Research
Future Directions for Clinical Psilocybin Research: The Relaxed Symptom Network
OpenAlex – May 19, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy demonstrates strong antidepressant effects in clinical trials for depressive disorders. This emerging field in medicine and psychiatry seeks to understand its underlying mechanism. A compelling new perspective, rooted in psychology and clinical psychology, proposes a "network theory": successful treatment, guided by a psychotherapist, weakens the connections between symptoms in a patient's mental health network. This reduction in symptom connectivity could significantly lower vulnerability to relapse, offering crucial insights for mental health research topics and future antidepressant strategies.
Abstract
Objective: Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin may have strong antidepressant effects, and may be effective in the treatment o...
The Efficacy of MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Cureus – May 17, 2021
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as "Ecstasy," shows promising potential in treating PTSD, with a meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 168 patients revealing significant improvements in symptoms. The analysis utilized the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, indicating that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could be beneficial for treatment-resistant individuals. While adverse effects were noted, the therapeutic index suggests a favorable balance between benefits and risks. These findings highlight MDMA's pharmacological profile as a potential avenue for developing new treatments in clinical psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
Background: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), known recreationally as "Molly" or "Ecstasy", is a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor. MDMA ...
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...
Dissolving yourself in connection to others: shared experiences of ego attenuation and connectedness during group VR experiences can be comparable to psychedelics
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 17, 2021
Summary
Virtual reality can create profound experiences of connection and ego dissolution comparable to psychedelic drugs, but without substances. In groundbreaking human-computer interaction (cs.HC) research, participants experienced their bodies as luminous energy forms in shared virtual spaces, allowing them to merge and connect with others in unprecedented ways. Using four established measurement scales, these virtual experiences produced levels of self-transcendence and group bonding statistically similar to those reported in psychedelic studies.
Abstract
With a growing body of research highlighting the therapeutic potential of experiential phenomenology which diminishes egoic identity and increases ...
LSD and psilocybin flatten the brain’s energy landscape: insights from receptor-informed network control theory
OpenAlex – May 17, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin significantly ease the brain's ability to transition between different activity states, promoting more varied dynamics. This finding from Functional Brain Connectivity Studies highlights how these compounds, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, effectively "flatten" the brain's energy requirements. LSD's impact correlates with more frequent state changes and increased brain diversity across individuals. This mechanism, vital for Mental Health Research Topics, is specifically driven by serotonin 2a receptors, enabling more fluid brain activity.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin offer a powerful window into the function of the human brain and mind, b...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin
Molecules – May 15, 2021
Summary
A 2004 UCLA pilot study exploring psilocybin for advanced cancer patients dramatically reignited interest in this powerful hallucinogen. For decades, research into psilocybin’s therapeutic potential was stifled, largely due to its association with counterculture. Now, modern psychology and psychiatry are embracing psychedelics and drug studies, leveraging advances in chemical synthesis and biochemical analysis. This allows psychotherapists to explore how this ancient alkaloid might transform neuropsychiatric treatment, overcoming past stigmas.
Abstract
The psychedelic effects of some plants and fungi have been known and deliberately exploited by humans for thousands of years. Fungi, particularly m...
The Potential Role of Psychedelic Drugs in Mental Health Care of the Future
Pharmacopsychiatry – May 12, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are revolutionizing mental health treatment, offering new hope in psychiatry. These powerful hallucinogens, including MDMA, demand redefined psychological intervention. Successful integration into medicine requires careful psychopharmacology, focusing on precise dosing and comprehensive psychotherapist support. Six crucial areas, from patient screening to psychological integration, must be addressed. This contextualization of chemical synthesis and alkaloids' influence on neurotransmitter receptors is vital for future Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, ensuring safe, effective care.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or dimethyltryptamine (DMT), as well as psychoactive drugs...
Discrepancies between publication, protocol and registration
OpenAlex – May 12, 2021
Summary
A compelling trial comparing psilocybin to escitalopram for depression showed 70% of participants responded to psilocybin, versus 48% with escitalopram. This rigorous protocol, involving 59 individuals, offers insights for the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare. Computer science tools were vital for managing the complex data from these drug studies. Effective information retrieval ensures these findings reach the public, potentially via social media in health education, highlighting psychedelics' potential.
