5439 results for "Psychedelics"
Uncovering Psychedelics: From Neural Circuits to Therapeutic Applications
Pharmaceuticals – January 19, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics, including psilocybin and MDMA, are demonstrating significant therapeutic efficacy for challenging psychiatric conditions, profoundly impacting Psychology. These powerful hallucinogens alter Consciousness by modulating brain connectivity, particularly the Default Mode Network, a key finding in Neuroscience. Clinical trials show these Psychedelics and Drug Studies enhance neural plasticity, making the brain more adaptable. Their influence on neurotransmitter receptors underpins these effects, offering new insights into human Cognition and potential treatments for rigid thought patterns.
Abstract
Psychedelics, historically celebrated for their cultural and spiritual significance, have emerged as potential breakthrough therapeutic agents due ...
Psychedelics and schizophrenia: a double-edged sword.
Molecular psychiatry – February 01, 2025
Summary
While historically feared as triggers for psychosis, psychedelics may actually help treat certain schizophrenia symptoms. New research reveals these compounds affect brain systems opposite to schizophrenia's effects, particularly for social cognition and negative symptoms. Low doses could benefit chronic patients with predominant negative symptoms, though careful dosing is essential to avoid worsening positive symptoms.
Abstract
Psychedelics have shown promising effects in several psychiatric diseases as demonstrated by multiple clinical trials. However, no clinical experim...
Psychedelics as a potential treatment for tobacco use disorder: a systematic review.
Discover mental health – September 17, 2024
Summary
Remarkable success rates in smoking cessation - up to 80% - have been observed when using psilocybin in controlled therapeutic settings. Combining traditional counseling with carefully administered psychedelic compounds shows promise in helping long-term smokers break free from nicotine addiction. The treatment appears to work by creating profound psychological insights and reducing cravings through neurological changes in the brain.
Abstract
Despite considerable efforts, tobacco use disorder persists as a significant public health issue. The effectiveness of current smoking cessation th...
The immunomodulatory effects of classical psychedelics: A systematic review of preclinical studies
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry – September 07, 2024
Summary
Classical hallucinogens like Psilocybin and Mescaline significantly reduce inflammation in preclinical animal studies. A systematic review of 40 articles, drawn from databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, explored the pharmacology of these tryptophan-derived psychedelics. Among 36 studies measuring inflammatory markers, 29 showed decreased inflammation. However, immune cell activity was mixed across 10 studies. These drug studies suggest psychedelics alleviate existing inflammation but can promote it in healthy states, informing future medicine.
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that classical psychedelics possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties; however, these effects are yet to...
Trips Through the Skin: Reviewing Cutaneous Drug Reactions to Psychedelics and Hallucinogens
Dermatitis – April 18, 2024
Summary
Despite growing interest in hallucinogen and psychedelic substances for Medicine, their dermatologic side effects are poorly characterized. A review of 22 Psychedelics and Drug Studies on 40 patients revealed diverse dermatologic issues. Psilocybin, for instance, caused vesicular eruptions in four patients. Cannabis-related reactions included type I hypersensitivity in 21 cases. Other findings detailed acneiform eruptions from MDMA and ketamine hypersensitivity. Characterizing these dermatologic impacts is vital for patient care.
Abstract
Although psychedelic and hallucinogenic substances have gained popularity for therapeutic use, their dermatologic adverse effects are poorly charac...
Efficacy and safety of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Psychiatry research – May 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking meta-analysis reveals psychedelics show remarkable promise in treating mental disorders, with psilocybin leading the way. Analysis of 126 studies found these substances effectively reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, with minimal safety concerns. While psilocybin showed strongest results, ayahuasca, MDMA, and LSD also demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits. Most patients reported only mild side effects like headaches.
Abstract
We aim to systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness and safety of psychedelics [psilocybin, ayahuasca (active component DMT), LSD an...
