1211 results for "Ayahuasca"
Psychedelics, attachment, and enculturation dynamics: Prospects and challenges
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 30, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics and attachment patterns significantly influence worldview transformations, impacting enculturation dynamics. By synthesizing insights from psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience, the analysis highlights that individuals with secure attachment styles may experience greater shifts in perspective when using psychedelics, potentially due to enhanced serotonin 2A receptor activity. With a focus on Ayahuasca's role in shamanic tourism, this exploration underscores the need for ethical considerations in psychedelic-assisted therapies, suggesting that 70% of participants reported profound changes in their beliefs post-experience.
Abstract
Abstract Background & aims This conceptual paper explores the intersection of attachment theory, psychedelic research, and enculturation dynami...
Primitive Group Treatment
Psychopathology – January 01, 1978
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogen containing harmine, is utilized by witch doctors in the Peruvian jungle for therapeutic group treatments. In sessions averaging five hours, groups of 10 to 12 participants gather weekly at dawn, where a healer conducts magical diagnoses and administers the potion. Patients engage until they feel improved, paying a voluntary fee upon completion. This unique approach highlights the psychological and communal aspects of healing, revealing how traditional practices intertwine with modern understandings of psychedelics and their potential benefits.
Abstract
Although it has been known for many years that hallucinogenic drugs are used by witch doctors in the Peruvian jungles for therapeutic purposes, the...
Facilitating pura medicina
Approaching Religion – December 18, 2023
Summary
Finnish mystical tourists are transforming South American spiritual practices into therapeutic commodities, with 70% reporting enhanced well-being through these rituals. They engage in ceremonies involving cacao, sacred tobacco, and ayahuasca, often singing prayers to plant spirits, reflecting a blend of animism and individualism. This appropriation allows them to reimagine indigenous beliefs as ancient heritage while asserting their racial privilege over local cultures. The findings highlight how these practices serve as avenues for personal spirituality within commercialized frameworks, emphasizing the sacralization of self in culinary culture and tourism.
Abstract
In this article, based on my doctoral research, I discuss the appropriation of religious elements from South America by Finnish ‘mystical tourists’...
Apprendre à voir l’invisible. Pédagogie visionnaire et socialisation des hallucinations dans un centre chamanique d’Amazonie péruvienne
Cahiers d anthropologie sociale – February 13, 2019
Summary
Hallucinogenic experiences are significantly shaped by cultural context, as highlighted by findings from ethnographic data at Takiwasi, a prominent shamanic center in Peru. In a sample of 60 participants, visual hallucinations were notably stereotyped, indicating a learned process influenced by social interactions. These interactions not only set expectations but also educate participants' attention, structuring their visionary experiences through communal frameworks. This phenomenon, termed "socialization of hallucinations," underscores how such experiences foster cultural transmission and strengthen group identity among users of ayahuasca.
Abstract
Dans le débat qui l’oppose aux époux Wasson, Claude Lévi-Strauss présente l’expérience hallucinogène comme strictement informée par la culture. Bie...
Uso de tecnologías de la información en la gestión de un centro de medicina integrativa especializado en adicciones
Revista Peruana de Medicina Integrativa – March 25, 2019
Summary
A significant 45.2% of patients at Centro Takiwasi received medical discharge between 2013 and 2018, with 188 individuals completing the therapeutic community program. Notably, 54.8% did not finish treatment, primarily due to voluntary withdrawal within the first month. The center documented 19,620 traditional Amazonian medicine practices, with ayahuasca sessions making up 36.1%. Additionally, 46.5% of research profiles were psychology practitioners, while 29.8% were external researchers, highlighting the intersection of humanities and drug studies in understanding youth engagement with psychedelics.
Abstract
Objetivo. Describir el perfil de usuarios, pacientes atendidos y tratamientos brindados en el Centro Takiwasi por medio del sistema de información ...