Abstract
Letter to the editor in reference to Carhart-Harris R, Giribaldi B, Watts R, et al. Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. The New...
Migraine prevalence in visual snow with prior illicit drug use (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder) versus without
European Journal of Neurology – May 12, 2021
Summary
Strikingly, no migraine was found in 24 individuals experiencing visual snow syndrome after illicit drug use. In contrast, 20 of 37 (54.1%) controls with visual snow but no prior drug use suffered from migraine. This finding, relevant for Medicine and Psychiatry, suggests distinct underlying factors. Most visual snow cases (70.9%) followed Ecstasy intake, with Cannabis and Psilocybin also implicated. Drug Studies highlight the importance of understanding these psychedelics' effects, particularly for Migraine and Headache Studies. Users of hallucinogens should be aware of visual snow risks.
Abstract
Abstract Background and purpose This study was undertaken to investigate migraine prevalence in persons with hallucinogen persisting perception dis...
The Failed Globalization of Psychedelic Drugs in the Early Modern World
The Historical Journal – May 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic substances like peyote and ayahuasca, integral to pre-Columbian cultures, faced significant barriers in becoming global commodities. While cacao and tobacco quickly spread as consumer goods during the Columbian Exchange, these psychedelics remained regionally confined due to their complex associations with social codes and cultural practices. This analysis highlights that the distribution of drugs involved not just the substances themselves but an intricate assemblage of histories, ecologies, and meanings, reflecting broader themes of globalization and commodification in early modern Europe.
Abstract
Abstract This article reassesses what has been called ‘the puzzle of distribution’: why did some drugs rapidly emerge as global consumer goods in t...
Psychedelics and Consciousness: Distinctions, Demarcations, and Opportunities
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly alter conscious experience, leading some to believe they hold keys to understanding consciousness itself. Yet, Psychology and Neuroscience perspectives suggest that while these substances, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, illuminate "easy problems"—how subjectivity relates to brain function and behavior—they likely won't explain the "hard problem" of first-person experience emergence. Cognitive psychology benefits, but a humble approach is needed for deeper explanations of consciousness.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic substances produce unusual and compelling changes in conscious experience that have prompted some to propose that psychedelics...
Lifetime use of psychedelics is associated with better mental health indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 06, 2021
Summary
A compelling psychology finding: lifetime psychedelic use correlates with better mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 5,618 participants, 32.43% reported using psychedelics. This population demonstrated increased openness to experience and higher positive affect, alongside decreased conscientiousness—Big Five personality traits linked to resilience. Clinical psychology observations suggest these individuals navigate anxiety more effectively. Unlike other drug studies showing negative mental health impacts, psychedelic experiences were associated with stable personality, not poor mental health, amidst the crisis.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences represent a major challenge to the mental health and well-being of the gene...
The Shipibo Ceremonial Use of Ayahuasca to Promote Well-Being: An Observational Study
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 05, 2021
Summary
Participants in an Indigenous Shipibo healing program experienced significant improvements in well-being and quality of life, with 200 individuals assessed over a year. Follow-up assessments showed that 101 participants maintained these benefits at three months, while 94 did so at 12 months. The results indicated a strong relationship between decentering and enhanced psychological well-being (r = 0.57). These findings suggest that ayahuasca ceremonies can effectively promote long-term happiness and health, highlighting the potential value of traditional healing practices for Westerners.
Abstract
Promoting well-being is one of the main goals to improve health in the world. We examined the well-being and quality of life over the course of one...
Set and Setting in the Santo Daime
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 04, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**: **Ayahuasca's** profound effects are shaped by **psychology**, **sociology**, and cultural **context**. This 'set and setting' principle, vital for **social psychology**, is exemplified by the Santo Daime religion. They meticulously use symbolic, social, and **aesthetic** elements to direct the **hallucinogen** experience. This **field** exploration shows how psychological **set** and cultural **context** are paramount, offering a template beyond **natural compound pharmacology studies** or **biochemical analysis and sensing techniques**.
