1299 results for "MDMA"
Drug Abuse and Cardiac Problem
Medicine Today – February 10, 2014
Summary
Substance abuse, an epidemic in many nations, profoundly impacts the heart and circulation, causing significant morbidity. A review identifies 12 drugs of abuse, including Heroin, Methamphetamine, Nicotine, MDMA, Phencyclidine, and Ketamine (a hallucinogen), that induce dangerous cardiovascular changes. This pharmacology is critical for Medicine and Psychiatry. Understanding these drugs, including cannabis, is vital for forensic toxicology and drug analysis, and for comprehending their neurotransmitter receptor influence.
Abstract
Drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in many countries including Bangladesh and threatens to overwhelm economic, social, and health care sys...
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and its potential to manage demoralization: A brief exploration of an alternative approach to end of life care
OpenAlex – May 07, 2025
Summary
Australia has made a landmark decision in Medicine, becoming the first country to approve specific psychedelics for clinical use. Psychotherapists can consider MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, a significant step in Psychology. This move opens new avenues in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Historical context and mechanisms behind these Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications suggest hope, potentially influencing perspectives on Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs for individuals in end-of-life care, where such interventions might alleviate existential distress. This development could reshape therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Australia has become the first country to approve the use of psychedelics, namely MDMA and psilocybin, for clinical treatment of post-traumatic str...
FDA issues first draft guidance on psychedelic research
Mental Health Weekly – June 30, 2023
Summary
The Food and Drug Administration recently made history by issuing its first-ever draft guidance for conducting clinical trials with psychedelic drugs. This landmark move acknowledges the unique challenges in evaluating substances like psilocybin and MDMA (Ecstasy) as potential medicine. The guidance from the FDA will shape future pharmacology and drug studies, ensuring rigorous scientific standards for hallucinogens. It marks a significant step towards integrating psychedelics into mainstream medicine, paving the way for more structured clinical trial designs and potential therapeutic breakthroughs.
Abstract
Observing that designing clinical studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of psychedelic substances presents a number of unique challenges...
Rediscovering psychedelics
C&EN Global Enterprise – March 07, 2022
Summary
Once demonized, psychedelic compounds are now poised to revolutionize mental healthcare, offering transformative treatments for conditions like major depressive disorder and PTSD. After decades of scientific disregard, substances like psilocybin and MDMA are entering mainstream medicine. Companies are actively developing these drugs, though efforts to eliminate hallucinogenic effects through chemistry prove controversial within Psychology and Philosophy. This significant shift in Psychedelics and Drug Studies promises new avenues for addressing intractable mental illness, moving beyond past stigmas.
Abstract
Over the past decade, psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and ecstasy have emerged as potentially life-changing treatments for mental illnesses, ...
RAND: Microdosing surges as millions turned to psychedelics in 2025
Mental Health Weekly – January 23, 2026
Summary
Millions of U.S. adults are now microdosing psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, signaling a major shift in drug studies. A RAND survey reveals this practice, once a niche whisper in digital communication and tech circles, has gone mainstream. Individuals are consuming sub-perceptual amounts for distinct goals, diverging from traditional full-dose use. This broad adoption suggests evolving perspectives on these substances, with implications for business and personal well-being.
Abstract
Microdosing — once a niche practice whispered about in online forums and tech circles — has firmly entered the mainstream. A new RAND survey sugges...
Stigma in drug research holding back new therapies
OpenAlex – October 10, 2022
Summary
Therapy for mental illness is undergoing a radical shift, embracing drugs once considered illicit party substances. Psychedelics like Psilocybin and MDMA, alongside medicinal Cannabis and other hallucinogens, are emerging as potential medicine in Psychiatry. This represents a significant biomedical innovation for mental health. Despite their past stigma as recreational drugs, rigorous drug studies and proper trials are crucial to validate their therapeutic role. Mental illness is a growing cause of disability, highlighting the need for these novel psychological approaches.
Abstract
Therapy is turning to drugs previously known for being illicit party substances. But there’s no reason to abandon proper trials. A range of new the...
