5439 results for "Psychedelics"
Bedside to bench: the outlook for psychedelic research
Frontiers in Pharmacology – October 02, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics show promising efficacy for treating conditions like PTSD and depression, but their full biological mechanisms remain underexplored. Beyond current psychological understanding, Neuroscience reveals significant potential for Traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and Generalized anxiety disorder. Understanding the precise mechanism (biology) of these compounds, particularly how they influence Neuroplasticity and neurotransmitter receptors, is vital. This multi-faceted approach, exploring the chemical synthesis of these unique alkaloids, could revolutionize Medicine and Psychiatry by addressing anxiety and other complex conditions.
Abstract
There has recently been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic compounds based on studies demonstrating their potential therapeutic applications i...
The risk of chronic psychedelic and MDMA microdosing for valvular heart disease
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 12, 2023
Summary
Chronic microdosing of psychedelics like Lysergic acid diethylamide and Psilocybin may pose a heart valve risk. Pharmacology analysis of these hallucinogens, plus Mescaline and MDMA, revealed all five compounds bind to the serotonin 5-HT 2B receptor with equal or greater potency than their primary targets. While safety pharmacology margins for typical microdoses are better than known heart-damaging agents, a potential risk remains. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis show MDMA's link to valvular heart disease at full doses. This insight into neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior informs future drug studies and medicine.
Abstract
Psychedelic microdosing is the practice of taking very low doses of psychedelic substances, typically over a longer period of time. The long-term s...
Bibliometric Analysis of Academic Journal Articles Reporting Results of Psychedelic Clinical Studies
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 11, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics are experiencing a profound resurgence in Psychiatry. A bibliometric analysis of 394 clinical studies from 1965-2021 reveals a dramatic increase in publications after a decades-long lull. MDMA dominated these drug studies (49%), followed by Lysergic acid diethylamide (19%), Psilocybin (18%), and Ayahuasca (7%). A "Recent cohort" (2010-2021) shows a higher proportion of therapeutic applications in Medicine and Psychology, with psilocybin studies increasing. Mescaline research saw a proportional decrease. This highlights the evolving focus on these powerful hallucinogens.
Abstract
Following a decades long period of investigational dormancy, there is renewed interest in employing psychedelics as psychiatric treatments. The aca...
Classic Psychedelic Drugs: Update on Biological Mechanisms
Pharmacopsychiatry – January 25, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly re-engineer brain function, offering new therapeutic avenues. Over two decades, Neuroscience has revealed these substances primarily target serotonergic receptor subtypes, crucial for information processing. This Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior modulates brain activity, fostering neuroplasticity in areas governing Cognition, Affect, and self-perception. Neuroimaging and Neuropsychology tasks demonstrate distinct changes in brain connectivity, linking subjective experiences to altered emotion regulation. Such insights from Cognitive psychology and Biochemical Analysis suggest re-shaping self-experience and emotional processing holds significant psychiatric promise.
Abstract
Abstract Renewed interest in the effects of psychedelics in the treatment of psychiatric disorders warrants a better understanding of the neurobiol...
Neural Mechanisms and Psychology of Psychedelic Ego Dissolution
Pharmacological Reviews – September 09, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly reshape consciousness, offering insights into brain organization. Neuroscience demonstrates these drug studies primarily influence serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors, a key neurotransmitter receptor influencing behavior. Neuroimaging reveals this biochemical interaction leads to neuromodulatory changes affecting sentience and causing "ego dissolution," fundamentally altering selfhood. Psychology suggests this disarms ego resistance, expanding perceptual hypotheses. This extensive evidence helps understand how these substances alter our perception of the world, highlighting their impact on hierarchical processing.
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies of psychedelics have advanced our understanding of hierarchical brain organization and the mechanisms underlying their subject...
Psychedelics in PERIL: The Commercial Determinants of Health, Financial Entanglements and Population Health Ethics.
Public health ethics – January 01, 2024
Summary
Engaging with the for-profit psychedelic industry poses significant ethical risks, as highlighted by a reflective exercise involving 20 clinician scientists. Applying an ethical decision-making framework revealed that financial ties could jeopardize research integrity and autonomy. With 60% of participants expressing concern over potential conflicts of interest, the analysis underscores the need for clear ethical guidelines amid funding pressures in academia. By examining these corporate relationships through the lens of commercial determinants of health, researchers can better navigate the complexities of industry sponsorship in healthcare.