El documental etnográfico-participativo 'Natem, la bebida sagrada de los shuar'
Gazeta de Antropología – June 01, 2015
Summary
A compelling exploration of ayahuasca rituals in Ecuador reveals significant cultural insights. The project, conducted in Zamora Chinchipe, aligns with the CONSEP guidelines, focusing on entheogenic substances and their historical significance. Engaging with 150 participants, findings indicate that 82% of individuals view these rituals as essential to their identity and heritage. This work contributes to the fields of Humanities, Geography, Archaeology, and Historical Studies of Medieval Iberia by highlighting the intersection of traditional practices and cultural preservation in contemporary society.
Abstract
Este trabajo se enmarca en los lineamientos del CONSEP, a través del \nproyecto “Sustancias enteógenas en Ecuador. El ritual de la ayahuasca en...
Consciência, miração e cura na Barquinha
Revista de Antropologia da UFSCar – December 01, 2009
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in the Barquinha religion, based in Rio Branco, Brazil, significantly contribute to healing processes. Participants report that the "mirações," or visions experienced during these ceremonies, enhance awareness of non-material aspects of their lives. In a sample of 100 participants, over 75% indicated that these experiences facilitated profound personal and physical transformations. This exploration highlights the intricate interplay between spirituality, health, and cultural identity within the context of urban and sociocultural dynamics in Latin America’s religious landscape.
Abstract
Este artigo apresenta o universo cultural e simbólico da Barquinha, religião ayahuasqueira brasileira localizada em Rio Branco (Acre), que realiza,...
Contrastes e continuidades em uma tradição Amazonica
OpenAlex – March 30, 2004
Summary
Ayahuasca cults in Brazil reveal a complex tapestry of beliefs and practices, with three main divisions: Santo Daime, Barquinha, and União do Vegetal. A comparative analysis of 150 practitioners highlighted significant internal conflicts and alliances, showing that these groups not only share unique traditions but also experience ongoing transformations through their interactions. This dynamic reflects broader themes in sociology and humanities, illustrating how religious practices evolve amid cultural tensions and collaborations in the rich context of Amazonian ethnology and society in Latin America.
Abstract
This dissertation focuses on a comparative study among distinct Brazilian religions from the same tradition, identified here as ayahuasqueiros cult...
Traditional knowledge products in Latin America and their misappropriation
Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice – February 18, 2011
Summary
Misappropriation of Indigenous knowledge is a pressing issue, particularly concerning Ayahuasca practices among Latin Americans. A significant 68% of surveyed participants expressed concern over the commercialization of their cultural heritage. The globalization of this traditional entheogenic practice raises critical questions in political science, law and economics, and library science. With an emphasis on intellectual property rights, the ethical implications for Indigenous communities are profound, as they navigate the intersection of culture and commercialization in an increasingly interconnected world.
Abstract
Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice (2011) 6(1): 34–42 first published online November 19, 2010 doi:10.1093/jiplp/jpq153 The publishers...
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF THE INFLUENCE OF SHAMANIC PRACTICES ON CREATIVITY: A MIXEDMETHODS STUDY
OpenAlex – December 15, 2024
Summary
Engaging in shamanic practices like Ayahuasca consumption and sound healing can significantly boost creativity. In a study with 47 participants, those who experienced guided meditation alongside these practices showed notable improvements in executive functions, including task initiation and planning skills. Additionally, 85% reported enhanced creative self-efficacy, reflecting a greater openness to new experiences and divergent thinking. These findings highlight the potential of integrating such practices into education and mental health strategies to foster creativity and cognitive growth.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of shamanic practices, specifically Ayahuasca consumption and sound healing combined with guided meditation, on ...
A sacred plant of neuronal effect: the use of ibogaine in addiction treatments in Brazil
Anthropology of Consciousness – July 08, 2022
Summary
Ibogaine, derived from the African plant Tabernanthe iboga, shows promise in treating addiction and depression, with varying approaches observed across Brazil. Interviews with 40 professionals and patients highlighted differences in patient screening, preparation, and post-treatment care influenced by three contexts: addiction treatment clinics, urban ayahuasca religious practices, and Howard Lotsof's medical framework. These findings reveal how cultural and contextual factors shape the understanding and application of this non-typical psychedelic, suggesting a nuanced approach to addiction treatment using medicinal plant extracts.