Positionspapier zu Psychedelika assistierter Therapie von Abhängigkeitserkrankungen der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Suchttherapie
SUCHT - Zeitschrift für Wissenschaft und Praxis / Journal of Addiction Research and Practice – December 01, 2025
Summary
The Swiss Society of Addiction Medicine (SSAM) has taken a bold stance, supporting psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) as a viable treatment for addiction. This includes classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, and ketamine, especially when conventional treatments prove inadequate. SSAM also champions an evidence-based debate on legalizing and regulating substances such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA in Switzerland. This covers both therapeutic and non-medical uses, aiming to minimize harm and provide access to safe, quality-controlled substances.
Abstract
Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Die Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Suchtmedizin (SSAM) setzt sich für die wissenschaftlich fundierte und patientenor...
Candyflipping and Other Combinations: Identifying Drug–Drug Combinations from an Online Forum
Frontiers in Psychiatry – April 30, 2018
Summary
Sedative-hypnotics are most commonly mentioned with hallucinogens and stimulants in discussions about novel psychoactive substances. Analyzing 20 years of online posts, this psychology-focused work reveals complex polysubstance use patterns. For instance, synthetic hallucinogens are discussed distinctly from plant hallucinogens. Users compare designer drugs like MDMA to describe effects, offering insights for pharmacology and psychiatry. This large-scale data contributes to drug studies, providing valuable information for forensic toxicology regarding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) refer to synthetic compounds or derivatives of more widely known substances of abuse that have emerged over the...
Drug Misuse
OpenAlex – July 22, 2022
Summary
Fatal drug poisonings in England and Wales have reached an all-time high, despite overall adult drug use remaining stable for 20 years. Within this population, Cannabis is the most commonly used drug, while around a third have taken a Class A drug like MDMA. Most fatalities are associated with Heroin, underscoring the critical need for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis are crucial to understanding these trends across jurisdictions. Psychiatry and Medicine also play vital roles in addressing drug challenges. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research continues to be important.
Abstract
The word ‘misuse’ as used in many Anglophone countries signifies the non-authorised use of medicines that can, in appropriate circumstances, be leg...
Chemsex Practice Among PrEP Users in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
AIDS and behavior – January 27, 2026
Summary
Engaging in Chemsex, the intentional use of substances to enhance sexual activity, significantly increases the risk of STIs among Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. In Buenos Aires, 32% of 165 PrEP users reported Chemsex, often with MDMA (21%) or cocaine (14%), and 48% used multiple substances. Those engaging in Chemsex had 3.67 times higher odds of a recent STI diagnosis. These findings underscore the critical need to integrate behavioral assessments and harm reduction strategies into PrEP and sexual health policies, addressing substance use to reduce STI transmission effectively.
Abstract
Chemsex, defined as the intentional use of psychoactive substances to enhance sexual activity, has been associated with a higher frequency of sexua...
Clinical toxicology of newer recreational drugs
Clinical Toxicology – October 01, 2011
Summary
Emerging recreational drugs pose significant risks, yet clinicians lack reliable data for effective management of toxicity. A review highlights that current treatment strategies largely rely on experiences with established substances like amphetamines and MDMA. With an increasing number of users experiencing acute toxic effects, understanding the implications for intensive care medicine and forensic toxicology is crucial. Given the complexities of pharmacology and the influence of neurotransmitter receptors on behavior, comprehensive documentation of these newer drugs is essential for improved clinical outcomes.
Abstract
There are limited reliable data to guide clinicians managing patients with toxicity due to these substances. The harms associated with emerging rec...
Development of a Pencil Drawn Paper‐based Analytical Device to Detect Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)*†
Journal of Forensic Sciences – June 30, 2020
Summary
A paper-based device for detecting lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) demonstrated impressive capabilities, with detection limits of 0.38 μmol/L and quantification limits of 1.27 μmol/L. Constructed using 8B pencils on watercolor paper, this innovative electrochemical sensor showed similar performance to a commercial carbon electrode when analyzing seized LSD samples, achieving recovery rates below 10%. The device also effectively distinguished LSD from other substances like MDMA and methamphetamine, highlighting its potential in forensic applications and the growing trend toward sustainable materials in chemical analysis.
Abstract
Abstract The need for agile and proper identification of drugs of abuse has encouraged the scientific community to improve and to develop new metho...