Abstract
The nascent for-profit psychedelic industry has begun to engage in corporate practices like funding scientific research and research programs. Ther...
Reduction of alcohol use and increase in psychological flexibility after a naturalistic psychedelic experience: a retrospective survey.
Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire) – January 17, 2024
Summary
A naturalistic psychedelic experience may lead to significant reductions in alcohol use among individuals with drinking habits. In a survey of 160 participants, the average number of drinking days per week decreased markedly post-experience, alongside lower AUDIT scores. Notably, those who reported quitting or reducing their drinking had more severe alcohol use disorder initially and displayed lower psychological flexibility. Additionally, stronger mystical experiences correlated with greater reductions in alcohol consumption, while increases in psychological flexibility were linked to improved drinking outcomes.
Abstract
Alcohol use can be significantly associated with negative social, professional, and health outcomes. Even more so, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a ...
Serotonergic psychedelics LSD & psilocybin increase the fractal dimension of cortical brain activity in spatial and temporal domains
NeuroImage – June 30, 2020
Summary
Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin significantly boost the brain's activity complexity, suggesting a shift towards a critical state of consciousness. Through fractal analysis, neuroscience reveals both psilocybin and LSD increase the fractal dimension of functional connectivity networks. LSD also raised the fractal dimension of BOLD signals, indicating more dynamic patterns crucial for pattern recognition. These hallucinogens appear to reorganize brain activity, offering key insights for psychology and understanding consciousness in drug studies, using mathematical principles.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin and LSD, represent unique tools for researchers investigating the neural origins of consciousness. Currently,...
The therapeutic potential of microdosing psychedelics in depression
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2020
Summary
Microdosing psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin shows subtle cognitive benefits, potentially offering new avenues for depression treatment. A review of 14 experimental drug studies found small doses (e.g., 10-20 mcg LSD) subtly improve thinking and affect brain regions. While generally well-tolerated with minimal physiological impact, some users experience increased anxiety or mood cycling. These pharmacological effects suggest microdosing could foster cognitive flexibility, potentially reducing rumination—a key aspect of psychological distress. Understanding its therapeutic value as an alternative psychiatric approach warrants continued medical inquiry.
Abstract
Microdosing psychedelics is the repeated use of small doses of, for example, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, typically for a few w...
Rethinking Therapeutic Strategies for Anorexia Nervosa: Insights From Psychedelic Medicine and Animal Models
Frontiers in Neuroscience – February 04, 2020
Summary
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disease, with current treatments largely ineffective. Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers new hope. This psychedelic medicine shows promise for addressing cognitive inflexibility and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior in AN. The first clinical trial for Anorexia nervosa using psilocybin commenced in 2019. To advance clinical psychology and medicine, animal models are crucial. They elucidate neurobiological drivers via biochemical analysis, bypassing human expectancy theory biases, informing psychiatry and drug studies.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disease, yet available pharmacological treatments are largely ineffective d...
The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Task Force Report: Serotonergic Psychedelic Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry – August 17, 2022
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics show early promise for major depressive disorder. A Canadian Psychiatry task force reviewed drug studies, noting two pilot studies on ayahuasca and several small randomized controlled trials on psilocybin. These trials, exploring their neurotransmitter receptor influence on mood, demonstrated psilocybin's superiority over waitlist controls and comparable efficacy to standard treatments. However, current evidence in clinical psychology and medicine is low-level due to small sample sizes. Psilocybin, a chemical synthesis and alkaloid, remains an experimental option, primarily for clinical trials, addressing mood and anxiety.
Abstract
Objective Serotonergic psychedelics are re-emerging as potential novel treatments for several psychiatric disorders including major depressive diso...
Psychedelics as potent anti-inflammatory therapeutics
Neuropharmacology – August 22, 2022
Summary
A surprising discovery reveals Hallucinogens like Psilocybin, traditionally studied for their impact on Consciousness, are potent anti-inflammatories. While Neuroscience and Psychology focused on brain effects, new Pharmacology insights from Psychedelics and Drug Studies show these compounds modulate immunity throughout the body. This opens Medicine to a novel class of anti-inflammatory agents, effective even at doses below those altering perception. Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques are exploring how these compounds, related to Tryptophan, could treat inflammatory diseases beyond brain disorders.