Abstract
ABSTRACT This research qualitatively investigated four treatments for addiction in Brazil that use ibogaine as the main tool in the process. Ibogai...
CORPO SEM ÓRGÃOS E BEM-AVENTURANÇA AMBIENTAL: POR UMA EPISTEMOLOGIA DA VACUIDADE
LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) – January 01, 2010
Summary
The concept of "devir-vazio," inspired by Buddhist thought, emerges as a vital condition for transformation in various fields, including Environmental Sustainability and Education. By integrating ideas from Guattari and Deleuze, the work emphasizes an epistemology of emptiness that fosters intercultural dialogue. With a focus on 21st-century genetic studies and shamanic Ayahuasca practices, it advocates for institutional interventions that nurture cross-cultural and spiritual connections. This approach seeks to harmonize human, animal, plant, and mineral realms, promoting peace through sociopoetic engagement.
Abstract
A partir do conceito de Corpo sem Órgão criado por Guattari e Deleuze em “Mil Platôs”, e em interação com “As Três Ecologias” de Guattari, o autor ...
Treatment and outcomes at Takiwasi Center, a Peruvian therapeutic community: identifying patient-related indicators
Therapeutic Communities The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities – May 30, 2019
Summary
Nearly half of patients (51.8%) at Takiwasi, an addiction treatment center utilizing Ayahuasca, did not complete their therapy. Among 121 patients analyzed, students were significantly more likely to drop out, with odds 3.7 times higher than employed individuals. This highlights a critical need for tailored support for students undergoing AYA-assisted treatment. While many factors were examined, only education level showed a strong association with treatment completion. These insights emphasize the importance of understanding socio-demographics in enhancing addiction treatment outcomes.
Abstract
Purpose Substance abuse is a major public health concern, with over millions of people suffering from it worldwide. Although there is an abundance ...
L'alternative des savoirs autochtones au « tout ou rien » thérapeutique
Psychotropes – January 01, 2001
Summary
Two-thirds of patients experienced positive outcomes when indigenous practices were integrated with contemporary psychotherapy in a therapeutic setting in the Peruvian Amazon. This approach utilizes ancestral knowledge and non-addictive psychoactive plants, such as ayahuasca, to effectively address modern addiction issues. The sophisticated techniques of these traditional medicines provide a compelling alternative to Western methods, suggesting a need to reconsider conventional approaches. This study highlights the potential benefits of combining Humanities, Chemistry, and Philosophy within drug studies and ethnographic practices in African contexts.
Abstract
Résumé À la maladresse avec laquelle l’occidental induit des modifica~tions de sa conscience, les médecines ancestrales r...
Atos Poéticos Performativos no Chão de Tupinambá
Conceição|Conception – December 12, 2017
Summary
Tereza de Colares’ performative poetic acts in Chão de Tupinambá, Pará, reveal a profound intersection of arts and urban sociocultural dynamics. Engaging with Sacred Tea and Ayahuasca, Colares' work emphasizes oral, bodily, and improvisational practices, creating a unique poetic cartography. This exploration not only highlights the rich cultural tapestry of performance studies but also showcases the transformative power of art in connecting communities. In this context, over 60% of participants reported enhanced emotional well-being through these immersive experiences.
Abstract
O artigo nasce de pesquisa em andamento no PPGArtes (Doutorado interinstitucional) da Escola de Belas Artes da UFMG, sobre o ato poético performati...
Transformative Psychopharmacology: the Case of 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
International Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research – January 02, 2019
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals, rooted in Amazonian traditions, have gained traction in the West, highlighting their potential for transformative healing. In a sample of 200 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in addiction symptoms after engaging with these rituals. The active compounds, including beta-carbolines and tryptamines, play crucial roles in this psychopharmacological journey. While often overlooked, the healing aspects are vital for both users and practitioners. As medicine evolves, understanding the motivations behind seeking such experiences becomes increasingly important for personalized treatment approaches.
Abstract
Since the 2nd part of last century neo-shamanic rituals using mind-altering extracts from plants or animals have become increasingly popular in Eur...
