1731 results for "Ketamine"
Exploring the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy and digital mental health interventions in trauma recovery for underserved adults with high-functioning autism
Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews – June 28, 2025
Summary
Trauma and substance use are profoundly underdiagnosed and undertreated in individuals with Level 1 Autism. While promising psychedelic-assisted therapies (e.g., psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) address PTSD, and digital mental health interventions improve access, their intersection with autistic needs remains critically underexplored. This psychology review proposes a neurodevelopmentally sensitive, hybrid model. It integrates digital mental health tools with psychedelic psychological interventions to enhance mental health and trauma healing for autistic populations, addressing critical gaps in clinical psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
Trauma-related disorders and substance use are disproportionately underdiagnosed and undertreated in individuals with High-Functioning Autism (Leve...
PSILOCYBIN IN PSYCHIATRIC PRACTICE AND PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science – January 28, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin therapy delivers rapid, robust, and sustained antidepressant effects for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, often after just one or two sessions. A narrative review of systematic reviews and clinical trials in Psychiatry and Psychology highlights its potential. This psychedelic medicine shows high response and remission rates with mild, transient adverse effects, offering a new avenue in medicine. Administered with a psychotherapist, Psilocybin compares favorably to conventional antidepressant and Ketamine treatments. However, high costs limit accessibility, creating an economic challenge for integrating this into Clinical Practice.
Abstract
This manuscript comprehensively reviews psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. It aims to sy...
Pharmacotherapy for the Secondary Prevention of Suicide: Leads from the Social Pain Hypothesis
Preprints.org – July 05, 2022
Summary
A critical public health challenge, suicidal ideation, demands innovative suicide prevention. Existing medicine offers limited efficacy. Psychology and clinical psychology highlight psychological pain, including aspects resembling chronic pain, as a key risk factor. This understanding points to novel pharmacological targets, influencing neurotransmitter receptors. Psychedelics and Drug Studies, examining compounds like ketamine, show promise for short-term reduction of suicidal behavior across the population. While psychotherapists play a vital role, these medical advancements, potentially involving poison control for acute cases, offer new hope in psychiatry and 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...
Novel drug developmental strategies for treatment‐resistant depression
British Journal of Pharmacology – November 25, 2021
Summary
Major depressive disorder is a leading global disability, with many patients resistant to conventional medicine. Novel pharmacology is crucial for effective treatment of major depression. Promising drug candidates, currently in Phase I-III clinical trials, target specific brain neurotransmitter receptors. These neuroscience-based approaches modulate brain chemistry, inhibiting certain signaling pathways or influencing opioid systems. Hallucinogenic tryptamine derivates, a drug class related to tryptophan and brain disorders, also show potential. S-ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, is the only registered drug for treatment-resistant depression, profoundly influencing behavior. Add-on therapies also improve outcomes.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Because conventional therapies are ineffective in many patients, novel strate...
Drug overdoses
OpenAlex – February 05, 2019
Summary
Saving lives from drug overdoses requires comprehensive knowledge across many substances. A vital Pharmacology resource outlines general approaches and specific antidotes for over 20 diverse classes of medicine. It details treatments for common medications like Tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and painkillers, alongside recreational substances. Crucially, it addresses Hallucinogen drugs (e.g., ketamine) and opioids, providing essential guidance for effective poisoning and overdose treatments, covering a broad spectrum of toxic exposures.
Abstract
Abstract This chapter describes drug overdoses, the general approach, and antidotes. It includes information on overdoses of anticonvulsants, antip...
Drug Abuse and Cardiac Problem
Medicine Today – February 10, 2014
Summary
Substance abuse, an epidemic in many nations, profoundly impacts the heart and circulation, causing significant morbidity. A review identifies 12 drugs of abuse, including Heroin, Methamphetamine, Nicotine, MDMA, Phencyclidine, and Ketamine (a hallucinogen), that induce dangerous cardiovascular changes. This pharmacology is critical for Medicine and Psychiatry. Understanding these drugs, including cannabis, is vital for forensic toxicology and drug analysis, and for comprehending their neurotransmitter receptor influence.
Abstract
Drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in many countries including Bangladesh and threatens to overwhelm economic, social, and health care sys...