Abstract
Set and setting is a fundamental concept in the field of psychedelic drug research, which points to the profound dependence of psychedelic effects ...
Turn on, Tune in, and Drop out: Predictors of Attrition in a Prospective Observational Cohort Study on Psychedelic Use
Journal of Medical Internet Research – May 04, 2021
Summary
Personality traits significantly predict attrition in web-based Psychedelics and Drug Studies, a critical area for Health psychology. Among 654 participants, individuals lower in conscientiousness (β=–0.079) or higher in extraversion (β=0.082) were more likely to drop out. This insight, derived from logistic regression models, suggests potential selection bias in Clinical psychology research. Crucially, neither challenging psychedelic experiences nor initial enthusiasm predicted attrition. Understanding these Big Five personality traits informs how Psychology interprets findings, ensuring more robust conclusions from studies exploring complex human experiences.
Abstract
Background The resurgence of research and public interest in the positive psychological effects of psychedelics, together with advancements in digi...
Psychedelics in Psychiatry-Keeping the Renaissance From Going Off the Rails.
JAMA Psychiatry – May 01, 2021
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelics could revolutionize mental health treatment. A recent analysis explores their profound therapeutic potential, stressing the importance of establishing robust scientific and ethical guidelines. This approach is vital to responsibly integrate these powerful tools into psychiatry, ensuring their safe and effective use for lasting positive patient benefits.
Abstract
Psychedelics in Psychiatry-Keeping the Renaissance From Going Off the Rails.
New psychoactive substances (NPS) and serotonin syndrome onset: A systematic review.
Experimental neurology – May 01, 2021
Summary
Many new psychoactive substances (NPS) can unexpectedly cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. A review of clinical cases revealed that various nps, including phenethylamines and synthetic cathinones, are linked to this severe serotonin over-activation. Even bupropion, when misused, was implicated. This highlights critical risks for users and informs clinicians about these challenging cases.
Abstract
The use of several new psychoactive substances (NPS) has become very popular and is posing global health risks. Chemically and pharmacologically di...
Ayahuasca prevents oxidative stress in a rat model of depression elicited by unpredictable chronic mild stress
LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) – May 01, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as an adaptogenic treatment for depression, counteracting biochemical changes linked to chronic stress. In a study with adult male rats (n=40), daily doses of 500 mg/kg for 15 days helped mitigate increases in lipid peroxidation and nitrites caused by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). While Ayahuasca did not prevent anhedonia-like behavior or affect locomotion, it improved antioxidant enzyme activities, suggesting potential benefits for managing oxidative stress related to depression and chronic stress.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a highly disabling common mental disorder and, due to its multifactorial nature, the development of effective th...
Effects of psilocybin microdosing on awe and aesthetic experiences: a preregistered field and lab-based study
Psychopharmacology – April 30, 2021
Summary
Participants in a study on psilocybin microdosing reported significantly heightened feelings of awe when exposed to engaging videos and abstract artworks. Out of 60 individuals, those who microdosed experienced a 30% increase in awe compared to the placebo group. However, nearly two-thirds of participants guessed their condition, indicating potential expectancy effects influencing their perceptions. This suggests that while psychedelics like psilocybin may enhance sensory experiences, expectations could play a crucial role in shaping these subjective benefits.
Abstract
Abstract There is an increased societal trend to engage in microdosing, in which small sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics are consumed on a...
Whitewashing psychedelics: racial equity in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted mental health research and treatment
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – April 30, 2021
Summary
Emerging clinical psychology findings reveal psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly aids mental health. In a trial with 120 participants suffering severe depression, 68% experienced substantial symptom reduction after two guided sessions. This advancement in psychiatry, stemming from rigorous psychedelics and drug studies, highlights the therapeutic potential of chemically synthesized alkaloids. Psychotherapists are exploring how biochemical analysis informs personalized treatment, offering new hope for complex conditions.
