1731 results for "Ketamine"
R (-)-methoxetamine exerts rapid and sustained antidepressant effects and fewer behavioral side effects relative to S (+)-methoxetamine.
Neuropharmacology – August 01, 2021
Summary
A significant finding reveals R-MXE, an **enantiomer** of **Methoxetamine**, offers potent **antidepressant** effects against **depression** in mice with fewer side effects than S-MXE. Both R-MXE and S-MXE, at 10 mg kg-1, act as **NMDA receptor antagonists**, showing efficacy. Crucially, R-MXE did not induce hyperactivity or addiction-like behaviors seen with S-MXE. This suggests R-MXE, which also influences serotonin pathways, is a safer candidate for developing new rapid-acting **antidepressants**.
Abstract
The newfound antidepressant efficacy of ketamine has provided opportunities for the development of new-generation, rapid-acting, glutamate-based an...
Locking away depression.
Science (New York, N.Y.) – August 09, 2024
Summary
Scientists discovered that ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects stem from its ability to "lock" overactive brain circuits. By blocking specific neuroreceptors, ketamine calms hyperactive regions linked to depression, providing quick relief where traditional medications often take weeks. This breakthrough explains why ketamine works so fast and opens doors for targeted depression treatments.
Abstract
The antidepressant ketamine blocks neuroreceptors in hyperactive brain regions.
Are the NPS commonly used? An extensive investigation in Northern Italy based on hair analysis.
Journal of analytical toxicology – September 15, 2023
Summary
Hair analysis reveals ketamine tops the list of emerging drugs in Northern Italy, with 56 positive cases found among 847 tested samples. Scientists screened for 115 new psychoactive substances using advanced testing methods, finding that about 8% of samples contained these drugs. Ketamine and its metabolite were most common, while synthetic opioids and designer cannabinoids appeared less frequently.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are present on the Italian illicit markets, but data from the analysis of biological samples to evaluate their re...
Inpatient Treatment of Suicidality: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – January 08, 2025
Summary
Recent findings show that intravenous ketamine leads the way in rapidly reducing suicidal thoughts among psychiatric inpatients. While various treatments exist, from light therapy to psychotherapy, ketamine emerged as the most consistent option in hospital settings. A comprehensive analysis of 49 clinical trials revealed promising results for mood and trauma-related disorders, though effectiveness varied across different therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Objective: Psychiatric inpatients represent an acutely vulnerable population with high rates of suicidality (ie, suicidal ideation, attempts, and c...
Perioperative esketamine administration for prevention of postpartum depression after the cesarean section: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – September 15, 2024
Summary
A promising breakthrough in maternal mental health: Administering esketamine during Cesarean sections significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression. This medication, a refined form of ketamine, cuts depression rates and symptoms both immediately after birth and six weeks later. The findings suggest this simple addition to C-section procedures could help protect new mothers' mental well-being during a crucial bonding period.
Abstract
Postpartum Depression (PPD) exerts a substantial negative effect on maternal well-being post-delivery, particularly among Cesarean Section (C/S) re...
N-methyl d-aspartate receptor hypofunction reduces steady state visual evoked potentials.
Journal of neurophysiology – July 14, 2025
Summary
Coordinated brain activity, measured by steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP), is often disrupted in conditions like schizophrenia. One theory suggests NMDA receptor hypofunction contributes to this. To test this, temporary NMDA receptor hypofunction was induced in nonhuman primates using ketamine. This led to a significant reduction in SSVEP, mirroring observations in schizophrenia. These findings strongly support that NMDA receptor hypofunction underlies altered brain rhythms seen in schizophrenia.
Abstract
The dynamic coordination of neural activity across populations of neurons is impaired in neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we focused on the large-...
The therapeutic effects of psychedelics for opioid use disorder: A systematic review of clinical studies.
Psychiatry research – June 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds show promising potential in treating opioid use disorder, offering hope beyond traditional treatments. Studies reveal that substances like ketamine and ibogaine can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD demonstrate potential, the strongest evidence currently supports ketamine's effectiveness. These treatments work differently from conventional therapies, targeting both psychological and physiological aspects of addiction.
Abstract
Opioid-related overdose deaths have reached record high levels, and novel treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed. The three United Sta...
Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Compounds for Substance Use Disorders.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – November 05, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough treatments for addiction are emerging from an unexpected source: psychedelics. Compounds like psilocybin and ketamine show remarkable success in treating substance use disorders, often achieving significant results in just a few sessions. Studies reveal that psychedelics like LSD and ayahuasca can help rewire addiction-related brain patterns, while MDMA-assisted therapy helps patients process trauma underlying their substance use. These treatments offer lasting benefits with minimal risk of dependence.
Abstract
Psychedelics have recently (re)emerged as therapeutics of high potential for multiple mental health conditions, including substance use disorders (...
Preclinical models of treatment-resistant depression: challenges and perspectives.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2023
Summary
Up to 60% of treatment-resistant depression cases may be influenced by biological factors like age and hormones. Animal models using Wistar Kyoto rats and chronic mild stress tests have helped evaluate promising treatments, including ketamine, deep brain stimulation, and psilocybin, offering new hope for patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a subgroup of major depressive disorder in which the use of classical antidepressant treatments fails to ac...
Treatment-resistant depression: Established and emerging therapies.
The Nurse practitioner – December 01, 2024
Summary
When traditional antidepressants fail, innovative therapies offer new hope. For patients with treatment-resistant depression, breakthrough treatments like ketamine and esketamine show rapid improvement in mood. While electroconvulsive therapy remains highly effective, newer options like transcranial magnetic stimulation provide gentler alternatives with fewer side effects and promising success rates.
Abstract
In 2023, the percentage of people in the US who experienced depression in their lifetime was at an all-time high of 29%. Depression causes consider...
Neuroscience: Special K gets an 'A'.
Current biology : CB – April 21, 2025
Summary
The antidepressant ketamine works by helping the brain maintain active coping strategies during stress. Scientists observed zebrafish behavior when facing challenges, finding that ketamine promotes persistence rather than passive responses. The drug strengthens key neural pathways, leading to lasting improvements in how the brain handles difficult situations - a breakthrough in understanding rapid-acting antidepressants.
Abstract
A hallmark of depression is a tendency to become passive when faced with overwhelming challenges. A recent study models this phenomenon in zebrafis...
Biological treatments for co-occurring eating disorders and psychological trauma: a systematic review.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Trauma and eating disorders frequently occur together, with promising new treatments emerging to address both conditions simultaneously. A comprehensive analysis of biological interventions revealed that MDMA therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) showed particularly strong results. Other approaches, including ketamine, deep brain stimulation, and neurofeedback, also demonstrated positive outcomes for patients with both eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Abstract
Many people with eating disorders report having experienced childhood maltreatment or a traumatic event prior to developing an eating disorder. Alt...
Effect of esketamine on reducing postpartum pain and depression.
World journal of clinical cases – March 06, 2025
Summary
New mothers who receive esketamine during cesarean sections reported 40% less pain and showed significantly lower rates of postpartum depression. This innovative treatment combines pain relief with mood-stabilizing benefits. When administered during C-sections, esketamine provided superior postoperative analgesia while reducing depression risk in the critical postpartum period, helping mothers bond better with their newborns and recover faster.
Abstract
In this editorial, we comment on a recent article by Chen et al, that addressed the effect of intraoperative injection of esketamine on postoperati...
Chronic Inflammatory Pain Alters Expression of Limbic MAPK Phosphatases.
Chronic pain & management – January 01, 2024
Summary
Chronic pain and depression often occur together, and new research reveals why. Scientists found that persistent pain triggers changes in specific proteins (MKP-1, MKP-2, and MKP-3) within limbic brain regions that control emotions. These changes differ between males and females, with pain increasing these proteins in male brains while showing mixed effects in females. A promising finding: ketamine treatment prevented these alterations.
Abstract
Brain mechanisms involved in comorbidity between chronic pain conditions and clinical depression are still largely unknown. Our previous studies de...
Tags
Psychometric properties of the 23-Item Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) in a psychological trauma population.
Journal of affective disorders – November 01, 2024
Summary
Dissociative symptoms - a feeling of disconnection from reality - affect both trauma survivors and patients using certain medications like ketamine. A comprehensive assessment tool proves highly effective in measuring these experiences across different groups. The instrument successfully tracked dissociation in trauma survivors, PTSD patients, and those receiving NMDA-receptor targeting treatments, showing strong reliability and accuracy. Most notably, it detected increased dissociative states in veterans after exposure to combat-related stimuli.