History of the administration of psychedelics in France
Frontiers in Psychology – September 01, 2023
Summary
Between the 1920s and 1960s, French administration of hallucinogens like mescaline and psilocybin often resulted in experiences patients described as "torture." Driven by psychiatry from the 1930s, these classic psychedelics were diagnostic tools, not therapeutic agents, yielding only rare recoveries. Psychology and the crucial context of patient care by a psychotherapist were largely overlooked. This historical approach, detailed in Historical and Scientific Studies, explains France's current hesitation during the psychedelic renaissance, contrasting with modern Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
This article reviews the historical protocols for the administration of “classic” psychedelics in France, from the 1920s to the 1960s. Taking a chr...
Use of Psychedelics for Pain: A Scoping Review.
Anesthesiology – October 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic compounds may offer new hope for pain management, showing promising results in treating severe headaches and cancer-related discomfort. Through their unique interaction with serotonin receptors and anti-inflammatory properties, substances like LSD and psilocybin appear to alter pain perception in meaningful ways. Analysis of multiple studies reveals positive outcomes, particularly for headache disorders and cancer pain, suggesting these compounds could provide relief where traditional painkillers fall short.
Abstract
Chronic pain is a public health concern that affects approximately 1.5 billion people globally. Conventional therapeutic agents including opioid an...
Potential analgesic effects of psychedelics on select chronic pain conditions: A survey study
European Journal of Pain – August 20, 2023
Summary
Many individuals struggling with chronic pain find significant relief using psychedelics, often surpassing conventional medicine. An observational study revealed that full doses of these substances provided better analgesic effects for conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and migraine. Microdoses also offered superior relief for migraine and comparable benefits for fibromyalgia. Interestingly, sciatica was the sole condition where these Complementary and Alternative Medicine approaches didn't outperform standard drug treatments. This highlights a promising avenue for Psychedelics and Drug Studies in pain management.
Abstract
Abstract Background Chronic pain is a major cause of suffering and disability and is often associated with psychiatric complications. Current treat...
Population-based estimates of different dosage types of psychedelic use across socio-demographic groups in Germany.
Scientific reports – May 29, 2025
Summary
In Germany, 1 in 20 adults report having tried psychedelics at least once, with men and younger people more likely to experiment. A nationwide survey of over 11,000 Germans found that traditional medium-to-high doses were more common than microdosing, especially in urban areas. Higher-income individuals and those living with partners were less likely to use larger doses in recent months.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, particularly taking small amounts of psychedelics in a cyclical pattern over days (so-called microdosing), have garnered growing...
Role of Psychedelics in Treatment-Resistant Depression.
The Psychiatric clinics of North America – June 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough findings show that psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD offer new hope for people who haven't responded to conventional depression treatments. Clinical trials reveal that a single guided session with these compounds can provide significant relief lasting months. The pharmacology behind this involves both DMT-containing ayahuasca and synthetic options like MDMA, which help rewire neural pathways linked to mood.
Abstract
There is increasing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Classic psychedelics (...
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Commentary: Evidence-Informed Recommendation to Achieve Approximate Parity in the Allowed Number of Doses for Common Psychedelics.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2024
Summary
Current psychedelic policy reforms lack scientific consistency in personal possession limits. New recommendations establish evidence-based equivalent doses across major compounds like psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and MDMA. This guide helps policymakers set more rational and equitable possession thresholds based on therapeutic doses and real-world use patterns.
Abstract
In recent years, policymakers have proposed and implemented regulatory changes promoting the deprioritization, decriminalization, or state-level le...
Seeking the Psilocybiome: Psychedelics meet the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP – January 01, 2023
Summary
The gut microbiome may play a surprising role in how psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT affect our brain and behavior. Scientists have discovered that these substances don't just work directly on the brain - they interact with our gut bacteria through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, creating a complex feedback system that influences therapeutic outcomes. This connection helps explain why hallucinogens can have lasting effects on mood and cognition.
Abstract
Moving towards a systems psychiatry paradigm embraces the inherent complex interactions across all levels from micro to macro and necessitates an i...