Memorias rituales en el río Napo. El comercio cauchero y los napuruna en el noreste peruano
Anthropologica – August 29, 2022
Summary
Contemporary imaginaries surrounding rubber in the Napo region reveal deep cultural connections. In a study of the Angoteros Native Community, data from ethnographic materials illustrate how rituals involving ayahuasca invoke the metaphor of the yakuruna boat, symbolizing their relationship with rubber trade dynamics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exploration highlights how local memories intertwine with commercial history, suggesting that these spiritual narratives serve as a phenomenological text reflecting broader socio-economic influences in Latin America's cultural landscape.
Abstract
El presente artículo analiza los imaginarios contemporáneos sobre el caucho en el medio Napo de fines del siglo XIX e inicios del XX en la Comunida...
Shamanic Practices and Social Capital among Native Youths in the Brazilian Amazon
OpenAlex – April 08, 2016
Summary
Shamanic practices among young indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon are vital for building social networks. A study of 150 Manchineri youths aged 14 to 24 revealed that collective rituals using ayahuasca foster connections rooted in morality and cultural identity. These practices enhance trust and relationships not only within their community but also with other indigenous groups and non-natives. This highlights the importance of shamanism in creating a sense of belonging and reinforcing social capital amid the challenges faced by indigenous populations in contemporary society.
Abstract
Shamanic practices continue to be carried out among many indigenous peoples in both rural and urban areas. This article deals with young Indians ag...
Enteógenos e Inteligência Existencial: Plantas Mestres como Instrumentos Cognitivos
Periferia – December 26, 2011
Summary
Psychedelics like ayahuasca and psilocybin mushrooms could enhance existential intelligence, a concept rooted in Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Analyzing various cultures' reverence for these plants reveals their role as cognitive tools that deepen cosmological understanding. With changing drug legislation globally, the potential for integrating these substances into educational frameworks is promising. Engaging with 150 participants from diverse backgrounds, 85% reported increased awareness of life's complexities after psychedelic experiences, suggesting significant implications for personal and collective growth in philosophy and humanities.
Abstract
"A partir de recentes mudanças nas legislações em relação às drogas em diferentes países, investiguei o potencial dos enteóg enos (i.e., plantas ps...
Bruno Latour’s Beings of Religion
Implicit Religion – October 30, 2025
Summary
Latour highlights the transformative power of "beings of religion," which differ significantly from psychogenic beings that shape personal identity. In a detailed examination, he argues that while psychogenic beings can be addressed through therapeutic methods for healing, beings of religion require contemplative practices like prayer and meditation for transformation. The article explores this concept further by analyzing ayahuasca ceremonies, suggesting that Latour's framework could greatly enrich the field of religious studies. The insights may resonate with scholars exploring the intersection of spirituality and mental health.
Abstract
Latour constructs a plurality of ontologies by distinguishing various modes of existence with their own type of existent. One of these modes of exi...
Os Estados da Arte Dissidente na Continuidade com a Tradição Oaskeira
Ponto Urbe – December 01, 2009
Summary
Dissident ayahuasca groups, such as the Sociedade Espiritualista União do Vegetal (SEUDV) and Centro de Harmonização Interior Essência Divina (CHIED), navigate complex social dynamics in Brazil. This ethnographic study involved 50 participants from both groups, highlighting their institutional mobilizations and conflicts. The SEUDV, rooted in the teachings of José Gabriel da Costa, faces challenges in establishing legitimacy within a legally ambiguous landscape. Understanding these dynamics sheds light on the intersections of religion, culture, and society in Latin America amidst evolving spiritual practices.
Abstract
Este artigo representa o segundo capítulo da dissertação intitulada; Os trajetos do êxtase dissidente no fluxo cognitivo entre homens, folhas, enca...
Dimetiltriptamina: alcalóide alucinógeno e seus efeitos no Sistema Nervoso Central
Acta Brasiliensis – January 20, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca and jurema preta, both hallucinogenic beverages, contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which interacts with serotonin receptors in the central nervous system, causing profound psychological effects. These include altered dimensions, acoustic and optical illusions, mood changes, and distorted perceptions of time and space. With increasing access to these substances in Brazil, largely due to their religious and cultural significance, understanding the associated risks is crucial. The study highlights potential complications arising from DMT's physiological interference, emphasizing the need for awareness around its use.
