5439 results for "Psychedelics"
Global Trends in Psychedelic Microdosing: Demographics, Substance Testing Behavior, and Patterns of Use
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – November 06, 2024
Summary
Exclusive psychedelic microdosers, a subset of 2488 individuals from a survey of 6193 consumers, exhibit distinct demographics and substance use patterns. They are older (46.4 vs. 42.0 years), predominantly female (68.4% vs. 44.7%), and report less non-psychedelic substance use (3.8 vs. 4.7 substances) compared to those also using macrodoses. Most microdose multiple times monthly, often with psilocybin (74.5%) or LSD (34.4%), primarily for wellbeing (73.0%), though 64.6% don't test their substances.
Abstract
Despite psychedelic microdosing being a growing practice, the research on the topic is still in its infancy. While several studies have described t...
Psychedelics: From Cave Art to 21st-Century Medicine for Addiction
European Addiction Research – September 25, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics offer compelling new hope for treating addiction. A comprehensive review spanning 40 years of Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights their therapeutic potential in medicine and psychiatry. Substances like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, and Mescaline, alongside MDMA, are being re-examined. These hallucinogens influence neurotransmitter receptors, impacting behavior and improving psychological symptoms of dependence. This re-emergence in psychology and chemical synthesis and alkaloids research suggests these compounds could be vital tools for psychotherapists addressing addiction, especially when conventional methods fail.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic substance use in ritualistic and ceremonial settings dates back as early as 8,500 BCE. Only in recent years, from the mid-2...
Personal Psychedelic Experience as a Training Qualification for Facilitators: A Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Interviews with Psilocybin Experts
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 13, 2024
Summary
Facilitators guiding psychedelic experiences should have personal experience with hallucinogens like psilocybin, according to leading experts. A qualitative analysis of 36 seasoned professionals, averaging 15.2 years' experience, revealed this key insight for emerging services. Using Thematic analysis, this applied psychology research suggests personal experience can enhance a psychotherapist's wellbeing and deepen their understanding of client journeys. As new legal frameworks for psychedelics evolve, this finding from qualitative research in psychology offers vital guidance for training in this expanding field of drug studies.
Abstract
Emerging legal frameworks in Oregon and Colorado license facilitators to support adults receiving psychedelic services. The current legal framework...
Stutterers' experiences on classic psychedelics: A preliminary self-report study.
Journal of fluency disorders – September 01, 2024
Summary
Online discussions reveal promising connections between psychedelics and stuttering relief. Analysis of Reddit posts shows 74% of people who stutter reported reduced symptoms after using psilocybin or LSD. The qualitative study examined 114 self-reported experiences, finding improvements in speech fluency, social anxiety, and emotional well-being among most users.
Abstract
Stuttering poses challenges to social, occupational, and educational aspects of life. Traditional behavioral therapies can be helpful but effects a...
Public Interest in Psilocybin and Psychedelic Therapy in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Google Trends Analysis
JMIR Formative Research – November 28, 2023
Summary
Public interest in psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, surged after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Over four years of Google Trends (March 2018-March 2022) showed significant increases for "psilocybin" and "psychedelic therapy." This rise in psychedelic medicine, relevant to psychiatry, coincided with heightened population anxiety, even as depression interest decreased. While cannabis interest remained stable, psilocybin's unique surge suggests evolving psychology and a broader context for drug studies.
Abstract
Background Psychedelic substances have demonstrated promise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Significant media...
A Brief Historical Overview of Psychedelic Research.
Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging – May 01, 2024
Summary
In the 1950s, researchers discovered that psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin could profoundly impact mental health treatment. These hallucinogens, once used in ancient healing rituals, work by interacting with brain serotonin systems. Studies show that even single doses can create lasting positive changes in mood and perception, leading to breakthrough treatments for various psychiatric conditions.
Abstract
Classical serotonergic psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide or the naturally occurring compounds psilocybin and mescaline produce profou...
Beyond the 5-HT2A Receptor: Classic and Nonclassic Targets in Psychedelic Drug Action.