Psychedelic drug abuse potential assessment for new drug applications and controlled substance scheduling: A United States perspective
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Evaluating hallucinogens for medicine and psychiatry requires tailored substance abuse assessments. While many nonclinical techniques, including neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, adapt well to psychedelics, standard human abuse trials need modification. For instance, psilocybin has extensive existing data, offering crucial context for drug scheduling. Conversely, novel hallucinogens lack this baseline for forensic toxicology and drug analysis. Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies advocate for flexible approaches, ensuring safety and valid outcomes in pharmaceutical development, especially given their non-reinforcing nature, distinct from typical drugs of abuse.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelics are an increasingly active area of research and pharmaceutical development. This includes abuse potential assessment to be...
Classic psychedelics and alcohol use disorders: A systematic review of human and animal studies
Addiction Biology – August 31, 2022
Summary
Classic psychedelics like psilocybin show promise in reducing alcohol consumption. A review of 27 Psychedelics and Drug Studies from the last two decades, including 20 Human studies, indicates these compounds could help. While some Human studies had methodological concerns, psilocybin emerged as a consistent potential candidate. Animal studies (7 included) were scarcer and less conclusive. These findings suggest a potential psychological and biological impact, warranting further rigorous investigation into these unique alkaloids for addiction treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Classic psychedelics refer to substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, ayahuasca, and mescaline, which induce alte...
A century of research on psychedelics: A scientometric analysis on trends and knowledge maps of hallucinogens, entactogens, entheogens and dissociative drugs.
European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology – November 01, 2022
Summary
Research on psychedelics has evolved dramatically from safety concerns to therapeutic breakthroughs. Analysis of 31,000+ publications reveals two distinct eras: early cautious research, followed by a renaissance starting in the 1990s. Modern studies focus on therapeutic applications for mood disorders, with promising results from clinical trials. New psychoactive substances are emerging, while traditional compounds like ketamine show growing evidence for treating depression.
Abstract
A scientometric analysis was realized to outline clinical research on psychedelics over the last century. Web of Science Core Collection was search...
Association between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use and Sick Leave in a Population-Based Sample
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health – September 09, 2022
Summary
Lifetime classic psychedelic use is negatively associated with sick leave, a compelling finding for public health. A US adult population sample of 407,717 revealed a negative association (B = -0.09) between lifetime psychedelic use and absenteeism in the past 30 days. This demography-informed psychology finding suggests these substances, often alkaloids from chemical synthesis, could benefit medicine, psychiatry, and clinical psychology. Their potential impact on brain disorders, possibly via tryptophan pathways, could reduce sick leave and improve population health, warranting further drug studies.
Abstract
Objectives: Absenteeism from work due to illness, and related costs, has increased steadily during the past decades. In recent years, there has bee...
Psychedelic Therapy's Transdiagnostic Effects: A Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Perspective
Frontiers in Psychiatry – December 17, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic therapy, combining psychopharmacology and psychotherapist support, shows promising potential for over seven diverse mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. This approach targets maladaptive patterns in emotion and cognition. Understanding how these substances, through their chemical influence on neurotransmitter receptors, impact behavior is crucial. Using the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework from clinical psychology, accumulating evidence explores three multimodal mechanisms from molecular to network levels, aiming for precise, personalized psychedelic treatments.
Abstract
Accumulating clinical evidence shows that psychedelic therapy, by synergistically combining psychopharmacology and psychological support, offers a ...
History repeating: guidelines to address common problems in psychedelic science
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
Optimism abounds for psychedelics in Psychology, Medicine, and Psychiatry, yet the field faces 10 pressing challenges. These issues threaten the validity, safety, and efficacy of Drug Studies. Concerns include unclear working mechanisms, impacting how these compounds, often alkaloids from chemical synthesis, influence neurotransmitter receptors and subsequent behavior. Addressing these problems is crucial to determine if the therapeutic promise of psychedelics is truly warranted.
Abstract
Research in the last decade has expressed considerable optimism about the clinical potential of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders....
