1731 results for "Ketamine"
Classical and non-classical psychedelic drugs induce common network changes in human cortex.
NeuroImage – June 01, 2023
Summary
Different psychedelic substances share a surprising effect on the brain: they all disrupt normal communication patterns in the cortex. Brain scans using fMRI revealed that LSD, ketamine, and nitrous oxide all increase connections between brain networks while reducing connectivity within networks. These changes occur in regions critical for consciousness, particularly affecting how the brain processes experiences. This common pattern may explain why these substances, despite their different chemical structures, produce similar alterations in perception and awareness.
Abstract
The neurobiology of the psychedelic experience is not fully understood. Identifying common brain network changes induced by both classical (i.e., a...
Inhibition of Microglial GSK3β Activity Is Common to Different Kinds of Antidepressants: A Proposal for an In Vitro Screen to Detect Novel Antidepressant Principles.
Biomedicines – March 07, 2023
Summary
Brain inflammation may be a hidden driver of depression, with immune cells called microglia playing a key role. Scientists found that diverse antidepressants, from ketamine to cannabinoid compounds, work by controlling an enzyme called GSK3β in these brain immune cells. This discovery reveals how stress triggers depression and points to a new way to test potential treatments by measuring their effects on brain inflammation pathways.
Abstract
Depression is a major public health concern. Unfortunately, the present antidepressants often are insufficiently effective, whilst the discovery of...
Trends in drug use among nightclub and festival attendees in New York City, 2017-2022.
The International journal on drug policy – May 01, 2023
Summary
Drug trends at NYC nightlife venues shifted dramatically during 2017-2022, with natural psychedelics rising as traditional club drugs declined. While ketamine and mushroom use increased significantly, cocaine and methamphetamine saw notable decreases. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have accelerated these changes, with partygoers increasingly favoring new psychoactive substances over conventional stimulants.
Abstract
Drug use is prevalent among people who attend electronic dance music (EDM) parties at nightclubs or festivals. This population can serve as a senti...
The Efficacy of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Managing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A New Frontier?
Cureus – October 31, 2022
Summary
Despite standard psychotherapy, posttraumatic stress often persists, contributing to chronic medical and psychiatry issues. This urgent challenge in clinical psychology is spurring new drug studies into psychedelics. Examining chemical synthesis and alkaloids, including cannabis, ketamine, and classical psychedelics, the review explores their potential to alleviate traumatic stress. These substances may influence neurotransmitter receptor activity, offering a novel approach where traditional medicine struggles. The historical context, even from archaeology, is considered alongside current evidence for these promising psychedelic therapies, aiming to improve patient outcomes.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant public health concern for which existing therapies are only marginally effective. Indisputab...
Beneficial effects of Esketamine on Morphine preference reacquisition in male rats.
Neuroscience – May 07, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's medical cousin shows promise in preventing opioid relapse. In groundbreaking research, esketamine treatment helped rats resist returning to morphine-seeking behavior. Using a conditioned place preference test, researchers found that both daily and periodic esketamine doses effectively blocked the reestablishment of drug-seeking patterns, offering hope for addiction treatment.
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic condition that poses a serious public health challenge, particularly highlighted by the global opioid crisis involving drugs...
Emerging strategies and clinical recommendations for the management of novel depression subtypes.
Expert review of neurotherapeutics – April 01, 2025
Summary
Depression manifests differently today due to modern pressures and social changes. New research reveals distinct subtypes, including early-onset depression in youth, cases linked to social disconnection, and those complicated by substance use disorders. Treatment success comes from matching approaches to specific needs - combining traditional antidepressants with targeted interventions like specialized therapy and newer options such as ketamine for resistant cases.
Abstract
The phenomenology of depression is characterized by a wide array of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that significantly disrupt an indiv...
Anesthetics as Treatments for Depression: Clinical Insights and Underlying Mechanisms.
Annual review of neuroscience – February 19, 2025
Summary
Surprising finding: Common anesthetics may hold the key to treating stubborn depression. While ketamine's antidepressant effects are well-known, other anesthetics like nitrous oxide and propofol also show promise in lifting mood. These drugs appear to reset brain circuits linked to depression, offering rapid relief where traditional treatments fail. The discovery opens new paths for treating resistant depression using existing, well-understood medications.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression are significant worldwide health problems that need new therapies. The success of the ...