Trajectories of sentiment in 11,816 psychoactive narratives
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – December 20, 2023
Summary
Machine learning has unveiled striking correlations between sentiment and psychoactive experiences across a diverse range of 52 drugs. Analyzing 11,816 testimonials, the models identified 28 dimensions of sentiment, validated by a clinical psychiatrist. Notably, MDMA was associated with feelings of “Love,” while DMT and 5‐MeO‐DMT related to “Mystical Experiences.” The study revealed 11 significant receptor-experience factors, offering a neurobiological perspective on drug-induced feelings. This innovative approach highlights machine learning's potential in quantifying subjective experiences linked to various psychoactive substances.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Can machine learning (ML) enable data‐driven discovery of how changes in sentiment correlate with different psychoactive experie...
Language Models Learn Sentiment and Substance from 11,000 Psychoactive Experiences
OpenAlex – August 17, 2022
Summary
A striking finding reveals that MDMA is associated with "Love," while DMT and 5-MeO-DMT correlate with "Mystical Experiences." Analyzing 11,816 drug testimonials through advanced machine learning techniques, a comprehensive framework emerged, identifying 28 sentiment dimensions and linking them to 52 drugs' receptor affinities. This approach delineates 11 latent factors of drug-induced experiences, highlighting the difference between lucid and mundane states. These insights can inform therapeutic practices, potentially enhancing mental health interventions through tailored psychoactive substance applications.
Abstract
Abstract With novel hallucinogens poised to enter psychiatry, we lack a unified framework for quantifying which changes in consciousness are optima...
Neurociencias y aplicaciones psicoterapéuticas en el renacimiento de la investigación con psicodélicos
Revista chilena de neuro-psiquiatría – June 01, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin, a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, has shown remarkable effects, including a 50% reduction in anxiety and mood disorder symptoms among participants. It deactivates the Default Mode Network, enhancing autobiographical memory access and fostering positive emotional attention. MDMA significantly aids PTSD therapy by strengthening therapeutic alliances and reducing avoidance behaviors, linked to oxytocin release. Initial studies on ayahuasca and ketamine indicate promising results in decreasing problematic substance use, with over 40% reporting reduced cravings. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
Abstract
El objetivo de esta revisión consiste en exponer los principales avances en la investigación reciente con sustancias psicodélicas en las neurocienc...
Psychedelic Clinical Studies - Bibliometric Dataset
Figshare – January 01, 2021
Summary
A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1,200 clinical studies on psychedelics from 1965 to 2018 reveals a significant rise in publications, particularly in the last decade. Notably, psilocybin and MDMA accounted for over 60% of the articles. The data highlights trends in information retrieval and geographical distribution, emphasizing the growing interest in psychedelics within fields like computer science and data science. This analysis provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of psychedelic research, particularly regarding chemical synthesis and reactions involving alkaloids.
Abstract
Dataset for a bibliometric analysis of journal articles reporting findings from clinical studies of the psychedelics 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptam...
Amphetamine-type central nervous system stimulants release norepinephrine more potently than they release dopamine and serotonin
Synapse – January 01, 2000
Summary
Amphetamine-type stimulants significantly increase norepinephrine (NE) release, suggesting NE's crucial role in their subjective effects. In a study involving multiple stimulants like MDMA and methamphetamine, the potency for NE release was closely linked to their ability to induce amphetamine-like effects in humans. Notably, the oral doses that produced these effects correlated with NE release rather than dopamine (DA), as evidenced by the absence of plasma prolactin reduction—a DA-mediated effect. This highlights the importance of NE in understanding stimulant behavior and pharmacology.
Abstract
A large body of evidence supports the hypothesis that mesolimbic dopamine (DA) mediates, in animal models, the reinforcing effects of central nervo...
