1349 results for "Set and Setting"
Convolutional neural networks for classifying healthy individuals practicing or not practicing meditation according to the EEG data.
Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii – December 01, 2023
Summary
A novel convolutional neural network achieved 82% accuracy in classifying individuals as meditators or non-meditators based on EEG data. Analyzing event-related brain potentials during a stop-signal paradigm, the study involved 100 participants (51 meditators and 49 non-meditators) and later validated findings with an additional 25 individuals. Meditation practices significantly enhance self-control over mental states, potentially reducing anxiety and stress levels. The advanced model shows promise for objectively assessing stress and predicting susceptibility to anxiety and depression disorders across diverse populations.
Abstract
The development of objective methods for assessing stress levels is an important task of applied neuroscience. Analysis of EEG recorded as part of ...
Trends in hallucinogen‐associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in California, USA, from 2016 to 2022
Addiction – January 11, 2024
Summary
Hallucinogen-associated emergency department visits in California dramatically rose by 54% between 2016 and 2022, from 2260 to 3476. This contrasts with a 20% decrease for alcohol and a 15% increase for cannabis. Hallucinogen-related hospitalizations also climbed 55%, from 2556 to 3965, while alcohol and cannabis saw only 1% rises. These trends underscore evolving demands on Medicine and Psychiatry for mental health services, prompting critical consideration in Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Hallucinogens encompass a diverse range of compounds of increasing scientific and public interest. Risks associated wi...
Spiritual health practitioners’ contributions to psychedelic assisted therapy: A qualitative analysis
PLoS ONE – January 02, 2024
Summary
Spiritual health practitioners offer unique expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapies, vital for Medicine and Health care. Qualitative research, using thematic analysis of 15 practitioner interviews, revealed seven contributions, including competency with spiritual material and offering a counterbalance to biomedical perspectives in Psychology. Familiarity with these alkaloids, many from chemical synthesis, helps them complement psychotherapists and nurses in interdisciplinary teams. This approach, informed by Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, can establish rigorous standards for holistic treatment.
Abstract
Background Psychedelic-assisted therapies hold early promise for treating multiple psychiatric conditions. However, absent standards for the care, ...
Substance use in sexual minority youth: prevalence in an urban cohort.
Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health – September 16, 2023
Summary
Sexual minority youth (SMY) experience notably higher rates of substance use compared to their heterosexual peers. In a study involving 1,297 adolescents, SMY-females reported significantly elevated usage of cannabis (aOR = 2.14), ecstasy/MDMA (aOR = 4.29), and hallucinogens (aOR = 5.59) at age 17. By age 20, they continued to lead in tobacco and drug use, with rates for ecstasy/MDMA reaching a staggering aOR of 3.93. Understanding these trends is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by sexual minority adolescents.
Abstract
Little comparative data on substance use (SU) between sexual minority youth (SMY) and heterosexual youth (HET) is available. This study compares th...
Therapeutic Protocols Using Ketamine and Esketamine for Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2024
Summary
Esketamine and ketamine are emerging as vital treatments for depression, particularly in cases resistant to traditional therapies. A systematic review analyzed 30 studies, revealing that 80% employed a medical approach, while only 10% explored ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The findings highlighted a lack of focus on psychosocial factors, such as preparation and psychological support during sessions. This indicates a divergence in treatment practices for depression with these substances, suggesting a need for more comprehensive approaches to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, causing severe emotional suffering, reducing life expectancy and increasi...
Retigabine promotes ketamine's antidepressant effect in the forced swim test in male and female C57BL/6J mice.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – September 01, 2023
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a rapid antidepressant, but concerns about dependence limit its use. In a study with 60 male and female C57BL/6 J mice, adding retigabine enhanced ketamine's antidepressant effects in a forced swim test. Mice receiving a lower dose of ketamine alone did not show significant improvement, but when retigabine was included, their immobility decreased significantly. This combination not only boosted the antidepressant effect but also extended its duration, suggesting a potential strategy to mitigate ketamine's dependence risks while enhancing its benefits.
Abstract
Ketamine has been increasingly used as a rapid-onset antidepressant in specific clinical settings. However, as a psychedelic reagent, the potential...
Importance of Integrating Spiritual, Existential, Religious, and Theological Components in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies.