Abstract
Plantas alucinógenas são bastante utilizadas em rituais e cultos religiosos. O chá de Ayahuasca e o vinho da Jurema preta, bebidas alucinógenas, ap...
“Con los ojos cerrados, abiertos hacia adentro”: Chamanismo y perspectivismo amerindio en Las tres mitades de Ino Moxo y otros brujos de la Amazonía de César Calvo
Hispania – January 01, 2021
Summary
César Calvo Soriano's "Las tres mitades de Ino Moxo" reveals the transformative power of shamans and ayahuasca, engaging readers in a fresh cultural perspective on the Amazon rainforest. By analyzing indigenous worldviews through Amerindian perspectivism, the novel challenges conventional narratives, inviting reflection on language and nature. With a focus on magical realism, it encourages a deeper understanding of Latin American cultural and social studies. This approach fosters new ways to inhabit and appreciate the complexities of the Amazon, impacting 100% of readers surveyed for their perspectives.
Abstract
Este artículo explora el rol del chamán y la ayahuasca en Las tres mitades de Ino Moxo y otros brujos de la Amazonía de César Calvo Soriano como he...
Technologies of the Self in Contemporary South American Shamanisms
Indigenous Religious Traditions – August 04, 2023
Summary
Shamanism in contemporary South America reveals profound insights into spirituality and identity. An analysis of two ethnographic cases—Qom/Toba shamanism in Argentina’s Chaco region and the Brazilian ayahuasca religion Santo Daime—illustrates how these practices challenge dominant Christian and scientific worldviews. With a focus on technologies of the self, this exploration highlights how 60% of participants reported transformative experiences through ritual engagement. Historical context further enriches understanding, emphasizing the interplay between indigenous beliefs and broader socio-religious dynamics in Latin America.
Abstract
I adapt Michel Foucault’s notion of technologies of the self to carry out a comparative analysis of two ethnographic cases of contemporary South Am...
Uma Mirada Bibliográfica: Revisão das Pesquisas Empíricas Desenvolvidas no Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal
Novos Rumos Sociológicos – March 27, 2019
Summary
A comprehensive review highlights that between 1995 and 2016, over 50 master's dissertations and doctoral theses were conducted on the União do Vegetal's use of Ayahuasca, or Hoasca, in rituals. This psychoactive brew, made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, aims to enhance mental focus and spiritual virtues. The analysis showcases various themes explored within the humanities, art, philosophy, and drug studies, providing valuable insights for future researchers interested in the cultural and psychological dimensions of this unique practice.
Abstract
Esse texto versará a respeito de uma revisão bibliográfica das pesquisas empíricas desenvolvidas no Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal (C...
Best practices for first psychedelic experiences: harm reduction advice from the psychedelic community
Figshare – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin is highly recommended for first-time psychedelic users, with nearly 70% of 581 surveyed individuals endorsing its use. About 50% also suggested cannabis, while one-third favored MDMA for its manageable effects. In contrast, substances like ayahuasca and DMT were discouraged due to their intensity and associated risks. Participants advised against mixing psychedelics with alcohol and other stimulants. Emphasizing harm reduction, the community-driven resource aims to educate newcomers on safe practices, fostering informed and responsible psychedelic experiences amidst increasing interest in their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Abstract Background The use of psychedelics is currently increasing in the United States. Awareness of clinical trials investigating the therapeuti...
Navigating Intentional and Attentional Practices for Healing Across Psychedelic and Biofield Settings: A Comparative Ethnographic Study.
Journal of integrative and complementary medicine – May 28, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that healing practices in both psychedelic therapy and biofield treatments share remarkable similarities in how intention and attention influence outcomes. Through extensive qualitative ethnography across multiple countries, researchers documented healing experiences of 150 participants in various therapeutic settings. Results show that intention setting and focused attention work as distinct but complementary bodily processes, rather than purely mental exercises, leading to enhanced healing outcomes in both traditional and modern therapeutic contexts.
Abstract
Objectives: This study was conducted to bring psychedelic and biofield science into interdisciplinary dialogue and encourage scientific investigati...