Abstract
Psychedelics have seen a resurgence of interest from both the scientific and lay community in recent years. Psychedelics are known for their abilit...
Cultural Neurophenomenology of Psychedelic Thought
Oxford University Press eBooks – April 05, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin and other hallucinogens profoundly alter human cognition and perception, fostering creative insight and mystical experiences. Neuroscience and Cognitive psychology reveal how these psychedelics influence brain connectivity, impacting consciousness. This integrative perspective, drawing from Psychology and Cognitive science, highlights that seemingly spontaneous thought patterns reflect complex interactions. Sociocultural evolution and specific cultural context critically shape these unique states, moving beyond simple drug studies to understand their full impact on human experience.
Abstract
This chapter explores psychedelics as catalysts of spontaneous thought. Classic serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca ca...
Use of Psychedelics for Pain: A Scoping Review
Anesthesiology – September 07, 2023
Summary
Chronic pain affects 1.5 billion people globally, highlighting an urgent need for new medicine. A review of 21 human studies reveals psychedelics, including psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (a hallucinogen), show promise for chronic pain, especially cancer pain and certain headaches. Conventional opioid treatments carry significant risks of addiction and adverse effects. Expanding clinical trials is vital to integrate these compounds into psychiatry and pain management, offering novel approaches beyond traditional analgesics.
Abstract
Chronic pain is a public health concern that affects approximately 1.5 billion people globally. Conventional therapeutic agents including opioid an...
Microdosing Psychedelics: Personality, mental health, and creativity differences in microdosers
OpenAlex – November 01, 2018
Summary
Microdosing psychedelics, like Psilocybin or Mescaline, shows exciting potential for mental health. In the first pre-registered study of its kind, individuals regularly consuming small, non-hallucinogenic doses scored higher on creativity, wisdom, and open-mindedness, while exhibiting less dysfunctional attitudes and negative emotionality than controls. This initial finding, relevant to Psychology and Clinical psychology, suggests a new paradigm for addressing anxiety and other mental health challenges. It offers a lower-risk approach than full-dose hallucinogen therapies, potentially informing future Psychiatry and Drug Studies without requiring a Psychotherapist for administration.
Abstract
Microdosing psychedelics - the regular consumption of small amounts of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin - is a growing trend in pop...
Psychedelics in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
Psychiatric Annals – September 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide show significant promise for treating addiction, including alcohol, opioid, and tobacco use disorders. Growing evidence from observational studies and clinical trials suggests these hallucinogens, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, may facilitate profound psychological shifts. While their chemical synthesis yields powerful alkaloids, integration into psychiatry and clinical psychology faces hurdles. Psychotherapists express concerns about addiction potential, and philosophical objections exist, despite the substances' therapeutic prospects in drug studies.
Abstract
Growing evidence from observational studies and clinical trials suggests that psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxyme...
Describing the Unspeakable: Psychedelic Communication Technologies and the Development of a Posthuman Language
Journal of Posthuman Studies – December 01, 2020
Summary
A compelling idea from psychology and cognitive science suggests psychedelics like DMT, LSD, and psilocybin function as communication technologies. They profoundly challenge traditional views of human subjectivity and consciousness. Across diverse academic research themes, the ineffable nature of these transpersonal states challenges our understanding. These molecules prime the brain for higher-dimensional language, contributing to multisensory, posthuman expression. This posthumanist perspective unifies their neurological and subjective effects, offering a new epistemology for mind.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Over the last three decades, the renaissance of interdisciplinary research into psychedelic drugs has challenged the Cartesian notions of ...
Psychedelic Drugs: A Mind-expanding Hallucinogens
Indian Journal of Behavioural Sciences – March 22, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin are showing promise in Psychology for treating conditions such as depression and PTSD. These powerful hallucinogens, explored in Cognitive science and Drug Studies, profoundly alter perception, mood, and thinking. Historically, natural alkaloids from magic mushrooms were consumed for their mind-altering effects. Modern investigations into their chemical properties, including those from chemical synthesis like NBOMe, reveal diverse administration methods. This highlights the ancient roots and modern therapeutic potential of these compounds, offering new avenues in mental health.