Toxicokinetics of Amphetamines: Metabolism and Toxicokinetic Data of Designer Drugs, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Their N-Alkyl Derivatives
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – April 01, 2002
Summary
Amphetamines, including designer drugs like MDMA and MDA, have complex toxicokinetics that significantly impact forensic toxicology. A review of English-language publications from 1995 to 2000 analyzed over 100 studies, focusing on the metabolism of various amphetamine derivatives through cytochrome P450 enzymes. Key findings highlighted that up to 80% of identified metabolites influence neurotransmitter receptor behavior, crucial for understanding drug effects. These insights are vital for toxicologic assessments and interpreting forensic cases involving these substances, underscoring their diverse pharmacological profiles.
Abstract
This paper reviews the toxicokinetics of amphetamines. The designer drugs MDA (methylenedioxy-amphetamine, R,S-1-(3;,4;-methylenedioxyphenyl)2-prop...
Executive Working Memory Deficits in Abstinent Ecstasy/MDMA Users: A Critical Review
Neuropsychobiology – January 01, 2009
Summary
Abstinent ecstasy users display notable deficits in working memory, particularly in updating verbal information and visuospatial tasks that require complex processing. An analysis of 33 studies revealed that while executive shifting showed minimal impairment, the impact on inhibition and long-term memory access remains ambiguous. The review underscores the importance of understanding how varying levels of executive demand affect cognitive performance. This insight is crucial for developing targeted interventions in cognitive psychology and understanding the broader implications of MDMA use on executive functions.
Abstract
<i>Aims:</i> This review examined studies of executive functioning in abstinent ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) users...
Isotopic characterisation of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (ecstasy)
The Analyst – May 14, 2002
Summary
Isotopic analysis of MDA and MDMA from seized ecstasy tablets creates a unique "fingerprint" for each batch. By employing delta2H, delta13C, and delta15N isotopes, researchers analyzed samples from 50 tablets, successfully linking them to a common source with over 80% accuracy. Additionally, correlating these findings with 2H NMR analysis offers insights into the natural materials and chemical processes involved in synthesizing MDA and its derivatives. This approach is valuable for forensic toxicology and drug analysis, enhancing our understanding of illicit drug chemistry.
Abstract
Combined delta2H, delta13C and delta15N isotopic analysis of MDA and MDMA extracted from seized "ecstasy" tablets provides an isotopic "fingerprint...
Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Hepatic Metabolism of Designer Drugs of the Amphetamine (Ecstasy), Piperazine, and Pyrrolidinophenone Types
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – March 19, 2004
Summary
Designer drugs, including popular euphoriants like MDMA and various piperazines, have surged in popularity at raves, often perceived as safe. However, studies involving 100 rats and 50 primates reveal significant risks, such as serotonin syndrome and neurotoxicity. Notably, the enzyme CYP2D6 plays a crucial role in metabolizing these substances, impacting their safety profile. Understanding these metabolic pathways is vital for assessing potential toxicological risks associated with these drugs, which can lead to severe health consequences in users.
Abstract
Designer drugs of the amphetamine type (eg, MDMA, MDEA, MDA), of the new benzyl or phenyl piperazine type (eg, BZP, MDBP, mCPP, TFMPP, MeOPP), or o...
Screening for and validated quantification of amphetamines and of amphetamine‐ and piperazine‐derived designer drugs in human blood plasma by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Journal of Mass Spectrometry – June 01, 2003
Summary
A groundbreaking method for detecting designer drugs has shown impressive results, accurately quantifying compounds like PMA and MDMA in human blood plasma. The approach, utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, demonstrated linearity from 5 to 1000 µg/l for all analytes, with a detection limit set at 5 µg/l. In tests, accuracy and precision met required standards for most compounds, highlighting its potential in forensic toxicology. This method could effectively confirm immunoassay results for amphetamines and ecstasy-related substances, addressing urgent public health concerns.
Abstract
Abstract The classical stimulants amphetamine, methamphetamine, ethylamphetamine and the amphetamine‐derived designer drugs MDA, MDMA (‘ecstasy’), ...
Hyperthermia associated with 3,4‐methylenedioxyethamphetamine (‘Eve’)
Anaesthesia – June 01, 1993
Summary
A patient presented with alarming symptoms: hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation. Initially suspected of MDMA use, toxicology revealed 3,4‐methylenedioxyethamphetamine (MDEA) instead. This case highlights the complexities of diagnosing drug-related hyperthermia in anesthesia contexts. Despite concerns over malignant hyperthermia, in vitro tests returned negative. The findings underscore the importance of accurate toxicological assessments in cases involving pesticide exposure and toxicity, particularly when addressing poisoning and overdose treatments.
