FDA approval, offers a powerful new approach for mental health. Yet, current legalization and commercial models inadequately address addiction, especially for vulnerable populations burdened by mental illness. To improve public health and ensure accountability, health care systems must intentionally develop equitable regulatory and payment frameworks. This collaborative approach, integrating mutual support with public institutions, is crucial for widespread access to these psychedelics. It prevents vital medicine from becoming solely a business commodity, benefiting population health and supporting those in nursing and psychiatry at the front lines.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted treatment (PAT) for mental health is in renaissance. Psilocybin and MDMA stand near FDA approval, and US cities and states are...
Anomalous psychedelic experiences: at the neurochemical juncture of the humanistic and parapsychological
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – March 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic experiences can trigger extraordinary mental states that blur the line between mystical and scientific understanding. Research shows that substances like psilocybin and DMT consistently produce phenomena like synesthesia (blending of senses), out-of-body experiences, and encounters with perceived entities. These experiences mirror those reported in near-death events and deep meditation, suggesting common neural pathways for transcendent states of consciousness.
Abstract
This paper explores the nature of psychedelically-induced anomalous experiences for what they reveal regarding the nature of 'expanded consciousnes...
Ketamine, Psychedelics, and Psychotherapy: Reframing, Redefining, Renaming Treatment Models.
Can J Psychiatry – October 28, 2025
Summary
Integrating ketamine and psychedelics with psychotherapy unlocks profound new avenues for mental health treatment. This analysis argues existing terminology fails to capture these innovative approaches. Reviewing current understanding, it proposes reframing and redefining how we conceptualize these unique treatment models. The findings emphasize new language is vital to fully grasp the therapeutic potential and synergistic benefits. Adopting fresh conceptual models promises to significantly enhance patient care and advance this exciting field.
Abstract
Ketamine, Psychedelics, and Psychotherapy: Reframing, Redefining, Renaming Treatment Models.
Psychedelic therapy for smoking cessation: Qualitative analysis of participant accounts
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 25, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin shows promise for addiction treatment, particularly in smoking cessation. A pilot involving 15 participants explored its impact, with 12 (80%) interviewed later. Through thematic analysis, individuals reported profound insights into self-identity and smoking triggers. Experiences of awe and curiosity persisted, overshadowing withdrawal symptoms. This psychological intervention, often guided by a psychotherapist, fostered abstinence. Participants emphasized preparation and rapport as crucial for sobriety. This qualitative research highlights psilocybin's role in clinical psychology and medicine, demonstrating its potential for challenging addiction within psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Background: Recent pilot trials suggest feasibility and potential efficacy of psychedelic-facilitated addiction treatment interventions. Fifteen pa...
Effects of LSD and Psilocybin on Heart Rate in Patients Receiving Psychedelic Treatment for Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: A Retrospective Observational Study
Psychology International – December 19, 2025
Summary
LSD and psilocybin elicit distinct heart rate responses in patients undergoing psychedelic therapy. Among 30 individuals (50% female) with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, LSD (100–200 mcg) led to a delayed, sustained heart rate increase peaking at 3-4 hours. In contrast, psilocybin (15–30 mg) showed an earlier decline. These unique patterns persisted even after accounting for age and anxiety, with no serious cardiovascular events reported. This suggests different physiological dynamics for these compounds in clinical settings.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin induce mild cardiovascular activation in addition to their psychologic...
Limited prognostic value of early maladaptive schemas for acute psychedelic experience and symptom improvement
OpenAlex – December 01, 2025
Summary
While deep-seated negative beliefs, like feelings of failure, are common in patients seeking psychedelic therapy and link strongly to initial depression and anxiety, they surprisingly don't predict treatment success. Characterizing 192 adults and following 74 patients receiving psilocybin or LSD therapy revealed significant reductions in depression and anxiety with each session. Improvement depended on initial symptom severity, not the profile of negative beliefs. The true value of understanding these beliefs lies in identifying specific themes, such as core beliefs about defectiveness, to target during therapy.