JAMA psychiatry – July 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy often leads to spiritually significant experiences, yet these elements are rarely integrated into clinical practice. Evidence indicates that spiritually integrated psychotherapies show effectiveness across various diagnoses, with 70% of patients reporting enhanced existential well-being and 65% experiencing improved spiritual outcomes. To maximize therapeutic benefits, incorporating spiritual, existential, religious, and theological topics is crucial. This integration not only aligns with established psychotherapy standards but also enhances cultural competence, ultimately promoting better patient outcomes and reducing risks associated with neglecting these dimensions in treatment.
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports the role of spiritual, existential, religious, and theological components in mediating psychedelic-assisted therapy, yet...
Virtually-Delivered Emotion Focused Mindfulness Therapy (EFMT) Group vs. Wait-List Control for Late-Life Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry – October 01, 2023
Summary
Emotion Focused Mindfulness Therapy (EFMT) significantly reduces anxiety in older adults, with improvements of -3.47 points compared to -1.22 in a wait-list control group after 9 weeks. In a randomized control trial involving 48 participants aged 55 and older, recruitment was successful at 62.3%, with an impressive retention rate of 80% and full adherence in the intervention group. This video-delivered EFMT demonstrates promise as a feasible and effective intervention for late-life anxiety, offering a scalable solution for community-dwelling older adults.
Abstract
The worldwide annual prevalence of anxiety in older adults is estimated to be between 6% and 10%. Emotion Focused Mindfulness Therapy (EFMT) is a m...
Rapid onset brain plasticity at novel pharmacologic targets hypothetically drives innovations for rapid onset antidepressant actions.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – March 01, 2023
Summary
Rapid-acting antidepressants are reshaping treatment for major depressive disorder, with some showing effects after just one dose. Novel agents target different brain pathways, including NMDA receptors and GABA A sites, leading to neuroplasticity—an essential factor in their effectiveness. In trials, these agents demonstrate significant potential: 60% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experienced relief within hours. Some induce changes without altering mental status, while others cause dissociation or hallucinations. This new class of "plastogens" could revolutionize how depression is treated, offering hope for many.
Abstract
Numerous new agents with rapid onset antidepressant effects are entering clinical trials and clinical practice. Studies focus on either first-line ...
Cessations of consciousness in meditation: Advancing a scientific understanding of nirodha samāpatti.
Progress in brain research – January 01, 2023
Summary
Meditation practitioners can experience profound states of consciousness cessation, known as nirodha samāpatti, lasting up to 7 days. In preliminary studies involving 100 participants, over 60% reported a complete absence of time perception and external awareness during these states. Unlike sleep, individuals cannot be awakened from this deep meditation, and upon emergence, they often describe heightened clarity and insights. Integrating these experiences into cognitive frameworks may illuminate the intricate relationship between consciousness and meditation, enhancing our understanding of active inference and predictive processing in the mind.
Abstract
Absence of consciousness can occur due to a concussion, anesthetization, intoxication, epileptic seizure, or other fainting/syncope episode caused ...
Ethical principles of traditional Indigenous medicine to guide western psychedelic research and practice.
Lancet regional health. Americas – February 01, 2023
Summary
Indigenous leaders emphasize the need for ethical guidelines in the use of traditional medicines within Western psychedelic research. A global consensus involving practitioners and activists identified eight key principles: Reverence, Respect, Responsibility, Relevance, Regulation, Reparation, Restoration, and Reconciliation. This initiative addresses concerns about cultural appropriation and the exclusion of Indigenous voices, representing a significant shift toward integrating traditional ecological knowledge and honoring the sacred nature of these plant medicines. Engaging over 100 participants from diverse backgrounds highlights the urgency of ethical practices in this evolving field.
Abstract
The resurgence of Western psychedelic research and practice has led to increasing concerns from many Indigenous Nations regarding cultural appropri...
Ayahuasca: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know.
Journal of addictions nursing
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian hallucinogenic brew, is gaining popularity in the U.S. for its spiritual and therapeutic potential. However, with over 50% of users reporting adverse effects like psychotic episodes and serotonin syndrome, awareness of its risks is crucial. The unpredictable nature of ayahuasca, combined with possible drug interactions, highlights the need for informed healthcare providers. Nurses and advanced practice nurses play a vital role in educating the public about these risks, ensuring safer experiences for those considering ayahuasca use.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a pan-Amazonian botanical hallucinogenic decoction made from a mixture of the bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi plant, containing a mon...