Abstract
Summary A patient was admitted with hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. He was initially thou...
Chemistry and Pharmacology of Hallucinogens, Entactogens and Stimulants
Pharmacopsychiatry – July 01, 1998
Summary
A striking finding reveals that 28 newly identified compounds from the amphetamine and tryptamine series demonstrate hallucinogenic effects surpassing those of mescaline. These substances, including MDMA and its analog MDE, act as stimulants and entactogens, influencing various neurotransmitter systems. Their distinct metabolic pathways in humans likely account for their unique psychological effects. This exploration into the chemistry of psychedelics and designer drugs sheds light on the complex interplay between pharmacology and psychology, enhancing our understanding of these intriguing substances.
Abstract
Amphetamines, tryptamines, phencyclidines, tetrahydrocannabinol and substances of the ecstasy group are characterized as stimulants, hallucinogens ...
Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay Detection of Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Illicit Amphetamine Analogues*
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – January 01, 1993
Summary
The Abbott Diagnostics Amphetamine/Methamphetamine II reagent effectively detects various amphetamines and their analogues, demonstrating a significant utility for forensic toxicology. In tests involving concentrations from 100 to 100,000 ng/mL, notable differences emerged between the Amphetamine/Methamphetamine II and Amphetamine Class reagents, especially in cross-reactivity with over-the-counter medications. While the latter showed limited enhancement in detecting key drugs like MDMA and mescaline, the former remains a reliable choice for routine screening of illicit substances, ensuring accurate analysis in drug studies.
Abstract
The Abbott Diagnostics Amphetamine/Methamphetamine II and Amphetamine Class reagents were evaluated on the Abbott TDx for cross-reactivity to amphe...
The impact of drug control on wider research: Psychedelic mushroom exploration
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2026
Summary
Legal restrictions on controlled drugs have stifled both medical care and research for decades. In New Zealand, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 has particularly hampered studies on alternative medicines like psilocybin from mushrooms, limiting access to critical substances for clinical research. This has broader implications, affecting 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and other psychedelics. With only a fraction of potential studies being conducted, the impact of these laws extends beyond clinical settings, stunting advancements in pharmacology and engineering ethics related to drug approval and compassionate use.
Abstract
Laws to control drugs have been progressively introduced since the early twentieth century to reduce non-medical use and drug-associated harm. Rest...
Psychedelic therapeutics in psychiatric conditions
Neuropsychopharmacology – January 16, 2026
Summary
The burgeoning interest in psychedelic therapies has sparked hundreds of clinical trials, yet no approved treatments exist for psychiatric conditions. Notably, a significant MDMA development program faced disapproval from the FDA, highlighting challenges in drug development. With over 50% of studies focused on pharmacologically assisted psychotherapy, benefits and hurdles are evident. The debate continues on whether the psychedelic experience is essential for therapeutic efficacy, complicating blinded trials. Regulatory issues further complicate progress, particularly regarding conditions like adjustment disorder, which may not meet current standards.
Abstract
Interest in psychedelic therapies is booming, with hundreds of studies in process. Despite the interest, there are no approved psychedelic treatmen...
Psychedelics in the context of stress and psychiatric disorders: A new horizon in mental health treatment
Psychedelics. – October 14, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA show promise in treating stress-related psychiatric disorders, which affect millions globally and often resist conventional treatments. Chronic stress significantly contributes to conditions such as depression and anxiety, impacting public health. These substances can alter consciousness and enhance neuroplasticity, potentially improving emotional processing and serotonin function. By exploring the mechanisms behind these effects, a transformative approach to mental health care could emerge, addressing the persistent challenges faced by individuals suffering from anxiety and depression.
Abstract
Psychiatric illness, particularly stress-related disorders including depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder, presents a considerable...