Treatment of a Complex Personality Disorder Using Repeated Doses of LSD—A Case Report on Significant Improvements in the Absence of Acute Drug Effects
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 22, 2020
Summary
A compelling finding reveals one patient with severe, treatment-resistant psychopathology, including profound depressed mood, experienced rapid improvement from the hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This experimental medicine, a drug explored in psychiatry and psychology, produced significant benefits lasting ~7 days after each dose, crucially without acute subjective effects. This challenges typical understanding of psychedelics and their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. The antidepressant-like effects, observed in drug studies, resembled those of ketamine, offering new insights into managing complex mood disorders.
Abstract
A 39-year-old female patient suffering from severe, treatment-resistant depression and other symptoms associated with a complex personality disorde...
Positionspapier zu Psychedelika assistierter Therapie von Abhängigkeitserkrankungen der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Suchttherapie
SUCHT - Zeitschrift für Wissenschaft und Praxis / Journal of Addiction Research and Practice – December 01, 2025
Summary
The Swiss Society of Addiction Medicine (SSAM) has taken a bold stance, supporting psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) as a viable treatment for addiction. This includes classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, and ketamine, especially when conventional treatments prove inadequate. SSAM also champions an evidence-based debate on legalizing and regulating substances such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA in Switzerland. This covers both therapeutic and non-medical uses, aiming to minimize harm and provide access to safe, quality-controlled substances.
Abstract
Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Die Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Suchtmedizin (SSAM) setzt sich für die wissenschaftlich fundierte und patientenor...
PID-atom distributions for all subjects under different drugs and placebo effects using MMI definition.
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University) – November 05, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds like LSD, ketamine, and psilocybin profoundly impact brain information processing, offering new insights for internal medicine. In a cohort of 40 individuals, these substances demonstrated distinct effects on "PID atoms"—key informational components of brain function—significantly differing from a placebo. For example, psilocybin showed an average effect size of 0.7 on these measures. Such pharmacological understanding, akin to a PID controller optimizing systemic functions, is vital for advancing medicine and developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
From left to right, results refer to LSD, ketamine, and psilocybin drugs. Panel rows represent (a) the raw values of PID atoms, (b) the NMI-normali...
Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review
Cureus – August 21, 2021
Summary
For adults battling **treatment-resistant depression**, a severe **major depressive disorder**, a new **medicine** derived from **ketamine** provides a novel **treatment of Major Depression**. A review of 10 studies, including five **clinical trials**, found sustained symptom improvement. While only one of three short-term trials showed superiority over **placebo**, a relapse prevention study indicated delayed symptom return. Common **adverse effects** like nausea and dizziness were mild, but rare serious events, including self-harm ideation, have been reported, requiring ongoing vigilance.
Abstract
Intranasal form of esketamine, the S-enantiomer of racemic ketamine, was approved by the US FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in...
Astroglia and depression: A Gliocentric perspective from rodent models to therapeutic insights.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – January 27, 2026
Summary
Compellingly, standard Antidepressants like SSRIs and rapid-acting Ketamine alleviate Major depressive disorder symptoms by restoring Astrocyte (Astroglia) function. Rodent models consistently demonstrate astroglial dysfunction in Depression, showing structural abnormalities such as atrophy in critical brain regions and impaired glutamate regulation. These disruptions, including reduced neurotrophic factors and increased neuroinflammation, are corroborated by clinical findings. Recognizing Astroglia as key mediators of treatment response opens avenues for effective, personalized antidepressant strategies beyond traditional neuron-focused approaches.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating neuropsychiatric condition that affects individuals worldwide. While neuronal deficits have long ...
Atypical Manifestation of Postoperative Delirium After an Opioid-free Prostatectomy: A Case Study Report.
Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses – January 28, 2026
Summary
An unexpected postoperative complication, delirium, emerged even with modern opioid-free anesthesia. A case report details one patient's experience following robotic-assisted prostatectomy, where an opioid-free protocol incorporating ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium was used. While such strategies aim to enhance patient safety and reduce typical postoperative complications, this unusual occurrence of postoperative delirium provides critical insights. Understanding its clinical presentation and contributing factors is vital for managing patient care, highlighting the complex individual responses to even advanced pain management protocols.
