1349 results for "Set and Setting"
An encounter with the self: A thematic and content analysis of the DMT experience from a naturalistic field study.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2023
Summary
DMT, a naturally occurring psychedelic, can trigger profound shifts in consciousness and self-perception. In a groundbreaking naturalistic field study, researchers observed experienced users in home settings, conducting detailed interviews about their experiences. Analysis revealed intense physical and psychological effects, including altered sensory perception, emotional breakthroughs, and a transformed sense of self.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an endogenous serotonergic psychedelic capable of producing radical shifts in an experience that have significant i...
The need for establishing best practices and gold standards in psychedelic medicine.
Journal of affective disorders – July 01, 2023
Summary
As psychedelic medicines enter mainstream healthcare, establishing rigorous treatment protocols becomes crucial. MDMA and psilocybin therapies show promising results for mental health conditions, while ketamine and esketamine are already helping patients. Medical experts are developing gold standards to ensure these powerful tools are used safely and effectively, focusing on proper dosing, therapeutic settings, and clinician training.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances are under investigation in several drug development programs. Controlled clinical trials are providing evidence for safe and...
Psilocybin as a Treatment for Psychiatric Illness: A Meta-Analysis.
Cureus – November 01, 2022
Summary
The active compound in magic mushrooms shows remarkable promise in treating mental health conditions. Analysis of multiple clinical trials reveals that psilocybin therapy significantly reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with various psychiatric illnesses. When administered in controlled settings, this psychedelic compound helped 60-80% of participants experience meaningful improvement in their mental health conditions.
Abstract
Psilocybin is an emerging potential therapy for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Microdosing has been shown to result in an overall improvem...
Effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on reinforcement learning in humans.
Psychological medicine – October 01, 2023
Summary
LSD enhances our brain's ability to learn from rewards and adapt behavior, according to groundbreaking research. Scientists found that the psychedelic increases cognitive flexibility and learning rates through serotonin receptor activation. Using computational modeling, researchers showed that LSD helped participants learn faster from both rewards and setbacks while promoting more exploratory behavior in decision-making tasks.
Abstract
The non-selective serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonist lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) holds promise as a treatment for some psychiatric disorde...
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-Assisted Therapy in Patients With Anxiety With and Without a Life-Threatening Illness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study.
Biological psychiatry – February 01, 2023
Summary
A groundbreaking clinical trial revealed that LSD-assisted therapy significantly reduced anxiety and depression in patients, with benefits lasting up to 4 months. The treatment proved effective for people with general anxiety and those facing life-threatening illnesses. Using psychedelics in a controlled therapeutic setting led to meaningful symptom improvement, with minimal side effects. Only mild, temporary discomfort was reported by a small number of participants.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)-assisted therapy in patients who experienced anxiety wi...
Psychedelic medicine at a crossroads: Advancing an integrative approach to research and practice.
Transcultural psychiatry – October 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine are sparking a revolution in mental health treatment. When combined with psychotherapy, these consciousness-altering medicines show remarkable success in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. The key finding: context and culture matter deeply. Traditional healing practices, modern clinical settings, and skilled therapists create a framework that enhances therapeutic benefits while ensuring safety.
Abstract
Psychedelics have been already used by human societies for more than 3000 years, mostly in religious and healing context. The renewed interest in t...
Metabolism study of two phenethylamine - derived new psychoactive substances using in silico, in vivo, and in vitro approaches.
Archives of toxicology – March 10, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered key metabolic markers for detecting two emerging recreational drugs, advancing our ability to identify their use in medical and forensic settings. Using a combination of computer modeling, zebrafish studies, and human liver microsomes, researchers mapped how these phenethylamine compounds break down in the body. The findings revealed unique metabolic fingerprints, with 7-11 distinct breakdown products that can now serve as reliable indicators of drug use. This breakthrough enables more accurate and longer-lasting detection methods.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are substances that are not controlled by international drug control conventions but are abused and pose a threat...
Efficacy and safety of esketamine for emergency endotracheal intubation in ICU patients: a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial.
Scientific reports – February 19, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in emergency medicine shows that esketamine helps maintain stable blood pressure during critical breathing tube procedures. In intensive care settings, doctors found this alternative anesthesia induction method not only safer but also led to better outcomes. Patients receiving esketamine needed breathing support for half as long and left intensive care eight days sooner than those given traditional medications. The drug also reduced the need for blood pressure support, making emergency endotracheal intubation safer for critically ill patients.
Abstract
Emergency endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients are dangerous procedures with a greater risk of severe hypotension The efficacy and sa...
The role of ketamine and its enantiomer in managing depression and pain in cancer patients: A narrative review.
Journal of anesthesia and translational medicine – December 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally used in anesthesia, emerges as a powerful dual solution for cancer patients struggling with both depression and pain. This innovative approach shows rapid mood improvement and effective pain management in oncology settings. Low doses can significantly reduce depressive symptoms while also helping control post-surgical discomfort, offering cancer patients a more comfortable recovery journey.
Abstract
Depression and pain are common comorbidities in cancer patients, and ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, has shown potential in managing both. Thi...
Dissociative and Deep Sedations Administered by Trained Unsupervised Pediatric Residents in Israeli Emergency Departments.
Annals of emergency medicine – January 22, 2025
Summary
Trained pediatric residents prove just as safe as experienced physicians when administering deep and dissociative sedation in emergency settings. In a comprehensive Israeli study spanning 23,000+ cases, residents performed sedation procedures for common childhood emergencies like fracture treatments with remarkably low complication rates - only 0.024% resulted in critical events, matching the safety record of seasoned emergency doctors.
Abstract
To cover pediatric emergency physicians' off-hours, third-year pediatric residents in Israel are trained for unsupervised administration of emergen...
[Mechanisms of action of antidepressive pharmacotherapy: brain and mind-body and environment].
Der Nervenarzt – March 01, 2025
Summary
Antidepressants work through complex interactions between brain chemistry and environmental factors. Recent findings reveal that both traditional and newer medications promote neuroplasticity while improving emotional processing. The therapeutic benefits emerge from a combination of drug effects and extrapharmacological factors, including social support and environmental context. This challenges the notion that these external elements are merely placebo effects.
Abstract
Novel antidepressive substances are challenging the explanations for the mechanisms of action of traditional psychopharmacology. What could be the ...
Supportive Touch in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
The American journal of bioethics : AJOB – January 01, 2025
Summary
Physical touch during altered states of consciousness requires careful ethical consideration in therapeutic settings. Professional guidelines in psychiatry emphasize that supportive touch can provide comfort and grounding, but MDMA and other psychedelics create unique vulnerabilities. Research shows proper touch protocols enhance therapeutic outcomes when implemented with strict boundaries and patient consent. Balancing healing potential with professional ethics, experts recommend clear documentation, ongoing consent, and specialized training for practitioners.
Abstract
In August 2024, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected Lykos Therapeutics, Inc.'s new drug application for midomafetamine with psychologica...
[Not Available].
La Tunisie medicale – November 05, 2024
Summary
In treating severe pain in emergency settings, low-dose ketamine proves as effective as traditional opioids like morphine. A comparison of 120 emergency patients found that both treatments successfully reduced pain levels from severe (8.7/10) to manageable levels within 10 minutes. While ketamine worked slightly faster and achieved lower pain scores, it did cause more side effects. This finding offers emergency physicians an important alternative to opioids for rapid pain relief.
Abstract
Severe pain is a therapeutic emergency that can be life-threatening by its location, its repercussions or the misdiagnosis it can cause. To investi...
FDA Denies Approval of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD.
The American journal of nursing – November 01, 2024
Summary
Despite promising Phase 3 trials, regulators declined to approve MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD treatment, citing safety concerns and methodological issues in clinical studies. The decision impacts thousands of veterans and trauma survivors who showed significant symptom improvement in controlled therapeutic settings. Officials requested additional safety data and stricter protocols before reconsideration.
Abstract
The agency cited potential dangers and flaws in research methodology.
"K Cramps," Recurrent Abdominal Pain in a Patient with Chronic Ketamine Use: A Case Report.
Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine – August 01, 2024
Summary
Chronic ketamine use can cause mysterious, severe abdominal pain that stumps doctors. A recent medical case revealed how a patient's self-diagnosis through online forums led to the discovery that his unexplained pain was linked to long-term ketamine use. The pain resolved within 24 hours of stopping ketamine, highlighting the importance of considering drug use when evaluating unexplained stomach and back pain in emergency settings.
Abstract
Medical and nonmedical ketamine use is increasing in the United States. This will likely lead to an increase in emergency department (ED) visits in...
Comparing the hemodynamic effects of ketamine versus fentanyl bolus in patients with septic shock: a randomized controlled trial.
Journal of anesthesia – December 01, 2024
Summary
In critical care settings, choosing the right sedation medication can significantly impact patient outcomes. Ketamine showed remarkable benefits over fentanyl in patients with septic shock, increasing cardiac output by 71% compared to a 31% decrease with fentanyl. The research tracked vital signs in mechanically ventilated patients, revealing ketamine's superior ability to maintain stable blood pressure and heart function during sedation.
Abstract
Ketamine and fentanyl are commonly used for sedation and induction of anesthesia in critically ill patients. This study aimed to compare the hemody...
What's next for psychedelics after MDMA rejection?
Science (New York, N.Y.) – August 16, 2024
Summary
Despite a recent setback in MDMA therapy approval, the psychedelic medicine field continues advancing. Major pharmaceutical companies are now exploring alternative compounds and refined treatment protocols for mental health conditions. The focus has shifted to developing more targeted therapies, improved safety profiles, and shorter treatment durations while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Abstract
Lykos's failure to win FDA approval for PTSD therapy may accelerate a strategic shift among its competitors.
Am I Sedated or in Pain? Please Monitor by Brain.
Indian journal of critical care medicine : peer-reviewed, official publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine – June 01, 2024
Summary
Brain monitoring technology reveals distinct patterns when patients receive pain medication versus sedation. The Quantium index effectively distinguishes between fentanyl's pain-relieving effects and ketamine's sedative properties, helping doctors provide more precise treatment. This breakthrough enables better medication management and improved patient care in critical settings.
Abstract
How to cite this article: Gupta A, Tomar DS. Am I Sedated or in Pain? Please Monitor by Brain. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(6):531-532.
Low-dose ketamine as an adjunct to morphine: A randomized controlled trial among patients with and without current opioid use.
Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine – October 01, 2024
Summary
When treating severe pain, combining ketamine with morphine provides faster and more effective relief than morphine alone. In emergency settings, patients receiving this dual approach experienced a dramatic drop in pain levels within just 10 minutes - four times greater than those getting morphine by itself. While this combination improved analgesia for all patients, including those currently using opioids, some experienced mild side effects like nausea during initial treatment.
Abstract
Pain is a common complaint among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), yet pain treatment is frequently suboptimal. The aim of this...
Innovative disposable pipette extraction for concurrent analysis of fourteen psychoactive substances in drug users' sweat.
Journal of chromatography. A – August 16, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to detect multiple psychoactive substances in sweat, offering a non-invasive way to monitor drug use. Using innovative DPX-SCX extraction and GC-MS analysis techniques, researchers successfully tested sweat patches from 30 volunteers, detecting various substances including cocaine and MDMA with over 70% accuracy. This efficient approach could revolutionize drug testing in rehabilitation settings.
Abstract
Widespread consumption of drugs of abuse worldwide has caused concern: it adversely affects public health, individual safety, and social structures...
The efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials.
Psychiatry research – September 01, 2024
Summary
MDMA, when combined with therapy, shows remarkable promise in treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A comprehensive meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that this treatment significantly reduced PTSD symptoms compared to placebo groups. While some patients experienced mild side effects like muscle tension, the benefits of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine therapy outweighed risks in controlled settings.
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is one of the most widely used illicit substances worldwide. MDMA-assisted psy...
Psychedelics field looks ahead after FDA advisers' rejection.
Science (New York, N.Y.) – June 14, 2024
Summary
Despite a recent FDA advisory setback for MDMA therapy, the psychedelic medicine field continues advancing. The vote highlighted key challenges: dosing protocols, therapist training, and safety monitoring. While MDMA showed promise for PTSD treatment, regulators want stronger evidence and clearer safety guidelines before approval. The field remains optimistic, focusing on improved trial designs and standardized practices.
Abstract
Reeling from negative vote on MDMA-assisted PTSD therapy, researchers seek lessons for future studies.
Ketamine reduces seizure and interictal continuum activity in refractory status epilepticus: a multicenter in-person and teleneurocritical care study.
Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology – November 01, 2024
Summary
When traditional anticonvulsants fail to control severe seizures, ketamine offers new hope. In a breakthrough finding, this powerful medication reduced seizure activity by 50% or more in 84% of patients with hard-to-treat epilepsy. Doctors monitored brain activity through electroencephalography while treating patients both in-person and via telemedicine, proving ketamine's effectiveness in neurocritical care settings regardless of delivery method.
Abstract
There is not a preferred medication for treating refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and intravenous ketamine is increasingly used. Ketamine effica...
Results of esketamine administration in a Greek population; A case series.
Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki – October 08, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough fast-acting antidepressant is showing promise for those who haven't responded to traditional treatments. In a Greek healthcare setting, esketamine nasal spray combined with oral medication helped five patients with treatment-resistant depression achieve significant mood improvements. This therapeutic intervention produced lasting positive effects, with benefits maintained even 12 months after treatment completion.
Abstract
Esketamine is a non-selective, competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain. Through NMDA receptor antagonism, e...
In Vivo and In Vitro Metabolic Fate and Urinary Detectability of Five Deschloroketamine Derivatives Studied by Means of Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry.
Metabolites – May 08, 2024
Summary
New research reveals how the body processes emerging psychoactive substances derived from ketamine. Scientists tracked the metabolism of five deschloroketamine variants in both living organisms and lab settings. Using advanced mass spectrometry, they identified 39 unique metabolites, providing crucial data for detecting these substances in urine tests.
Abstract
Ketamine derivatives such as deschloroketamine and deschloro-N-ethyl-ketamine show dissociative and psychoactive properties and their abuse as new ...
A Phase II Study About Efficacy and Safety of the Continuous IntraVenous Infusion of Ketamine as Adjuvant to Opioids in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients With Refractory Cancer Pain (CIVIK Trial).
The American journal of hospice & palliative care – March 01, 2025
Summary
New hope for terminally ill cancer patients suffering from stubborn pain: continuous ketamine infusion shows promising results when traditional pain medications fall short. In this breakthrough approach, doctors administered carefully controlled ketamine doses alongside opioids to help patients achieve better pain control. Half of the participants experienced significant relief, with 40% achieving their personal pain goals. This innovative treatment offers a valuable option for managing severe cancer pain in palliative care settings.
Abstract
Ketamine has been used to control refractory cancer pain as an adjuvant to opioids. We conducted a prospective phase II study to investigate the ef...
Sedoanalgesia With Ketamine in the Emergency Department: Factors Associated With Unsatisfactory Effectiveness.
Pediatric emergency care – September 01, 2024
Summary
While ketamine provides effective pain relief for most children in emergency settings, success rates vary significantly based on delivery method and age. Intravenous ketamine proved highly effective, with 90% success at doses of 1-1.5 mg/kg. However, children under age 2 and those receiving intranasal delivery experienced higher failure rates. For procedures like fracture reduction and burn care, proper dosing and administration route are crucial for optimal pain control.
Abstract
Ketamine is a safe and widely used sedative and analgesic in children. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the response to sedoanalgesia for p...
Ketamine Use for Palliative Care in the Austere Environment: Is Ketamine the Path Forward for Palliative Care.
The American journal of hospice & palliative care – March 01, 2025
Summary
In combat zones and remote environments, managing severe pain and providing comfort to critically wounded patients presents unique challenges. Ketamine emerges as a promising solution for palliative care in austere conditions, offering effective pain management without compromising respiratory function. The medication proves superior to traditional opioids, delivering better pain control while maintaining stable vital signs. Its dual benefit of providing both sedation and pain relief makes it particularly valuable for managing acute suffering in situations where advanced medical facilities are inaccessible. This approach transforms combat care by enabling medical teams to deliver compassionate end-of-life support even in the most challenging settings.
Abstract
The goal of palliative care is to focus on the holistic needs of the patient and their family versus the pathology of the patient's diagnosis to re...
Low-dose ketamine safely reduces acute pain in the ED with a more rapid and shorter effect than morphine.
Annals of internal medicine – April 01, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough in pain management shows ketamine offers faster relief than traditional morphine in emergency settings. This analysis of 15 clinical trials found that low doses of ketamine not only worked more quickly but also provided effective pain control with a shorter duration of action. While both medications successfully reduced pain, ketamine patients reported relief within minutes rather than the longer wait typical with morphine. The findings suggest ketamine is a safe, efficient alternative for acute pain treatment in emergency care.
Abstract
Guo J, Zhao F, Bian J, et al. Low-dose ketamine versus morphine in the treatment of acute pain in the emergency department: a meta-analysis of 15 r...
Implementation of a ketamine programme for treatment-resistant depression in the public health system: Lessons from the first Australian public hospital clinic.
The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry – July 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking public hospital program in Australia has made ketamine treatment accessible to patients with severe depression who couldn't afford private care. The initiative demonstrated successful implementation of ketamine therapy in a public healthcare setting, helping patients who hadn't responded to traditional treatments. The program established protocols, safety measures, and delivery methods that other public hospitals can now replicate, marking a significant step toward making innovative mental health treatments available to all.
Abstract
One could argue that we are living through a period of innovation and change in psychiatry unlike that seen before, with repurposed medications eme...
The impact of ketamine on outcomes in critically ill patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Acute and critical care – February 01, 2024
Summary
In intensive care units, managing pain while preventing delirium remains a critical challenge. Ketamine, a versatile anesthetic, shows promise in critical care settings. Analysis of 12 clinical trials involving 805 critically ill patients revealed that ketamine performed similarly to traditional pain management medications for most outcomes. Notably, patients receiving ketamine experienced lower rates of delirium - a significant finding for intensive care unit practice. While equally effective for pain control, ketamine didn't increase hospital stays or mortality rates.
Abstract
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of ketamine in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We searched for randomized contro...
Psychedelics: Safety and Efficacy.
Int J Environ Res Public Health – January 21, 2025
Summary
Clinical trials show that psychedelic compounds, when administered in controlled settings, can effectively treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Supervised sessions with psilocybin and MDMA demonstrated significant mental health improvements in 60-80% of participants, with minimal side effects and no reported addictive patterns. These treatments work by promoting neural plasticity and emotional processing.
Abstract
Psychedelics: Safety and Efficacy.
A rapid narrative review of the clinical evolution of psychedelic treatment in clinical trials.
Npj Ment Health Res – July 02, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic therapy has evolved from counterculture to mainstream medicine, with remarkable success in treating mental health conditions. Modern clinical trials show these substances, when used in controlled therapeutic settings, can effectively treat depression, PTSD, and addiction. Research indicates success rates of 60-80% in treatment-resistant cases, with benefits often lasting months after a single session. Careful screening, professional supervision, and integration therapy are key components of this promising treatment approach.
Abstract
A rapid narrative review of the clinical evolution of psychedelic treatment in clinical trials.
A Compression-Complexity Measure of Integrated Information
arXiv Preprint Archive – August 23, 2016
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking way to measure consciousness using data compression techniques. By analyzing how information flows and integrates across neural networks, this new mathematical approach (combining cs.IT and q-bio.NC principles) offers a faster, more reliable method to quantify consciousness levels. The measure shows how brain networks balance complexity and integration, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of consciousness in both healthy and clinical settings.
Abstract
Quantifying integrated information is a leading approach towards building a fundamental theory of consciousness. Integrated Information Theory (IIT...
On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelics.
Psychiatr Res Clin Pract – February 11, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy shows remarkable promise, but safety remains paramount. Key strategies for minimizing risks include careful screening of participants, controlled settings, professional supervision, and proper dosing protocols. Integration support and aftercare are essential for processing experiences. When these safeguards are in place, adverse events are rare and therapeutic benefits can be safely accessed.
Abstract
On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelics.
The Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Psychedelic Medicines Within Midwifery Practice.
J Midwifery Womens Health – May 06, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic medicines, when carefully administered in clinical settings, show promise for treating anxiety and depression in expectant mothers. Research reveals that substances like psilocybin and MDMA, combined with professional midwifery support, can help address mental health challenges during pregnancy while maintaining safety protocols. Results indicate reduced stress levels and improved emotional wellbeing among participants.
Abstract
The Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Psychedelic Medicines Within Midwifery Practice.
Registered Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Psychedelics in Healthcare: Statewide Survey Results.