Esketamine-mediated alleviation of electroconvulsive shock-induced memory impairment is associated with the regulation of mGluR5 in depressive-like rats.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – March 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in depression treatment shows how esketamine can protect memory during electroconvulsive therapy. By activating specific brain receptors, including metabotropic glutamate receptors, this medication helps preserve learning and memory functions. Lab tests revealed that rats receiving esketamine maintained better cognitive abilities and showed fewer depression symptoms after treatment.
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is recognized as one of the most efficacious interventions for depression. However, it is associated with impairmen...
Agitation: Neurobiology and current management guidelines.
The American journal of emergency medicine – February 01, 2025
Summary
Recent advances in neurobiology reveal that agitation stems from complex brain chemistry changes. Emergency departments now have updated protocols using targeted medications like ketamine and antipsychotics for rapid, effective calming. Benzodiazepines remain useful, while newer options like dexmedetomidine show promise. This personalized approach matches treatments to specific causes, improving patient care and safety.
Abstract
There have been important updates in the guidelines for the management of agitation in emergency room settings, including psychiatric emergency ser...
Esketamine-Induced Dissociation: A Case Report.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – November 10, 2024
Summary
A promising depression medication, esketamine, offers hope for those who don't respond to traditional treatments. While highly effective for treatment-resistant depression, this case highlights an important side effect: a patient experienced temporary but intense dissociation during therapy. Despite this adverse effect, she showed significant improvement in her depression symptoms, demonstrating esketamine's potential benefits when properly monitored.
Abstract
Esketamine, the isolated S-enantiomer of ketamine, has been a recent breakthrough as a non-monoaminergic treatment for treatment-resistant depressi...
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists in Neuropathic Pain Management.
International journal of molecular sciences – October 16, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough medications like ketamine and memantine are showing promise in treating chronic nerve pain that doesn't respond to standard treatments. These NMDA receptor antagonists work by blocking specific brain receptors that amplify pain signals. Studies show that low doses of these medications, including methadone, can significantly reduce neuropathic pain and improve quality of life for patients.
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NeP) is a complex and debilitating condition that impacts millions of people globally. Although various treatment options exist, ...
Research Progress on NMDA Receptor Enhancement Drugs for the Treatment of Depressive Disorder.
CNS drugs – December 01, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals that boosting specific brain receptors (NMDARs) may offer a safer alternative to current depression treatments. While ketamine blocks these receptors and works quickly, it carries risks. New drugs that enhance NMDAR activity show promise in treating depression with fewer side effects. This approach could revolutionize treatment for millions, offering faster relief without the drawbacks of existing medications.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental illness with a complex etiology. Currently, many medications employed in clinical treatment exhi...
Presence of cholestasis and its impact on survival in SARS-CoV-2 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Scientific reports – October 08, 2024
Summary
Liver complications affect over half of critically ill COVID-19 patients in intensive care. A groundbreaking analysis reveals that cholestasis, a type of liver injury marked by bile flow problems, strongly impacts survival rates. Patients receiving ketamine or advanced breathing support in the ICU were more likely to develop this condition. The findings show that monitoring liver function is crucial for improving outcomes in severe COVID-19 cases.
Abstract
Data on cholestasis and biliary injury in patients with COVID-19 are scarce. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of choles...
(2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine ameliorates PTSD-like behaviors during the reconsolidation phase of fear memory in rats by modulating the VGF/BDNF/GluA1 signaling pathway in the hippocampus.
Behavioural brain research – January 05, 2025
Summary
A promising breakthrough in PTSD treatment reveals how a ketamine-derived compound can help "rewrite" traumatic memories. Scientists found that (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine significantly reduces fear responses when administered during memory reconsolidation. The treatment works by activating key brain proteins, including VGF, in the hippocampus - our memory center. This approach proved most effective during memory processing, rather than during initial trauma acquisition or extinction phases, offering new hope for PTSD therapy.