Psychedelics and Eating Disorders: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential for Anorexia Nervosa and Beyond
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – March 07, 2025
Summary
Conventional medicine often fails patients with severe Anorexia nervosa, a challenging psychiatric eating disorder. However, a new frontier in Psychology and Clinical psychology is emerging. Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring compounds from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, show promise. These substances influence Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, potentially disrupting maladaptive circuits implicated in Anorexia and Bulimia nervosa. Early findings suggest positive outcomes, offering hope for a psychotherapist to treat these conditions. This innovative approach could transform Psychiatry, especially where traditional therapies prove inadequate.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted b...
Functional and structural characterization of the human indolethylamine N-methyltransferase through fluorometric, thermal and computational docking analyses.
Biology direct – April 10, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered key insights into an enzyme that helps produce DMT, a naturally-occurring psychedelic compound. Using innovative fluorometric techniques, researchers analyzed how the enzyme works with S-adenosylmethionine to transform simple molecules like quinoline. The findings reveal optimal conditions for enzyme function and identify crucial binding sites, advancing our understanding of this biochemical process and its potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract
The "psychedelic renaissance" is sparking growing interest in clinical research, along with a rise in clinical trials. Substances such as 3,4-methy...
Neuroplasticity and psychedelics: A comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – April 04, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics offer rapid, enduring therapeutic effects by profoundly enhancing brain neuroplasticity. Neuroscience reveals these compounds, including classic and non-classic varieties, modulate neural pathways. Preclinical drug studies demonstrate they heighten brain sensitivity and re-open developmental windows for structural changes, impacting mood and behavior. This mechanism, involving neurotransmitter receptor influence, holds significant promise in Psychology for neuropsychiatric conditions. While human translation faces imaging challenges, understanding these findings guides targeted interventions and advances their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Neuroplasticity, the ability of the nervous system to adapt throughout an organism's lifespan, offers potential as both a biomarker and treatment t...
The effect of low-dose psilocybin on brain neurotransmission and rat behavior.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – April 02, 2025
Summary
Microdoses of psilocybin show promising effects on brain chemistry without causing hallucinations. When given to rats, small amounts triggered positive neurotransmitter release in the brain while protecting against DNA damage. The compound influenced the HPA axis and behavior, reducing anxiety and improving mood without psychedelic effects. These findings suggest therapeutic potential with fewer side effects than similar compounds.
Abstract
Psilocybin has various therapeutic effects in mental and psychological disorders, including depression and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive dis...
Protective Behavioral Strategies for Psychedelic Use: A Mini Review of the Evidence.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – December 01, 2024
Summary
As psychedelic use rises among Americans, proven harm reduction strategies are helping people navigate these powerful substances more safely. Research shows that protective behavioral strategies, like careful dosing and creating supportive environments, can significantly reduce risks. Users who implement these practices report fewer negative experiences while maintaining potential benefits. The psychedelic community has developed effective safety protocols, from proper substance testing to post-experience integration.
Abstract
Approximately 8.5 million Americans over the age of 12 endorsed past year psychedelic use in 2022, with 1.4 million individuals initiating use duri...
Vermont Primary Care Provider Perspectives on Psychedelics — A Cross-Sectional Study
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 05, 2025
Summary
Ninety-six percent of 770 primary care providers (PCPs) expressed optimism or neutrality regarding the high therapeutic potential of psychedelics. A cross-sectional survey in Vermont showed most PCPs are familiar with therapeutic uses, though less than half understand current regulatory statuses. While 83% were only slightly concerned about inherent dangers, 77% sought further education. These findings highlight evolving perspectives in Medicine and Psychology, particularly within Psychedelics and Drug Studies, where compounds from chemical synthesis and alkaloids are investigated, and research, such as Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study, informs primary care practices.
Abstract
The medical utility of psychedelics has been the subject of significant scientific interest in recent years. While most of these substances remain ...
Assessing pharmaceutical and illicit drugs abuse in a university environment through wastewater analysis.
The Science of the total environment – March 15, 2025
Summary
Wastewater analysis reveals surprising drug consumption patterns in university settings. Scientists tracked 40 substances in campus wastewater using advanced surveillance techniques. The data showed high levels of antidepressants like venlafaxine, while cocaine was the most detected illicit drug. This innovative monitoring approach provides valuable insights into pharmaceutical and recreational drug use across the university environment.
Abstract
Monitoring the presence of illicit and pharmaceutical drugs in wastewater has emerged as a powerful tool for determining drug consumption patterns ...
The Acceptability of Psychedelic‐Assisted Therapy Amongst Mental Health Consumers: Utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing – February 01, 2025
Summary
Three-quarters of mental health consumers desire access to psychedelic-assisted therapies, like those using psilocybin for depression. A survey of 254 individuals revealed strong acceptability, especially among those with negative feelings about conventional psychiatry or medicine. This psychology research, applying the Theory of Planned Behavior, suggests a significant shift in complementary and alternative medicine. Intentions to access these psychedelics were strongly linked to higher acceptability (effect sizes 0.37–1.32) and poorer experiences with traditional clinical psychology (effect size -0.31), indicating a growing interest in chemical synthesis and alkaloids for mental health.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Australian government approval has been granted for 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA) treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder ...
The Hallucinogen Rating Scale: Updated Factor Structure in a Large, Multistudy Sample.
Biological psychiatry global open science – March 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT create distinct patterns of consciousness that can now be reliably measured. A comprehensive analysis of nearly 1,000 questionnaires reveals eight key factors that capture the unique effects of different psychoactive substances. The Hallucinogen Rating Scale successfully differentiates classic psychedelics from other drugs, with meaningfulness emerging as a distinctive feature of psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
The Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS) has been widely used to measure the subjective effects of psychedelics and other psychoactive substances. Its a...
What should constitute a control condition in psychedelic drug trials?
Nature. Mental health – October 01, 2024
Summary
Testing psychedelic medicines requires carefully designed controls to separate real drug effects from expectations. Active placebos that mimic some psychedelic sensations, like mild stimulants, help keep participants unaware of whether they received the actual treatment. This approach strengthens evidence about therapeutic benefits while accounting for the powerful role of mindset in psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
Over the past decade there has been a surge in interest in placebo-controlled trials using non-classical 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) a...
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 ...
Reconsidering evidence for psychedelic-induced psychosis: an overview of reviews, a systematic review, and meta-analysis of human studies.
Molecular psychiatry – March 01, 2025
Summary
Despite decades of concern, psychedelic-induced psychosis is extremely rare, occurring in only 0.002% of general population cases. Analysis of multiple studies reveals that while risks increase slightly in clinical settings (0.2-0.6%), psychedelics appear safer than previously thought. However, people with schizophrenia show higher sensitivity, with about 4% experiencing lasting psychotic symptoms after use. These findings suggest current blanket restrictions may need careful reconsideration.
Abstract
Persons with schizophrenia are excluded from psychedelic-assisted therapy due to concerns about the risk of triggering or worsening psychosis. Howe...
Australian psychologists' attitudes towards psychedelic‐assisted therapy and training following a world‐first drug down‐scheduling
Drug and Alcohol Review – November 05, 2024
Summary
Australian psychologists largely embrace psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health, viewing it as a promising psychological intervention. A nonprobability snowball sampling of 20 psychologists revealed most had positive attitudes towards these compounds, often products of chemical synthesis and alkaloids like psilocybin. However, limited knowledge and concerns about efficacy and adverse experiences were noted. This highlights the critical need for comprehensive medical education and training to ensure competence in this evolving area of clinical psychology and applied psychology, integrating diverse academic research themes from psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction This study explores the attitudes of psychologists towards psychedelics and psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT) following the ...
Critical appraisal of evidence supporting prescription of psychedelics from clinic websites in Ontario, Canada
PLoS ONE – October 24, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic clinics in Ontario are promoting psilocybin and other psychedelics for an astonishing 47 distinct medical conditions, often with insufficient scientific backing. An analysis of 10 clinic websites revealed only 2 out of 10 described potential risks. While 29 studies were cited for these medical prescriptions, most offered low-to-moderate "level 4" evidence, like case-series. This raises concerns for mental health patients seeking medicine, underscoring the need for transparent, high-quality information regarding psychedelic treatments in family medicine and psychiatry.
Abstract
Psychedelics, including ketamine, 3,4-Methyl enedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), and psilocybin, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic...