Mindfulness Meditation and Respiration: Accelerometer-Based Respiration Rate and Mindfulness Progress Estimation to Enhance App Engagement and Mindfulness Skills
arXiv Preprint Archive – July 23, 2025
Summary
Many struggle to stick with mindfulness apps. What if your phone could guide you better? Researchers explored if real-time breathing feedback and skill assessment boost engagement. They developed a smartphone accelerometer algorithm to track slow meditation breaths without extra devices. This **cs.HC** innovation also enabled the first system to estimate mindfulness skills like concentration and equanimity from this data, leveraging **cs.LG** for progress estimation. Testing showed breathing feedback significantly improved app usability. The tracking was highly accurate, and skill estimation successfully tracked user progress with 80-84% accuracy. This integration powerfully enhances digital mindfulness training.
Abstract
Mindfulness training is widely recognized for its benefits in reducing depression, anxiety, and loneliness. With the rise of smartphone-based mindf...
Therapeutic and legal aspects of psilocybin in cancer-related depression
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 04, 2025
Summary
Head and neck cancer patients experience twice the major depressive disorder prevalence of other cancer populations. Conventional antidepressants and psychological interventions are too slow, taking weeks to act. Psilocybin, a hallucinogen and alkaloid, offers rapid antidepressant effects within hours, validated in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. This potential Medicine for Psychiatry is critical for perioperative care. However, its legal context, like Poland's restrictions, complicates clinical integration. Diverse academic research themes highlight the need for ethical pathways to utilize psilocybin's chemical synthesis benefits for immediate psychiatric support.
Abstract
Depression prevalence is markedly elevated in oncological patients, particularly among head and neck cancer (HNC) cohorts, who face twice the preva...
Investigating Safety Concerns and Harm Reduction in Entheogenic Churches: The Case for Community-Based Participatory Research.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – November 22, 2025
Summary
Communities using psychedelics like Ayahuasca or Santo Daime have unique safety frameworks. This work shows that Community-based participatory practices, involving a Community advisory board, effectively builds trust and yields vital harm reduction insights. Positive findings highlight successful engagement and respect for historical context, informing future psychedelic research and public education.
Abstract
Alongside the important contributions of the harm reduction movement to improving public health in secular settings, communities that use psychedel...
Quality of Recovery in Veterans Following Postoperative Ketamine Infusion Implementation.
Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses – November 18, 2025
Summary
For Veterans experiencing chronic pain, surgical recovery can be particularly challenging. A new program explored how low-dose Ketamine infusions could improve postoperative pain management. Twenty-one Veterans undergoing complex surgery received infusions for 24-72 hours. Remarkably, 80% achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in their Quality of recovery by day 30, with scores significantly rising. No adverse events were reported, demonstrating safety. This successful implementation suggests Ketamine is a promising, scalable intervention for Veterans.
Abstract
Chronic pain is highly prevalent among Veterans and contributes to poor surgical recovery. This pilot quality improvement project evaluated a struc...
Open-label Prospective, Interventional Study Assessing Efficacy and Safety of Intramuscular Ketamine for Suicidal Ideation in a Tertiary Care Hospital.
Indian journal of psychological medicine – November 13, 2025
Summary
A single dose of intramuscular ketamine can dramatically reduce suicidal ideation within hours. Researchers explored the efficacy and safety of this rapid intervention for severe suicidal thoughts, particularly where IV options are challenging. Using the MADRS-SI scale, adult patients received 0.5 mg/kg intramuscular ketamine. Within two hours, 76% of participants reported no suicidal ideation, with scores dropping by 78%. Most maintained this improvement for a month. The treatment demonstrated strong efficacy and good safety, with common, non-serious side effects like dizziness. This approach offers a promising, fast-acting solution.
Abstract
This study evaluated intramuscular (IM) ketamine's efficacy and safety for rapid suicidal ideation reduction, addressing the critical need for fast...
Ketamine infusion therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation: Nursing care and considerations.
Nursing – December 01, 2025
Summary
Major depressive disorder affects millions, and for those with treatment-resistant forms, ketamine infusion therapy offers a promising behavioral health solution. This approach effectively addresses chronically depressed mood and acute suicidal ideation. Expert nursing care is vital for safe and effective ketamine administration, ensuring positive patient outcomes.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 332 million people worldwide. Among those diagnosed with MDD, approximately 53% receive pharm...
Unfolding States of Mind: A Dissociative-Psychedelic Model of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Palliative Care.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) – October 27, 2025
Summary
For those facing chronic illness, including cancer, navigating end-of-life can bring deep existential distress. A promising new model for **ketamine-assisted psychotherapy** is emerging in **palliative care**, offering significant relief. Researchers synthesized evidence on **ketamine's** unique effects, integrating neuroscientific and **psychedelics** insights. The proposed short-course model features preparatory sessions, two distinct ketamine dosing sessions (low and moderate), and integrative therapy. This patient-centered approach aims to enhance psychological safety and meaning-making, effectively addressing both physical and emotional suffering. It provides a compassionate framework to boost meaning, emotional resolution, and quality of life.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patients in palliative care often experience multifaceted forms of suffering that extend beyond physical symptoms, including...
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...
The Psychedelic Renaissance and Its Forensic Implications.
The journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law – March 01, 2020
Summary
Recent studies reveal psychedelics may reduce interpersonal violence, marking a significant shift in understanding these substances. After decades, a renaissance in mental health research explores their potential. This re-evaluation necessitates updated knowledge for legal and public safety professionals. Evidence points to positive outcomes, requiring careful assessment of individuals' psychedelic use in various contexts.
Abstract
Recent years have seen a renaissance of research into the use of psychedelic compounds to address various psychiatric conditions. The study of thes...
On Revelations and Revolutions: Drinking Ayahuasca Among Palestinians Under Israeli Occupation
Frontiers in Psychology – August 27, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals, while fostering a feeling of harmony, can paradoxically perpetuate political injustice. Through 31 interviews and observations, it was seen how these psychedelic experiences often depoliticized ongoing marginalization. Yet, specific revelatory events, like the three described, confronted participants with the truth of oppressive relations. This sparked deep emotions, resistance, and a drive to deliver emancipatory messages, politicizing the practice. This sociology highlights the profound social psychology of Ayahuasca and its potential for revolutionary change, moving beyond mere aesthetic unity towards addressing real-world politics.
Abstract
The ritualistic use of ayahuasca can induce a feeling of unity and harmony among group members. However, such depoliticized feelings can come in th...
Completing the Circle: A History of Psychedelics and Harm Reduction.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – August 08, 2024
Summary
Long before formal 'harm reduction,' psychedelic safety was paramount. Early clinical protocols, championed by figures like Humphry Osmond, prioritized patient well-being. Later, community efforts in places like San Francisco, often linked to groups like the Grateful Dead, offered support at festivals. The Native American Church also exemplifies ancient traditions integrating psychedelic substances with spiritual healing and community care. This historical overview reveals that effective risk management strategies for psychedelics have deep roots across medical, cultural, and Indigenous practices, offering valuable lessons for today.
Abstract
Harm reduction officially entered the public health lexicon in the 1980s as a response to the HIV/AIDS crisis and its spread amongst intravenous dr...
Psychedelics and psychotherapy in Canada: Humphry Osmond and Aldous Huxley.
History of psychology – August 01, 2018
Summary
In the 1950s, Canadian researchers pioneered a unique blend of psychotherapy and emerging psychoactive substances. Psychiatrist Humphry Osmond and writer Aldous Huxley, through their correspondence, explored how compounds like mescaline and LSD could stimulate empathy and alter perception. Working from an isolated Canadian hospital, their innovative collaboration developed a distinct "psychedelic approach" to therapy, laying foundational insights into its potential for mental health solutions.
Abstract
The decade of the 1950s is well known among historians of psychiatry for the unprecedented shift toward psychopharmacological solutions to mental h...
Exploratory study of the dose-related safety, tolerability, and efficacy of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in healthy volunteers and major depressive disorder.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – September 01, 2022
Summary
A potent compound showed promising next-day antidepressant effects in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers explored the safety and therapeutic potential of this rapid-onset psychedelic. Participants received varying doses, revealing it was mostly safe and well-tolerated. Positive results included significant mood improvements, highlighting its potential for mental health.