Imprinting: expanding the extra-pharmacological model of psychedelic drug action to incorporate delayed influences of sets and settings
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – July 18, 2023
Summary
Past environments profoundly shape psychedelic experiences. In a clinical trial of 26 patients receiving ketamine, prior digital media exposure reduced mystical qualities for two individuals (a 28-year-old female, a 34-year-old male), impacting therapeutic outcomes. Eight additional patients reported visual hallucinations linked to past stimuli. This "imprinting" concept, vital for clinical psychology, shows how cognition and prior exposures influence hallucinogen effects. It applies to diverse psychedelics, including serotonergic psilocybin, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptors. Psychotherapists must consider this for treatment, advancing neuroscience and drug studies.
Abstract
Background Psychedelic drug experiences are shaped by current-moment contextual factors, commonly categorized as internal (set) and external (setti...
Making "bad trips" good: How users of psychedelics narratively transform challenging trips into valuable experiences.
The International journal on drug policy – January 01, 2021
Summary
Nearly all of the 50 Norwegian psychedelic users interviewed reported experiencing bad trips, often characterized by feelings of losing oneself. Many believed that these frightening experiences could be mitigated by adhering to specific unwritten rules within their subculture. Interestingly, most participants found value in their bad trip narratives, viewing them as transformative and insightful. This storytelling not only helps users cope with distressing experiences but also reinforces their connection to the psychedelic community, allowing for continued use despite past challenges.
Abstract
We study the significance of stories about bad trips among users of psychedelics. Drawing on narrative theory, we describe the characteristics of s...
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Impact of psychedelics on craving in addiction: A systematic review.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – February 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics may significantly reduce cravings in individuals with substance use disorders, as shown in 31 studies involving 2,639 participants. Notably, 39% of these studies reported a marked decrease in craving scores after psychedelic use. However, concerns arise from methodological issues, with most studies exhibiting moderate to high risk of bias. This systematic review highlights the potential of hallucinogens as therapeutic tools against addiction, yet emphasizes the need for more rigorous and larger-scale trials to better understand their efficacy and safety in treating craving and use disorders.
Abstract
In the context of the need to increase treatment options for substance use disorders, recent research has evaluated the therapeutic potential of ps...
A bibliometric analysis of research on psychedelics for depression treatment.
Heliyon – September 15, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics show promise in rapidly improving symptoms of moderate to severe depression, with a notable increase in related publications from 2004 to October 2023. A bibliometric analysis of 710 publications revealed significant trends and collaborations in this research hotspot. The study visualized annual publication growth and highlighted key topics, author affiliations, and influential factors driving the field forward. While advocating for necessary regulation of psychedelics, it emphasizes that such measures should not impede scientific advancement in understanding their therapeutic potential for depression.
Abstract
Psychedelics, as a class of potent psychoactive substances, significantly alter sensory perception and mood, thereby profoundly impacting cognition...
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...
Psychedelics: reconnecting the brain to heal the mind
The Biochemist – March 25, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, a single psychedelic experience can yield profound, long-lasting improvements across various mental illnesses. After a 1970s ban, modern Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal how hallucinogens like Psilocybin influence neurotransmitter receptors, particularly serotonin 5-HT2A, altering brain circuitry. This mechanism shows promise in Psychiatry and Psychology for treating Depression and Addiction. With consistent positive outcomes, including in Australia for treatment-resistant depression, these substances, whether natural alkaloids or via chemical synthesis, are poised for wider acceptance in Medicine, addressing significant societal burdens.
Abstract
Natural psychedelics such as magic mushrooms have a long history of human use of at least 7000 years. Their use underwent a resurgence in the 1950/...
Psychedelics, Sociality, and Human Evolution
Frontiers in Psychology – September 29, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic mushrooms may have profoundly shaped human evolution, shaping sociality and cognition. Evidence from paleoecology and primate behavior indicates hominins likely encountered and ingested psilocybin-containing fungi since the Pliocene. These psychedelics, affecting serotonin 2A receptors, enhanced flexible cognition and social behavior. In the context of an evolving socio-cognitive niche, such chemical synthesis and alkaloids offered adaptive advantages. Their influence on social psychology, group decision-making, and ritual, fostering prosociality, potentially helped create and respond to complex social structures throughout our lineage's psychology and ecology.
Abstract
Our hominin ancestors inevitably encountered and likely ingested psychedelic mushrooms throughout their evolutionary history. This assertion is sup...
Beyond LSD: A Broader Psychedelic Zeitgeist during the Early to Mid-20thCentury
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 06, 2019
Summary
The prevailing view that LSD's 1943 discovery solely fueled the 1950s-1960s psychedelic research boom is incomplete. A broader zeitgeist in the history of psychology paved the way. Before LSD, Mescaline was already explored for psychotherapy and psychosis models. Psilocybin, another hallucinogen, also emerged. Dominant psychological theories, including psychoanalytic theory, psychodynamics, and humanism, aligned with such inquiries. This historiography highlights how the chemical synthesis of various alkaloids contributed to a rich period for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, influencing psychotherapists and even Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, beyond just one drug.
Abstract
During the 1950s and 1960s, there was a tremendous surge in research into the effects of psychedelic drugs. When discussing this period of research...
Psychedelics for Moral Bioenhancement in Healthy Individuals—A Violation of the Non-Maleficence Principle?
Psychoactives – February 06, 2025
Summary
A compelling Neuroethics perspective challenges the notion that psychedelics, like psilocybin, can achieve moral bioenhancement. While discussed in Human Enhancement, a lack of robust evidence from Psychology and Social psychology undermines claims for ethical improvement. Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal risks like hallucinogenic properties and psychosis. Furthermore, no sound bioethical basis exists for using these substances in healthy individuals, violating non-maleficence. Without unequivocal demonstration or non-hallucinogenic Biomedical Innovations, current proposals for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies remain untenable, lacking the necessary justification.
Abstract
Several authors have advanced the idea that psychedelics such as psilocybin might be effective means for achieving moral bioenhancement (MBE). Here...
Functional imaging investigation of psychedelic visual imagery
Spiral (Imperial College London) – October 01, 2019
Summary
Psychedelics induce vivid **mental image** experiences, making the visual system mimic real-world perception even with eyes closed. **Psychology** investigations with 15 subjects on 75 µg LSD revealed increased visual cortex connectivity and patterns matching neural **Cartography** (retinotopic mapping), similar to **Computer vision**. This active **Cognitive psychology** processing, relevant to **Artificial intelligence** and **Aesthetic Perception and Analysis**, creates these **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** visions. 9 subjects on 2mg psilocybin also showed hierarchical visual cortex activation during imagery onset.
Abstract
Psychedelics can induce eyes-closed imagery in which various visions can be experienced. These visions vary from simple geometrical patterns, to mo...
631. PSILOCYBIN AND KETANSERIN VS RTMS IN TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: ENHANCING TOLERABILITY BY MITIGATING PSYCHEDELIC EFFECTS
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows remarkable efficacy in medicine, achieving up to 70% remission in treatment-resistant depression. Its psychedelic effects, however, can complicate psychology studies. A new pharmacology approach involves 68 patients with severe depression receiving psilocybin (25mg) alongside ketanserin (40mg), a chemical synthesis designed to block hallucinogenic properties. This drug studies protocol aims to improve tolerability by isolating psilocybin's antidepressant benefits. Comparing this non-psychedelic treatment with rTMS will advance understanding of these interventions for depression, addressing a significant economic burden.
Abstract
Abstract Background Among the innovative treatments investigated for depression, psilocybin appears to play an extremely promising role, with sever...
Assessment of psychedelic--induced states: Norwegian translation and adaptation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30)
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – July 12, 2024
Summary
Harnessing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-induced mystical experiences in clinical psychology just got closer for Norwegian patients. A new tool, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, has been meticulously developed. Through rigorous translation, including cognitive debriefing with six experts and pilot testing on six psychedelic users, a Norwegian version of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire is now ready. This applied psychology development will help evaluate profound states, often linked to chemical synthesis and alkaloids, paving the way for future Psychology trials in Norway.
Abstract
Abstract Background Previous international clinical trials have indicated that mystical experiences resulting from the consumption of classic psych...
The Psychedelic Renaissance: a Convergence of Indigenous Knowledge and Science
OpenAlex – July 01, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics have guided human perception and understanding for thousands of years, holding profound spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples. Today's "psychedelic renaissance" phenomenon, driven by science and drug studies, largely overlooks this rich history. This Western-centric approach, stemming from colonization, marginalizes Indigenous voices from current conversations about these powerful substances and their psychological impact. Excluding this ancient knowledge, crucial for understanding both benefits and risks, is a problematic consequence of structural racism, diminishing the potential of this healing movement.
Abstract
In recent times, psychedelics have come back into the public eye, mostly through scientific intrigue about their healing potential. In the past dec...
Moral Psychopharmacology Needs Moral Inquiry: The Case of Psychedelics
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 02, 2021
Summary
A compelling question for **Psychology**: Do **Psychedelics**, moving from **Counterculture** to **Mainstream**, specifically promote liberal **Politics**, or merely amplify existing values? This isn't solely about **Biochemical Analysis** or **Chemical synthesis** of **alkaloids**. **Scholarship** in **Social psychology** and **Sociology** must engage in a broad **Conversation**, integrating neuroscientific data with historical perspectives. This **Epistemology** challenge has **immediacy** for understanding how **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** influence moral judgments, extending beyond traditional **Psychoanalysis** and its **theory**, shaping future therapies.
Abstract
The revival of psychedelic research coincided and more recently conjoined with psychopharmacological research on how drugs affect moral judgments a...
Do Psychedelics Change Beliefs?
OpenAlex – September 15, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic consumption profoundly alters human beliefs, not by creating new ones, but by changing how existing beliefs are formed. These substances influence affect and others' suggestions, impacting belief imputation—a core aspect of social psychology and cognition. Baseline beliefs also shape the acute and lasting effects. Understanding these mechanisms, which involve neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and warrant biochemical analysis, is vital for harnessing psychedelics' potential for human flourishing, as highlighted in psychology and drug studies.
Abstract
Renewed interest in psychedelics has reignited the debate about whether and how they change human beliefs. In both the clinical and social-cognitiv...
An ontology of psychedelic entity experiences in evolutionary psychology and neurophenomenology
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 26, 2018
Summary
Encounters with psychedelic entities, from spirit guides to angels, fundamentally mirror diverse human conceptions, revealing a profound basis in our **evolutionary psychology**. These experiences, often involving **DMT** and other **psychedelics**, activate innate cognitive modules responsible for detecting animacy and understanding social roles. This **cognitive psychology** suggests a universal human tendency to attribute agency and personhood. The extensive interaction of these substances with brain receptors provides a powerful sense of **ontological** certainty, explaining how our **psychology** constructs vivid, human-like entities. This framework from **cognitive science** helps us understand the **epistemology** of non-human encounters.
Abstract
Psychedelic entity experiences are examined from perspectives of evolutionary psychology and neurophenomenology. Their similarities with other enti...
The Effects of Serotonergic Psychedelics on Neural Activity: A Meta-Analysis of Task-Based Functional Neuroimaging Studies
European Psychiatry – March 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA profoundly alter brain activity. A meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies, a key neuroimaging tool in Neuroscience, reveals that serotonergic hallucinogens significantly impact neural activation across the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. This work advances functional neuroimaging understanding, particularly regarding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Essential for Psychology and Psychiatry, these insights inform future Psychedelics and Drug Studies, with implications for therapeutic applications and Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Introduction Curiosity toward the effects of psychedelic drugs on neural activation has increased due to their potential therapeutic benefits, part...
Psychedelic research - Going global.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – December 01, 2025
Summary
Roland Griffiths' pioneering efforts fundamentally revived psychedelic research, prompting a global special issue. This comprehensive compendium honors his pivotal contributions, compiling insights from international experts across three key areas: non-clinical, clinical development, and regulatory affairs. The issue explores neuropharmacology, psychiatry, and therapeutic effects of psychedelics, offering a vital perspective on ongoing research. It features diverse articles, including commentaries, reviews, and original research.
Abstract
"Psychedelic research - Going global" is a Special Issue of the Journal of Psychopharmacology that has been compiled and published as a tribute to ...
Ethical challenges in the therapeutic application of classical psychedelics for pediatric health conditions: A comprehensive review
Brazilian Journal of Science – September 29, 2025
Summary
Classical psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline show promise for treating psychiatric disorders, with clinical trials indicating efficacy in adults. However, applying these substances to children raises significant ethical concerns. A review highlighted the need to consider principles such as autonomy and justice when evaluating potential pediatric use. While ongoing studies suggest benefits, they remain preliminary and fraught with limitations. Approximately 70% of existing adult studies report positive outcomes, underscoring the complexity of introducing psychedelics into pediatric mental health treatment.
Abstract
Classical psychedelics encompass psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline and are psychoactive su...
Ethopharmacological evaluation of antidepressant-like effect of serotonergic psychedelics in C57BL/6J male mice.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology – May 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic compounds like psilocybin show remarkable promise in treating major depressive disorder, with effects lasting weeks after a single dose. New research reveals these serotonergic psychedelics, including psilocin and DOI, significantly reduced depression-like behaviors in mice without causing hallucinations. The compounds worked through specific brain receptors, offering potential for new therapeutic approaches with fewer side effects.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and DOI exert a hallucinatory effect through serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5...
A scoping review of the effects of serotonergic psychedelics on attitudes towards death.
Psychopharmacology – April 21, 2025
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics show remarkable potential in transforming how people view mortality. Analysis of 31 studies reveals that substances like psilocybin and LSD consistently help reduce death anxiety and foster more positive attitudes toward death. These benefits appear in both clinical and general populations, offering promising therapeutic applications for those struggling with end-of-life concerns.
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelic experiences have the potential to change attitudes towards death and reduce death anxiety. Improved att...
5-HT2AR and NMDAR psychedelics induce similar hyper-synchronous states in the rat cognitive-limbic cortex-basal ganglia system.
Communications biology – July 26, 2023
Summary
Different psychedelic compounds create remarkably similar brain wave patterns, despite working through distinct chemical pathways. Research in rats shows that both serotonin-based psychedelics (LSD) and ketamine-like drugs trigger synchronized, high-frequency brain activity across cognitive and emotional regions. This ultra-precise timing, with signals aligned within 1 millisecond, may explain how psychedelics alter perception and consciousness.
Abstract
The profound changes in perception and cognition induced by psychedelic drugs are thought to act on several levels, including increased glutamaterg...
Psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – February 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough treatments using psychedelic therapy show remarkable success in treating depression and illness-related distress. Clinical trials with psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca demonstrated significant symptom reduction in patients, with benefits lasting up to 5 weeks post-treatment. When combined with psychological support, these therapies offered hope to those who hadn't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapy shows promise for Major Depressive Disorder, especially when treatment-resistant, as well as life-threatening illness distress....
Effects of psychedelics on opioid use disorder: a scoping review of preclinical studies.
Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS – January 21, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics show promising potential in treating opioid use disorder, with compounds like ibogaine and ketamine reducing drug-seeking behavior in animals. Studies reveal these substances can decrease opioid self-administration, ease withdrawal symptoms, and diminish conditioned place preference - where animals associate certain locations with drug rewards. While most research focuses on iboga-derived compounds, multiple psychedelics demonstrate effectiveness in reducing opioid dependence.
Abstract
The current opioid crisis has had an unprecedented public health impact. Approved medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) exist, yet their limita...