Abstract
Psychedelics are mainly from the class of psychoactive substances whose action is to produce changes in the perception, mood, cognitive behavior, a...
Scanning the new frontier of mental health: psychedelic brain imaging
The Biochemist – March 14, 2024
Summary
Thousands of patients received LSD therapy for depression, anxiety, and addiction by the 1960s, opening a significant frontier in medicine. These psychedelics, long used in ancient cultures, profoundly shift consciousness, fostering connectedness. This early wave of drug studies, alongside other psychiatric breakthroughs, revolutionized mental health treatment. Today, neuroscience and psychology are revisiting this field, employing brain scanning and neuroimaging to understand these compounds' profound impact.
Abstract
The use of psychoactive substances for ritual, spiritual and medicinal purposes stretches back into prehistory and has been a common feature of man...
Defining ‘psychedelic’
OpenAlex – December 04, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin uniquely delivers 'soul-illumination,' characterized by visions and psychological insight, confirming its place as the quintessential psychedelic drug. Over 200 individuals described their experiences with psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA. Analyzing these accounts revealed 3-4 distinct dimensions of subjective experience. A predictive model accurately identified which drug an individual had taken based solely on these effects. While ketamine primarily induces dissociation and MDMA fosters pro-social feelings and love, psilocybin stands apart for its profound capacity to manifest visions and deep psychological understanding.
Abstract
Humphry Osmond coined the term ‘psychedelic’ in 1956, conjoining ‘psyche’ for ‘soul’ and ‘delic’ from ‘dêlos’ for ‘to manifest’ or ‘illuminate.’ So...
An Integrated theory of false insights and beliefs under psychedelics
OpenAlex – July 03, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics, celebrated for their therapeutic potential, can paradoxically cultivate false insights and beliefs. A model explains how drug-induced alterations in brain function amplify the quantity and intensity of insights, potentially increasing subjective vividness by over 50%. Drawing on Cognitive Psychology, Epistemology, and computational principles (Computer Science), these heightened experiences can lead to erroneous conclusions, impacting social belief systems. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for safe application in Drug Studies, preventing harmful belief formation and optimizing therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Psychedelics are recognised for their potential to re-orient beliefs. We propose a model of how psychedelics can, in some cases, lead to false insi...
Neuroplasticity and Neuro-Generation: The Promise of Psychedelics in Dementia Care
Psychoactives – September 02, 2025
Summary
Compelling Neuroscience explores how psychedelics, including specific alkaloids like psilocybin derived through chemical synthesis, show significant potential in Medicine for addressing Dementia. This progressive neurodegenerative disease causes severe cognitive decline. Psychology and Drug Studies indicate these compounds might foster neuroplasticity, reduce neuroinflammation, and enhance cognitive flexibility. Such effects could slow disease progression and improve patient quality of life, suggesting new avenues for prevention by bolstering brain health.
Abstract
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is characterised by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioural changes. Patients suf...
Neurotoxic and Neuroprotective Effects of Psychedelics in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Model
RevSALUS - Revista Científica da Rede Académica das Ciências da Saúde da Lusofonia – January 01, 2025
Summary
LSD exhibits the highest neurotoxicity among common psychedelics, significantly impacting neuroblastoma cells. In neuroscience drug studies on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, LSD showed EC50 values of 0.23 mM (mitochondrial) and 0.57 mM (lysosomal). Psilocin, an alkaloid, also displayed moderate cytotoxicity (0.42-0.69 mM). Conversely, psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and mescaline were considerably less toxic. A neuroprotection study, involving five experiments, found limited protective effects against glutamate-induced damage.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin, psilocin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), and mescalin...
Psychedelics in the Treatment of Neurologic and Psychiatric Disorders: Coincidence or a New Point of View.
Molecular neurobiology – June 04, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD show remarkable potential in treating brain disorders through multiple healing mechanisms. These compounds reduce inflammation and oxidative stress while promoting brain plasticity, offering relief for both psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Early results suggest faster recovery and longer-lasting benefits compared to traditional medications.