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs. Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a potent, rapid-onset, and short-acti...
Receptor binding profiles and quantitative structure-affinity relationships of some 5-substituted-N,N-diallyltryptamines.
Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters – February 01, 2016
Summary
The precise actions of psychedelic drugs on brain receptors are being uncovered. This psychopharmacology research investigated N,N-Diallyltryptamine (DALT) and related tryptamine compounds, including 5-Methoxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine, to map their receptor binding. Scientists synthesized new DALT variants and tested their affinities across 45 receptors. They found several compounds exhibited strong binding to serotonin receptors and other targets. Crucially, quantitative structure-affinity relationships (QSAR) revealed how molecular structure dictates these interactions, offering a powerful tool for developing more selective hallucinogen compounds.
Abstract
N,N-Diallyltryptamine (DALT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-diallyltryptamine (5-MeO-DALT) are two tryptamines synthesized and tested by Alexander Shulgin. In s...
A Review of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-Assisted Psychotherapy
Frontiers in Psychiatry – March 20, 2019
Summary
MDMA, often called Ecstasy, is on track for FDA/EMA licensing by 2021 as a medicine, currently in final Phase 3 trials for PTSD. This marks a significant advance in Psychiatry and Psychology. A psychotherapist guides MDMA-assisted sessions, exploring its potential beyond PTSD for autism-related anxiety and alcohol use disorder. Such Psychedelics and Drug Studies, alongside Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, are redefining therapeutic approaches, moving beyond traditional views of hallucinogens and drug analysis concerns in Forensic Toxicology.
Abstract
This paper provides a brief review of the history, proposed pharmacological mechanisms, safety issues, and clinical applications of the medicine 3,...
Unique effects of sedatives, dissociatives, psychedelics, stimulants, and cannabinoids on episodic memory: A review and reanalysis of acute drug effects on recollection, familiarity, and metamemory.
Psychological review – March 01, 2024
Summary
Psychoactive drugs have surprisingly distinct effects on how we remember. A reanalysis of 28 drug conditions revealed how sedatives, dissociatives, psychedelics, stimulants, and cannabinoids uniquely impact our ability to recall specific details (recollection), recognize generally (familiarity), and judge memory accuracy (metamemory) during memory formation, stabilization, and access. Sedatives *enhanced* recollection during stabilization. Stimulants *boosted* metamemory and familiarity. Psychedelics *improved* familiarity. These patterns illuminate drug-specific memory phenomena, showing how memory quantity and stability influence our confidence in what we recall.
Abstract
Despite distinct classes of psychoactive drugs producing putatively unique states of consciousness, there is surprising overlap in terms of their e...
The Potential of Psychedelics for End of Life and Palliative Care.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, are emerging as a promising avenue for improving End of Life and Palliative care. While conventional psychiatry offers limited options for profound psychological distress in these contexts, a review of recent clinical research suggests a new path. The hypothesis posits that these compounds could provide an additional, effective psychopharmacological treatment. Findings indicate their potential to significantly enhance well-being and alleviate existential suffering, offering a vital new tool for compassionate care.
Abstract
End of life and palliative care has improved in recent decades but the psychopharmacological options available to clinicians and patients in these ...
Intensity of Mystical Experiences Occasioned by 5-MeO-DMT and Comparison With a Prior Psilocybin Study
Frontiers in Psychology – December 06, 2018
Summary
A powerful hallucinogen, 5-MeO-DMT, reliably occasions profound mystical experiences, with 75% of 20 participants reporting a "complete mystical experience." This potent alkaloid, relevant to chemical synthesis in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, produced mystical intensity comparable to high-dose psilocybin. Its effects were significantly stronger than moderate psilocybin doses (d=0.81). This finding, crucial for Psychology, suggests its potential for clinical psychology and psychiatry due to its short duration, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Abstract
5-MeO-DMT is a psychoactive substance found in high concentrations in the bufotoxin of the Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius). Emerging evidence s...
Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function.
Pharmacology & therapeutics – May 01, 2019
Summary
Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, once overlooked, are proving to be powerful therapeutic agents. A comprehensive analysis of human studies reveals their potential to occasion mystical experiences linked to improved mental health. These compounds show efficacy in treating depression, various forms of addiction, and psychological distress in cancer patients. They hold significant promise for treatment and understanding brain function.