Abstract
Dissociative symptoms are both a pathological consequence of exposure to psychological trauma as well as a side effect of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMD...
Adjunctive Intranasal Esketamine for Comorbid Treatment-Resistant Depression with Suicidal Ideation in Patients Receiving Palliative Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A Case Series.
Journal of palliative medicine – January 01, 2025
Summary
Cancer patients with severe depression found remarkable relief through innovative nasal spray treatment. In a groundbreaking application, esketamine helped three palliative care patients overcome treatment-resistant depression and suicidal thoughts. All participants showed significant mood improvements that lasted up to a year, with no major side effects. This offers new hope for cancer patients struggling with mental health.
Abstract
Background: The psychiatric needs of those with cancer and other advanced illnesses are becoming increasingly recognized. Ketamine is emerging as a...
Volumetric mesoscopic electrophysiology: a new imaging modality for the non-human primate.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – May 14, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking way to observe brain activity across an entire primate hemisphere simultaneously. Using nearly 1,000 electrode contacts, this technique captures electrical signals throughout the brain with unprecedented detail. When testing with ketamine, researchers discovered it disrupts normal brain connectivity patterns, potentially explaining its psychosis-like effects. This new method bridges the gap between existing brain imaging tools, offering both broad coverage and precise timing.
Abstract
The primate brain is a densely interconnected organ whose function is best understood by recording from the entire structure in parallel, rather th...
The Induction of Dissociative States: A Meta-Analysis.
Biological psychiatry global open science – July 01, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, specific techniques can reliably induce dissociative states as profound as those seen in conditions like PTSD. A broad analysis investigated methods, from mirror gazing to pharmacological agents, for their ability to evoke these experiences. It revealed that drugs like Ketamine, impacting NMDAR, effectively induce dissociative states, often exceeding baseline levels found in PTSD. This validates the efficacy of various approaches, including certain Psychedelics, for controlled induction, opening avenues for understanding and future interventions.
Abstract
Dissociative states, characterized by discontinuities in awareness and perception, occur in a diverse array of psychiatric disorders and contexts. ...
Abuse liability for esketamine in a cohort of patients undergoing an acute treatment course to manage treatment-resistant depression: a secondary analysis of an observational study in real-world clinical practicee.
Therapeutic advances in drug safety – January 01, 2025
Summary
Many worry about addiction with new depression treatments, especially those related to ketamine abuse. However, a study using real-world clinical data on 23 patients with major depressive disorder found promising results. This psychopharmacology research assessed esketamine's abuse liability during an acute treatment course. Patients reported neutral liking and no cravings, which did not increase over eight sessions. This suggests a positive antidepressant effect and treatment response without heightened risk, offering hope for those with severe depression, including suicidal ideation, by showing low abuse potential.
Abstract
Intranasal (IN) esketamine has become an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option for the management of treatment-resistant depression withi...
Here today, gone tomorrow…and back again? A review of herbal marijuana alternatives (K2, Spice), synthetic cathinones (bath salts), kratom, Salvia divinorum, methoxetamine, and piperazines.
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology – March 01, 2012
Summary
Many new psychoactive substances, widely available online and often perceived as safe, pose significant health risks yet remain unfamiliar to medical professionals. These include herbal blends like K2, synthetic cathinones ("bath salts"), and "legal ketamine" (methoxetamine). While some, like kratom and Salvia divinorum, show therapeutic promise for pain or psychiatric conditions, others cause severe agitation or even death. Understanding their diverse effects, from opioid-like to hallucinogenic, is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively manage exposures and protect public health.
Abstract
Despite their widespread Internet availability and use, many of the new drugs of abuse remain unfamiliar to health care providers. The herbal marij...
Polydrug Use Typologies of Regular Ecstasy Users Visiting Electronic Dance Music Events: A Latent Class Analysis.
European addiction research – January 01, 2024
Summary
A striking 52% of young adults in the Netherlands who use ecstasy engage in stimulant and ketamine polydrug use, compared to 48% in the UK. An analysis of 2,255 respondents aged 18-34 from both countries revealed three distinct polydrug use patterns: traditional (28% UK, 40% NL), stimulant and ketamine (48% UK, 52% NL), and extensive (24% UK, 8% NL). Despite varying preferences for MDMA forms—powder in the UK and tablets in NL—most participants expressed a desire to reduce their substance use while maintaining some level of consumption.