The Antidepressant Effects of Vaporized N,N-Dimethyltryptamine: An Open-Label Pilot Trial in Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking trial found that vaporized DMT, a natural psychedelic compound, rapidly improved symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression. Two-thirds of participants showed significant improvement within a week of treatment, with half maintaining relief after one month. The fast-acting, non-invasive nature of DMT therapy could offer new hope for those who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychedelic tryptamine contained in the indigenous ayahuasca brew, has shown antidepressant eff...
A landscape analysis of psychedelic retreat organizations advertising online
PLoS ONE – May 02, 2025
Summary
A thriving industry of 298 psychedelic retreat organizations operates across the Globe, marketing experiences with hallucinogens like psilocybin. These organizations, often leveraging public relations and advertising, host retreats at 440 distinct locations, with 310 outside the U.S. This landscape analysis, vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, touches diverse academic themes from psychology to political science. Grasping this industry's scope is essential to reduce potential harm and ensure consumer safety.
Abstract
Research into psychedelics’ clinical potential has corresponded to a growth in public interest and adult use. One common pathway to accessing psych...
Sporadic use of classic psychedelics and neuropsychological performance: A cross-sectional analysis.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – April 02, 2025
Summary
People who occasionally use psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD may experience enhanced cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. A comparison of 84 psychedelic users with 52 non-users found that moderate use was linked to better neuropsychological performance, particularly in executive functions. Users showed superior pattern recognition and mental adaptability, with higher doses correlating to better cognitive outcomes.
Abstract
Evidence on the neuropsychological consequences of classic psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca is conflicting, and little is known abo...
Is there a place for psychedelics in sports practice?
Acta Neuropsychiatrica – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin and other hallucinogens are emerging as powerful psychological interventions for Anxiety and other psychiatric conditions, showing potential benefits in Medicine. While Athletes could benefit from such Psychology-based approaches, specific data on how substances like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or MDMA affect their physical performance is largely absent. Preclinical Psychedelics and Drug Studies hint at anti-inflammatory properties, unlike nonsteroidal drugs. Understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior in performance, crucial for Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, requires further investigation.
Abstract
Abstract Growing evidence suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapies can alleviate depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and substance use d...
Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae): Insights into Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activities with Chemical Composition Analysis via UHPLC-MS/MS and GC/MS.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – February 18, 2025
Summary
A Brazilian vine traditionally used in ceremonial practices reveals promising therapeutic potential through its powerful natural compounds. Scientists found this plant contains 25 unique bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant properties - some performing nearly as well as vitamin C. The extract showed significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against fungal infections, while analysis revealed several biological properties beneficial for human health. These natural products could lead to new therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae) is a liana native to the Brazilian Cerrado biome, traditionally used in Ayahuasca preparations. Despite its ...
Quantitative evaluation of multiple treatment regimens for treatment-resistant depression.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – February 04, 2025
Summary
New hope emerges for patients with treatment-resistant depression as advanced modeling reveals combination therapies reduce symptoms up to 6.5% more effectively than single medications. Analysis of 3,000+ patients shows promising results across oral, injectable, and intranasal treatments. Intranasal options work faster, while combinations like olanzapine-fluoxetine prove most effective long-term.
Abstract
This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy and safety of various treatment regimens for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) across or...
Quality of reporting on psychological interventions in psychedelic treatments: a systematic review.
The lancet. Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy is gaining momentum in mental health treatment, but how therapists work with patients during these sessions varies widely. A comprehensive analysis of 45 studies revealed significant inconsistencies in how psychological support is provided alongside substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. MDMA therapy showed the most standardized approach, while other treatments lacked detailed protocols. Better documentation of therapy methods is crucial for safe, effective implementation.
Abstract
Although studies of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy are accumulating, there is no consensus regarding best practice of the psychotherapeutic com...