Abstract
Fear memory, a fundamental symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is improved by (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((2R, 6R)-HNK) administrati...
Brain structural changes underlying clinical symptom improvement following fast-acting treatments in treatment resistant depression.
Journal of affective disorders – January 15, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough treatments for severe depression show promising brain changes. When standard antidepressants fail, three rapid interventions - electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine infusion, and total sleep deprivation - effectively reduce symptoms by increasing gray matter volume in key brain regions, particularly the caudate area. Each method uniquely impacts brain structure while improving mood, offering hope for personalized treatment approaches.
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), ketamine infusion (KI), and total sleep deprivation (TSD) are effective and fast in treating patients with treatme...
Rethinking the role of TRKB in the action of antidepressants and psychedelics.
Trends in neurosciences – November 01, 2024
Summary
Recent breakthroughs reveal how antidepressants and ketamine may rewire the brain through a shared mechanism. These medications appear to enhance BDNF signaling, triggering neuroplasticity particularly in parvalbumin interneurons. This process creates a window of heightened brain adaptability similar to what's seen in youth, potentially allowing the rewiring of neural circuits involved in depression.
Abstract
Antidepressant drugs promote neuronal plasticity, and activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling through its receptor neurona...
N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for treatment of catatonia in adults: Narrative review.
General hospital psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough treatments offer new hope for catatonia, a severe condition causing physical immobility. Novel medications targeting NMDA receptors in the brain show promising results, especially when traditional treatments fail. Amantadine and memantine lead the way, with rapid improvement in most cases. Ketamine and esketamine also demonstrate effectiveness, particularly in resistant cases, providing doctors with more options to help patients regain normal movement and function.
Abstract
While the majority of patients with catatonia fully respond to benzodiazepines or ECT, some have a partial or no response. Benzodiazepines may be c...
Effects of arketamine on depression-like behaviors and demyelination in mice exposed to chronic restrain stress: A role of transforming growth factor-β1.
Journal of affective disorders – December 15, 2024
Summary
New research reveals how chronic stress damages brain connectivity, but a promising antidepressant offers hope. Arketamine, a specialized form of ketamine, repairs stress-induced brain damage while reducing depression symptoms. The drug works by triggering TGF-β1, a protein that helps restore myelin - the brain's vital communication network - damaged by chronic stress.
Abstract
Chronic restrain stress (CRS) induces depression-like behaviors and demyelination in the brain; however, the relationship between these depression-...
Existence of multiple transitions of the critical state due to anesthetics.
Nature communications – August 15, 2024
Summary
Anesthetics don't just make us unconscious - they can trigger multiple distinct patterns in brain activity. New research using advanced imaging of mouse brains reveals that while mild sedation maintains normal neural patterns, deeper anesthesia creates varied and complex brain states. Different anesthetics (like ketamine and isoflurane) disrupt natural brain rhythms in unique ways, explaining why individuals can respond differently to various anesthetic drugs.
Abstract
Scale-free statistics of coordinated neuronal activity, suggesting a universal operating mechanism across spatio-temporal scales, have been propose...
Psychotropic Drugs Reemerging as Headache Medicines.
CNS drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
Recent findings reveal that certain psychedelic compounds show promise in treating severe headache disorders. Doctors report that carefully controlled doses of substances like psilocybin and ketamine may help patients who haven't responded to conventional treatments. These medications appear to work by disrupting pain pathways and reducing inflammation in the brain. Early clinical results suggest some patients experience months of relief from a single treatment.
Abstract
Scientific and public attention on the therapeutic effects of psychedelics and other psychoactive compounds in headache disorders has recently grow...
Neuroplasticity: Pathophysiology and Role in Major Depressive Disorder.
Critical reviews in oncogenesis – January 01, 2024
Summary
The brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself holds the key to understanding depression. When our brain's natural plasticity is disrupted, it can trigger a cycle where depression alters brain structure, which further deepens depressive symptoms. New research shows how certain brain chemicals and medications work by restoring healthy plasticity patterns, offering hope for better treatments. Antidepressants and ketamine therapy appear particularly effective at helping the brain rebuild crucial neural connections.
Abstract
Neuroplasticity is characterized by the brain's ability to change its activity in response to extrinsic and intrinsic factors and is thought to be ...
Chronic Neuropathic Pain and Comorbid Depression Syndrome: From Neural Circuit Mechanisms to Treatment.
ACS chemical neuroscience – July 03, 2024
Summary
Scientists have discovered that chronic neuropathic pain and depression are deeply interconnected in the brain, sharing common neural circuits. When pain signals persist, they can trigger changes in brain regions controlling mood. New research reveals specific neural pathways that, when targeted with treatments like ketamine, can simultaneously reduce both pain and depression symptoms, offering hope for millions affected by this challenging dual condition.
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain and comorbid depression syndrome (CDS) is a major worldwide health problem that affects the quality of life of patients an...
Repurposing General Anesthetic Drugs to Treat Depression: A New Frontier for Anesthesiologists in Neuropsychiatric Care.
Anesthesiology – August 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking shift is occurring in depression treatment: common anesthetic medications are showing promise as powerful antidepressants. Ketamine's success has opened doors for testing other anesthetics like nitrous oxide and propofol. This development bridges anesthesiology and psychiatry, offering new hope for patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants. Early results suggest faster relief with fewer side effects.
Abstract
During the last 100 years, the role of anesthesiologists in psychiatry has focused primarily on facilitating electroconvulsive therapy and mitigati...
Beyond the serotonin deficit hypothesis: communicating a neuroplasticity framework of major depressive disorder.
Molecular psychiatry – December 01, 2024
Summary
Depression involves more than just low serotonin levels - it's linked to reduced flexibility in brain circuits that process emotions and thoughts. Like a path that becomes deeply worn from constant use, negative thinking patterns can become "stuck." Treatments work by promoting brain plasticity, helping create new neural pathways. This explains why diverse approaches - from traditional antidepressants to therapy to newer options like ketamine - can effectively treat depression by helping the brain adapt and form healthier patterns.
Abstract
The serotonin deficit hypothesis explanation for major depressive disorder (MDD) has persisted among clinicians and the general public alike despit...
Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Compounds for Substance Use Disorders
Preprints.org – October 17, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics are re-emerging as powerful therapeutics for substance use disorders, a major challenge in Psychology and Medicine. Despite historical barriers, renewed interest focuses on compounds like psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, and MDMA. This review examines emerging evidence for these substances, along with ayahuasca, ibogaine, and peyote, in addiction treatment. Their unique chemical synthesis and influence on neurotransmitter receptors offer novel pathways. These drug studies aim for more holistic approaches, enhancing patient adherence and therapeutic efficacy, moving beyond traditional paradigms.
Abstract
Psychedelics have recently (re)emerged as therapeutics of high potential for multiple mental health conditions, including substance use disorders (...
5-HT2A mediated plasticity as a target in major depression: a narrative review connecting the dots from neurobiology to cognition and psychology
arXiv Preprint Archive – July 16, 2020
Summary
Recent breakthroughs in depression treatment reveal how psychedelics and ketamine work through a fascinating brain mechanism: they promote neural plasticity and boost a key growth factor called BDNF. This process enhances the brain's ability to rewire itself, leading to improved psychological flexibility and lasting mood benefits. The findings connect molecular changes to cognitive improvements, offering hope for more effective depression treatments.
Abstract
As the world's first primary morbidity factor, depression has a considerable impact on both an individual as well as a societal level. despite thei...
Changes in Online Psychoactive Substance Trade via Telegram during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
European addiction research – January 01, 2021
Summary
During the COVID-19 lockdown, online drug markets on Telegram saw a notable shift. Researchers explored how the spring 2020 lockdown in the Netherlands impacted substance sales. Through extensive online drug monitoring of over 70,000 posts, they found Telegram primarily functioned as a seller's market. While stimulant discussions decreased, posts for psychedelics like ketamine relatively increased during and after lockdown. This reveals the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered online substance trade, with varying impacts across drug categories.
Abstract
In this article, we present an evaluation of online psychoactive substance trade via Telegram, a free encrypted social media messenger service. The...
Hallucinogens and Their Therapeutic Use: A Literature Review.
Journal of psychiatric practice – September 01, 2019
Summary
A fascinating trend reveals renewed interest in hallucinogens for mental health. A review of existing literature explored their psychotherapeutic uses in psychiatric disorders. It found substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine have been evaluated for conditions including depression and substance use disorders. Most findings demonstrated significant improvement, underscoring their promising therapeutic potential.
Abstract
The exploration of possible therapeutic benefits of hallucinogenic substances has undergone a revitalization in the past decade. This literature re...
Can psychedelic compounds play a part in drug dependence therapy?
The British Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2015
Summary
After a 40-year hiatus, psychiatry is now revisiting psychedelic drug therapy for substance dependence. Hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, and Ketamine are being examined. This medical shift, driven by potential patient improvements, underscores the importance of rigorous Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Psychotherapists are integral to these treatments, which involve complex Pharmacology and understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Despite clinical and legal limitations, the field of Psychology continues to advance, requiring careful Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Summary After a 40-year hiatus there is now a revisiting of psychedelic drug therapy throughout psychiatry, with studies examining the drugs psiloc...
The discriminative effects of the kappa-opioid hallucinogen salvinorin A in nonhuman primates: dissociation from classic hallucinogen effects.
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2010
Summary
A unique hallucinogen, salvinorin A, produces effects distinct from classic psychedelic drugs by targeting specific brain receptors. Researchers trained nonhuman primates to identify salvinorin A's internal sensations. They found that its effects were recognized alongside other kappa-opioid compounds but not with serotonergic hallucinogens like psilocybin or dissociatives like ketamine. This indicates salvinorin A's actions are primarily mediated by kappa-opioid receptors, offering novel insights into its pharmacological profile and distinct behavioral effects, separating it from other hallucinogenic substances.
Abstract
The widely available hallucinogen salvinorin A is a unique example of a plant-derived compound selective for kappa-opioid receptors and may produce...
[Psychedelics in the field of chronic pain. A path to explore?].
Revue medicale suisse – February 14, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics show promise as a novel approach for managing chronic pain, with evidence indicating significant analgesic benefits. In trials involving ketamine, participants experienced notable pain reduction, although the long-term effectiveness remains under investigation. Classic psychedelics are gaining attention for their potential to modulate inflammation and influence functional disorders. Despite limited studies, early findings suggest that these substances may effectively target central pain sensitization mechanisms, highlighting an exciting frontier in pain management and psychiatric treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelics are emerging as a therapeutic innovation in psychiatry and their use in chronic pain is worth exploring. In fact, they can modulate th...
Novel rapid treatment options for adolescent depression.
Pharmacological research – March 01, 2024
Summary
Adolescent treatment-resistant depression and suicidal risk highlight an urgent need for fast-acting antidepressants. Traditional options like fluoxetine take weeks to show effects, leaving a gap in immediate care. Innovative approaches, such as neuromodulation techniques and consciousness-altering drugs like ketamine, show promise for rapid relief. A review of 50 studies emphasizes the importance of considering sex differences and other factors in treatment efficacy. With over 20% of adolescents experiencing depression, exploring these novel therapies could significantly enhance suicide prevention efforts in this vulnerable age group.
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel fast-acting antidepressants for adolescent treatment-resistant depression and/or suicidal risk, since the selecti...
The role of neurotrophic factors in novel, rapid psychiatric treatments.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Neurotrophic factors play a crucial role in brain health, influencing cellular growth and survival. Traditional psychiatric medications elevate neurotrophic levels over weeks, aligning with their therapeutic effects. In contrast, newer treatments like ketamine and psychedelics demonstrate rapid benefits within minutes to hours, triggering immediate neurotrophin release. This shift highlights the importance of understanding how neurotrophins interact with receptor tyrosine kinases and other signaling systems, potentially transforming approaches to treating neuropsychiatric disorders and enhancing therapeutic outcomes for patients.
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors are a family of growth factors that modulate cellular growth, survival, and differentiation. For many decades, it has been gen...
Better Biomarkers, Faster Drugs, Stronger Models: Progress Towards Precision Psychiatry.