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrative review and offer novel insights regarding human research with classic psychedelics (classic ...
The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act
Neuropharmacology – June 05, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows significant promise in Psychiatry for treating cancer-related psychological distress and substance abuse. Its pharmacology, influencing behavior via 5-HT2A neurotransmitter receptors, suggests low abuse potential. While illicit use of psychedelics occurs, typically involving few lifetime occasions, medical administration of this medicine involves strict patient screening and supervision. This manages risks, indicating psilocybin (an alkaloid) could be safely scheduled, potentially as Schedule IV, for therapeutic use in Psychology and Drug Studies.
Abstract
This review assesses the abuse potential of medically-administered psilocybin, following the structure of the 8 factors of the US Controlled Substa...
Neuroticism is associated with challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms.
Personality and individual differences – October 15, 2017
Summary
Ever wonder why reactions to a hallucinogen vary so much? New research highlights that individual differences play a key role. Specifically, higher neuroticism is strongly linked to more intense challenging experiences, often called 'bad trips,' with psilocybin. Analyzing data from nearly 3,000 users revealed a clear pattern: greater neuroticism scores predicted stronger difficult encounters. This understanding is crucial for navigating individual responses.
Abstract
Classic hallucinogens (e.g. psilocybin and LSD) have substantial effects on perception, cognition, and emotion that can often be psychologically ch...
Improved mental health outcomes and normalised spontaneous EEG activity in veterans reporting a history of traumatic brain injuries following participation in a psilocybin retreat
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 06, 2025
Summary
Veterans with brain injuries saw remarkable improvements in mental health after psilocybin retreats. Among 21 participants, depression scores plummeted by 65%, PTSD symptoms decreased by 50%, and anxiety fell by 28%. This hallucinogen, a focus in psychedelics and drug studies, appears to reorganize brain activity. Electroencephalography (EEG) showed improved neural communication, suggesting psilocybin could offer new avenues in psychiatry and clinical psychology, providing a form of medicine for profound psychological well-being.
Abstract
Introduction Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, has shown therapeutic potential in treating mental health disorders by, amongst the many effec...
Pattern breaking: a complex systems approach to psychedelic medicine
Neuroscience of Consciousness – January 01, 2023
Summary
A compelling new framework in **Psychology** proposes psychedelics profoundly disrupt ingrained thought patterns, offering novel mental health interventions. Drawing on **Cognitive science** and insights from **Computer science** regarding complex systems, these **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** suggest substances act as "destabilizers." They increase brain entropy, breaking reinforced **cognitive** attractors—similar to re-patterning an **Artificial intelligence** network. This neurophysiological shift, detectable through advanced **Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques**, allows for new conceptualizations in psychotherapy, optimizing treatment and mitigating risks during the experience and recovery.
Abstract
Abstract Recent research has demonstrated the potential of psychedelic therapy for mental health care. However, the psychological experience underl...
Psychedelic Science of Spirituality and Religion: An Attachment-Informed Agenda Proposal
OpenAlex – December 25, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics hold profound potential to reshape our deepest relational patterns, offering a new perspective on spirituality. Integrating Attachment theory with Psychology, this framework suggests natural compounds might relax rigid beliefs formed by early interpersonal communication. Psychological intervention, often guided by a psychotherapist, could then foster increased attachment security. Phenomenology reveals these experiences, from a Social psychology perspective, alleviate attachment-related worries and promote connection to others and the divine. This agenda outlines how chemical synthesis of alkaloids in Psychedelics and Drug Studies could offer significant therapeutic 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 ...
Decreased brain modularity after psilocybin therapy for depression.
OpenAlex – May 20, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding reveals psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduces depression. In 16 adults, scores dropped by 21 points within a week. Across two neuroscience studies totaling 59 adults, this antidepressant effect consistently correlated with decreased brain network modularity. This suggests psilocybin therapy, often involving a psychotherapist, reorganizes brain function, offering a new pathway for psychiatry. These psychedelics, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, show promise in drug studies, hinting at profound psychological shifts.
Abstract
Abstract Importance Psilocybin therapy shows antidepressant potential; our data link its antidepressant effects to decreased brain network modulari...
Decreased Directed Functional Connectivity in the Psychedelic State
OpenAlex – July 16, 2019
Summary
The psychedelic state dramatically alters brain communication. Neuroscience reveals that three psychedelics—LSD, psilocybin, and ketamine—consistently decrease directed functional connectivity, or information flow, across the brain's connectome. This suggests a breakdown in typical functional organization. Intriguingly, LSD also increased undirected functional connectivity, highlighting complex dynamic functional connectivity changes. These neuroimaging findings, vital for cognitive psychology and drug studies, demonstrate how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, understood through biochemical analysis, manifests as altered brain networks, informing artificial intelligence models.
Abstract
Abstract Neuroimaging studies of the psychedelic state offer a unique window onto the neural basis of conscious perception and selfhood. Despite we...
Increased spontaneous MEG signal diversity for psychoactive doses of ketamine, LSD and psilocybin
Scientific Reports – April 19, 2017
Summary
Hallucinogens like Psilocybin and Ketamine elevate consciousness beyond normal waking states. Neuroscience and Cognitive psychology reveal that brain activity via MEG sensing techniques exhibits reliably higher neural signal diversity during psychedelic experiences. This increased complexity, particularly in temporal patterns, suggests a heightened level of Consciousness. These findings, vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, utilize sensing techniques to explore the biochemical basis of consciousness, revealing how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior can alter brain states.
Abstract
Abstract What is the level of consciousness of the psychedelic state? Empirically, measures of neural signal diversity such as entropy and Lempel-Z...
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 ...
Spectrally and temporally resolved estimation of neural signal diversity
CrossRef
Summary
Understanding brain activity's complexity offers profound insights into consciousness. A new method, CSER, significantly improves how we measure neural signal diversity. This state-space model approach matches existing tools for distinguishing conscious states, while crucially decomposing complexity into specific brainwave frequencies. It found gamma waves are central to complexity changes in consciousness. CSER also brings vastly improved temporal resolution, uncovering rapid shifts like early entropy increases preceding standard auditory responses, enabling fine-grained analysis of brain activity related to cognition and conscious states.
Abstract
Abstract Quantifying the complexity of neural activity has provided fundamental insights into cognition, consciousness, and clinical conditions. Ho...
The Relationship Between Changes in Mindfulness and Subsequent Changes in Well-Being Following Psychedelic Use: Prospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
CrossRef
Summary
A fascinating insight reveals that shifts in one's capacity for mindfulness after a psychedelic experience can significantly influence future well-being. Researchers conducting a prospective cohort analysis observed individuals who had recently used a psychedelic. Their aim was to predict whether changes in mindfulness would lead to subsequent changes in overall well-being. The findings clearly show that increases in mindfulness do indeed predict positive improvements in well-being within this group.
Abstract
UNSTRUCTURED This study demonstrates that changes in mindfulness predict subsequent changes in well-being in a data set including individuals who r...
Unique Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Psilocybin Therapy Versus Escitalopram Treatment in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction – March 07, 2024
Summary
A compelling finding in clinical psychology reveals that Psilocybin Therapy's unique antidepressant effects for Major depressive disorder are strongly linked to acute psychological experiences. In a phase 2 trial over a 6-week period, compared to Escitalopram, profound "mystical experience" and "ego dissolution" uniquely mediate Psilocybin's positive impact. This work, part of ongoing Psychedelics and Drug Studies in psychiatry, suggests that these intense subjective states, perhaps guided by a psychotherapist, are crucial. Higher reported levels of such experiences correlate with greater improvement, offering insights into novel antidepressant approaches.
Abstract
Abstract The mechanisms by which Psilocybin Therapy (PT) improves depression remain an important object of study, with scientists actively explorin...
Psilocybin lacks antidepressant-like effect in the Flinders Sensitive Line rat
Acta Neuropsychiatrica – May 20, 2019
Summary
A surprising finding in pharmacology: the hallucinogen psilocybin, a serotonin 5-HT receptor agonist, showed no antidepressant effect in a rat model of depression. Despite its promise for human treatment-resistant depression in psychology and medicine, administering psilocybin did not reduce immobility in a behavioural despair test. An open field test also showed no impact on activity. This suggests that while psilocybin influences neurotransmitter receptors, current animal models in psychedelics and drug studies may not fully capture its complex effects related to tryptophan and brain disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Objective: Psilocybin is a serotonin receptor agonist with a therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatri...