Abstract
Polydrug use patterns among young adults using ecstasy vary, as well as their willingness to change them. Polydrug use patterns are likely associat...
Comparison of illegal drug use pattern in Taiwan and Korea from 2006 to 2014
Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy – September 23, 2016
Summary
Taiwan faces a significant challenge with new psychoactive substances (NPS), particularly ketamine, which saw larger seizure quantities compared to Korea. While Taiwan had fewer controlled NPS items, the total NPS seizures were notably higher. In Taiwan, 60% of seizures involved ketamine, highlighting distinct patterns in drug sources and availability. Factors like drug policy and accessibility significantly influence illicit drug use in both countries, underscoring the complexity of addressing issues related to methamphetamine and other emerging drugs in the region.
Abstract
While the problem of methamphetamine still lingers, NPS have emerged as a new issue in both countries. However, the NPS pattern was different betwe...
Efficacy and risks of psychedelics in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy – March 04, 2026
Summary
MDMA and ketamine IV show significant promise for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with studies indicating that around 60% of participants experience symptom improvements under supervised conditions. These treatments are generally well tolerated, yet interpretations must consider factors like treatment expectancy and blinding issues. While MDMA and ketamine lead the way in efficacy, randomized controlled trials on other psychedelics, such as psilocybin, are essential to evaluate their potential benefits in clinical psychology and psychiatry for PTSD management.
Abstract
MDMA and ketamine IV currently have the greatest support in the literature for efficacy in PTSD. Studies suggest treatment with these agents under ...
Comparative Efficacy and Functional Outcomes of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review of Recent Clinical Trials.
Cureus – April 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough findings show 70% of patients with hard-to-treat depression improved significantly with psychedelic-assisted therapy. Analysis of recent trials reveals both ketamine and psilocybin treatments led to rapid antidepressant response, with benefits lasting months. Depression scales showed marked improvement in mood, while cognitive effects remained stable or enhanced. This comprehensive review confirms these treatments are safe and effective for treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
This systematic review explores the comparative efficacy and functional outcomes of psychedelic-assisted therapies in the management of treatment-r...
The pharmacological treatment of anxiety in people with eating disorders: A systematic review
Pharmacological Research – May 14, 2025
Summary
Pharmacological medicine offers mixed but promising avenues for treating anxiety in people with eating disorders. A systematic review of 51 studies in clinical psychology and psychiatry found fluoxetine effective for anxiety in anorexia and bulimia nervosa, though not binge eating disorder. Olanzapine showed benefits for anxiety in anorexia nervosa, with preliminary support for ARFID. Psychotherapists should note emerging evidence suggesting psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine may also alleviate anxiety symptoms in anorexia nervosa, highlighting evolving approaches in Eating Disorders and Behaviors.
Abstract
People with eating disorders experience high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, including anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, ...
Pain and Perception: Exploring Psychedelics as Novel Therapeutic Agents in Chronic Pain Management.
Current pain and headache reports – January 07, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine show remarkable promise in treating chronic pain conditions. These compounds provide powerful analgesic effects while addressing both physical and emotional aspects of pain. Studies demonstrate significant relief for patients with cluster headaches, neuropathic pain, and phantom limb pain through combined psychotherapy and psychedelic treatment.
Abstract
Chronic pain affects approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, representing the leading cause of disability and a significant financial burden on...
Associations between psychedelic use and cannabis use disorder in a nationally representative sample.
Drug and alcohol dependence – January 01, 2025
Summary
Recent findings reveal an unexpected connection between psychedelic use and problematic marijuana habits. Analysis of nationwide health surveys shows that people who used psilocybin mushrooms or LSD were roughly twice as likely to develop cannabis-related issues. While DMT, ketamine, and MDMA were also studied, the strongest links were with classic psychedelics. This challenges assumptions about psychedelics' potential role in addiction treatment.
Abstract
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is an increasingly prevalent disorder affecting millions of Americans each year. Psychedelic compounds have recently be...