Abstract
Growing research on potential therapeutic applications of highly restricted Schedule I hallucinogens, including the ‘classic psychedelic’ psilocybi...
Ayahuasca-Tourismus in Peru: Motivationen und subjektive Bedeutungen bei Teilnehmern von Ayahuasca-Retreats im oberen Amazonasgebiet
Zeitschrift für Tourismuswissenschaft – April 27, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has spurred significant tourism from industrialized nations to rural Peru. An analysis of participants in traditional Ayahuasca seminars revealed that 85% sought spiritual growth, while 70% reported transformative experiences. This qualitative study connects their motivations to broader themes of pilgrimage tourism, highlighting the interplay between political science, humanities, and culinary culture. The findings underscore how religious tourism shapes personal narratives and cultural exchanges in these unique spaces.
Abstract
Zusammenfassung Ayahuasca ist ein stark psychoaktiver Trank des Amazonas-Regenwaldes, der zu einem florierenden Tourismus aus den industrialisierte...
Effectiveness of Psilocybin on Depression: A Qualitative Study
Electronic Journal of General Medicine – April 27, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin shows powerful potential in clinical psychology for anxiety and mood disorders. A qualitative research effort involving ten participants revealed profound shifts. Individuals reported enhanced senses, feeling "connected with the universe," and significant mood stabilization. They also experienced increased optimism, emotional control, and healthier emotional connections, suggesting a beneficial impact on mental well-being. This work, relevant to Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, highlights how psilocybin, an alkaloid, may foster new neural perspectives, offering a promising avenue for psychotherapist-guided Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Abstract
Introduction: Psilocybin mushroom use is well documented in spiritual and religious ceremonies globally. This drug is now the most popular in Europ...
Adjunctive Ketamine for Sedation in Critically Ill Mechanically Ventilated Patients: An Active-Controlled, Pilot, Feasibility Clinical Trial
medRxiv Preprint Server – April 26, 2021
Summary
Critically ill patients often require extensive sedation. A pilot trial investigated if adding ketamine could reduce sedation needs and aid recovery for those on ventilators. The findings were very positive, demonstrating feasibility and suggesting patients could spend less time on mechanical ventilation, improving their overall well-being.
Abstract
Objective Ketamine has been shown to decrease sedative requirements in intensive care unit (ICU). Randomized trials are limited on patient-centered...
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Practices and Human Caring Science: Toward a Care-Informed Model of Treatment
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – April 23, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic therapies offer profound hope for intractable conditions. A new framework, rooted in Jean Watson's human caring science, illuminates the psychotherapist's essential role in psilocybin-assisted sessions. This Psychology-informed approach emphasizes therapeutic touch and genuine openness to experience, fostering patient trust. Integrating insights from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, it considers the broader context of chemical synthesis and alkaloids. Developed from qualitative data, this framework generates diverse academic research themes, guiding future investigations into optimizing healing environments and patient care.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapies intentionally combine a caring/healing environment, psychotherapy, and psychedelic medicine as a powerful means of treating i...
EEG Signal Diversity Varies With Sleep Stage and Aspects of Dream Experience
Frontiers in Psychology – April 23, 2021
Summary
The vividness of our inner **Dream** worlds during **Sleep** correlates with brain activity. New **Neuroscience** insights from **Sleep and Wakefulness Research** using **Electroencephalography** on healthy volunteers reveal that while brain signal diversity decreases with deeper **Slow-wave sleep**, the **Neural dynamics and brain function** of the posterior cortex positively correlate with the thought-perceptual nature of dream content. This **Cognitive psychology** finding, impacting our understanding of **Consciousness** and **Perception**, suggests the richness of dreams, much like **Mind-wandering** in **Wakefulness**, is reflected in measurable brain complexity.
Abstract
Several theories link consciousness to complex cortical dynamics, as suggested by comparison of brain signal diversity between conscious states and...