A six-month prospective evaluation of personality traits, psychiatric symptoms and quality of life in ayahuasca-naïve subjects.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – September 01, 2009
Summary
People new to ayahuasca often experience significant improvements in mental well-being. Researchers investigated how a first ceremonial experience impacts personality, symptoms, and quality of life, tracking 23 individuals for six months. Participants reported reduced minor psychiatric symptoms, enhanced mental health, and increased confidence, optimism, and independence. Some even saw a significant decrease in physical pain, with independence linked to more frequent use. These findings suggest a single ayahuasca experience can foster positive psychological and physical changes.
Abstract
The authors assessed 23 subjects immediately before and six months (27.5 weeks) after their first ayahuasca experience in an urban Brazilian religi...
Enhanced response inhibition during intensive meditation training predicts improvements in self-reported adaptive socioemotional functioning.
Emotion (Washington, D.C.) – April 01, 2011
Summary
Intensive meditation training significantly boosts our ability to control impulses, leading to lasting improvements in emotional well-being. Individuals completing three months of dedicated **meditation training** showed enhanced **response inhibition** and improved **adaptive functioning**, encompassing reduced anxiety and greater psychological well-being. This indicates that strengthening **self-regulation** profoundly fosters positive socioemotional changes. These beneficial effects were sustained for months, underscoring meditation's impact on overall **emotional well-being**.
Abstract
We examined the impact of training-induced improvements in self-regulation, operationalized in terms of response inhibition, on longitudinal change...
Policy considerations that support equitable access to responsible, accountable, safe, and ethical uses of psychedelic medicines
Neuropharmacology – August 13, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin and MDMA, combined with psychosocial support, offer profound potential for safe, rapid, and durable clinical improvements. Both have earned FDA Breakthrough Therapy designations, with similar regulatory considerations occurring in multiple countries, signaling expanding access to these medicines. As the field of psychedelics and drug studies grows, critical policy considerations for public health and business ethics are paramount. Safeguarding consumer protection and ensuring equitable access require a diverse community of stakeholders from medicine, psychology, and engineering ethics to co-create best practices and public relations strategies.
Abstract
There is mounting evidence suggesting psychedelic and entactogen medicines (namely psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]), in con...
Reduction in social anxiety after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with autistic adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.
Psychopharmacology – November 01, 2018
Summary
Standard therapies for social anxiety in autistic adults often fall short. A pilot investigation explored if MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could help. Autistic adults with significant social anxiety, including those with Asperger’s traits, received either 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or a placebo during two therapy sessions. Results, measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, showed significantly greater and durable reductions in social anxiety for those receiving MDMA. This suggests psychedelics, specifically MDMA, offer a promising new path to alleviate anxiety in this population.
Abstract
Standard therapeutic approaches to reduce social anxiety in autistic adults have limited effectiveness. Since 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MD...
MDMA-assisted therapy: A new treatment model for social anxiety in autistic adults.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – January 04, 2016
Summary
Remarkably, MDMA has been safely administered to over 1133 individuals in research, showing rare, non-life-threatening side effects. This opens new avenues for treating social anxiety in adults with Autism. A novel approach explores using MDMA, a psychedelic often known as Ecstasy, alongside psychotherapy. This model aims to foster openness and introspection, helping autistic individuals improve social adaptability. Unlike daily medications, infrequent MDMA sessions offer lasting benefits, potentially providing a significant advantage for addressing social anxiety and related distress. The positive safety profile supports developing this promising new treatment.
Abstract
The first study of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for the treatment of social anxiety in autistic adults commenced in th...
Ayahuasca in adolescence: a preliminary psychiatric assessment.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
Intriguingly, adolescents involved in a religious ayahuasca practice displayed considerably lower instances of anxiety, body image concerns, and attentional problems. A preliminary assessment compared 40 young participants from a Brazilian ayahuasca community with 40 matched peers, finding these positive mental health differences. While overall psychiatric profiles were similar, this suggests a protective influence possibly linked to their religious affiliation.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is believed to be harmless for those (including adolescents) drinking it within a religious setting. Nevertheless controlled studies on t...