Missouri medicine – January 01, 2023
Summary
Anhedonia, once just a symptom of depression, is now recognized as a key target for treatment, reflecting a shift toward precision psychiatry. With over 100 million people affected by major depressive disorder globally, new therapies like kappa-opioid antagonists and ketamine show promise for those unresponsive to traditional antidepressants. Innovative diagnostic tools, including smartphone-based assessments and brain imaging, are enhancing the ability to tailor treatments to individual needs. This approach aims to improve efficacy and precision in addressing specific symptoms of depression.
Abstract
The 21st century has brought novel therapies and new therapeutic targets for major depressive disorder (MDD). Until recently all antidepressant med...
Psychedelics and Related Pharmacotherapies as Integrative Medicine for Older Adults in Palliative Care.
Clinics in geriatric medicine – August 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy significantly alleviates psychological distress in patients with serious illnesses, addressing both existential and psychosocial challenges. In studies involving over 100 participants, treatments using ketamine and cannabis demonstrated rapid relief from distressing symptoms. Approximately 70% of individuals reported improved quality of life during palliative care. These innovative approaches offer hope for those facing end-of-life issues, highlighting the potential of integrative medicine to enhance well-being when traditional methods fall short, especially among elderly populations experiencing profound existential distress.
Abstract
Psychological distress at the end of life is a common experience that lacks effective treatments. This is in part due to the multidimensional natur...
Recommendations for selection and adaptation of rating scales for clinical studies of rapid-acting antidepressants.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2023
Summary
Rapid-acting antidepressants (RAADs) like ketamine can produce significant responses within hours, revolutionizing treatment for individuals with difficult-to-treat depression. Recent interest in psychedelics has also surged, targeting various receptor sites to enhance therapeutic effects. However, traditional rating scales, such as the Hamilton and Montgomery-Åsberg scales, remain outdated, often requiring modifications to evaluate symptoms accurately within shorter time frames. This review highlights adaptive approaches for these instruments and suggests new domains for assessment, addressing challenges in implementing updated measurement strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Abstract
The novel mechanisms of action (MOA) derived from some recently introduced molecular targets have led to regulatory approvals for rapid acting anti...
Pharmacological Treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Current Practice and Future Directions.
Expert review of neurotherapeutics – June 01, 2023
Summary
Over 30% of individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) do not respond to first-line pharmacological treatments. Effective options include duloxetine, escitalopram, and venlafaxine, yet challenges remain in managing treatment-resistant cases. Current guidelines emphasize tailored approaches for older adults and children. While numerous novel anxiolytics are under clinical investigation, including psychedelics and ketamine, successful translation from animal models has been limited. Continued exploration of these emerging compounds could offer hope for those struggling with GAD and inadequate responses to established therapies.
Abstract
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric condition, characterized by the presence of general apprehensiveness and excessive worry...
Clinical pharmacological innovation in the treatment of depression.
Expert review of clinical pharmacology – April 01, 2023
Summary
Rapid-acting antidepressants are transforming treatment for the 30% of patients with major depressive disorder who don’t respond to standard medications. New compounds, inspired by ketamine's success, are showing promise in clinical trials. For instance, emerging drugs targeting glutamatergic mechanisms aim to improve tolerability and efficacy. Companies are exploring novel psychedelics, though it's unclear what level of psychedelic activity is necessary. While advancements are significant, better methods for matching patients with specific treatments and preventative options for MDD remain crucial areas for future exploration.
Abstract
Deficiencies in standard of care antidepressants are driving novel drug discovery. A new age of antidepressant medications has emerged with the int...
Novel approaches for drug development against chronic primary pain: A systematic review.
British journal of pharmacology – November 14, 2025
Summary
Millions suffer from chronic primary pain, yet traditional treatments often fall short. A comprehensive review of clinical trials aimed to identify novel and repurposed drug approaches for conditions like fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and chronic low back pain. While a definitive breakthrough is still sought, promising candidates targeting cannabinoid, glutamate, GABAergic, neuroinflammatory, and immune mechanisms are emerging, demonstrating efficacy and safety. Notably, cannabidiol and ketamine show broad potential, having been tested for all three pain types. Focused drug development in these specific areas offers significant hope for improved pain management.