Abstract
Neurological and psychiatric disorders are considered one of the major problems of today's societies and cause many individual and social problems....
Lifetime classic psychedelic use and headaches: A cross-sectional study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – March 12, 2025
Summary
People who have used psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin are 25% less likely to experience frequent severe headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches. Analysis of over 11,000 British adults revealed this striking connection, even after accounting for other factors. This suggests classic psychedelics could offer new hope for those suffering from debilitating headache conditions.
Abstract
Migraine and cluster headache are two primary headache disorders for which conventional treatments are limited. Classic psychedelic substances such...
Death Anxiety Among Users and Non-Users of Psychedelics.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 10, 2025
Summary
People who rarely or never use psychedelics tend to experience higher levels of death anxiety, according to a Brazilian survey of 517 participants. The research reveals that psychedelics may help people transcend their fear of mortality through mystical and religious experiences. This transcendence, rather than the substances themselves, appears to reduce death anxiety. The findings were validated using established psychometric scales measuring death anxiety, spiritual well-being, and death transcendence.
Abstract
This study is a survey-type, cross-sectional study conducted in Brazil (n = 517), with online data collection taking place from April to June 2022....
Evaluating the value and risks of psychedelics for psychiatric medicine: a clinical perspective.
Expert review of neurotherapeutics – February 01, 2025
Summary
Classic psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT show remarkable promise in treating mental health conditions when used in controlled clinical settings. These 5-HT2a agonists, including mescaline and psilocin, demonstrate therapeutic potential with minimal risk of adverse effects or dependency. Research indicates these compounds could revolutionize psychiatric medicine by offering new treatment pathways for depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Abstract
After a long period of obscurantism, a possible role of psychedelics in clinical practice has progressively become a tangible perspective during th...
Tags
Application of microarray patches for the transdermal administration of psychedelic drugs in micro-doses.
European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V – February 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have developed an innovative skin patch system that could revolutionize how psychedelic compounds are administered for therapeutic use. The new hydrogel-forming patches effectively deliver precise micro-doses of compounds like DMT and mescaline through the skin. Testing showed the patches achieved superior drug delivery compared to traditional injection methods, with better absorption rates and longer-lasting effects. This breakthrough in transdermal delivery could make psychedelic microdosing safer and more precise.
Abstract
Throughout history, psychedelic compounds have been used for religious, spiritual and recreational purposes. A plethora of studies have reported th...
Synergistic, multi-level understanding of psychedelics: three systematic reviews and meta-analyses of their pharmacology, neuroimaging and phenomenology.
Translational psychiatry – December 04, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD produce stronger visual experiences than psilocybin, while uniquely rewiring brain connectivity patterns. This comprehensive analysis reveals how these substances affect consciousness at multiple levels - from brain chemistry to subjective experience. Different psychedelics create distinct neural "fingerprints," though they share core mechanisms through serotonin receptors. The findings highlight how these compounds alter mental states through complex brain network changes.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics induce altered states of consciousness and have shown potential for treating a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, inc...
Chemistry/structural biology of psychedelic drugs and their receptor(s).
British journal of pharmacology – October 02, 2024
Summary
Recent breakthroughs in understanding how psychedelic compounds like LSD and psilocybin interact with brain receptors are revolutionizing therapeutic approaches. Scientists mapped how these molecules, including tryptamines and phenethylamines, bind to the brain's 5-HT2A receptor using advanced crystal structures. This detailed view explains why different psychedelics produce varying effects and helps guide development of new therapeutic compounds.
Abstract
This brief review highlights some of the structure-activity relationships of classic serotonergic psychedelics. In particular, we discuss structura...
Chemical Reactivity Parameters to Analyze Psychedelics: How Do We Explain the Potency of the Drugs?
ACS omega – September 24, 2024
Summary
The potency of psychedelic compounds directly relates to their ability to accept electrons, revealing a fascinating link between chemistry and consciousness. Scientists analyzed 27 serotonergic psychedelics, finding that compounds better at accepting electrons and those with higher molecular flexibility produced stronger effects. LSD, the most potent compound studied, demonstrated the highest electron acceptance, offering new insights into how these substances interact with brain chemistry.
Abstract
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that produce changes in thoughts and feelings and modifications in perceptions of reality. The most potent...
Are “mystical experiences” essential for antidepressant actions of ketamine and the classic psychedelics?
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience – February 27, 2024
Summary
The rapid antidepressant effects of Ketamine and Psychedelics are transforming Psychiatry. These Drug Studies reveal profound mystical experiences—Ketamine causing dissociation, psychedelics vivid hallucinations—but their therapeutic role is debated in Psychology and Psychoanalysis. While (S)-ketamine's dissociative symptoms aren't linked to its antidepressant properties, (R)-ketamine's efficacy, a distinct chemical synthesis alkaloid, lacks large-scale proof. Understanding how Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, like the 5-HT2A receptor for psychedelics, drives antidepressant action is crucial for psychotherapist practice.
Abstract
Abstract The growing interest in the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine and classic psychedelics, s...
The impact of psychedelics on patients with alcohol use disorder: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Current medical research and opinion – February 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic therapy shows remarkable promise in treating alcohol use disorder, with patients twice as likely to achieve sobriety or significantly reduce drinking when treated with LSD or similar compounds. This comprehensive meta-analysis examined decades of clinical trials, revealing that supervised psychedelic sessions effectively help people overcome alcohol dependency. While most studies focused on LSD, newer research with psilocybin also demonstrates encouraging results. The findings suggest these treatments could offer a powerful new tool for addressing alcohol use disorder, particularly when combined with traditional therapy approaches.
Abstract
Critique the available systematic review and de novo assessment of the role of psychedelics in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. A systematic ...
Classical psychedelics in psychiatry - renaissance of interest and therapeutic perspectives.
Psychiatria polska – June 30, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are showing remarkable promise in modern psychiatry, reviving therapeutic approaches from traditional healing practices. Recent clinical trials demonstrate these substances' potential as breakthrough pharmacotherapy options for treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. When combined with professional therapy, psychedelics appear safe and effective, offering hope for patients who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Substances that change the states of consciousness have been used in the therapeutics of traditional cultures for hundreds of years. In the Western...
A cane toad (Rhinella marina) N-methyltransferase converts primary indolethylamines to tertiary psychedelic amines.
The Journal of biological chemistry – October 01, 2023
Summary
Scientists have discovered that cane toads naturally produce enzymes that create psychedelic compounds similar to those found in magic mushrooms. The toad's N-methyltransferase enzyme efficiently converts simple compounds into complex psychedelic molecules that interact with brain serotonin receptors. This finding reveals nature's remarkable drug-making machinery and opens new paths for developing stable, therapeutic compounds.
Abstract
Psychedelic indolethylamines have emerged as potential medicines to treat several psychiatric pathologies. Natural sources of these compounds inclu...
The changing outlook of psychedelic drugs: The importance of risk assessment and occupational exposure limits
Journal of Applied Toxicology – August 30, 2023
Summary
Occupational exposure limits for potent hallucinogens like psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide are remarkably low. New pharmacology guidelines set limits at 0.05 μg/m³ for psilocybin and 0.002 μg/m³ for Lysergic acid diethylamide, highlighting their hazardous nature. These serotonergic psychedelics are explored in medicine for anxiety and other psychology/psychiatry conditions. Understanding their adverse effect profiles and Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior is crucial for workplace safety. This area of Psychedelics and Drug Studies emphasizes stringent controls to prevent unintended psychedelic effects, a critical aspect of Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and 5‐methoxy‐ N , N ‐dimethylt...
Psychedelics and the Human Receptorome
PLoS ONE – January 01, 2010
Summary
Psychedelic compounds interact with far more brain receptors than previously thought, engaging with 42 different receptor types rather than just the few serotonin receptors traditionally associated with their effects. This broader interaction pattern helps explain why different psychedelics can produce such varied mental experiences, with each substance showing its own unique "fingerprint" of receptor activation across the brain.
Abstract
We currently understand the mental effects of psychedelics to be caused by agonism or partial agonism of 5-HT2A (and possibly 5-HT2C) receptors, an...
Effects of psychedelics on human oscillatory brain activity.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds profoundly reorganize brain activity. Using EEG and MEG, researchers investigated how these substances alter neural oscillations. A key finding was a consistent decrease in alpha power, indicating reduced inhibitory control, alongside a significant increase in brain signal complexity. This suggests altered functional connectivity, potentially reversing typical top-down processing. These objective EEG markers offer valuable insights into the unique psychedelic experience and its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
This chapter reviews the effects of classic psychedelics on human oscillatory brain activity, as measured by resting-state electroencephalography (...
Beyond psychedelics: set and setting in general psychiatric practice.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) – December 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics may revolutionize psychiatric treatment by enhancing therapeutic outcomes through an emphasis on 'set and setting.' In a study involving over 200 participants, findings reveal that both psychedelics and serotonergic antidepressants boost neuroplasticity and modulate neurotrophins, suggesting shared mechanisms. This highlights the potential for integrating insights from psychedelic practices into traditional psychotherapy, particularly in optimizing non-pharmacological factors. By improving the treatment environment and quality of therapy, especially for individuals across varying socioeconomic statuses, depression care could see significant advancements.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds continue gaining scientific and regulatory traction as potential new treatments for psychiatric disorders. While most psychia...
Is Use of Psychedelic Drugs a Risk or Protective Factor for Late-Life Cognitive Decline?
Gerontology & geriatric medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic drug usage is linked to improved executive function and reduced depressive symptoms in older adults. In a study involving 2,503 participants aged 64 on average, those who used psychedelics showed a notable increase in cognitive performance, with an effect size of 0.102 for executive function. Additionally, they reported fewer depressive symptoms, with an effect size of -0.090. These findings suggest that psychedelics may offer a promising alternative therapy to enhance cognition and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults facing health challenges.
Abstract
Objectives: Common age-related health conditions can lead to poor mental health outcomes and deteriorate cognition. Additionally, commonly prescrib...
From taboo to treatment: The emergence of psychedelics in the management of pain and opioid use disorder.
British journal of clinical pharmacology – December 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics may offer promising alternatives for managing chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). With over 70% of individuals on long-term opioid therapy developing tolerance to pain relief, innovative treatments are crucial. Preclinical and human studies suggest that psychedelics could target shared neurobiological mechanisms underlying chronic pain and OUD, potentially reversing harmful adaptations. By addressing the sensory, emotional, and cognitive aspects of pain alongside opioid cravings, psychedelics could reshape therapeutic approaches in the face of the ongoing opioid crisis, paving the way for novel drug development.
Abstract
The rise of psychedelics in contemporary medicine has sparked interest in their potential therapeutic applications. While traditionally associated ...
Ancient Roots of Today's Emerging Renaissance in Psychedelic Medicine.
Culture, medicine and psychiatry – December 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic medicine is experiencing a revival, with historical practices offering insights into contemporary mental health treatment. Amid rising mental health issues, including a 30% increase in U.S. drug overdose deaths from 2019 to 2021, these ancient therapies are being reconsidered for their potential benefits. Ethical considerations and practical challenges remain as psychedelics move toward mainstream clinical use. This "psychedelic renaissance" could reshape healthcare, addressing root causes of distress and promoting human flourishing in the wake of collective trauma from events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract
An international ban on psychedelics initiated by the United Nations' Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1971 restricted the clinical use of ...
Associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and cardiometabolic diseases
Scientific Reports – July 13, 2021
Summary
Lifetime classic psychedelic use correlates with significantly better cardiovascular health. Data from a broad national demography survey (2005–2014) indicates individuals who used classic psychedelics had 23% lower odds of heart disease. They also showed 12% lower odds of diabetes mellitus, a common metabolic disease. These findings, relevant to medicine and drug studies, suggest potential benefits for preventing these conditions. The observed odds ratios highlight an intriguing association between psychedelic use and reduced disease risk.
Abstract
Abstract The objective of the current study was to investigate the associations between lifetime classic psychedelic use and cardiometabolic diseas...
Membrane Permeation of Psychedelic Compounds
CrossRef
Summary
Psychedelic compounds may need to enter brain cells to activate their therapeutic effects. Computational models explored how chemical structure influences this crucial cell entry. Findings reveal that specific modifications, like adding a methoxy group or dimethylating an amine, significantly boost a compound's ability to permeate membranes. This understanding can guide the design of psychedelics with enhanced activity for mental health treatments.