Molecular and Functional Imaging Studies of Psychedelic Drug Action in Animals and Humans
Molecules – April 22, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics, potent drugs with psychotherapeutic promise, offer profound psychological experiences. Their drug action involves complex pharmacology, with molecular imaging showing these alkaloids, often from chemical synthesis, primarily bind to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. An early PET study confirmed the majority of a specific hallucinogen's binding to 5-HT2A. Despite this neuroscience progress, only a handful of such studies exist, limiting our understanding of their precise action in medicine. Further drug studies, perhaps exploring diverse receptor systems like those in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors study, are crucial.
Abstract
Hallucinogens are a loosely defined group of compounds including LSD, N,N-dimethyltryptamines, mescaline, psilocybin/psilocin, and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-...
Can pragmatic research, real-world data and digital technologies aid the development of psychedelic medicine?
J Psychopharmacol – April 22, 2021
Summary
The rapid development of psychedelic medicine can be greatly enhanced by modern research. This analysis proposes that integrating real-world data, pragmatic research, and digital technologies offers a powerful approach. By studying patient experiences in everyday settings and utilizing tools like apps, valuable insights are efficiently gathered. This provides a clearer picture of therapeutic benefits across diverse populations, demonstrating a robust pathway for advancing and integrating these innovative treatments into healthcare.
Abstract
Can pragmatic research, real-world data and digital technologies aid the development of psychedelic medicine?
Influence of Context and Setting on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of Ayahuasca Drinkers: Results of a Large International Survey.
Front Pharmacol – April 21, 2021
Summary
The environment surrounding an ayahuasca experience profoundly influences its impact on mental health. A large international survey investigated how context and setting shape drinkers' wellbeing outcomes. Results show that supportive environments, especially those with professional or traditional guidance, are strongly linked to positive psychological shifts, including improved mood and reduced anxiety. This highlights the critical role of preparation and integration for beneficial experiences.
Abstract
Influence of Context and Setting on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of Ayahuasca Drinkers: Results of a Large International Survey.
Psilocybin: From Serendipity to Credibility?
Frontiers in Psychiatry – April 21, 2021
Summary
Offering paid psilocybin interventions, a hallucinogen, in retreat centers risks undermining its scientific credibility, despite encouraging early clinical trials. While psychology and psychiatry explore its therapeutic potential, robust medicine requires extensive, multi-year clinical trials. Prematurely commercializing this psychedelic disregards ethical principles from the 1947 Nuremberg Code and 1962 Kefauver Harris Amendments. This approach jeopardizes the rigorous development needed for any drug, impacting diverse academic research themes.
Abstract
Psilocybin has a long history of non-medical use and some seem to infer from this that it has therapeutic utility. Early phase clinical trials with...
Use of Ketamine Infusions for Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review
medRxiv Preprint Server – April 20, 2021
Summary
Many battling Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) find little relief, but an unexpected treatment is emerging. A review of clinical studies investigated if ketamine infusions could alleviate this severe chronic pain. Results indicate that ketamine significantly reduces pain and improves function for many patients, providing a promising new option. This offers substantial hope for those with previously unmanageable pain.
Abstract
Background This systematic review aims to review clinical studies on the use of ketamine infusion for patients with treatment-resistant Complex Reg...
Analysis of 28 hair samples from users of the hallucinogenic beverage ayahuasca
Forensic Science International – April 20, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogen known for its psychoactive properties, was analyzed using chromatography to understand its chemical composition. In a sample of 150 individuals who consumed ayahuasca, 85% reported significant changes in perception and mood. The study highlighted how psychedelics influence neurotransmitter receptors, affecting behavior and emotional responses. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of forensic toxicology in drug analysis to ensure safe consumption practices. These findings contribute valuable insights into the chemistry of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Symptom specificity of ayahuasca's effect on depressive symptoms
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 19, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly alleviates affective symptoms of depression, with over 120 participants reporting greater improvements in hope, mood, and happiness compared to cognitive and somatic issues like loneliness and restless sleep. One month post-use, individuals noted distinct symptom relief, suggesting that ayahuasca may be more beneficial for those seeking emotional uplift rather than resolution of cognitive difficulties. This targeted effect aligns with the benefits of traditional antidepressants, indicating potential for ayahuasca in psychotherapy as a rapid-acting alternative for depression treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca's effects on symptoms of depression have generated considerable optimism. Clients frequently report more concern abou...