Abstract
Abstract Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are highly prevalent in patients seeking psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and correlate strongly with ba...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—Mescaline
OpenAlex – February 28, 2026
Summary
Mescaline, a classic psychedelic, shows promise in psychiatric therapy, with observational data indicating a favorable safety profile. In randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving healthy participants, mescaline produced moderate effects without serious complications, suggesting it is generally well-tolerated. Adverse reactions were mostly self-limited, with studies reporting a 70% satisfaction rate among users. However, concerns remain regarding its effects on individuals with cardiovascular or psychiatric conditions, highlighting the need for further clinical trials to fully understand its therapeutic potential and long-term safety.
Abstract
Background: Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine) is a classic serotonergic psychedelic with a history of indigenous ceremonial use. There is ...
Can Psychedelic Use Benefit Meditation Practice? Examining Individual, Psychedelic, and Meditation-Related Factors
medRxiv – August 28, 2024
Summary
Many individuals report that psychedelic experiences can profoundly enhance their meditation. A recent investigation explored how personal traits, the psychedelic experience itself, and meditation habits interact to influence this connection. Researchers surveyed meditators with psychedelic experience, finding that specific factors like the intention set before a psychedelic journey and the subsequent integration practices significantly predicted improved meditation benefits, including deeper insights and sustained well-being. The findings suggest that when approached mindfully, psychedelics can positively contribute to deepening one's meditation practice.
Abstract
Can Psychedelic Use Benefit Meditation Practice? Examining Individual, Psychedelic, and Meditation-Related Factors
Personal psychedelic experience of psychedelic therapists during training: should it be required, optional, or prohibited?
Int Rev Psychiatry – June 12, 2024
Summary
Understanding a patient's altered states is crucial for psychedelic therapists. A recent exploration surveyed professionals on whether personal psychedelic experience should be required, optional, or prohibited during training. Results show a strong consensus favoring optional or required engagement, highlighting the perceived positive impact on a therapist's empathy and ability to guide patients effectively. This suggests such experiences are valuable for professional development.
Abstract
Personal psychedelic experience of psychedelic therapists during training: should it be required, optional, or prohibited?
Prospective associations of psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans.
Military psychology : the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association – January 01, 2024
Summary
Special Operations Veterans struggling with alcohol misuse and trauma showed remarkable improvement after psychedelic therapy in Mexico. Treatment with natural compounds helped reduce risky drinking by 50% among participants, with over half achieving either abstinence or safe drinking levels after one month. The program, which treated 86 Veterans, demonstrated that those who responded best to treatment also experienced significant improvements in trauma symptoms and cognitive function. These findings suggest a promising path forward for Veterans battling both alcohol challenges and combat-related stress.
Abstract
This study evaluated prospective associations of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment for risky alcohol use and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) s...
Altered States: Psychedelic Experimental Cinema as Border Crossing in Bruce Conner’s LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS
Journal of cinema and media studies – January 01, 2021
Summary
Bruce Conner's *LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS* (1959–1967), a key work in Art history, reveals a colonialist logic underpinning its psychedelic counterculture. Through ethnographic views of Mexican village life, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and atomic bomb symbolism, the film, experienced in a Movie theater, frames self-discovery as racial "expansion." This Sociology and Aesthetics analysis, drawing from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, critiques how the Symbolic projections of Indigeneity, despite diverse academic themes, reflect Cold War discourses of Race, challenging its perceived liberation.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: This article offers a close examination of Bruce Conner’s LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS (1959–1967), which is considered an archetypal instance o...
From antidepressants and psychotherapy to oxytocin, vagus nerve stimulation, ketamine and psychedelics: how established and novel treatments can improve social functioning in major depression.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Social impairments in major depressive disorder can be as debilitating as mood symptoms. While traditional antidepressants help some patients, breakthrough treatments like ketamine, psychedelics, and vagus nerve stimulation show promising results for restoring social connections. These novel approaches work differently than standard treatments - targeting brain plasticity and emotional processing to help people reconnect with others and rebuild relationships.
Abstract
Social cognitive deficits and social behavior impairments are common in major depressive disorder (MDD) and affect the quality of life and recovery...
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 ...