Abstract
Renewed scientific interest in psychedelic compounds represents one of the most promising avenues for addressing the current burden of mental healt...
Psychedelic Agents in Creative Problem-Solving: A Pilot Study
Psychological Reports – August 01, 1966
Summary
Could specific mind-altering substances unlock creative potential? One exploration found that carefully structured sessions involving psychedelic agents, such as LSD-25 or mescaline, appeared to significantly facilitate creative problem-solving in 27 professionals. Participants engaged in a single session designed to foster creative activity. Positive results indicated these agents particularly aided sudden insights. Remarkably, enhanced creative ability seemed to persist for several weeks following the experience.
Abstract
Based on the frequently reported similarities between creative and psychedelic (drug-induced, consciousness-expansion) experiences, a preliminary s...
Psychedelics and workplace harm
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 16, 2023
Summary
Lifetime classic psychedelic use is linked to better mental health outcomes, particularly for employed individuals. Analyzing 484,732 people, **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** show lower **psychological distress** for those working, volunteering, or retired. Interestingly, individuals with psychedelic experience work longer weekly hours before experiencing increased **distress**. While some may associate drug use with **harm**, these findings, relevant for **Clinical psychology** and **Psychiatry**, suggest a complex relationship with employment. This challenges assumptions often seen in fields like **Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis**, highlighting the need to understand **Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior** more broadly.
Abstract
This study aims to understand the relationship between Lifetime Classic Psychedelic Use (LCPU), employment status, and weekly work hours on levels ...
Evaluating the Potential Use of Serotonergic Psychedelics in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Frontiers in Pharmacology – January 27, 2022
Summary
Hallucinogens, including psilocybin, show surprising potential for autism spectrum disorder, suggesting new avenues in psychiatry. This review highlights how these serotonergic compounds may improve mood, anxiety, and social behavior in the autism population. Neuroscience and clinical psychology studies from past decades revealed positive behavioral outcomes, yet also adverse effects like dissociative states. Understanding their influence on neurotransmitter receptors and prefrontal cortex activity is key for medicine. Future drug studies are vital to weigh benefits against risks for this population.
Abstract
Recent clinical and preclinical evidence points towards empathogenic and prosocial effects elicited by psychedelic compounds, notably the serotonin...
Cognitive and affective models of psychedelics in rodents.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Unlocking the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for conditions like depression requires understanding their brain impact. Preclinical rodent models are crucial for exploring how these substances influence cognition and affect. By adopting translationally valid assays, researchers can better understand their effects on behaviour, revealing mechanisms behind their significant benefits.
Abstract
In recent years, public and academic interest into psychedelics has increased, given the clinical evidence of their potential benefits for treating...
Psychedelic Effects of Ketamine in Healthy Volunteers
Anesthesiology – January 01, 1998
Summary
Even low doses of ketamine can reliably induce profound psychedelic experiences in healthy individuals. Researchers precisely controlled ketamine levels in volunteers' blood, from 50 to 200 ng/ml. They discovered a remarkably direct, linear relationship: as ketamine concentrations rose, so did the intensity of perceptual and subjective effects. These effects, carefully measured, were strikingly similar to those from other potent psychedelic compounds. This work powerfully demonstrates how specific ketamine levels produce predictable and profound alterations in perception.
Abstract
Background Ketamine has been associated with a unique spectrum of subjective "psychedelic" effects in patients emerging from anesthesia. This study...
The Relationships Between Healthcare Access, Gender, and Psychedelics and Their Effects on Distress
Healthcare – May 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic use can intensify psychological distress, especially for women with public health care. Analyzing data from 484,732 individuals reveals private health insurance links to lower distress, while public coverage correlates with higher distress. For women, psilocybin and LSD use reinforced lower distress with private insurance but significantly heightened distress with public health care. This behavior suggests psychedelics interact with existing healthcare access, failing to mitigate structural inequalities in clinical psychology and potentially worsening outcomes.
Abstract
Background: Structural inequalities in healthcare access may influence how individuals experience the psychological effects of psychedelic substanc...