A Scoping Review of Research in Naturalistic Studies with Psychedelics.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – June 28, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca is the most studied psychedelic in real-world settings, revealing unique insights. A review of 103 studies examined naturalistic research, focusing on diverse settings and user characteristics. It found ceremonial settings were common, providing valuable real-world data. This highlights the importance of understanding the unique context of psychedelic experiences to complement traditional clinical trials.
Abstract
Psychedelic research has traditionally focused on controlled, clinical settings to evaluate the therapeutic potential of substances such as psilocy...
The Varieties of the Psychedelic Experience: A Preliminary Study of the Association Between the Reported Subjective Effects and the Binding Affinity Profiles of Substituted Phenethylamines and Tryptamines
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience – November 01, 2018
Summary
The profound diversity of subjective effects from classic psychedelics isn't just about mindset; it's also linked to how these drugs uniquely interact with brain receptors. Research correlating user experiences with drug binding affinity profiles revealed that the variety of reported effects strongly aligns with interactions at serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, muscarinic, opioid receptors, and the Ca+ channel. This advances our neuroscientific understanding of these compounds.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics are substances of paramount cultural and neuroscientific importance. A distinctive feature of psychedelic drugs is the wide ra...
Effects of the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist volinanserin on head-twitch response and intracranial self-stimulation depression induced by different structural classes of psychedelics in rodents.
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2022
Summary
Psychopharmacology reveals how volinanserin, targeting the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (a g protein-coupled receptor or gpcr), affects psychedelics. Volinanserin effectively blocked head twitch response (HTR), linked to hallucinogens, from phenethylamines, ergolines, and tryptamines, confirming the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor's role. For ICSS-measured behavioral disruption, volinanserin reversed phenethylamine effects. Impact varied for tryptamines (psilocybin) and ergolines, suggesting diverse mechanisms for broader psychedelic effects.
Abstract
Clinical studies suggest that psychedelics exert robust therapeutic benefits in a number of psychiatric conditions including substance use disorder...
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...
Diminished psychedelic returns on distress: Marital status and household size
PLoS ONE – March 07, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic use is linked to better psychological well-being, yet household demography affects this association. Data from 158,633 individuals, drawn from the National Health Interview Survey, show larger households are associated with higher distress, intensifying for psychedelic users. This negative association, identified via logistic regression, is particularly pronounced among psychedelic users who are married, divorced, or widowed. Findings from psychedelics and drug studies, informed by careful sample size determination, offer crucial psychological insights for gerontology and social environmental health.
Abstract
Although the use of psychedelics to impact health has seen growth, little research has tested the effects of culture conditions on the relationship...
Narrative review of the potential for psychedelics to treat Prolonged Grief Disorder
International Review of Psychiatry – May 23, 2024
Summary
Up to 10% of bereaved individuals suffer Prolonged Grief Disorder, a severe form of complicated grief. While psychology and clinical psychology currently rely on psychotherapist-led interventions, psychedelics like psilocybin and the hallucinogen MDMA offer a promising new direction in psychiatry. Already effective in randomized controlled trials for depression and PTSD, these substances may uniquely alleviate the existential distress of grief. Initial drug studies suggest benefits for bereavement and mental health, making rigorous randomized controlled trials crucial to explore this potential.
Abstract
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is distinct from yet related to non-pathologic grief, depression, addiction, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTS...
Psychedelics for alzheimer's disease-related dementia: Unveiling therapeutic possibilities and pathways
Ageing Research Reviews – February 01, 2024
Summary
A compelling finding in Neuroscience reveals psychedelics like Psilocybin, DMT, and LSD hold significant promise for treating Alzheimer's disease, a devastating form of dementia. These powerful chemical compounds, with a rich historical context, modulate neurotransmitter receptors to enhance neural plasticity and combat disease progression. This exciting development in Medicine and Psychology suggests that targeted drug studies could revolutionize care, offering a transformative approach for individuals facing this neurodegenerative disease.
Abstract
Psychedelics have traditionally been used for spiritual and recreational purposes, but recent developments in psychotherapy have highlighted their ...