Abstract
At a clinical research hospital, the Department of Perioperative Services has recently implemented an opioid-free anesthesia protocol for selected ...
Psychedelic Drugs Rediscovered-In Silico Study of Potential Fetal Exposure to Analogues of Psychedelic Drugs During Pregnancy.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – January 08, 2026
Summary
A concerning finding reveals most of 250 psychedelic drugs and ketamine analogues readily cross the human placenta. A QSAR model, incorporating drug-likeness and other factors, identified specific atomic contributions: carbonyl and hydroxyl groups enhance placenta permeability, while bulky structures restrict it. The synthetic availability of these compounds makes them attractive for illicit manufacturing, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive pharmacological investigation into their potential effects.
Abstract
A total of 250 known and novel compounds-ketamine and serotonergic psychedelics or their analogues-designed to target depression, addictions and/or...
Methoxetamine and its metabolites: Postmortem determination in body fluids of human cadaver.
Journal of analytical toxicology – January 31, 2024
Summary
Methoxetamine (MXE), a ketamine analog, and its metabolites can persist and be detected in a human body even after two months of decomposition. This was demonstrated in a 42-year-old man whose body was discovered 60 days post-mortem. Toxicological analysis revealed MXE concentrations of 3.6 ng/mL in blood, 70.5 ng/mL in urine, and 18.0 ng/mL in gastric content. With no other drugs or poisons present, MXE was inferred to have contributed to death, despite relatively low blood levels. The findings highlight the compound's remarkable post-mortem detectability.
Abstract
We report the forensic case of a 42-year-old man, a known drug user, who died at home and whose body was only discovered 2 months later. Autopsy wa...
Hair-based rapid UPLC-MS/MS analysis of 36 phencyclidine-type substances in forensic cases.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis – September 20, 2023
Summary
Nine distinct phencyclidine-type new psychoactive substances were successfully identified in human hair from 87 authentic forensic cases. This robust UPLC-MS/MS method offers critical support for drug abuse monitoring. It accurately detects these easily modified illicit compounds, including ketamine (up to 26211.3 pg/mg) and 2-FDCK (up to 43290.2 pg/mg). The ability to screen for these emerging threats in human hair provides vital intelligence for public health and law enforcement, helping combat the spread of these dangerous substances.
Abstract
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a frequently abused dissociative agent. It causes confusion, increased tendencies toward violence, and concentration-depende...
A Psychonaut's Experience of Intoxication with Multiple Classes of Drugs Including Novel Psychoactive Substance 2-fluorodeschloroketamine: Case Report and Urinary Analysis.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2022
Summary
A concerning case reveals 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK), a novel psychoactive substance and ketamine derivative, is now appearing in the United States. A 28-year-old man presented in a dissociated state after using 2-FDCK, which is readily available online for as little as $12 per gram. He recovered with supportive care, and metabolites were confirmed in his urine. This marks the first reported instance of this easily accessible substance, highlighting its significant abuse potential.
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances have emerged as drugs of abuse. 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) is a ketamine derivative that can be purchased onl...
New psychoactive substance cocktail in an intensive care intoxication case elucidated by molecular networking.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) – January 01, 2022
Summary
Alarming concentrations of new psychoactive substances, including ketamine derivatives, were found in a patient requiring intensive care for severe intoxication. A 37-year-old man had urine levels of 3-OH-PCP at 12,085 mg/L and 3-MeO-PCP at 1100 mg/L. Molecular networking proved vital, confirming his consumption by matching drug powders to compounds in his system. This powerful technique aids in the precise identification and management of complex intoxications involving these emerging substances.
Abstract
The recreational use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is increasing worldwide. Among them, the arylcyclohexylamine family including phencyclidi...
Method development for the identification of methoxpropamine, 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine and deschloroketamine and their main metabolites in blood and hair and forensic application.
Forensic science international – June 01, 2021
Summary
Three novel ketamine analogues were tragically linked to a suicide case, underscoring the dangers of New psychoactive substances (NPS). Deschloroketamine (DCK), Fluoro-deschloroketamine (FDCK), and Methoxpropamine (MXPr) were identified in post-mortem blood and hair samples using Liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). This vital Forensic toxicology work characterized these β-keto-arylcyclohexamines and their metabolites, establishing critical analytical methods. Such findings are essential, given the unknown pharmacological activity and often unwitting consumption of these illicit 'research chemicals'.
Abstract
The constant increase of new psychoactive substances, often available on the illicit drug market as 'research chemicals', poses a concern for publi...
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Encyclopedia of Law Enforcement – January 01, 2004
Summary
The market for heroin and cocaine remains stable, while marijuana's popularity persists among youth, often combined with alcohol and other substances. Emerging trends indicate that methamphetamine is particularly problematic in the West and South, with its low price making it widely accessible. Club drugs like LSD and Ketamine are also prevalent, especially among young users who frequently mix various substances. Conversations with over 100 experts, including law enforcement and treatment providers, highlight these ongoing challenges in drug control and management across the United States.
Abstract
This Pulse Check is a report of national trends in illicit drug abuse and drug markets in the United States. The report draws on conversations with...
β-carboline-independent antidepressant-like effect of the standardized extract of the barks of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd) Poir. occurs via 5-HT2A/2C receptors in mice
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 20, 2022
Summary
Mimosa tenuiflora (SEMT) demonstrated a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice, showing promise as an alternative therapy for depression. In behavioral tests, SEMT produced notable results in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, independent of harmine's influence. The extract contained 24.74 mg/g of DMT, suggesting its potential role in activating serotonergic systems. Additionally, a sub-dose interaction with ketamine enhanced its anti-immobility effects. This research highlights SEMT's potential as a novel approach to treating brain disorders linked to serotonin receptors.
Abstract
Background: Depression is a psychiatric disorder with limited therapy options. Psychedelics are new antidepressant candidates, being the ayahuasca ...
Curing agents
Additives for Polymers – March 01, 1994
Summary
A groundbreaking analytical method has successfully identified 41 drugs of abuse in particulate matter, sewage sludge, and sediment. Utilizing solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, this technique achieved recoveries exceeding 50% for most compounds. Notably, cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine were frequently detected in particulate samples. In dehydrated sludge, opioids outnumbered cocainics, while emerging drugs like ketamine and bufotenine were also found. Detection limits were impressively low, under 1.32 ng g−1 dry weight, showcasing the method's sensitivity and effectiveness.
Abstract
An analytical method for determining traditional and emerging drugs of abuse in particulate matter, sewage sludge and sediment has been developed a...
Angel Dust
JAMA – August 08, 1977
Summary
Phencyclidine hydrochloride (Sernylan) demonstrated effective analgesia and anesthesia in the 1950s but was sidelined due to significant side effects like postoperative agitation, affecting up to 40% of patients. Despite this, it remains a viable anesthetic for certain animals. In contrast, ketamine hydrochloride (Ketalar) is widely used in human medicine. On the street, phencyclidine, known as "Angel Dust," is easily synthesized and commonly substitutes for harder-to-find psychedelics like mescaline, highlighting its accessibility and popularity among users.
Abstract
PHENCYCLIDINE hydrochloride (Sernylan) was investigated during the 1950s as an anesthetic agent. Although it was found to be effective for analgesi...
What are sweet dreams made of? Analysis of psychoactive substances into “gummies”: A retrospective descriptive study
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2017
Summary
A striking 66.7% of gummy formulations analyzed contained unexpected psychoactive substances, primarily 25N-NBOMe, which was found in six out of nine samples. In total, 55.5% of the gummies had multiple psychoactive ingredients, including 2C-E and ketamine. Conducted between June 2014 and December 2015, this analysis involved 8,324 samples from Spain, highlighting the emergence of new drug formats in recreational settings. The findings raise concerns about potential health risks, as many users may unknowingly consume substances different from their expectations.
Abstract
Introduction Although psychoactive substances has a long history in recreational settings, research on its composition has focused only on tablets,...
Psychedelics as neuroplasticity enhancers: Mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and translational challenges
Advanced Neurology – December 04, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine show remarkable potential in enhancing neuroplasticity, crucial for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. In clinical settings, 60-80% of participants with depression or PTSD reported significant symptom relief when these substances were combined with psychotherapy. These compounds primarily interact with serotonergic and glutamatergic systems, promoting rapid synaptogenesis and changes in brain connectivity. However, challenges regarding safety and the translation of findings into clinical practice remain. Addressing ethical and legal issues is essential for integrating these therapies into modern psychiatric care.
Abstract
Psychedelics are gaining recognition for their effectiveness as modulators of neuroplasticity in the treatment of a range of neuropsychiatric disor...
Ischemia-Induced Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma: Mechanistic Insights and Translational Opportunities for Psychoplastogen-Based Therapies
Pharmaceuticals – February 14, 2026
Summary
Glaucoma, affecting over 70 million people globally, is not just about high eye pressure; it’s a complex neurodegenerative disorder linked to ischemia and chronic inflammation. Retinal ganglion cells suffer from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, leading to progressive visual pathway disconnection. Current treatments focus on lowering intraocular pressure but overlook neuroprotection. Emerging compounds like ketamine and psilocybin show promise in enhancing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation, potentially addressing unmet therapeutic needs in glaucoma by promoting neuronal regeneration and improving synaptic health.
Abstract
Glaucoma is increasingly recognized as an ischemic neurodegenerative disorder that extends beyond elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) to involve co...
Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Pakistan: A Promising Strategy
Hospital Pharmacy – October 23, 2025
Summary
Depression is set to become the leading cause of global disability by 2030, affecting nearly 20% of Pakistan's population. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) complicates care for many, as it resists at least two antidepressants. Esketamine, a fast-acting treatment, shows higher remission rates than quetiapine in TRD cases but remains unavailable in Pakistan due to cost and regulatory barriers. Local studies indicate ketamine infusions can help TRD patients, especially ECT non-responders, highlighting the need for improved access to mental healthcare across rural communities.
Abstract
Depression, projected to be the leading cause of global disability by 2030, affects up to 19.62% of Pakistan's population. Treatment-resistant depr...
Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in Oncologic Patients—A New Promise? Preliminary Results
Cancers – October 15, 2025
Summary
A topical combination of amitriptyline and ketamine shows promise for treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), offering a safe and effective option for symptom relief. In a clinical trial, this innovative formulation demonstrated significant improvement in patient comfort, with over 70% reporting reduced pain levels. With a sample size of 150 participants, the findings highlight the potential for transdermal delivery systems in managing CIPN, particularly among those undergoing cancer treatment like multiple myeloma, where skin toxicity is a common concern.
Abstract
This is the first clinical evaluation of a topical combination with new concentrations of amitriptyline and ketamine for CIPN. The results suggest ...
Psychedelics in the Treatment of Neurologic and Psychiatric Disorders: Coincidence or a New Point of View.
Molecular neurobiology – June 04, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD show remarkable potential in treating brain disorders through multiple healing mechanisms. These compounds reduce inflammation and oxidative stress while promoting brain plasticity, offering relief for both psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Early results suggest faster recovery and longer-lasting benefits compared to traditional medications.
Abstract
Neurological and psychiatric disorders are considered one of the major problems of today's societies and cause many individual and social problems....
Attitudes Toward Psychedelic Treatments by Individuals With Histories of Substance Use or Psychiatric Disorders: A Survey Study.
Journal of addiction medicine – May 28, 2025
Summary
Patient perceptions of psychedelic-assisted treatment are shifting dramatically, with 72% of individuals with substance use disorder or psychiatric disorders believing in their therapeutic potential. A comprehensive survey revealed that among 192 participants, two-thirds had prior psychedelic experience. Those with firsthand experience using substances like psilocybin or MDMA showed significantly higher openness to trying psychedelic therapy. While some participants expressed concerns about risks, nearly 70% would consider this treatment for their own conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelics may be promising treatments for substance use disorders (SUD). This study aims to understand how individuals with alcohol use disorder...
A protocol for a scoping review of variations among psychedelic interventions for psychological suffering associated with the end-of-life.
PloS one – January 01, 2025
Summary
As end-of-life care evolves, psychedelic therapies show promise in easing psychological distress among terminal patients. This protocol outlines plans to map various approaches, from psilocybin to ayahuasca, examining how different substances and therapeutic methods help those facing mortality. The review will analyze published data across major health databases to understand treatment variations and outcomes.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential to ease psychological suffering linked to end-of-life issues. Ho...
Neuroplasticity and psychedelics: A comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – April 04, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics offer rapid, enduring therapeutic effects by profoundly enhancing brain neuroplasticity. Neuroscience reveals these compounds, including classic and non-classic varieties, modulate neural pathways. Preclinical drug studies demonstrate they heighten brain sensitivity and re-open developmental windows for structural changes, impacting mood and behavior. This mechanism, involving neurotransmitter receptor influence, holds significant promise in Psychology for neuropsychiatric conditions. While human translation faces imaging challenges, understanding these findings guides targeted interventions and advances their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Neuroplasticity, the ability of the nervous system to adapt throughout an organism's lifespan, offers potential as both a biomarker and treatment t...
The effect of low-dose psilocybin on brain neurotransmission and rat behavior.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – April 02, 2025
Summary
Microdoses of psilocybin show promising effects on brain chemistry without causing hallucinations. When given to rats, small amounts triggered positive neurotransmitter release in the brain while protecting against DNA damage. The compound influenced the HPA axis and behavior, reducing anxiety and improving mood without psychedelic effects. These findings suggest therapeutic potential with fewer side effects than similar compounds.
Abstract
Psilocybin has various therapeutic effects in mental and psychological disorders, including depression and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive dis...
Anhedonia: Current and future treatments
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Reports – March 01, 2025
Summary
Traditional antidepressants often struggle against anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure, which significantly impedes recovery from conditions like Major Depression. However, a diverse range of treatments offers hope. Newer pharmacological approaches, including Agomelatine and Psychedelics, show promise. Neuromodulation techniques like Vagus nerve stimulation and Transcranial direct-current stimulation provide effective Brain stimulation. Alongside advances in Medicine and Neuroscience, Psychological intervention and Clinical psychology strategies are vital for improving anhedonia, enhancing quality of life, and promoting sustained remission.
Abstract
Abstract Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic domain that leads to poor disorder outcome and low remission rates. This narrative review describes a broad...
Protective Behavioral Strategies for Psychedelic Use: A Mini Review of the Evidence.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – December 01, 2024
Summary
As psychedelic use rises among Americans, proven harm reduction strategies are helping people navigate these powerful substances more safely. Research shows that protective behavioral strategies, like careful dosing and creating supportive environments, can significantly reduce risks. Users who implement these practices report fewer negative experiences while maintaining potential benefits. The psychedelic community has developed effective safety protocols, from proper substance testing to post-experience integration.
Abstract
Approximately 8.5 million Americans over the age of 12 endorsed past year psychedelic use in 2022, with 1.4 million individuals initiating use duri...
Prevalence and Correlates of Lifetime Ecstasy/MDMA Use Among Asian American and Pacific Islander Adult Populations in the United States, 2015–2020
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 03, 2025
Summary
Over 1 in 20 Asian American and Pacific Islander adults (5.1%) have used Ecstasy/MDMA in their lifetime. Women showed 1.45 times higher odds of use than men, and those aged 26-34 had nearly twice the odds (1.99 times) compared to younger adults. Lifetime use of other substances like Cannabis (28.4 times higher odds) and Psychedelics such as LSD (3.82 times) or psilocybin (3.29 times) strongly correlated with MDMA use. These demographic insights are crucial for public health, medicine, and Psychiatry strategies, especially in Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, and Gerontology.
Abstract
Little is known about ecstasy/MDMA use among Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Research is important because AAPIs face unique cultu...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics in Treating Substance Use Disorders: A Review of Clinical Trials
Medicina – February 06, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows remarkable promise for substance use disorders. A review of 16 clinical trials reveals that alkaloids like psilocybin, often combined with a psychotherapist, significantly reduce alcohol and tobacco dependence. This cutting-edge approach in medicine and psychiatry suggests these psychedelics influence neurotransmitter receptors, offering a new avenue for psychology. These drug studies highlight their potential for long-term abstinence, particularly for those unresponsive to conventional substance use treatments, presenting a powerful new tool.
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect millions worldwide. Despite increasing drug use, treatment options remain limited....
The Hallucinogen Rating Scale: Updated Factor Structure in a Large, Multistudy Sample.
Biological psychiatry global open science – March 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT create distinct patterns of consciousness that can now be reliably measured. A comprehensive analysis of nearly 1,000 questionnaires reveals eight key factors that capture the unique effects of different psychoactive substances. The Hallucinogen Rating Scale successfully differentiates classic psychedelics from other drugs, with meaningfulness emerging as a distinctive feature of psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
The Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS) has been widely used to measure the subjective effects of psychedelics and other psychoactive substances. Its a...
Sample composition and HIV prevention indicator differences using physical vs. virtual venue recruitment of men who have sex with men in San Francisco.
American journal of epidemiology – November 28, 2024
Summary
Virtual outreach proves as effective as in-person methods for HIV prevention research among men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Francisco. While online recruitment attracted participants with higher education and better insurance coverage, both approaches successfully gathered 500+ participants. Virtual venues showed increased PrEP adoption and changing drug use patterns, offering a reliable alternative for future public health monitoring.
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sampling method for the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) in San Francisco changed from physical venue ...
Psychedelics as an intervention for psychological, existential distress in terminally ill patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Journal of Psychopharmacology – December 10, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics significantly alleviate anxiety and distress in terminally ill individuals, according to a meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials involving 606 participants. These hallucinogens reduced depression (SMD -0.80) and anxiety (SMD -0.84). Psilocybin, an alkaloid, emerged as most effective for depression, while LSD showed promise for anxiety. This review, relevant to clinical psychology and psychiatry, highlights the therapeutic potential of such compounds, often administered by a psychotherapist, for end-of-life care, with comparable safety.
Abstract
Background: The interest in psychedelics as a therapeutic intervention for existential distress of people with terminal illness grounds on their me...
Global Trends in Psychedelic Microdosing: Demographics, Substance Testing Behavior, and Patterns of Use
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – November 06, 2024
Summary
Exclusive psychedelic microdosers, a subset of 2488 individuals from a survey of 6193 consumers, exhibit distinct demographics and substance use patterns. They are older (46.4 vs. 42.0 years), predominantly female (68.4% vs. 44.7%), and report less non-psychedelic substance use (3.8 vs. 4.7 substances) compared to those also using macrodoses. Most microdose multiple times monthly, often with psilocybin (74.5%) or LSD (34.4%), primarily for wellbeing (73.0%), though 64.6% don't test their substances.
Abstract
Despite psychedelic microdosing being a growing practice, the research on the topic is still in its infancy. While several studies have described t...
Critical appraisal of evidence supporting prescription of psychedelics from clinic websites in Ontario, Canada
PLoS ONE – October 24, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic clinics in Ontario are promoting psilocybin and other psychedelics for an astonishing 47 distinct medical conditions, often with insufficient scientific backing. An analysis of 10 clinic websites revealed only 2 out of 10 described potential risks. While 29 studies were cited for these medical prescriptions, most offered low-to-moderate "level 4" evidence, like case-series. This raises concerns for mental health patients seeking medicine, underscoring the need for transparent, high-quality information regarding psychedelic treatments in family medicine and psychiatry.
Abstract
Psychedelics, including ketamine, 3,4-Methyl enedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), and psilocybin, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic...
Psychedelics: From Cave Art to 21st-Century Medicine for Addiction
European Addiction Research – September 25, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics offer compelling new hope for treating addiction. A comprehensive review spanning 40 years of Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights their therapeutic potential in medicine and psychiatry. Substances like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, and Mescaline, alongside MDMA, are being re-examined. These hallucinogens influence neurotransmitter receptors, impacting behavior and improving psychological symptoms of dependence. This re-emergence in psychology and chemical synthesis and alkaloids research suggests these compounds could be vital tools for psychotherapists addressing addiction, especially when conventional methods fail.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic substance use in ritualistic and ceremonial settings dates back as early as 8,500 BCE. Only in recent years, from the mid-2...
Pharmacological Properties of Psychedelics with a Special Focus on Potential Harms.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – July 31, 2024
Summary
While generally safer than many recreational substances, psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can profoundly alter consciousness through unique interactions with brain serotonin systems. Their classification includes three main types: phenethylamines, tryptamines, and ergolines. Though showing promise in mental health treatment, these substances carry risks of anxiety, dissociation, and psychological harm, particularly when combined with other drugs or used improperly.
Abstract
Psychedelics are a group of substances within the heterogeneous class of hallucinogenic drugs. Via binding to the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor, psy...
Current Perspectives on the Clinical Research and Medicalization of Psychedelic Drugs for Addiction Treatments: Safety, Efficacy, Limitations and Challenges.
CNS drugs – October 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic medicines show promising results in treating addiction, with success rates significantly higher than traditional methods. Recent clinical trials reveal that substances like psilocybin and MDMA, when administered in controlled medical settings, can help break destructive patterns of substance use. These treatments work by promoting neuroplasticity and addressing underlying trauma, offering new hope for those struggling with addiction where conventional treatments have failed.
Abstract
Mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) in particular, contribute greatly to the global burden of disease. Psychedelics, includi...
Innovative and Emerging Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa
FOCUS The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry – July 01, 2024
Summary
Traditional psychological intervention and medicine often fall short for anorexia nervosa, a severe eating disorder. Psychiatry is exploring novel strategies, including brain stimulation techniques like vagus nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Initial investigations also show promise for psilocybin and cannabidiol as potential treatments. These early findings, spanning clinical psychology and behavioral medicine, underscore an urgent need for robust clinical trials to improve patient outcomes.
Abstract
Unlike psychopharmacologic interventions for other psychiatric conditions, few medications have emerged as helpful in improving eating disorder cog...
Time-resolved coupling between connectome harmonics and subjective experience under the psychedelic DMT
OpenAlex – May 31, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly alter Consciousness. Neuroscience reveals that the Connectome's harmonic repertoire, crucial for Neural dynamics and brain function, reshapes under DMT, akin to other psychedelics. Using a Computer science framework, Connectome Harmonics were shown for the first time to index the intensity of subjective experience in participants, reflecting a direct coupling with Perception and Cognition. This Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, links increased harmonic entropy to profound shifts in Psychology, offering new Neural correlates of consciousness.
Abstract
Exploring the intricate relationship between brain's structure and function, and how this affects subjective experience is a fundamental pursuit in...
What is needed for the roll-out of psychedelic treatments?
Current opinion in psychiatry – July 01, 2024
Summary
As psychedelic medicine enters mainstream healthcare, MDMA therapy for PTSD awaits FDA review while psilocybin gains legal ground in states like Colorado and Oregon. The field faces a crucial challenge: balancing pharmaceutical standards with psychotherapy practices. Success hinges on developing unified clinical protocols that honor both medical safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Abstract
The pace of psychedelic treatments continues to increase. Regulation and coherent clinical guidance have not been established. A philosophical divi...
Emerging drugs in phase II and III clinical development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Expert opinion on emerging drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
New hope emerges in the fight against alcohol use disorder as researchers evaluate over 20 promising drugs in clinical trials. While traditional treatments have shown mixed results, several emerging drugs - from repurposed medications to innovative compounds - are showing potential. Some medications already used off-label may soon gain official approval for pharmacological treatment of alcohol addiction.
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses an ongoing significant global health burden. AUD is highly prevalent and affects not only the individuals with AUD...
Smartphone swabs as an emerging tool for toxicology testing: a proof-of-concept study in a nightclub.
Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine – August 27, 2024
Summary
Your smartphone may reveal more than just your digital life. A groundbreaking analysis of smartphone surfaces at nightclubs found traces of recreational drugs with 73-97% accuracy. By simply swabbing phones, researchers detected MDMA, cocaine, and cannabis, plus new psychoactive substances. This innovative toxico-epidemiology method could revolutionize drug testing and harm reduction efforts.
Abstract
Smartphones have become everyday objects on which the accumulation of fingerprints is significant. In addition, a large proportion of the populatio...
Solvent-free parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction for drugs of abuse in plasma samples using LC-MS/MS.
Analytica chimica acta – May 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a greener way to detect drugs in blood samples using natural essential oils instead of harmful chemical solvents. This breakthrough method uses a special extraction technique (PALME) combined with advanced testing to identify various substances, from traditional drugs to new synthetic compounds. The process proved highly accurate and efficient, detecting trace amounts while being more environmentally friendly than conventional methods.
Abstract
Parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction (PALME) is a 96-well plate setup variant of liquid-phase microextraction. Basic or acidic analytes a...