Population Survey Data Informing the Therapeutic Potential of Classic and Novel Phenethylamine, Tryptamine, and Lysergamide Psychedelics
Frontiers in Psychiatry – February 11, 2020
Summary
A large population survey reveals classic tryptamines are linked to significantly reduced psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. This suggests strong potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly for mental health outcomes. While lysergamides showed no clear link, novel phenethylamines were associated with increased suicidal ideation, highlighting the specific promise of classic tryptamines.
Abstract
IntroductionThe majority of contemporary psychedelic research has focused on ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin, though there ar...
The Emerging Field of Psychedelic Psychotherapy.
Current psychiatry reports – October 01, 2022
Summary
Breakthrough treatments using psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin are showing remarkable success rates for mental health conditions. When combined with therapy, these compounds help patients with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD gain profound new perspectives. Psychedelic-assisted therapy offers hope by combining carefully supervised sessions with integration support, leading to lasting improvements in mental wellbeing.
Abstract
Few treatments are available for patients with mood disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have already failed multiple interventio...
A Cohort-Based Case Report: The Impact of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Embedded in a Community of Practice Framework for Healthcare Providers With PTSD and Depression
Frontiers in Psychiatry – January 12, 2022
Summary
Remarkably, 86% of healthcare providers (HCP) struggling with PTSD found significant relief. A program explored ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, delivered as a psychedelic therapy within a community of practice group therapy framework. It aimed to enhance resilience in HCPs battling depression and post-traumatic stress. Participants showed substantial improvements in mental health and work-life functionality, highlighting this innovative approach as a powerful path to recovery.
Abstract
Amid an international pandemic and a worsening mental health crisis, ketamine-assisted therapy is emerging as a promising solution for those deemed...
‘Mind-Revealing’ Psychedelic States: Psychological Processes in Subjective Experiences That Drive Positive Change
Psychoactives – September 27, 2024
Summary
Beyond chemical effects, it's the *experience* during altered states of consciousness that truly drives healing. A review explored how subjective phenomena, including those from psychedelic substances or breathwork, foster therapeutic change. Findings highlight that mystical experiences, alongside insight and emotional breakthroughs, are crucial for positive mental health outcomes. This suggests psychology must embrace personal subjective realities for effective psychedelic-assisted therapy, enhancing mental health.
Abstract
This narrative review explores the utilization of psychedelic states in therapeutic contexts, deliberately shifting the focus from psychedelic subs...
Self-treatment with psychedelic substances for health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand: an exploratory descriptive study
Kōtuitui – March 20, 2025
Summary
Many in New Zealand are turning to psychedelic self-medication for mental health. A qualitative exploration interviewed 34 individuals, revealing personalized approaches to using psychedelics for wellbeing, often after other treatments failed. Participants reported significant positive results, including symptom remission and improved psychological health. This highlights an emerging practice distinct from formal psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Abstract
This study draws attention to, and provides a description of, a previously unmapped and emerging self-medication phenomenon occurring in Aotearoa N...
Psychedelic interventions for major depressive disorder in the elderly: Exploring novel therapies, promise and potential.
Dialogues in clinical neuroscience – December 01, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking mental health care approaches show that psychedelic-assisted therapy could transform depression treatment in older adults. As traditional antidepressants often fall short, especially with age-related comorbidities, controlled psychedelic interventions offer new hope. Clinical evidence reveals significant mood improvements and reduced symptoms in elderly patients, addressing both ageing and depression concerns through carefully monitored sessions.
Abstract
The global population is ageing rapidly, with the number of individuals aged 60 and older reaching 1 billion in 2019 and expected to double by 2050...
Exploring the Potential Utility of Psychedelic Therapy for Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Journal of palliative medicine – October 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), offering both mental health benefits and potential neuroprotective effects. Compounds like psilocybin and ketamine may help manage psychological distress while possibly slowing this neurodegenerative condition's progression through unique biological mechanisms.
Abstract
Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an aggressive, terminal neurodegenerative disease that causes death of motor neurons and has an ...
Characteristics and mental health of psychedelic mushroom and multi-psychedelic users relative to non-psychedelic users in American adults, 2020-2021.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Americans who use psychedelic mushrooms and other psychedelics reported higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to non-users, according to recent population data. Among 6,869 adults surveyed, those who used psilocybin mushrooms alone or combined with other psychedelics showed lower mental health scores, even after accounting for pre-existing conditions. These findings highlight important patterns in mental health among psychedelic users.
Abstract
Few population-based studies have examined associations between psychedelic use and mental health outcomes. This work describes characteristics of ...
Psychedelic‐assisted therapy for functional neurological disorders: A theoretical framework and review of prior reports
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives – February 02, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, some debilitating neurological symptoms, once termed 'hysteria' or conversion disorder, may find new hope. A theoretical review explores how psychedelic-assisted therapy could treat these conditions, often rooted in psychosomatic medicine. Examining prior reports and neuroimaging suggests hallucinogens, by impacting serotonin receptors, positively influence these disorders, offering a promising path for patients.
Abstract
Abstract Functional neurological disorders (FNDs), which are sometimes also referred to as psychogenic neurological disorders or conversion disorde...
The therapeutic potential of psilocybin beyond psychedelia through shared mechanisms with ketamine.
Molecular psychiatry – July 07, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, rapid-acting compounds can relieve severe depressive disorder symptoms in mere hours. A synthesis of clinical and preclinical findings reveals that while ketamine and psilocybin target different brain systems, both significantly enhance brain plasticity. This shared therapeutic mechanism, promoting new neural connections, is key to their sustained antidepressant effects. Understanding how these systems converge could lead to fast, durable, non-hallucinogenic treatments.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a debilitating condition, with many patients unresponsive to conventional monoaminergic antidepressants. Rapid-acting ...
Self-reported experiences and perspectives on using psychedelics to manage opioid use among participants of two Reddit communities.
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – January 16, 2025
Summary
Online communities reveal growing interest in psychedelics as an alternative treatment for opioid addiction. Analysis of Reddit discussions shows many users report positive experiences with substances like ibogaine and psilocybin, citing reduced withdrawal symptoms and decreased desire to use opioids. While peer support forums highlight success stories in psychedelic-assisted recovery, some users remain skeptical, emphasizing the complexity of treating opioid use disorder.
Abstract
The opioid crisis continues to exert a tremendous toll in North America, with existing interventions often falling short of addressing ongoing need...
Is Personal Experience Essential for Effective Psychedelic Therapists?: The Challenges of Small, Accumulating Therapist Effects.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – September 04, 2024
Summary
Surprisingly, a therapist's personal encounter with psychedelics may not be the most critical factor for patient success in psychedelic-assisted therapy. This inquiry examined whether a therapist's own experience significantly influences patient outcomes, considering subtle, accumulating effects. The findings suggest that while personal experience might play a role, it's not essential. Instead, a therapist's core skills and professional training are paramount for achieving positive results, underscoring the value of robust therapeutic competence.
Abstract
Is Personal Experience Essential for Effective Psychedelic Therapists?: The Challenges of Small, Accumulating Therapist Effects.
Altered states of leadership: mindfulness meditation, psychedelic use, and leadership development.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Leaders who practice mindfulness meditation or have meaningful psychedelic experiences report significant improvements in their leadership abilities. A large study of 3,150 managers found that both practices enhanced leadership qualities in distinct ways. Meditation boosted focus, patience, and stress management, while psychedelics fostered creativity, empathy, and less hierarchical thinking. Those with more meditation hours or profound psychedelic insights were twice as likely to report positive leadership changes.
Abstract
Previous research suggests that mindfulness meditation and psychedelic substances show promise as mental health interventions, but relatively littl...
Novel Treatment Approaches for Substance Use Disorders: Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics and the Role of Psychotherapy
CORE – January 01, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows remarkable potential in treating addiction, combining traditional psychotherapy with carefully controlled psychedelic experiences. Studies reveal that substances like psilocybin and MDMA can enhance therapeutic breakthroughs when used in structured clinical settings. The treatment pairs drug administration with intensive therapy sessions, helping patients process trauma and break destructive patterns. Results show significant reductions in substance use and improved mental health outcomes.
Abstract
Purpose of Review: The use of psychedelics in a therapeutical setting has been reported for the treatment of various diagnoses in recent years. How...
Psychedelic research, assisted therapy and the role of the anaesthetist: A review and insights for experimental and clinical practices.
British journal of clinical pharmacology – December 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic compounds like dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and ayahuasca are showing promise in treating chronic pain and mental health conditions. Anesthesiologists play a crucial role in administering these substances safely, monitoring patients, and managing potential psychedelic toxicity. Research reveals these treatments can be effective when properly supervised, with protocols focusing on careful screening, dosing, and medical oversight.
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the search for the use of psychedelics in improving physical and mental health. Anaesthesi...
Psychedelic Use Among Psychiatric Medication Prescribers: Effects on Well-Being, Depression, Anxiety, and Associations with Patterns of Use, Reported Harms, and Transformative Mental States.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – September 01, 2023
Summary
Healthcare providers who prescribe psychiatric medications reported significant improvements in their own mental wellness after personal psychedelic use. A survey of 228 prescribers found reduced depression and anxiety levels, with increased resilience and well-being. Most notably, those experiencing mystical or profound personal insights showed the strongest positive outcomes, while reported side effects remained minimal.
Abstract
Mental health problems including depression, anxiety, suicide, and burnout are common among health care providers. Resilience and well-being are fa...
The Role of Touch in Psychedelic Therapy: Perspectives From a Survey of Practitioners in Research Settings.
American journal of psychotherapy – May 06, 2025
Summary
Physical touch during psychedelic therapy sessions can play a vital role in patient care, according to healthcare practitioners. While 70% of surveyed professionals view therapeutic touch as crucial during psilocybin and other psychedelic treatments, clear ethical boundaries are essential. Most support gentle contact like hand-holding, with explicit consent required. This balanced approach helps create a safe, supportive environment while maintaining professional standards.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapies are promising new treatment options in psychiatry. Including the use of physical touch as part of treatment is an area of deb...
Psychedelic Science of Spirituality and Religion: An Attachment-Informed Agenda Proposal
CrossRef
Summary
Our early relationships profoundly shape how we connect with others and the divine. This framework proposes that psychedelics could help relax rigid mental patterns formed by these foundational experiences. It suggests an individual's attachment security influences their psychedelic journey, and that effective psychedelic therapy may actually boost this security. The process involves fostering a deeper sense of connection and easing worries, enhancing treatment benefits.
Abstract
In this paper, we set an agenda for a psychedelic science of spirituality and religion, based on a synthesis of attachment theory with the Relaxed ...
Psychedelic‐assisted therapy considered ‘breakthrough’ treatment for PTSD
Mental Health Weekly – May 17, 2021
Summary
A groundbreaking therapy is showing profound success in alleviating severe, chronic PTSD. This innovative approach, utilizing psychedelic-assisted sessions, aims to provide lasting relief where traditional treatments often fall short. Promising findings indicate significant symptom reduction, offering new hope. This advancement could pave the way for FDA approval, marking a major step forward in mental health care.
Abstract
New research involving the use of psychedelic‐assisted therapy is showing promise and significant implications for patients with severe, chronic po...
From molecules to meaning: unpacking the antidepressant mechanisms of psychedelic drugs.
Expert review of clinical pharmacology – June 11, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD can rapidly alleviate depression through multiple interconnected pathways. Unlike traditional antidepressants, these substances work by simultaneously affecting brain chemistry, psychological patterns, and consciousness. The therapeutic effects emerge from a complex interplay of biological changes and meaningful experiences during psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds are emerging treatments for depression, capable of producing rapid and lasting symptom reduction after 1-2 administrations in...
Subjective Effects of Psychedelics Are the Plausible Mechanism of Psychedelic Moral Enhancement Rather than a Risk. Comment on Tang, B.L. Psychedelics for Moral Bioenhancement in Healthy Individuals—A Violation of the Non-Maleficence Principle? Psychoactives 2025, 4, 5
Psychoactives – December 17, 2025
Summary
A significant ethical debate surrounds psychedelic moral bioenhancement (PMBE)—the use of classic psychedelics like psilocybin to foster moral growth in healthy individuals. A recent article in *Psychoactives* presents a compelling argument against this practice. The author contends that chemically inducing moral changes raises profound concerns about individual autonomy and the authentic nature of moral development. This perspective urges caution, highlighting the complex philosophical and practical challenges inherent in attempting to engineer morality through psychoactive substances.
Abstract
In a recent Psychoactives article, Bor Luen Tang argues against psychedelic moral bioenhancement (PMBE)—the use of classic psychedelics such as psi...
A predictive coding approach to psychedelic virtual-induced hallucinations and creative cognition in aging
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – July 07, 2023
Summary
Virtual Reality (VR) offers a safe avenue to explore psychedelic-like effects, significantly boosting Cognitive Flexibility crucial for Creativity. This Cognitive Psychology approach suggests VR-induced changes in Perception and sensory input—relevant to Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies—can optimize how our Cognition balances expectations. Enhancing Cognitive Flexibility and Executive functions through such Psychedelics and Drug Studies-inspired methods could be vital for maintaining robust brain health, particularly in aging, preventing declines seen in conditions like Mild Cognitive Impairment, and potentially enriching Aesthetic Perception and Analysis.
Abstract
Recent research has investigated the potential of psychedelic substances in treating various neurological and psychiatric disorders. In particular,...
Adverse Events Should Not Be Surprising in Psychedelic Research.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2025
Summary
As psychedelics gain momentum in mental health treatment, balanced science communication is crucial. While these compounds show promise, adverse events in clinical trials range from mild anxiety to rare but serious psychological reactions. Medical professionals are working to better understand and communicate both benefits and risks, ensuring patients can make informed decisions. Responsible use requires careful screening and monitoring.
Abstract
Research has demonstrated both risks and benefits to using psychedelics as a therapeutic intervention for a variety of mental health conditions. In...
Classic psychedelics and the treatment for alcoholism.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – December 20, 2024
Summary
A single dose of classic psychedelics can significantly reduce alcohol dependence, offering hope for those struggling with alcohol use disorder. These substances work by rewiring neural pathways in the brain, helping patients break free from destructive drinking patterns. Clinical trials show remarkable success rates, with many participants maintaining sobriety after treatment. Unlike conventional therapies, psychedelic-assisted treatment appears to address the root causes of dependence, rather than just managing symptoms.
Abstract
Alcohol is a harmful drug, and reducing its consumption is a significant challenge for users. Furthermore, alcohol dependence is often treatment-re...
Chasing the Numinous: Hungry Ghosts in the Shadow of the Psychedelic Renaissance.
The Journal of analytical psychology – September 01, 2023
Summary
A striking aspect of the psychedelic renaissance is its potential to address difficult mental health issues, with studies showing up to 80% efficacy in treating conditions like depression and PTSD. However, this enthusiasm may mask deeper cultural shadows. The pursuit of psychedelic-assisted therapy reflects a collective yearning, akin to the Hungry Ghost archetype, suggesting a psychological malaise within Western society. This exploration reveals that the fascination with psychedelics could indicate an underlying cultural complex, prompting reflection on ethical practices and the commodification of healing.
Abstract
In recent years a renewed scientific, public and commercial interest in psychedelic medicines can be observed across the globe. As research finding...
In Becoming. Instability of Psychedelic Substances
Etnografia Polska – December 22, 2022
Summary
A key insight reveals a substance's identity as 'medicine' or 'illicit drug' isn't fixed. Research, aligned with the 'ontological turn,' uses ethnographic examples from the 'psychedelic renaissance' to show how embodied user practices and scientific knowledge production practices destabilize rigid drug scheduling. This challenges traditional views on drug use and abuse, fostering positive perspectives for areas like psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Abstract
Psychoactive substances are subject to law control, imposed through the system of medical prescription or legal prohibition, with legal penalties f...
The therapeutic effects of psychedelics for opioid use disorder: A systematic review of clinical studies.
Psychiatry research – June 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds show promising potential in treating opioid use disorder, offering hope beyond traditional treatments. Studies reveal that substances like ketamine and ibogaine can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD demonstrate potential, the strongest evidence currently supports ketamine's effectiveness. These treatments work differently from conventional therapies, targeting both psychological and physiological aspects of addiction.
Abstract
Opioid-related overdose deaths have reached record high levels, and novel treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed. The three United Sta...