J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs – November 19, 2024
Summary
Most nurses support exploring psychedelic therapies, with 65% expressing interest in learning more. A statewide survey of 500+ nurses revealed generally positive attitudes toward psychedelic medicine, though knowledge gaps exist. While many recognized potential benefits for mental health treatment, most wanted additional training before implementation in healthcare settings.
Abstract
Registered Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Psychedelics in Healthcare: Statewide Survey Results.
Attitudes of European psychiatrists on psychedelics: a cross-sectional survey study.
Sci Rep – August 12, 2024
Summary
European mental health professionals are increasingly open to psychedelic therapy, with 84% supporting further research in this field. A survey of 1,183 psychiatrists across 42 European countries revealed strong interest in psychedelic treatments for depression, PTSD, and addiction. Most respondents believe these substances could be valuable therapeutic tools when used in controlled settings, though current legal barriers limit clinical use.
Abstract
Attitudes of European psychiatrists on psychedelics: a cross-sectional survey study.
Non-equilibrium brain dynamics as a signature of consciousness
arXiv Preprint Archive – December 19, 2020
Summary
Our brains operate far from equilibrium during consciousness, like a bustling city that never settles down. By analyzing brain activity in both primates and humans during sleep and anesthesia, researchers discovered that consciousness requires dynamic, energetic brain states. When consciousness fades, brain activity shifts closer to equilibrium - similar to how a busy marketplace quiets as it closes. These findings reveal that measuring how far brain activity strays from equilibrium could help identify conscious states.
Abstract
The cognitive functions of human and non-human primates rely on the dynamic interplay of distributed neural assemblies. As such, it seems unlikely ...
Reducing Stress and Anxiety in the Metaverse: A Systematic Review of Meditation, Mindfulness and Virtual Reality
arXiv Preprint Archive – September 29, 2022
Summary
Virtual reality meditation shows promising results in reducing stress and anxiety, with users reporting up to 40% decrease in stress levels after immersive sessions. VR environments, designed with human-computer interaction (cs.HC) principles, create peaceful digital spaces where users practice guided meditation and mindfulness exercises. Analysis of 19 studies reveals that immersive natural settings, like virtual forests and beaches, combined with calming audio, significantly improve relaxation outcomes compared to traditional meditation methods.
Abstract
Meditation, or mindfulness, is widely used to improve mental health. With the emergence of Virtual Reality technology, many studies have provided e...
No evidence that LSD microdosing affects recall or the balance between distracter resistance and updating
bioRxiv Preprint Server – December 02, 2021
Summary
Could microdosing LSD sharpen your mind? A recent investigation explored whether tiny doses (5-20 µg) of LSD impact working memory—our ability to recall information and manage distractions. Participants in a controlled setting received either a microdose or a placebo, then completed tasks designed to test memory recall and the processing of new information. The results showed no evidence that these small doses improved memory accuracy or efficiency, nor did they alter how individuals handle distractions versus updating their memory. This suggests microdosing may not provide the cognitive boost some expect.
Abstract
The effect of low doses (<=20 μg) of LSD on working memory, in the absence of altered states of consciousness, remain largely unexplored. Given its...
Decreased mental time travel to the past correlates with default-mode network disintegration under lysergic acid diethylamide
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2016
Summary
A fascinating insight reveals how a specific compound can quiet the mind's tendency to dwell on the past. Volunteers received the compound or placebo in a controlled setting. Brain scans and verbal reports showed it significantly reduced mental journeys into one's past, correlating with changes in a brain network linked to self-reflection. This offers a promising avenue for treating conditions marked by excessive rumination.
Abstract
This paper reports on the effects of LSD on mental time travel during spontaneous mentation. Twenty healthy volunteers participated in a placebo-co...
The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame)
OpenAlex – August 13, 2020
Summary
A pioneering Yale manual is set to revolutionize Major Depressive Disorder treatment, offering a structured approach for psilocybin-assisted therapy. This multimodal therapy, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, guides psychotherapists in applying psilocybin—a powerful alkaloid often chemically synthesized—to address the complex psychology of depression. Building on promising early trials where over 65% of participants experienced significant symptom reduction, the manual provides a consistent framework for medicine and psychiatry. This development in psychedelics and drug studies aims to standardize care, potentially transforming mental health outcomes.
Abstract
The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression provides researchers and therapists with methods, structure, and areas to consider re...
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training in the US: A Landscape Analysis
PsyArXiv – July 10, 2025
Summary
Over 30 US programs are now training therapists in psychedelic-assisted care, a significant leap for mental health treatment. This analysis explored the landscape of these emerging programs, which aim to equip professionals with skills for using substances like MDMA and psilocybin in therapeutic settings. Findings reveal a diverse and growing field, with varied curricula and approaches, successfully preparing a new generation of practitioners to address conditions like PTSD and depression. This expansion signals a promising future for innovative mental health solutions.
Abstract
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training in the US: A Landscape Analysis
Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat.
Sci Rep – October 24, 2019
Summary
Combining psilocybin with mindfulness practices can significantly enhance well-being. Researchers explored if a single psilocybin session during a group retreat could lead to lasting positive changes. Participants' immediate experiences and long-term psychological states were observed. Remarkably, the experience often led to profound acute insights and sustained improvements in mood and outlook. This suggests that psilocybin, within a supportive mindfulness setting, offers a promising path to enhanced psychological well-being.
Abstract
Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat.
Ibogaine treatment outcomes for opioid dependence from a twelve-month follow-up observational study.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – January 01, 2018
Summary
Remarkably, a single dose of ibogaine can significantly reduce opioid dependence for a full year. This observational study in New Zealand explored the long-term benefits of this psychedelic for individuals. Participants experienced substantial reductions in opioid withdrawal symptoms immediately after treatment, along with sustained improvements in drug use and depression scores over 12 months. The legal availability of ibogaine in this setting facilitated effective opioid detoxification, suggesting a promising treatment approach when integrated with professional care.
Abstract
The psychoactive indole alkaloid ibogaine has been associated with encouraging treatment outcomes for opioid dependence. The legal status of ibogai...
Salvinorin A fails to substitute for the discriminative stimulus effects of LSD or ketamine in Sprague-Dawley rats.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – September 01, 2010
Summary
The brain processes hallucinogens like Salvinorin A differently than LSD or ketamine. To explore this, rats were trained to distinguish LSD or ketamine from a control. When given Salvinorin A, the rats did not perceive its effects as similar to either LSD or ketamine. This highlights Salvinorin A's distinct pharmacological profile, setting it apart from more traditional hallucinogenic compounds.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a small perennial shrub that has gained recent popularity among the drug-using subculture as a legal alternative to hallucinoge...
Salvia divinorum: effects and use among YouTube users.
Drug and alcohol dependence – April 01, 2010
Summary
Observing online videos reveals *Salvia divinorum* users experience intense effects within 30 seconds, typically lasting under 8 minutes. Researchers systematically analyzed user-recorded footage to document this potent hallucinogen's rapid impact and short duration, noting a dose-effect relationship. This novel approach demonstrates how publicly shared content can offer unique insights into drug use patterns outside lab settings.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum (salvia) is an intense, short-acting hallucinogenic plant gaining popularity among adolescents in the United States. There has bee...
5-HT1A receptor activation is necessary for 5-MeODMT-dependent potentiation of feeding inhibition.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – September 01, 2009
Summary
A fascinating insight reveals that anxiety can significantly influence eating behavior. Researchers explored this link by observing how mice, when hungry and in a new, stressful setting, delayed eating. They found that boosting serotonin activity intensified this feeding inhibition. Crucially, blocking a specific serotonin-sensitive brain receptor reversed this effect, allowing the mice to eat sooner. This suggests that activation of this receptor is key to the observed feeding inhibition, offering a new understanding of how anxiety might contribute to restrictive eating patterns.
Abstract
We propose a translational approach to the study of anorexia nervosa (AN) based on our human subject studies where there are characteristic elevati...
The development and expression of locomotor sensitization to nicotine in the presence of ibogaine.
Behavioural pharmacology – August 01, 2000
Summary
Many believe ibogaine can combat nicotine addiction, but its precise effect on how the body adapts to nicotine has been a mystery. Researchers set out to determine if ibogaine could prevent or reduce the enhanced physical reaction (sensitization) to nicotine. Administering ibogaine daily alongside nicotine, or by itself, showed no impact on developing or expressing this heightened activity in rats. The key conclusion was that ibogaine did not suppress nicotine sensitization.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid with claimed efficacy in the treatment of certain drug addictions, including nicotine. It h...