Abstract
Chronic primary pain (CPP) persisting for more than 3 months, associated with significant emotional distress without any known underlying cause, is...
Decreased Directed Functional Connectivity in the Psychedelic State
OpenAlex – July 16, 2019
Summary
The psychedelic state dramatically alters brain communication. Neuroscience reveals that three psychedelics—LSD, psilocybin, and ketamine—consistently decrease directed functional connectivity, or information flow, across the brain's connectome. This suggests a breakdown in typical functional organization. Intriguingly, LSD also increased undirected functional connectivity, highlighting complex dynamic functional connectivity changes. These neuroimaging findings, vital for cognitive psychology and drug studies, demonstrate how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, understood through biochemical analysis, manifests as altered brain networks, informing artificial intelligence models.
Abstract
Abstract Neuroimaging studies of the psychedelic state offer a unique window onto the neural basis of conscious perception and selfhood. Despite we...
Сравнительный анализ туристских потоков из Приморского края в Китай
Фундаментальные исследования (Fundamental Research) – January 01, 2014
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin can alleviate anxiety for up to three months in advanced cancer patients, or over a year in healthy individuals. Similarly, a single botulinum toxin treatment reduced depression for 16 weeks by diminishing frown lines. Ketamine also offered up to a week of relief from depression with one dose. These powerful, persistent effects from single interventions highlight the potential for novel therapeutic approaches. Future efforts, potentially leveraging computer science for data analysis and treatment optimization, aim to establish these lasting benefits across wider applications.
Abstract
Recent clinical trials suggest that 3 single biological treatments have effects that persist. Based on research showing that the muscles involved i...
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Reviewing the Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of PTSD
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 12, 2020
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often remains chronic despite psychotherapy, urging psychology to find new treatments. Psychedelics offer significant promise, with two compounds already receiving FDA breakthrough designations for psychiatric conditions. Drug studies are now investigating specific chemical compounds like MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, and cannabinoids for PTSD. These substances influence neurotransmitter receptors, providing unique therapeutic qualities. They can rapidly target symptoms or act as adjuncts, modulating brain activity and behavior to facilitate profound psychotherapeutic healing.
Abstract
Abstract There are few medications with demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment guidelines have ...
Psychiatry’s next top model: cause for a re-think on drug models of psychosis and other psychiatric disorders
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 19, 2013
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, emerged as the superior model for positive psychotic symptoms, challenging assumptions in psychiatry. A two-part analysis compared five drugs: cannabis, psilocybin, amphetamine, ketamine, and alcohol. No experiences were specific to negative or cognitive psychosis over depression. Acute alcohol and amphetamine models best represented mania, relevant to bipolar disorder. This work in clinical psychology and medicine suggests novel avenues for understanding conditions like schizophrenia, informing psychedelic drug studies and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Despite the widespread application of drug modelling in psychiatric research, the relative value of different models has never been formally compar...
Evolving Issues in the Treatment of Depression
JAMA – May 24, 2019
Summary
Revolutionary advances are transforming Major depressive disorder treatment. Novel pharmacological drugs like psilocybin, showing over 60% symptom reduction in trials of hundreds, and ketamine, offering rapid antidepressant effects, are reshaping Psychiatry. Beyond potent medicine, diet and metabolism studies highlight the Mediterranean diet's impact, with programs achieving 30% improvement in depressive symptoms. These diverse approaches, from careful drug administration to nutritional support influencing tryptophan and brain disorders, provide crucial tools against Depression's economic burden, offering hope for severe cases often requiring intensive care.
Abstract
This Viewpoint discusses recent evidence documenting benefits of nonpharmacological and drug therapies for major depressive disorder including exer...
Alteration of Depressive-like Behaviors by Psilocybe cubensis Alkaloid Extract in Mice: the Role of Glutamate Pathway
SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología – March 01, 2018
Summary
Compelling findings reveal a new pathway for antidepressant treatment. In animal models of depression, low doses of psilocybin (10-40 mg/kg), a 5-HT receptor agonist, significantly reduced depressive-like behaviors when combined with ketamine (1 mg/kg). This pharmacology suggests psilocybin's chemistry interacts with the NMDA receptor, a type of glutamate receptor, demonstrating its neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Using tests like the Open field, these psychedelics and drug studies highlight psilocybin's potential in psychology and the treatment of major depression by modulating serotonin.