The Neurocircuitry of Substance Use Disorder, Treatment, and Change: A Resource for Clinical Psychiatrists
American Journal of Psychiatry – October 09, 2024
Summary
Substance use disorder (SUD) often goes untreated in Psychiatry, despite its significant impact. A Neuroscience-driven approach highlights diverse treatments for addiction. Pharmacotherapy targets craving and withdrawal, interrupting substance use cycles. Psychology and Medicine also explore stress-response medications influencing neurotransmitter receptors. Promising new avenues leveraging neuroplasticity include transcranial magnetic stimulation, Ketamine, and Psilocybin. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies offer innovative strategies for substance abuse, informing comprehensive care.
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is common in psychiatric patients and has a negative impact on health and well-being. However, SUD often goes untreate...
Exploring the regulatory framework of psychedelics in the US & Europe.
Asian journal of psychiatry – December 01, 2024
Summary
While most psychedelics remain heavily restricted, regulatory shifts are emerging as research reveals their therapeutic promise. The US and EU are developing frameworks to evaluate substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA for mental health treatment. Ketamine clinics already operate legally in many areas, while magic mushrooms face varying local policies. New laws aim to balance patient access with safety controls.
Abstract
Psychedelic drug therapy has gained prominence for its potential in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic...
Tags
Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money
Annual Review of Psychology – August 02, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics show therapeutic potential in emerging drug studies. Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, shows promise for depression, end-of-life dysphoria, and alcohol use disorder. MDMA (Ecstasy) is being explored for PTSD. While these chemical synthesis compounds, like ketamine, carry adverse effect risks such as addiction and cystitis, their benefits for treatment-resistant depression are emerging. Understanding their precise mechanisms is crucial for psychology and psychiatry. Rigorous evaluation can guide safe clinical use, minimizing harm and informing psychotherapist practices.
Abstract
Therapeutic claims about many psychedelic drugs have not been evaluated in any studies of even modest rigor. The science of psychedelic drugs is st...
Challenges and rewards of in vivo synaptic density imaging, and its application to the study of depression.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – November 01, 2024
Summary
Brain imaging reveals that depression physically alters synapses - the connection points between brain cells. New technology now allows scientists to measure these changes in living brains using specialized tracers. Lower synaptic density was found in people with depression, but treatments like ketamine can help rebuild these vital connections. This breakthrough helps explain how depression affects the brain and how treatments work.
Abstract
The development of novel radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging agents targeting the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A),...
New perspective on sustained antidepressant effect: focus on neurexins regulating synaptic plasticity
Cell Death Discovery – May 01, 2024
Summary
Lasting relief from depression may stem from new understandings of brain function. Neuroscience highlights how enhanced synaptic plasticity, the brain's ability to rewire, is crucial for sustained antidepressant effects, a key area for psychology. Drug studies show psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin can promote this neuroplasticity. The influence of specific molecules, neurexins, on these changes is central, affecting how brain cells connect and communicate. This neuropharmacology research suggests targeting neurexins could lead to novel, long-term antidepressant strategies, addressing current medication challenges.
Abstract
Abstract Depression is highly prevalent globally, however, currently available medications face challenges such as low response rates and short dur...
The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment.
Current neuropharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals promising results in treating PTSD with psychedelics. Clinical trials show substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine can significantly reduce trauma symptoms when combined with therapy. LSD and ayahuasca also demonstrate potential in healing psychological wounds, offering hope to millions affected by PTSD who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 mil...
The possible place for psychedelics in pharmacotherapy of mental disorders.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD show remarkable potential in treating mood disorders, often working faster than traditional medications. While ketamine opened doors as a fast-acting antidepressant, natural compounds including DMT and 5-MeO-DMT may offer better safety profiles with longer-lasting benefits after just one dose.
Abstract
Since its emergence in the 1960s, the serotonergic theory of depression bore fruit in the discovery of a plethora of antidepressant drugs affecting...
Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research
European Eating Disorders Review – October 12, 2023
Summary
Deficiencies in brain neuroplasticity are central to Anorexia nervosa, a severe eating disorder. This compelling insight from clinical psychology and psychiatry is reshaping mental health research topics. Psychotherapists and medical professionals are exploring novel treatments for anorexia. These include psychopharmacological agents like ketamine or psilocybin, alongside psychotherapeutic strategies like imagery rescripting and yoga. Addressing neuroplasticity offers promising avenues for improving Eating Disorders and Behaviors, moving beyond traditional diet and metabolism studies. Future investigations will require large sample sizes to confirm these pathways.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) remains challenging; there are no approved psychopharmacological interventions and psychothe...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and lifetime use of psychoactive substances among French university students: A cross-sectional study.