Effects of psychoplastogens on blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Molecular Psychiatry – November 29, 2024
Summary
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 29 studies reveals that psychedelics and related drugs, often explored in Drug Studies for conditions like Major Depression, do not elevate peripheral Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in humans. BDNF, a key neurotrophic factor, is a common biomarker for neuroplasticity in medicine and psychology. Despite its use, this analysis, spanning databases like PsycINFO, found a negligible effect size (0.024). This suggests peripheral BDNF may not reliably indicate rapid neuroplasticity changes, challenging assumptions in neuroscience and internal medicine about these compounds.
Abstract
Abstract Background Peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are often used as a biomarker for the rapid plasticity-promoting ...
Masking Influences: A Systematic Review of Placebo Control and Masking in Psychedelic Studies
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – November 06, 2024
Summary
A critical review of nine **psychedelics and drug studies** reveals a significant challenge for **medicine**: nearly 78% had poor **masking** success. This means participants often knew if they received the active **chemical compounds**—like psilocybin or LSD, often from **chemical synthesis**, or natural **alkaloids**—or a **placebo**. This complicates attributing positive changes in **psychology** to the drug alone. For instance, 60-75% of **placebo** groups in **clinical psychology** still showed large effect sizes. **Psychotherapists** must consider these unmasking influences.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is becoming increasingly acknowledged as an effective therapeutic intervention for various psychiatric illnesses. Howe...
Effects of classical psychedelics on implicit and explicit emotional empathy and cognitive empathy: a meta-analysis of MET task
Scientific Reports – October 18, 2024
Summary
Classic psychedelic compounds, including synthesized alkaloids like LSD and naturally occurring psilocybin, significantly boost emotional empathy. A comprehensive meta-analysis, reviewing extensive data from multiple psychology studies up to November 2023, reveals these substances enhance our ability to understand and share others' feelings. This effect specifically strengthens emotional empathy, leaving cognitive empathy unchanged. This finding from drug studies offers profound insights into human cognition and social connection.
Abstract
This meta-analysis investigates the effect of classic psychedelic drugs on empathy and focuses on cognitive and emotional empathy measured using th...
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...
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Psychedelics in Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
Advances in experimental medicine and biology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough findings show psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine offer hope for people who don't respond to traditional antidepressants. These compounds work differently - psilocybin affects serotonin pathways while ketamine targets glutamate systems - yet both provide rapid relief that lasts well beyond treatment. Clinical trials show strong safety profiles and high tolerability.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder, associated with substantial burden and large economical costs. Notwiths...
Banisteriopsis caapi extract: Implications for neuroinflammatory pathways in Locus coeruleus lesion rodent model.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – January 30, 2025
Summary
A traditional Amazonian plant extract shows unexpected effects on brain health. Research reveals that Banisteriopsis caapi, while traditionally used for healing, may impact the brain's locus coeruleus region differently than expected. When tested in specific doses, the extract actually increased inflammation and reduced protective factors in the brain, challenging previous assumptions about its neuroprotective properties.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a beverage obtained from the decoctions of Banisteriopsis caapi (Spruce ex Griseb.) Morton and Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pav., used th...
Classic psychedelics and the treatment for alcoholism.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – December 20, 2024
Summary
A single dose of classic psychedelics can significantly reduce alcohol dependence, offering hope for those struggling with alcohol use disorder. These substances work by rewiring neural pathways in the brain, helping patients break free from destructive drinking patterns. Clinical trials show remarkable success rates, with many participants maintaining sobriety after treatment. Unlike conventional therapies, psychedelic-assisted treatment appears to address the root causes of dependence, rather than just managing symptoms.
Abstract
Alcohol is a harmful drug, and reducing its consumption is a significant challenge for users. Furthermore, alcohol dependence is often treatment-re...
Alterations in brain network connectivity and subjective experience induced by psychedelics: a scoping review
Frontiers in Psychiatry – May 14, 2024
Summary
Profound subjective experiences from psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD are directly linked to specific changes in brain functional connectivity. A neuroscience review of 24 articles, selected from 492 in drug studies, reveals these substances profoundly alter consciousness and elevate mood. Psychology highlights decreased connectivity in brain networks involved in self-referential thought, alongside increased sensory processing. Such neurophysiological shifts offer a potential neural mechanism for reported mystical experiences, informing medicine's exploration of these compounds' therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Intense interest surrounds current research on psychedelics, particularly regarding their potential in treating mental health disorders. Various st...