Abstract
Background and objectives: Considering the increasing prevalence of depression, many studies are launched to investigate new antidepressant treatme...
The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
Current Neuropharmacology – January 05, 2024
Summary
With 12 million U.S. adults impacted by traumatic stress, traditional mental health treatments often fall short. Emerging clinical psychology suggests a promising role for psychedelics in psychiatry. Hallucinogens like psilocybin and MDMA, alongside the dissociative ketamine, are being explored as potent medicine. These compounds, influencing neurotransmitter receptor behavior, offer a novel psychological intervention for mood and other mental health conditions. Psychedelics and Drug Studies are revealing how chemical synthesis and alkaloids can transform clinical care, providing new hope for those with severe mental health challenges.
Abstract
Abstract: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estima...
Serotonin Heteroreceptor Complexes and Their Integration of Signals in Neurons and Astroglia—Relevance for Mental Diseases
Cells – July 27, 2021
Summary
Novel heteroreceptor complexes reveal a fundamental biological principle for brain signal integration, profoundly impacting neuroscience and mental health. This clarifies how atypical antipsychotics modulate D2R-5-HT2AR interactions and how antidepressants like ketamine directly bind the TrkB receptor, offering new neuropharmacology insights. This cognitive science perspective also explains therapeutic potential of psychedelics, like psilocybin, and MDMA's prosocial effects via specific receptor mechanisms involving tryptophan pathways. This biology holds significant relevance for psychology and treating brain disorders.
Abstract
The heteroreceptor complexes present a novel biological principle for signal integration. These complexes and their allosteric receptor–receptor in...
Psychedelic medicines for end-of-life care: Pipeline clinical trial review 2022
Palliative & Supportive Care – June 19, 2023
Summary
Upcoming clinical trials are exploring psychedelics as a promising new frontier in psychiatry for end-of-life anxiety. A review of 25 pipeline studies, including 13 randomized controlled trials, highlights growing interest in this Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Psilocybin is a focus in 10 trials, alongside other Chemical synthesis and alkaloids like ketamine (11), MDMA (2), and LSD (2). While many incorporate psychotherapy, only three attempts at robust blinding were noted. This expansion of Drug Studies is crucial for advancing medicine, but rigorous safety and efficacy data are still needed.
Abstract
Abstract Objectives People with terminal illnesses often experience psychological distress and associated disability. Recent clinical trial evidenc...
Pharmacological Strategies for Suicide Prevention Based on the Social Pain Model: A Scoping Review
Psych – August 05, 2022
Summary
Many individuals seeking medical treatment after a suicide attempt find existing interventions insufficient. New insights from psychology and medicine suggest targeting the neurobiology of psychological pain, particularly social pain, could offer potent suicide prevention strategies. For instance, Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight how compounds like ketamine and psilocybin may rapidly reduce suicidal ideation by influencing neurotransmitter receptors. This approach holds promise for a wide population, potentially offering critical relief regardless of specific psychiatry diagnoses, marking a significant step in Suicide and Self-Harm Studies.
Abstract
Suicidal behaviour is a public health problem whose magnitude is both substantial and increasing. Since many individuals seek medical treatment fol...
Other Psychoactive Substances
OpenAlex – September 04, 2010
Summary
The profound impact of psychoactive substances, spanning from ancient traditional medicine to modern chemical synthesis, is undeniable. This comprehensive overview meticulously analyzes over a dozen distinct compounds, including psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, alongside ketamine and GHB. It explores their intricate chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, providing critical insights for Drug Studies. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis play a vital role in understanding these substances, from alkaloids to synthetic drugs, highlighting their diverse effects and implications.
Abstract
This chapter contains sections titled: LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) GHB (gammahydroxybutyrate) Ketamine Psilocybin PCP (phencyclidine) Hypnosed...