Psychiatry research – October 01, 2023
Summary
French university students with ADHD symptoms are significantly more likely to experiment with illicit substances, according to data from nearly 14,000 participants. Higher ADHD symptom levels correlated with both increased variety and frequency of substance use, including ketamine, magic mushrooms, and other psychoactive compounds. This relationship highlights the importance of early intervention and support for students managing ADHD.
Abstract
In a cross sectional study of 13,837 university students, we aimed to explore the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADH...
Perception of Pain in the Catheter Angiography Laboratory Among Children with Congenital Heart Disease.
Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi arsivi : Turk Kardiyoloji Derneginin yayin organidir – June 01, 2025
Summary
Children with heart conditions experience varying levels of pain during cardiac procedures, even with anesthesia. In a revealing analysis of 24 young patients, researchers tracked pain responses during catheterization using skin conductance monitoring. Results showed significant pain variations during pre-procedure, local anesthesia, and vascular intervention phases. Higher doses of ketamine were linked to reduced post-procedure discomfort, especially when mothers were present. These insights help doctors better manage patient comfort.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the level of pain caused by routine procedures during cardiac catheterization and explore ways to enhance patient comf...
Sedation practices in patients intubated in the emergency department compared with those in patients in the intensive care unit.
Critical care science – January 01, 2025
Summary
Patients intubated in emergency departments take longer to achieve comfortable, light sedation compared to those in intensive care units. Medical teams studied 264 critically ill patients requiring breathing support, comparing sedation approaches between these two hospital settings. Emergency departments favored ketamine, while ICUs used more propofol and other sedatives. The key finding: ED patients took 13.5 hours to reach optimal sedation levels versus 10.5 hours in ICUs, highlighting opportunities to improve emergency sedation protocols.
Abstract
This study aimed to compare sedation management during and after intubation in the emergency department with that in the intensive care unit. This ...
[Suicidal ideation and behaviors: a transdiagnostic dimension for precision psychiatry].
Medecine sciences : M/S – May 01, 2025
Summary
Emerging research reveals that suicidal thoughts and behaviors follow distinct biological patterns, independent of specific mental health diagnoses. Scientists have identified key biological markers, including inflammation levels and stress response systems, that contribute to suicide risk. These findings point to targeted treatments like lithium and ketamine, which work by addressing specific biological mechanisms. Multimodal studies are revealing clearer pathways to identify and treat those at risk through personalized interventions.
Abstract
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors represent a transdiagnostic dimension independent of traditional psychiatric diagnoses. This specificity is support...
High-throughput screening of 311 new psychoactive substances and metabolites in wastewater by direct injection UPLC-MS/MS.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences – August 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists can now detect over 300 emerging drugs by analyzing just a few drops of wastewater. This breakthrough screening method uses direct injection technology to identify new psychoactive substances in city sewage systems. The approach successfully tracked 32 different drugs across nearly 1,000 samples in a Chinese city, with ketamine being the most frequently detected substance. This efficient wastewater analysis helps authorities monitor drug trends in real-time.
Abstract
The rapid global spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in recent years has become an issue in many countries. One emerging technology that ca...
Convergent effects of different anesthetics on changes in phase alignment of cortical oscillations.
Cell reports – May 27, 2025
Summary
Different anesthetics disrupt consciousness in surprisingly similar ways, despite their varied chemical properties. Scientists found that two common anesthetics - ketamine and dexmedetomidine - both alter brain wave patterns in the prefrontal cortex. While these drugs decrease synchrony between nearby brain regions, they increase coordination between matching areas across brain hemispheres, revealing a shared mechanism for how anesthetics may induce unconsciousness.
Abstract
Many anesthetics cause loss of consciousness despite having diverse underlying molecular and circuit actions. To explore the convergent effects of ...
Lateral habenula astroglia modulate the potentiating antidepressant-like effects of bright light stimulation in intractable depression.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Light therapy combined with traditional antidepressants shows promise for hard-to-treat depression. In a groundbreaking discovery using mice, researchers found that bright light exposure enhances antidepressant effects, including ketamine, through an unexpected pathway involving eye cells (rods) and brain astroglia. This offers hope for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Beside image vision, light plays a pivotal role in regulating diverse non-visual functions, including affective behaviors. Recently, bright light s...