The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience – November 08, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD work through multiple brain pathways, not just the well-known serotonin receptor system. These substances promote the formation of new neural connections and can rewire brain networks, explaining their potential benefits for mental health conditions. While their primary effects occur through serotonin receptors, they also interact with other key brain systems that influence mood and cognition. Scientists are now developing modified versions that could offer therapeutic benefits without hallucinogenic effects.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, have garnered significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic effects ...
Psychedelic Drug Legislative Reform and Legalization in the US
JAMA Psychiatry – December 07, 2022
Summary
A majority of US states are projected to legalize psychedelics by 2034-2037, echoing Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. Since 2019, 25 states considered 74 legislative initiatives and ballot measures. Most legislation (58%) proposes decriminalization, primarily for psilocybin (90% of bills). However, only 35% outline licensure or training for medical use. This rapid shift in public administration and medicine, informed by political science and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, highlights an urgent need for clear hallucinogen regulation and law reform.
Abstract
Importance Psychedelic drugs are becoming accessible in the US through a patchwork of state legislative reforms. This shift necessitates consensus ...
Predictors of Psychedelic Experience: A Thematic Analysis
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 05, 2022
Summary
Nature and music can de-escalate adverse reactions to psychoactive substances like Psilocybin and MDMA. A thematic analysis of twenty-two first-person accounts revealed six key factors shaping psychedelic experiences: nature, music, preparation, mindset, understanding, and motivation. For clinical psychology and social psychology, understanding these predictors is crucial. Perception of hallucinogens, regardless of chemical synthesis and alkaloids, is deeply influenced. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights how a careful set of conditions can mitigate harm and influence neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, aiding psychotherapists in harm reduction.
Abstract
Research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances is expanding. A limitation within this field is the unpredictability of individual ...
Classic Psychedelics and Human–Animal Relations
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health – July 01, 2022
Summary
Profound ego dissolution during classic psychedelic experiences appears to significantly alter human-animal relations. Data from 2822 US adults, representative of diverse ethnic groups, shows ego dissolution strongly correlated with reduced speciesism (β = −0.17) and increased animal solidarity (β = 0.18), alongside a greater desire for animal welfare (β = 0.10). Lifetime psychedelic use also showed associations, though weaker. This work in social psychology and animal studies explores how altered states, relevant to the psychology of the 'ego', might shift our connection to other species. These findings, however, do not establish causality.
Abstract
Previous research has found associations between classic psychedelic use and nature-relatedness, but the link between classic psychedelic use and h...
Preclinical models for evaluating psychedelics in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
British journal of pharmacology – October 28, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic drugs may offer rapid relief for depression, with early trials showing significant promise. In animal studies, specific behaviors linked to these drugs reveal potential antidepressant effects. For instance, using clinically relevant doses can enhance understanding of how these substances work. With a focus on 100+ preclinical studies and attention to sex differences, researchers are unraveling the neuropsychological mechanisms behind psychedelics. This knowledge could pave the way for new treatments and drug targets, advancing mental health care significantly.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs have seen a resurgence in interest as a next generation of psychiatric medicines with potential as rapid-acting antidepressants (...
Intellectual Property of Psychedelics for Addiction Treatment: Enabling Access and Protecting Innovation Opportunities Through Preserving the Public Domain.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic compounds show promise as addiction treatments, but 170 patent documents threaten to monopolize this potential. These patents could limit public access to important knowledge and increase research costs. Patent examiners face challenges in identifying prior art due to the complex history of psychedelics, which may lead to unjustified patents being granted. As the FDA approaches key decisions, it is vital for all stakeholders—academics, patent seekers, and policymakers—to understand patent eligibility and limitations to ensure equitable access to these transformative therapies.
Abstract
Recent research has shown potential for psychedelic therapeutics as addiction treatments; however, some academic institutions, commercial entities,...
A Single Belief-Changing Psychedelic Experience Is Associated With Increased Attribution of Consciousness to Living and Non-living Entities
Frontiers in Psychology – March 28, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic experiences profoundly reshape how people perceive consciousness. A survey of 1,606 individuals revealed dramatic shifts in the attribution of consciousness to various entities. For instance, after their experience, attribution of consciousness to plants increased from 26% to 61%, and to fungi from 21% to 56%. This suggests a significant alteration in cognitive psychology regarding the scope of consciousness, extending beyond traditional views. These shifts, observed within the field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, were lasting, unlike changes in superstitious beliefs.
Abstract
Introduction Although the topic of consciousness is both mysterious and controversial, psychedelic drugs are popularly believed to provide unique i...
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...
Sustained, Multifaceted Improvements in Mental Well-Being Following Psychedelic Experiences in a Prospective Opportunity Sample
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 29, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin can profoundly enhance mental health, with improvements in well-being lasting up to two years. An observational study tracking 654 individuals initially, and 64 after two years, revealed significant gains in "Being well" and "Staying well" factors. This suggests a robust, sustained positive impact on psychological well-being, relevant for clinical psychology and psychiatry. While spirituality was assessed, it did not show similar long-term improvements. These findings contribute to Mental Health Research Topics, highlighting psychedelics' potential in medicine.
Abstract
In the last 15 years, psychedelic substances, such as LSD and psilocybin, have regained legitimacy in clinical research. In the general population ...
Concomitant use of antidepressants and classic psychedelics: A scoping review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – September 12, 2025
Summary
Patients taking antidepressants may not need to discontinue them before psychedelic treatments, a significant finding from a review of 18 studies. This insight from Psychedelics and Drug Studies challenges current protocols, revealing co-administration is generally safe, with no increased serotonin syndrome risk, particularly for psilocybin. While some evidence suggests altered acute subjective effects, improvements in mental health were still observed. Understanding how these chemical synthesis and alkaloids influence neurotransmitter receptors is vital for behavior. Maintaining antidepressant use could enhance access to these promising therapies, avoiding discontinuation risks and improving patient care.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics are increasingly studied as potential treatments for different psychiatric disorders. Current research protocols often require...
Improved colour blindness symptoms associated with recreational psychedelic use: Results from the Global Drug Survey 2017
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2020
Summary
Remarkably, some individuals with color blindness report improved vision after using hallucinogens like Lysergic acid diethylamide and Psilocybin. A Global Drugs Survey gathered 47 accounts, with 23 describing enhanced color perception, sometimes lasting years. This intriguing finding, significant for Psychology, Optometry, and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests these compounds may influence how the brain processes visual information. The reported changes highlight a fascinating aspect of perception, offering preliminary insights for Medicine and Psychiatry into how psychedelics could potentially reconfigure sensory experiences, even for blindness.
Abstract
It is well documented that psychedelic drugs can have a profound effect on colour perception. After previous research involving psychedelic drug in...
Day trip to hell: A mixed methods study of challenging psychedelic experiences
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 27, 2021
Summary
Despite often dramatic narratives of challenging psychedelic experiences, individuals surprisingly report positive long-term consequences. This applied psychology work, exploring "bad trips" within Psychedelics and Drug Studies, utilized qualitative research involving 38 individual interviews and a survey of 319 participants (81% male, median age 33) via computer-assisted web interviewing. A broader thematic analysis revealed that beyond fear's near ubiquity, confusion emerged as a significant aspect. This contributes to Psychology's understanding of social psychology, highlighting a greater range of characteristics for these powerful experiences.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims This article presents a mixed methods study of challenging psychedelic experiences or “bad trips”, with the aim of exp...
Public Interest in Psilocybin and Psychedelic Therapy in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Google Trends Analysis (Preprint)
OpenAlex – October 26, 2022
Summary
Google Trends data from a four-year period reveal a significant surge in public interest in psilocybin and psychedelic medicine after the declaration of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While mental health challenges like anxiety and depression increased in the general population, online searches for psilocybin and psychedelic therapy showed positive trends, surpassing prepandemic levels. This suggests a growing public awareness of psilocybin's potential in psychiatry, with interest possibly driven by both the pandemic's impact on mental health and popular culture, rather than solely by traditional drug studies or misinformation. The changing context is key.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychedelic substances have demonstrated promise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Significant media...
Self-Rated Effectiveness of Microdosing With Psychedelics for Mental and Physical Health Problems Among Microdosers
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 13, 2019
Summary
Microdosing psychedelics shows greater self-rated effectiveness for mental health conditions like anxiety than conventional medicine. An online survey of 410 individuals found microdosing superior to prescribed treatments for both mental and physiological disorders. This offers insights for clinical psychology and psychiatry, exploring novel applications of psychedelic compounds. However, for anxiety and depression, full doses were rated more effective. This suggests potential for complementary medicine, prompting further drug studies into specific alkaloid compounds and their therapeutic use.
Abstract
Background: There is a growing interest in the use of psychedelic substances for health related purposes, including symptom relief for disorders li...
Psychedelic therapeutics in psychiatric conditions
Neuropsychopharmacology – January 16, 2026
Summary
The burgeoning interest in psychedelic therapies has sparked hundreds of clinical trials, yet no approved treatments exist for psychiatric conditions. Notably, a significant MDMA development program faced disapproval from the FDA, highlighting challenges in drug development. With over 50% of studies focused on pharmacologically assisted psychotherapy, benefits and hurdles are evident. The debate continues on whether the psychedelic experience is essential for therapeutic efficacy, complicating blinded trials. Regulatory issues further complicate progress, particularly regarding conditions like adjustment disorder, which may not meet current standards.
Abstract
Interest in psychedelic therapies is booming, with hundreds of studies in process. Despite the interest, there are no approved psychedelic treatmen...
A novel method for quantitative analysis of subjective experience reports: application to psychedelic visual experiences
Frontiers in Psychology – December 06, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics dramatically alter vision, but their specific visual effects vary consistently by substance. A large-scale **Cognitive psychology** analysis of 103 psychoactive compounds, including 30 psychedelics and 73 comparison substances, revealed this. Drawing from a median of 217 self-reports per substance, an AI classifier identified sentences describing visual experiences. This **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** research shows significant differences in how substances, even within psychedelics, affect vision and the types of visual changes, like movement or color. These findings advance **Psychology's** understanding of perception.
Abstract
Introduction Psychedelic compounds such as LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT can dramatically alter visual perception. However, the extent to whi...
Practical considerations in the establishment of psychedelic research programs.
Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
As psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin re-emerge in clinical research, medical centers face unique challenges in establishing legitimate studies. Setting up clinical trials requires careful navigation of regulatory hurdles, specialized facilities, and community engagement. Success hinges on early institutional support, proper drug handling protocols, and thorough DEA compliance. Despite obstacles, centers can build effective psychedelic research programs through methodical planning.
Abstract
There is increasing interest in establishing psychedelic research programs at academic medical centers. However, psychedelics are intensely psychoa...
Associations between psychedelic use and cannabis use disorder in a nationally representative sample.
Drug and alcohol dependence – January 01, 2025
Summary
Recent findings reveal an unexpected connection between psychedelic use and problematic marijuana habits. Analysis of nationwide health surveys shows that people who used psilocybin mushrooms or LSD were roughly twice as likely to develop cannabis-related issues. While DMT, ketamine, and MDMA were also studied, the strongest links were with classic psychedelics. This challenges assumptions about psychedelics' potential role in addiction treatment.
Abstract
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is an increasingly prevalent disorder affecting millions of Americans each year. Psychedelic compounds have recently be...
Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring 'psychedelic preparedness'.
Scientific reports – February 08, 2024
Summary
As interest in psychedelic therapy grows, experts have developed a groundbreaking tool to measure how ready someone is for a psychedelic experience. The Psychedelic Preparedness Scale evaluates four key areas: knowledge, intentions, physical/mental readiness, and support systems. Research shows participants who score higher tend to have better mental health outcomes after their experience.
Abstract
Preparing participants for psychedelic experiences is crucial for ensuring these experiences are safe and, potentially beneficial. However, there i...
Pictorial representation of illness and self measure (PRISM): A putative transdiagnostic tool for evaluating therapeutic effects of psychedelic treatments.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – May 01, 2025
Summary
A novel tool reveals how psychedelic experiences can help people separate their identity from their health conditions. Over 95% of participants with depression, anxiety, or PTSD reported improvements after psychedelic use. The PRISM assessment showed people felt significantly less defined by their conditions following their experiences, suggesting psychedelics may help break harmful self-illness associations.
Abstract
Patients with refractory conditions often identify themselves with their illness, which affects multiple aspects of their lives. The pictorial repr...
Cognitive functioning associated with acute and subacute effects of classic psychedelics and MDMA - a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Scientific reports – June 26, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics and MDMA affect brain function differently: while psychedelics temporarily impact attention and decision-making, MDMA mainly affects memory. During the "afterglow" period following psychedelic use, people often experience enhanced creativity and mental clarity. These findings help explain how these substances work therapeutically and highlight their distinct cognitive effects.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of p...
Psychedelic Use and Behavioral Addictions.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 15, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic users reported significantly greater well-being and lower symptoms of behavioral addictions, according to a survey of 1,107 participants. Notably, those who used psychedelics displayed an inverse correlation between well-being measures and behavioral addiction symptoms. Major stimulant, alcohol, and nicotine vaping were linked to higher addiction scores, while psychedelic use uniquely predicted lower scores. The analysis indicated that various behavioral addictions could be combined into a single factor. These findings suggest psychedelics may offer therapeutic potential for treating behavioral addictions.
Abstract
Recent clinical trials on classic psychedelics for depression and anxiety have raised questions about their potential to treat other psychiatric co...
The impact of the serotonergic psychedelic DOI on active vision in freely moving mice.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – October 15, 2025
Summary
Surprisingly, a psychedelic compound can increase how often mice actively explore their visual environment. Researchers observing freely moving mice found that administration of a specific psychedelic boosted the frequency of visual active sensing behaviors. While enhancing this exploration, the compound subtly reshaped how the brain's primary visual cortex processed these inputs, showing varied effects across different neurons. This suggests psychedelics influence perception by altering how actively we engage with and interpret our visual world.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds have the ability to generate altered states of consciousness and profoundly distort perception, often resulting in visual hal...
Recruitment discrimination of lifetime classic psychedelic users is unjustified: Evidence from employees' motivation-based workplace absenteeism
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – January 16, 2023
Summary
Despite widespread stigma, prior psilocybin and other psychedelic use does not predict workplace absenteeism. While past psychedelics are linked to reduced odds of some mental health issues, a large population analysis of 193,320 employed US adults found no association between lifetime classic psychedelic use and skipped workdays. This challenges discrimination against the 35 million adults who have used psychedelics, often rejected for roles in clinical psychology or psychiatry. This finding, relevant to behavior, suggests drug use history shouldn't arbitrarily bar individuals from employment.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Although large-scale population studies have linked the use of classic psychedelics (lysergic acid diethylamide, psilo...
On the Varieties of Conscious Experiences: Altered Beliefs Under Psychedelics (ALBUS)
OpenAlex – November 30, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics can both relax and strengthen beliefs, profoundly impacting the mind. Psychology suggests "Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics" (REBUS) occur with very high 5-HT2a agonism, a key mechanism in Drug Studies. Conversely, "Strengthened Beliefs Under Psychedelics" (SEBUS) explain enhanced meaning-making, but also paranoia and false memories. A new model, ALBUS, proposes these effects vary across the dose-response curve of 5-HT2a signaling, central to how these chemical compounds alter perception. This unifies psychedelic experiences as waking dream states, offering insights into memory.
Abstract
How is it that psychedelics so profoundly impact brain and mind? According to the model of "Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics" (REBUS), 5-HT2a ago...
Harnessing Pharmacogenomics in Clinical Research on Psychedelic‐Assisted Therapy
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – September 30, 2024
Summary
Genetic variations significantly influence how individuals respond to **psychedelics**, a critical insight for future **medicine**. **Pharmacogenomics** explores how our genes affect the **pharmacology**, specifically **pharmacokinetics** and **pharmacodynamics**, of **hallucinogens** like **Psilocybin** and **MDMA**. For instance, genetic variants in enzymes such as **CYP2D6** impact acute effects, suggesting personalized **dosing** may be appropriate. This field, crucial for **drug studies**, aims to improve the safety and therapeutic profile of these compounds, potentially leveraging **biochemical analysis** and understanding **chemical synthesis** for better patient outcomes.
Abstract
Psychedelics have recently re‐emerged as potential treatments for various psychiatric conditions that impose major public health costs and for whic...
Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – October 21, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin profoundly alter brain activity, consistently disrupting the Default Mode Network (DMN), a key brain region for self-referencing and linked to various psychological conditions. This acute modulation of the DMN, crucial in neuroscience and drug studies, involves increased connectivity across brain networks. Understanding the chemical synthesis of these compounds and their psychological effects, perhaps alongside insights from nicotinic acetylcholine receptors studies and computational analyses, is vital to fully grasp their impact on brain function.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics are a unique class of drug that commonly produce vivid hallucinations as well as profound psychological and mystical experien...
Effects of classic psychedelic drugs on turbulent signatures in brain dynamics
Network Neuroscience – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly reorganize brain activity. Using a novel framework akin to analyzing turbulent patterns, new insights reveal how compounds like LSD and psilocybin alter brain dynamics. They consistently and distinctively influence a key network involved in self-reflection, effectively "compressing" the brain's functional organization. This understanding of how these powerful chemical substances influence brain hierarchy offers significant implications for developing new psychological treatments.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic drugs show promise as safe and effective treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, yet their mechanisms of action are not ful...
If the Doors of Perception Were Cleansed, Would Chronic Pain be Relieved? Evaluating the Benefits and Risks of Psychedelics.
The journal of pain – October 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD show promise in treating chronic pain, with clinical trials indicating significant effectiveness in conditions such as cancer and migraine. Although only a handful of uncontrolled studies exist, early findings suggest that when patients are carefully screened and monitored, risks remain low. For instance, effective treatment hinges on understanding the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and psychosocial factors. Future randomized trials must prioritize rigorous design to yield reliable insights into the therapeutic potential of these substances for pain management.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have played important roles in diverse cultures, and ingesting various plant preparations to evoke altered states of conscio...
Aggressive behaviours associated with MDMA and psychedelics: a narrative review
Acta Neuropsychiatrica – February 08, 2024
Summary
Despite common perceptions, a narrative review exploring the impact of serotonergic hallucinogens like MDMA on aggression revealed mixed results. Sifting through 555 articles from databases like PsycINFO and MEDLINE, 17 relevant studies were identified. While 14 focused on MDMA and 3 on other psychedelics, some indicated increased aggression, while others suggested protective effects. This complex picture in clinical psychology highlights the need for clearer definitions and standardized measures to understand these substances' full influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Objective: Monoamine neurotransmitters play a role in aggression, especially when altered by illicit substances. However, some literature ...
The Past and Future of Psychedelic Science: An Introduction to This Issue
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 15, 2019
Summary
A compelling resurgence in psychedelics and drug studies is transforming psychiatry. After decades of suppression, psychological intervention using substances like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is showing remarkable promise. Modern trials, often involving hundreds of participants, demonstrate significant reductions in anxiety and addiction, with some reporting over 60% success rates. These hallucinogens also inspire creativity and profound psychic experiences. From chemical synthesis and alkaloids to psychotherapist-led sessions, psychology is embracing these tools for healing.
Abstract
Psychedelic plants and fungi have been used in indigenous medicinal traditions for millennia. Modern psychedelic research began when Albert Hofmann...
Beyond the 5-HT2AReceptor: Classic and Nonclassic Targets in Psychedelic Drug Action
Journal of Neuroscience – November 08, 2023
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics like psilocybin profoundly promote neuroplasticity, rewiring neural networks that may treat conditions like depression and anxiety. This complex drug action involves activating serotonin 5-HT 2A receptors, influencing perception and cognition. Pharmacology reveals these drugs also interact with other neurotransmitter receptors, impacting psychology and behavior. Future drug studies are exploring chemical synthesis to develop nonhallucinogenic derivatives. These aim to retain therapeutic benefits without the intense experience, offering safer options by modifying their molecular action.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, have garnered significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic effects ...
Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 01, 2015
Summary
A groundbreaking population study involving 135,095 US adults, including 19,299 users, found no link between hallucinogens like Lysergic acid diethylamide, Psilocybin, or Mescaline and mental health problems. This extensive psychology research showed no increased likelihood of anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, challenging common assumptions in psychiatry. Furthermore, these psychedelics are not associated with addiction or organ damage, suggesting that their prohibition as a public health measure, even for suicide prevention, warrants re-evaluation.
Abstract
A recent large population study of 130,000 adults in the United States failed to find evidence for a link between psychedelic use (lysergic acid di...
“We don’t want to run before we walk”: the attitudes of Australian stakeholders towards using psychedelics for mental health conditions
Public Health Research & Practice – September 10, 2023
Summary
Australian leaders show cautious optimism for psychedelics in mental health, yet see insufficient evidence for widespread clinical use. Interviews with 4 politicians and 9 organizational representatives revealed that negative stigma profoundly hinders legislative support. This sociological challenge, alongside perceived research gaps in psychology and drug studies, demands clear, evidence-based public relations. Such communication is crucial to address misconceptions and inform policy, potentially advancing these treatments for mental health conditions.
Abstract
Objectives: This study was aimed at understanding the attitudes and positions of key Australian organisational and political stakeholders towards u...
Exploring the Potential of Psychedelics in the Treatment of Headache Disorders: Clinical Considerations and Exploratory Insights.
Current pain and headache reports – January 16, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough findings show psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD may offer hope for severe headache disorders. Patients with cluster headaches and migraines reported significant pain reduction and fewer attacks after controlled psychedelic treatment sessions. The compounds work by targeting specific brain receptors, providing longer-lasting relief than conventional medications with fewer side effects.
Abstract
Exploration of the potential of serotonergic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin and LSD, as potential treatments for headache disorders. This re...
Visual hallucinations originating in the retinofugal pathway under clinical and psychedelic conditions.
European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2024
Summary
The eye's retina may be the starting point for visual hallucinations, not just the brain as previously thought. Psychedelics like LSD affect specialized retinal cells called amacrine cells, disrupting normal visual perception before information even reaches the brain. This insight comes from studying both psychedelic experiences and rare conditions affecting the visual pathway, revealing how alterations in retinal processing can trigger vivid hallucinations.
Abstract
Psychedelics like LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) and psilocybin are known to modulate perceptual modalities due to the activation of mostly serot...
Effects of External Stimulation on Psychedelic State Neurodynamics.
ACS chemical neuroscience – February 07, 2024
Summary
New neuroscience research reveals that psychedelics boost brain activity most powerfully when our eyes are closed. While these compounds increase neural complexity across all conditions, the deepest shifts in consciousness occur in darkness. Music allows the brain to maintain this enhanced state, but watching videos can interfere with the natural flow of psychedelic effects by competing with internal imagery.
Abstract
Recent findings have shown that psychedelics reliably enhance brain entropy (understood as neural signal diversity), and this effect has been assoc...
Prediction of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder and thought disturbance symptoms following psychedelic use.
PNAS nexus – April 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics may actually reduce delusional thinking patterns, according to recent findings. While 30% of users reported minor visual disturbances (HPPD-like effects), less than 1% found these changes distressing. Young women and those with prior psychiatric diagnoses were more likely to experience these adverse effects. Notably, psychedelic use was linked to decreased delusional ideation, challenging concerns about magical thinking.
Abstract
Interest in using psychedelic drugs to treat psychiatric disorders is growing rapidly. While modern controlled clinical trials show a favorable saf...
Changes in synaptic markers after administration of ketamine or psychedelics: a systematic scoping review
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 26, 2023
Summary
Ketamine and hallucinogens like Psilocybin significantly enhance brain cell connections, particularly under stress. A comprehensive review of 84 studies (71 on Ketamine, 9 on psychedelics) found Ketamine counteracted stress-related reductions in Hippocampus synaptic markers. Psychedelics generally increased markers like Synapsin I, demonstrating Synaptic plasticity. This Neuroscience insight offers compelling potential for Medicine and Clinical psychology, including Psychiatry and the Treatment of Major Depression, underscoring the therapeutic value in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Background Ketamine and psychedelics have abuse liability. They can also induce “transformative experiences” where individuals experience enhanced ...
Prevalence and associations of challenging, difficult or distressing experiences using classic psychedelics.
Journal of affective disorders – April 01, 2023
Summary
While most psychedelic experiences are manageable, 41% of users report at least one challenging episode. New data reveals that proper preparation and setting significantly reduce adverse effects with substances like LSD and psilocybin. Mental state, environment, and support are key factors affecting risk. Only 2.6% of users needed medical help after difficult experiences, suggesting psychedelics are generally safe when used responsibly.
Abstract
Previous studies have investigated challenging, difficult, or distressing classic psychedelic experiences, but little is known about the prevalence...
[Neurotrophic mechanisms of psychedelic therapy].
Biologie aujourd'hui – January 01, 2019
Summary
Therapeutic effects of psychedelics can last long after the drug is gone, suggesting they trigger lasting brain changes. Studies reveal how compounds like LSD and ketamine (kétamine) impact neurotrophic factors such as BDNF. The central idea is that despite different receptor targets, these psychedelics initiate similar beneficial plastic adaptations in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Positive findings indicate these mechanisms could effectively treat conditions like depression (dépression) and addiction, offering new avenues for mental health care.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, often referred to as hallucinogens, are quite distinct from other classes of psychotropic drugs. Although the subjective and beh...
Narrating the psychoneuroimmunomodulatory properties of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor psychedelics from a transdiagnostic perspective.
Acta neuropsychiatrica – July 25, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics targeting the 5-HT2A receptor have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects, potentially influencing treatment for psychiatric disorders. A review of 30 years of literature revealed that these substances can downregulate key inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6, impacting both the immune and nervous systems. In clinical and preclinical studies, 5-HT2A psychedelics also modulated stress hormones such as cortisol, suggesting a complex relationship with psychoneuroimmunology. This interplay opens new avenues for understanding how psychedelics might aid mental health through immune system interactions.
Abstract
By synthesising findings from both clinical and preclinical research, this review aims to provide an understanding of the interplay between 5-HT2A ...
Health-related behavioral changes following the use of psychedelics in naturalistic settings.
Preventive medicine reports – August 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics may significantly enhance health behaviors, with 66% of users reporting reduced alcohol consumption and 49% decreasing tobacco use. An analysis of 2,510 U.S. adults revealed that 49% improved their dietary habits and between 48-72% experienced decreased impulsivity after psychedelic exposure. Frequent users and microdosers were particularly likely to report these positive changes. While some noted potential harms, the majority perceived lasting benefits, highlighting psychedelics' potential to influence not just mental health but also critical lifestyle choices related to diet and substance use.
Abstract
Psychedelics have been increasingly studied for their potential to influence mental health and well-being, yet their relationship with broader heal...
Contextual Parameters Associated with Positive and Negative Mental Health in Recreational Psychedelic Users.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic use can significantly impact mental health, with a survey of 511 users revealing that the context of use is crucial. High-frequency use and using psychedelics to cope with negative feelings correlated with poorer mental health. In contrast, group settings, self-expansive intentions, and post-use integration were linked to improved mental well-being. This highlights the importance of harm reduction and informed drug policy, suggesting that recreational psychedelic experiences can either enhance or detract from mental health based on how they are approached.
Abstract
Growing research exploring the utility of psychedelic substances suggests that they not only hold promise for clinical practice but may enhance men...