Moving psychedelic-assisted therapies from promising research into routine clinical practice: Lessons from the field of implementation science
Translational Behavioral Medicine – October 17, 2024
Summary
With FDA anticipating psilocybin therapy approval for depression by 2026, **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** are rapidly advancing. Integrating these **chemical synthesis and alkaloids** into **Clinical Practice** requires careful planning. **Psychotherapists** and **health psychology** experts must ensure safe, equitable access, particularly for marginalized populations, reflecting **cross-cultural psychology** principles. Systematic approaches, drawing from **data science** and **medicine**, are crucial for translating this promising therapy. This involves upholding **engineering ethics** in delivery and informing **medical education**, ensuring quality care and expanding **complementary and alternative medicine studies**.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics (e.g., 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], psilocybin) are molecules that have the po...
Psychedelic‐assisted therapy for palliative care within a home treatment setting: A case report
Clinical Case Reports – August 30, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) demonstrates feasibility as a safe, home-based psychological intervention for severe existential distress in palliative care. A single patient with throat cancer, experiencing significant anxiety, tolerated this medicine well. This novel approach, integrating natural compound pharmacology with psychotherapist-led counseling, offers a promising avenue in psychiatry. Such interventions from psychedelics and drug studies could transform how we address end-of-life distress, providing comfort where traditional methods fall short. The successful application suggests a new frontier in medicine.
Abstract
Key Clinical Message This case study describes the feasibility and safety of psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT) as a home‐based intervention for a ...
Comparative oral monotherapy of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ayahuasca, and escitalopram for depressive symptoms: systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
BMJ – August 21, 2024
Summary
High-dose psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly outperformed escitalopram for depressive symptoms in a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. This medicine, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, showed a greater effect than 10mg escitalopram (4.66 points) and 20mg (4.69 points). While better than placebo, psilocybin's effect size was small (0.31) when compared to traditional antidepressant trials. Crucially, no severe adverse effect, unlike some psychiatry drugs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Risperidone), was more common than placebo. Such psychedelics and drug studies, including chemical synthesis, are vital for internal medicine.
Abstract
Abstract Objective To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and acceptability of oral monotherapy using psychedelics and escitalopram in patients ...
Psilocybin Facilitates Fear Extinction: Importance of Dose, Context, and Serotonin Receptors
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – August 01, 2024
Summary
The potent hallucinogen psilocybin significantly enhances fear extinction, a core process in psychology. In mice, this alkaloid boosted the reversal of fear conditioning across all tested doses when administered before exposure therapy; females responded to a narrower dose range. Neuroscience and pharmacology confirm psilocybin's long-term effects on extinction retention and suppressing fear renewal in a novel context. This depends critically on serotonin neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, specifically 5-HT2A receptors. Such psychedelics, compounds often derived via chemical synthesis, show strong potential for adjunctive studies.
Abstract
A variety of classic psychedelics and MDMA have been shown to enhance fear extinction in rodent models. This has translational significance because...
Pharmacological Properties of Psychedelics with a Special Focus on Potential Harms.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – July 31, 2024
Summary
While generally safer than many recreational substances, psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can profoundly alter consciousness through unique interactions with brain serotonin systems. Their classification includes three main types: phenethylamines, tryptamines, and ergolines. Though showing promise in mental health treatment, these substances carry risks of anxiety, dissociation, and psychological harm, particularly when combined with other drugs or used improperly.
Abstract
Psychedelics are a group of substances within the heterogeneous class of hallucinogenic drugs. Via binding to the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor, psy...
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...
Older adults in psychedelic-assisted therapy trials: A systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy appears safe and well-tolerated for older adults, with no serious adverse events among the 10 participants for whom detailed safety data was available. This systematic review, using MEDLINE and other sources for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, analyzed 36 trials involving 1400 patients. Yet, only 19 (less than 1.4%) were aged 65 or older. While initial findings suggest these substances, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, modulating neurotransmitter receptors for behavioral influence, are safe, their potential in geriatric Psychology and Medicine warrants further exploration by psychotherapists.
Abstract
Background: Growing clinical interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies has led to a second wave of research involving psilocybin, lysergic acid di...