The Lethal Combination of Pregabalin With Other Recreational Drugs.
Cureus – April 01, 2025
Summary
Mixing Lyrica (pregabalin) with recreational drugs can have devastating effects on mental and physical health. A troubling case revealed how combining ketamine with pregabalin led to severe delusions, confusion, and toxic encephalopathy in a young adult. The patient's drug abuse resulted in kidney damage and required intensive medical care. Recovery was achieved through careful treatment of both physical symptoms and underlying substance use issues.
Abstract
This case presents a 33-year-old male with a four-day history of worsening altered mental status and rhabdomyolysis. He experienced delusions, rest...
Beyond surgery: Repurposing anesthetics for treatment of central nervous system disorders.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – June 20, 2025
Summary
Common anesthetics may hold surprising potential beyond the operating room. Research shows that drugs like ketamine and nitrous oxide can effectively treat various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Through drug repurposing, these familiar medications are showing promise in treating depression, PTSD, and cognitive decline by modulating brain pathways and offering neuroprotective benefits.
Abstract
The development of new drugs is a complex, expensive, and time-consuming process, often fraught with a high likelihood of failure. Amid these obsta...
Pharmacological Monotherapy for Depressive Disorders: Current and Future-A Narrative Review.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) – March 21, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough treatments for depression are evolving beyond traditional antidepressants. While standard medications remain effective, promising new options include fast-acting ketamine, neurosteroid treatments for postpartum depression, and psychedelics showing lasting benefits. Novel approaches targeting inflammation, opioid receptors, and personalized biomarker therapy are advancing, offering hope for more effective, individualized depression treatment.
Abstract
Objective: To narratively review currently available antidepressants and future potential antidepressants as monotherapy for the treatment of depre...
A mouse model of GRIN2D developmental and epileptic encephalopathy recapitulates the human disease.
Brain : a journal of neurology – April 25, 2025
Summary
Scientists have uncovered vital insights into developmental epilepsy by studying a specific genetic mutation in GRIN2D, a crucial brain receptor component. Using an innovative mouse model, researchers revealed how this mutation triggers severe seizures and developmental issues that mirror human symptoms. Brain activity recordings (ECoG) showed distinctive abnormal patterns, while drug response testing found that memantine and phenytoin offered modest benefits, unlike ketamine which worsened symptoms.
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in GRIN2D, encoding one of the subunits of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), are associated with developmental and epileptic encephalo...
Systematic review and rationale of using psychedelics in the treatment of cannabis use disorder.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics may offer new hope for treating cannabis use disorder, which affects millions of Americans. Research shows that substances like psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA could help reduce problematic cannabis use through their ability to promote neuroplasticity and mindfulness. While current treatments are limited, psychedelics' unique therapeutic properties may help break addiction patterns by addressing underlying psychological factors and rewiring reward pathways.
Abstract
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is prevalent in ~2-5% of adults in the United States and is anticipated to increase as restrictions to cannabis decreas...
Next generation antidepressants with novel mechanisms for treatment resistant depression.
Progress in brain research – January 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough treatments like ketamine and psilocybin are revolutionizing depression care by rapidly altering brain chemistry and consciousness. These psychedelics boost neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to form new connections - offering relief within hours instead of weeks. Recent clinical trials show promising results, with many treatment-resistant patients experiencing significant improvement after just a few sessions with these novel antidepressants.
Abstract
Evidence has suggested that the modulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HTRs) via the psychedeli...
Psychedelic medicines for end-of-life care: Pipeline clinical trial review 2022.
Palliative & supportive care – August 01, 2023
Summary
Promising research reveals psychedelics may help reduce existential distress in palliative care. A comprehensive review identified 25 clinical trials exploring how substances like psilocybin and ketamine could support end-of-life care. Most studies combine psychedelics with therapy, showing potential to ease depression and anxiety in terminal patients.
Abstract
People with terminal illnesses often experience psychological distress and associated disability. Recent clinical trial evidence has stimulated int...
Exploring the Potential Utility of Psychedelic Therapy for Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Journal of palliative medicine – October 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), offering both mental health benefits and potential neuroprotective effects. Compounds like psilocybin and ketamine may help manage psychological distress while possibly slowing this neurodegenerative condition's progression through unique biological mechanisms.
Abstract
Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an aggressive, terminal neurodegenerative disease that causes death of motor neurons and has an ...