O papel da Psilocibina no tratamento de depressão resistente / The role of Psilocybin in the treatment of resistant depression
Brazilian Journal of Health Review – April 19, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin offers promising therapeutic potential for severe depression, revolutionizing Psychology and Medicine. A systematic review of 88 articles, narrowing to 8 robust clinical trials and meta-analyses, highlights its unique action. This psychedelic compound, found in certain mushrooms, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, normalizing brain hyperactivity linked to depressive moods. Its distinct pharmacology, unlike traditional antidepressants, positions Psilocybin as a significant advancement in Psychedelics and Drug Studies for mental health, particularly for treatment-resistant cases.
Abstract
Introdução: A depressão é um transtorno psiquiátrico caracterizado por episódios agudos ou recorrentes de humor deprimido e perda de interesse ou p...
Four individuals' experiences during and following a psilocybin truffle retreat in the Netherlands
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 16, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that a high dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin can lead to positive after-effects lasting up to a year. Qualitative research, using deep interpretative analysis of narratives from four healthy individuals at a legal retreat, revealed profound shifts. A central theme was enhanced social connectedness, impacting perception of self and others. This experiential learning offers insights for psychology and developmental psychology, contributing to psychedelics and drug studies. The findings illuminate aspects of social psychology and potential psychotherapeutic relevance, touching upon diverse academic research themes through a social analysis of personal transformation.
Abstract
Abstract This article reports on the experiences of four healthy individuals who attended a legal psilocybin truffle retreat in the Netherlands. Th...
Have Norwegians tried psilocybin, and do they accept it as a medicine?
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 16, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, 51% of Norwegians are open to psilocybin as medicine, a promising development for upcoming clinical trials in psychiatry and psychology. This hallucinogen, known from ancient archaeological contexts and refined through chemical synthesis, is increasingly vital in drug studies. A survey of 1,078 Norwegian adults revealed 8% had previously used psilocybin. This public openness suggests a favorable environment for clinical psychology and medicine to explore psilocybin's therapeutic potential, facilitating rigorous clinical trials.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psilocybin is emerging as a promising therapeutic agent for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, and clinical trials on psil...
Glycine attenuates impairments of stimulus-evoked gamma oscillation in the ketamine model of schizophrenia
bioRxiv Preprint Server – April 15, 2021
Summary
Brain wave patterns linked to negative symptoms in conditions like schizophrenia can be disrupted. Researchers explored if a compound, glycine, could help. Healthy participants received a substance that mimicked these disruptions. It was found that this substance impaired specific brain rhythms and increased negative symptoms. However, pretreatment with glycine significantly improved these brain rhythms and reduced negative symptoms in those who responded. This suggests that monitoring these brain rhythms could identify individuals who may benefit from treatments targeting brain chemistry.
Abstract
Although a substantial number of studies suggests some clinical benefit concerning negative symptoms in schizophrenia through the modulation of NMD...
Faculty Opinions recommendation of Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression.
Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature – April 15, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding in psychiatry shows Psilocybin's potential for major depressive disorder. In a randomized controlled trial of 59 patients, a Psilocybin regimen with daily Placebo achieved a 70% response rate, versus 48% for the antidepressant Escitalopram. Remission rates were also notably higher: 57% versus 28%. While primary symptom reduction didn't significantly differ, these secondary findings, supported by psychology, suggest psychedelics (chemical synthesis and alkaloids) offer a new avenue in medicine and drug studies, crucial for addressing the economic impact of depression.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Psilocybin may have antidepressant properties, but direct comparisons between psilocybin and established treatments for depression are ...
Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression
New England Journal of Medicine – April 14, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, appears to offer antidepressant effects comparable to Escitalopram for individuals navigating depression. A trial comparing these treatments found no significant difference in primary outcomes at six weeks. While secondary measures in Psychology and Psychiatry generally favored Psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids influencing neurotransmitter receptors, these require further validation. This emerging area of Medicine and Psychedelics and Drug Studies indicates both options provide initial relief.
Abstract
On the basis of the change in depression scores on the QIDS-SR-16 at week 6, this trial did not show a significant difference in antidepressant eff...
Back to the Future — The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs
New England Journal of Medicine – April 14, 2021
Summary
Mescaline, described by Aldous Huxley as "extraordinary," sparked immense interest in hallucinogens. Lysergic acid diethylamide was synthesized in 1938, and Psilocybin extracted in 1959. This convergence propelled Psychedelic drug studies, linking alkaloid chemical synthesis with ancient Indigenous medicine, like Ayahuasca. Psychiatry and Psychology now explore their potential as medicine. Psychotherapists are examining their role in psychoanalysis, showcasing diverse academic research themes.
Abstract
In The Doors of Perception, Aldous Huxley described his trial of mescaline as "the most extraordinary and significant experience available to human...
Harnessing psilocybin: antidepressant-like behavioral and synaptic actions of psilocybin are independent of 5-HT2R activation in mice
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – April 13, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, rapidly acts as an antidepressant, strengthening neural connections in regions like the Hippocampus. Neuroscience and Psychology insights, from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggest its Pharmacology may not require altered perception. In a study involving 80 mice, using Ketanserin to modulate Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, beneficial actions against Anhedonia were observed, with a 35% reduction in depressive-like behaviors. This advancement in Chemical synthesis and alkaloids could accelerate psilocybin's integration into Medicine, influencing Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior for Antidepressant therapy.
Abstract
Significance Psychedelic compounds, such as psilocybin, have beneficial actions in several psychiatric diseases. They also produce strong alteratio...
Effects of Ayahuasca on the Recognition of Facial Expressions of Emotions in Naive Healthy Volunteers
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – April 13, 2021
Summary
Despite prior evidence that other psychedelics like psilocybin can alter emotional processing, a drug study with 22 healthy volunteers revealed Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, did not change facial emotion recognition compared to a placebo. While participants reported well-being and visual effects, some experienced transient anxiety. Tolerability was acceptable, despite common nausea. This finding in psychology and pharmacology, considering the biochemical analysis of alkaloid stability, suggests Ayahuasca’s unique neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior may differ from other medicines, requiring further exploration in drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background The recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a core aspect of social cognition. Previous studies with the seroto...
Mapping an Agenda for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Research in Patients with Serious Illness.
J Palliat Med – April 13, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows profound promise for seriously ill patients. A new framework charts a course for robust investigation, highlighting its therapeutic potential to significantly improve mental health and well-being. This strategic guide identifies key areas, from optimal treatment approaches to integration into patient care, ensuring these powerful therapies can safely enhance quality of life and deliver meaningful relief for those in critical need.
Abstract
Mapping an Agenda for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Research in Patients with Serious Illness.
Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM sleep.
Current biology : CB – April 12, 2021
Summary
Individuals in lucid dreams can engage in two-way communication, demonstrating remarkable cognitive abilities during sleep. In a study with 36 participants, including frequent lucid dreamers and a narcoleptic patient, responses were recorded through eye movements and facial muscle contractions. Participants accurately answered questions on 29 occasions while in REM sleep, showcasing their capacity for sensory processing, memory retention, and even simple problem-solving. This innovative approach opens new avenues for understanding consciousness and sleep learning, enhancing our grasp of the dreaming experience.
Abstract
Dreams take us to a different reality, a hallucinatory world that feels as real as any waking experience. These often-bizarre episodes are emblemat...
Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy
Harm Reduction Journal – April 11, 2021
Summary
Despite legal restrictions, growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy leads many to explore psychedelics independently. This creates an ethical duty for therapists to provide support. A framework outlines how professionals can offer harm reduction and psychedelic integration, guiding clients pre- and post-experience. This approach helps minimize risks and maximize benefits, ensuring ethical practice for those navigating personal use of psychedelics.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic-assisted therapy may represent an upcoming paradigm shift in the treatment of mental health problems as recent clinical trials...
Neuroimaging correlates and predictors of response to repeated-dose intravenous ketamine in PTSD: preliminary evidence
medRxiv Preprint Server – April 10, 2021
Summary
Brain imaging reveals a fascinating link: **improvement** in **PTSD symptoms** after **ketamine treatment** is tied to specific changes in **brain activity**. Successful **treatment** with **ketamine** was associated with increased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, key regions for emotion regulation. This suggests **ketamine** may normalize how the brain processes threats, leading to significant **improvement** for individuals with **PTSD**.
Abstract
Promising initial data indicate that the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine may be beneficial in post-traumatic str...
EEG Gamma Band Alterations and REM-like Traits Underpin the Acute Effect of the Atypical Psychedelic Ibogaine in the Rat.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – April 09, 2021
Summary
The dream-like experiences reported with the psychedelic ibogaine, known for its anti-addictive potential, might actually mirror brain activity during natural REM sleep. Researchers explored the brain's electrical signals during ibogaine-induced wakefulness in rats, hypothesizing a link between its unique "waking dream" state and specific brainwave patterns. They analyzed intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) data. Remarkably, ibogaine significantly boosted gamma brainwave power. This activity, despite its strength, showed reduced coherence and complexity, closely resembling natural REM sleep. This discovery offers compelling biological evidence connecting the psychedelic experience to REM sleep, advancing our understanding of how ibogaine creates its vivid, dream-like effects.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychedelic alkaloid that has attracted large scientific interest because of its antiaddictive properties in observational studies in...
A draft sequence reference of the Psilocybe cubensis genome
F1000Research – April 09, 2021
Summary
A breakthrough in understanding psychedelics reveals the entire psilocybin synthesis cluster of *Psilocybe cubensis* resides on a single 3.2Mb contig. This advance in computational biology and genetics, achieved through whole genome sequencing, provides the complete 46.6Mb genome, assembled into 32 contigs with 97.6% completeness. Such detailed biology is crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offering unprecedented insights into chemical synthesis and alkaloids, and accelerating research into alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology.
Abstract
We describe the use of high-fidelity single molecule sequencing to assemble the genome of the psychoactive Psilocybe cubensis mushroom. The genome ...
Consciousness, Religion, and Gurus: Pitfalls of Psychedelic Medicine.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – April 09, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic compounds hold promise for medicinal use, but several critical pitfalls hinder progress. A lack of clarity in defining "consciousness" can lead to confusion, while the personal religious or spiritual beliefs of investigators may improperly influence outcomes. Additionally, ethical challenges and blurred clinical boundaries complicate the implementation of psychedelic treatments. Addressing these issues is essential for harnessing the therapeutic potential of psychedelics effectively, ensuring that future applications are grounded in solid scientific principles and ethical practices.
Abstract
This viewpoint identifies pitfalls in the study of psychedelic compounds, including those that pose challenges for the potential use of psychedelic...
Naturalistic Use of Mescaline Is Associated with Self-Reported Psychiatric Improvements and Enduring Positive Life Changes.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – April 09, 2021
Summary
A remarkable 68-86% of adults who used mescaline reported improvements in mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. In a survey of 452 participants, those experiencing acute psychological insights during their mescaline journeys had significantly higher chances of reporting these improvements, with effect sizes ranging from 0.7 to 1.5. Additionally, 35-50% described their mescaline experience as one of the most spiritually significant moments in their lives, highlighting its potential therapeutic value.
Abstract
Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid that has been used as a sacrament by Indigenous populations in spiritual ritual and healin...
Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis of Psychedelics in a Rat Model of Asthma Reveals the Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacophore.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – April 09, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic compounds reduce inflammation, independent of their mind-altering effects. Researchers hypothesized specific structures activate the 5-HT2A receptor for anti-inflammatory benefits. A rat model of allergic asthma screened 21 compounds. 2C-H (2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) was the anti-inflammatory core. Its effects didn't link to typical receptor activation or behavioral potency. This suggests unique receptor pathways reduce inflammation, enabling anti-inflammatory drugs without psychoactive effects.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs can exert potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, anti-inflammatory effects do not appear to correlate with behavioral activit...