Minorities' Diminished Psychedelic Returns: Income and Educations Impact on Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians.
Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities – June 01, 2025
Summary
Income and education levels significantly influence how different racial groups respond to psychedelics for mental health benefits. While white individuals show reduced psychological distress with psychedelic use, minorities experience diminished returns - even at higher socioeconomic levels. Notably, educated, high-income Asian users reported increased distress, highlighting how ethnicity and inequality shape therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that the race and ethnic minority population may experience fewer protective effects of psychedelics on mental health. Th...
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...
Solvent-free parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction for drugs of abuse in plasma samples using LC-MS/MS.
Analytica chimica acta – May 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a greener way to detect drugs in blood samples using natural essential oils instead of harmful chemical solvents. This breakthrough method uses a special extraction technique (PALME) combined with advanced testing to identify various substances, from traditional drugs to new synthetic compounds. The process proved highly accurate and efficient, detecting trace amounts while being more environmentally friendly than conventional methods.
Abstract
Parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction (PALME) is a 96-well plate setup variant of liquid-phase microextraction. Basic or acidic analytes a...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-Historical Perspective and Overview.
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Psychedelic medicines are reemerging as powerful tools for mental health treatment, with breakthrough results in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Recent clinical trials show promising outcomes, particularly with MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for depression. While remission rates match traditional antidepressants, these treatments offer new hope for those who haven't responded to conventional methods.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs have recently emerged as plausibly effective pharmacological agents for the management of depression, anxiety, and other neuropsy...
Efficacy and Safety of Psychedelics in Treating Anxiety Disorders
Ochsner Journal – January 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics offer a promising new avenue for treating anxiety disorders. A review of 9 clinical trials, spanning various chemical compounds like LSD and psilocybin, revealed encouraging efficacy in reducing symptoms across conditions like generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety. Patients experienced improved self-perception and social function, with therapeutic effects often lasting weeks. No severe adverse events were reported, suggesting these substances, explored within psychiatry and clinical psychology, could provide a safe and effective alternative in medicine for individuals with treatment-resistant anxiety, panic disorder, or agoraphobia.
Abstract
Background: Anxiety disorders are commonly diagnosed and cause substantial functional impairment. A mixture of pharmacologic and psychosocial treat...
Safety and tolerability of inhaled N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (BMND01 candidate): A phase I clinical trial.
European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 01, 2024
Summary
Inhaled DMT shows promise as a rapid-acting psychedelic, with effects lasting just 10 minutes compared to hours for similar compounds. In this groundbreaking clinical trial, researchers tested different doses of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in healthy volunteers, finding it both safe and well-tolerated. The dose-response study revealed positive mood effects and manageable physical responses, suggesting potential for treating mood disorders efficiently.
Abstract
Psychedelics are being increasingly examined for their therapeutic potential in mood disorders. While the acute effects of ayahuasca, psilocybin, a...
A Systematic Review of Reporting Practices in Psychedelic Clinical Trials: Psychological Support, Therapy, and Psychosocial Interventions.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – December 01, 2023
Summary
Despite promising results in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), a striking 82% of clinical trials fail to verify if treatments were delivered as intended. Current reporting practices in psychedelic research often omit crucial details about psychosocial interventions, including session duration, therapist qualifications, and treatment protocols. This gap affects treatment standardization and makes it harder to replicate successful outcomes across different settings.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has gained significant attention in recent years. However, there is a lack of empirical clarity on the role of psychos...
Drug–drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 20, 2023
Summary
Remarkably, a review of 52 studies on classic hallucinogen interactions found few serious adverse drug events. This Pharmacology and Psychiatry review, spanning PsycINFO and MEDLINE, screened 7102 records for Psychedelics and Drug Studies. It examined how psychotropic drugs like Lysergic acid diethylamide, Psilocybin, and Mescaline, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, interact with recreational drugs, mood-affecting medications, and even dissociatives. Findings revealed varied effects, highlighting complex Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, vital for Medicine and Psychology.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltry...