1731 results for "Ketamine"
Psychedelics and schizophrenia: Distinct alterations to Bayesian inference.
NeuroImage – November 01, 2022
Summary
Brain activity patterns reveal key differences between psychedelics and schizophrenia. While both states show increased neural diversity, they process information differently. Psychedelics reduce overall brain signal flow, while schizophrenia increases front-to-back information transfer. This suggests distinct mechanisms: psychedelics weaken pre-existing mental frameworks, while schizophrenia amplifies sensory input processing.
Abstract
Schizophrenia and states induced by certain psychotomimetic drugs may share some physiological and phenomenological properties, but they differ in ...
The Potential Influence of Associated Antidepressants on the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Esketamine in Patients Affected by Treatment-resistant Depression.
Current neuropharmacology – April 07, 2025
Summary
Certain antidepressant drugs can significantly boost blood levels of esketamine, a breakthrough treatment for stubborn depression. This finding shows how combining medications affects the body's processing of esketamine through cytochrome P450 enzymes. Patients taking specific antidepressants like paroxetine showed higher esketamine levels, though this didn't impact treatment success. These insights help doctors optimize dosing for safer, more effective depression care.
Abstract
Esketamine is administered intranasally in combination with at least another antidepressant in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Some o...
Does BMI matter when treating depression with esketamine? A retrospective analysis of real-world data.
Journal of affective disorders – July 15, 2025
Summary
Higher BMI may actually boost success rates for certain depression treatments. New findings reveal that patients with obesity respond better to esketamine therapy, showing 63% higher response rates compared to non-obese individuals. This psychiatric treatment, delivered as a nasal spray, appears particularly effective for those with treatment-resistant depression, possibly because body fat helps retain the medication longer in the system. The analysis of 190 patients offers hope for those struggling with both depression and weight management.
Abstract
Intranasal (IN) esketamine was approved as a therapy for treatment-resistant depression in March 2019. There continues to be interest in the field ...
Neuroplasticity and Psychedelics: a comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pre and clinical models
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 29, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can rewire brain connections after just one dose, unlike traditional psychiatric medications. These compounds boost the brain's natural plasticity, helping neurons form new pathways and adapt to change. Studies show they create a window of enhanced learning and adaptation, leading to lasting improvements in mood and behavior.
Abstract
Neuroplasticity, the ability of the nervous system to adapt throughout an organism's lifespan, offers potential as both a biomarker and treatment t...
Psychedelics, entactogens and psychoplastogens for depression and related disorders
British Journal of Pharmacology – June 15, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics are revolutionizing Psychiatry. Psilocybin and MDMA, powerful hallucinogens, show promise as rapid antidepressants and anxiolytics in Psychology and Neuroscience. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight their ability to target monoamine neurotransmitter systems, specifically 5-HT2A receptors, influencing behavior. They correct neural network defects in Major depressive disorder and Anxiety, linked to altered brain tryptophan metabolism. Psilocybin received FDA breakthrough status for depression, while MDMA for PTSD was recently rejected. This offers new hope for severe mental health conditions.
Abstract
Currently, the most actively investigated rapidly acting antidepressants, anxiolytics and/or anti PTSD agents, include psychedelics e.g. psilocybin...
Safety in treatment: Classical pharmacotherapeutics and new avenues for addressing maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy.
Pharmacological reviews – May 01, 2025
Summary
Depression affects up to 20% of pregnant women, yet many avoid treatment due to medication safety concerns. Research shows that modern antidepressants like SSRIs have limited adverse effects on fetal development, while untreated depression poses significant risks to both mother and child. Pregnancy alters drug metabolism, but careful medication management can safely address maternal mental health needs. New treatments show promise, offering hope for expanded therapeutic options.
Abstract
We aimed to review clinical research on the safety profiles of antidepressant drugs and associations with maternal depression and neonatal outcomes...
Patients' Experiences Discussing Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes with Physicians and Other Health Care Providers.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
Despite growing interest in psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, 70% of users never discuss these treatments with their doctors. A survey of 791 adults revealed that while 80% used psychedelics with therapeutic intent, most avoid physician communication due to stigma and legal concerns. Those with mood disorders or PTSD were more likely to discuss plant medicine with healthcare providers, highlighting the need to reduce barriers to access and improve patient-doctor dialogue.
Abstract
A core component in the provision and receipt of appropriate medical care is trust and communication between patients and physicians. The use of ps...
Efficacy of esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
Medicine – February 28, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough nasal spray doubles the chance of improvement in patients with hard-to-treat depression. Analysis of five clinical trials shows this ketamine-derived medication significantly reduces depression symptoms and improves daily functioning. While highly effective, some patients experience temporary dizziness or nausea. This treatment offers new hope for those who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
The efficacy of esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis was condu...
Time moving 100-fold slower: time distortion as a diagnostic clue in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.
BMC neurology – February 24, 2025
Summary
Imagine experiencing life in extreme slow motion, where every second feels like minutes passing by. This rare but striking symptom of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis can make time appear to move up to 100 times slower. Two patients experienced dramatic time distortion as an early warning sign, with one describing everyday movements as if watching life through a slow-motion camera. Their altered perception of time, along with other symptoms, improved significantly after receiving proper treatment.
Abstract
The primary symptoms in the early stages of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis are psychiatric manifestations, making it difficult to distinguish from...
Photothermal Desorption and Reagent-Assisted Low-Temperature Plasma Ionization Miniature IT-MS/MS for On-Site Analysis of Illicit Drugs in Saliva and Urine.
Analytical chemistry – February 11, 2025
Summary
A new portable device brings lab-grade drug testing to roadside checks, detecting illegal substances in saliva within seconds. This breakthrough combines heat-based extraction with specialized ionization techniques to identify drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine at extremely low concentrations. The method matches accuracy of large lab equipment while being fast enough for real-world police use.
Abstract
Globally, drug-impaired driving fatalities now exceed those from drunk driving, urging the need for on-site and roadside detection methods. In this...
Dissociative and Deep Sedations Administered by Trained Unsupervised Pediatric Residents in Israeli Emergency Departments.
Annals of emergency medicine – January 22, 2025
Summary
Trained pediatric residents prove just as safe as experienced physicians when administering deep and dissociative sedation in emergency settings. In a comprehensive Israeli study spanning 23,000+ cases, residents performed sedation procedures for common childhood emergencies like fracture treatments with remarkably low complication rates - only 0.024% resulted in critical events, matching the safety record of seasoned emergency doctors.
Abstract
To cover pediatric emergency physicians' off-hours, third-year pediatric residents in Israel are trained for unsupervised administration of emergen...
[Mechanisms of action of antidepressive pharmacotherapy: brain and mind-body and environment].
Der Nervenarzt – March 01, 2025
Summary
Antidepressants work through complex interactions between brain chemistry and environmental factors. Recent findings reveal that both traditional and newer medications promote neuroplasticity while improving emotional processing. The therapeutic benefits emerge from a combination of drug effects and extrapharmacological factors, including social support and environmental context. This challenges the notion that these external elements are merely placebo effects.
Abstract
Novel antidepressive substances are challenging the explanations for the mechanisms of action of traditional psychopharmacology. What could be the ...
Qualitative confirmation of 30 phencyclidine analogs in human blood and urine using GC-HRMS and a self-built library search.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences – February 01, 2025
Summary
New testing method successfully identifies 30 dangerous synthetic drugs in blood and urine samples. Using advanced GC-HRMS technology and a custom-built reference library, researchers developed a rapid screening approach that can detect minute traces of phencyclidine analogs - synthetic drugs similar to PCP. The method proved highly accurate across 800 real-world forensic cases.
Abstract
Phencyclidine, a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, is commonly abused as a recreational drug. Phencyclidine analogs are compound...
Arketamine alleviates cognitive impairments and demyelination in mice with postoperative cognitive dysfunction via TGF-β1 activation.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – January 10, 2025
Summary
Surgery-related cognitive decline affects millions, but a breakthrough treatment shows promise. A single dose of arketamine significantly improved memory and brain function in mice with postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The drug works by activating TGF-β1, which helps repair damaged nerve coatings (demyelination) in the brain. This discovery offers hope for preventing post-surgery cognitive complications.
Abstract
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is characterized by a decline in cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and executive abiliti...
Esketamine and neurocognitive disorders in adult surgical patients: a meta-analysis.
BMC anesthesiology – December 05, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking analysis reveals that esketamine significantly reduces cognitive complications after surgery. This comprehensive meta-analysis of 13 studies found that patients receiving esketamine during surgery had less than half the risk of developing perioperative neurocognitive disorders and postoperative delirium. The treatment also reduced pain levels and decreased the need for other pain medications, without increasing nausea or vomiting.
Abstract
Prior meta-analyses have established the potential of intravenous ketamine in safeguarding against neurocognitive impairment, but the efficacy of i...
Novel Pharmacologic and Other Somatic Treatment Approaches for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults: State of the Evidence.
The American journal of psychiatry – December 01, 2024
Summary
While traditional treatments help many PTSD patients, groundbreaking research reveals promising new approaches. Combining pharmacotherapy with cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy shows enhanced outcomes. Novel treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation and neurostimulation offer hope for treatment-resistant cases. Evidence-based treatments now include innovative drug-therapy combinations, expanding options beyond standard psychotherapy approaches.
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that can become chronic and debilitating when left untreated. The m...
Early augmentation therapy with dextromethorphan in mild to moderate major depressive disorder: A group sequential, response adaptive randomized controlled trial.
Psychiatry research – December 01, 2024
Summary
Adding dextromethorphan to standard antidepressants doubled the remission rate in people with major depressive disorder. This groundbreaking finding shows how a common cough suppressant could enhance depression treatment. The 8-week trial found patients receiving adjunct therapy with dextromethorphan showed significantly better response rates and symptom improvement compared to those on standard treatment alone, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Therapeutic latency, lack of response, and adverse drug reactions are major challenges in current treatment approaches for major depressive disorde...
Acute effects of esketamine on hypoxic ventilatory response, haemodynamics, and brain function in healthy volunteers.
British journal of anaesthesia – February 01, 2025
Summary
Esketamine, a promising anesthetic medication, shows it can safely maintain normal breathing responses in low-oxygen conditions. Research with 18 healthy volunteers revealed that while the drug increased heart rate and blood pressure, it didn't impair their body's natural response to low oxygen. This finding is significant for medical procedures, as it suggests esketamine can be used without compromising vital breathing functions.
Abstract
The acute hypoxic ventilatory response is a critical chemoreflex originating at the carotid bodies. This study investigates the impact of low-dose ...
Transforming growth factor-β1 mediates the beneficial effects of arketamine on demyelination and remyelination in the brains of cuprizone-treated mice.
European journal of pharmacology – December 15, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals how arketamine, a promising antidepressant, helps repair damaged nerve coatings in the brain. The drug works by triggering TGF-β1, a key protein that protects against demyelination and promotes remyelination. In mice treated with cuprizone, arketamine significantly improved nerve healing, offering hope for treating multiple sclerosis and similar conditions.
Abstract
The novel antidepressant arketamine, the (R)-enantiomer of ketamine, has been shown to ameliorate demyelination and facilitate remyelination in the...
Emerging Illicit Drug "2C": A Case Report on Its Hallucinogenic and Stimulant Properties.
Cureus – September 01, 2024
Summary
A dangerous new party drug called "2C" combines the effects of multiple substances, creating both hallucinogenic experiences and stimulant effects. Doctors documented a young woman with bipolar disorder who experienced intense visual hallucinations and euphoria after using this emerging drug. Her case reveals how 2C differs from traditional hallucinogenic substances, highlighting the growing challenge of treating patients who use these potent new compounds.
Abstract
"2C," formally known as 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, is an illicit drug that combines elements of ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine...
Neurocognitive changes in a patient receiving esketamine for treatment-resistant depression.
JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants – September 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking depression treatment showed unexpected effects on brain function in one patient. Doctors observed cognitive changes in a person using intranasal esketamine spray for severe depression. While the medication improved mood, it led to memory and thinking difficulties that worsened over time. This rare case highlights the importance of monitoring cognitive function during innovative depression treatments.
Abstract
Esketamine, the s(+) enantiomer of ketamine, was approved in 2019 as the first rapid-acting intranasal spray medication for treatment-resistant dep...
Novel harm reduction measures at music festivals in Australia: Pilot implementation of the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia-Victoria toxicosurveillance methodology.
Drug and alcohol review – November 01, 2024
Summary
At Australian music festivals, 75% of critically ill patients tested positive for unexpected substances, revealing the hidden risks of illicit drugs. New public health monitoring systems track drug-related emergencies at festivals, analyzing blood samples for over 700 substances. The program identified dangerous new psychoactive substances (NPS) and helped medical teams provide better care, ultimately making festivals safer through enhanced toxicosurveillance.
Abstract
Harm reduction strategies at music festivals seek to create a safer environment for patrons. The Emerging Drugs Network of Australia-Victoria (EDNA...
Glutamatergic Modulators for Major Depression from Theory to Clinical Use.
CNS drugs – November 01, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough brain chemistry findings have led to faster-acting depression treatments. While traditional antidepressants take weeks to work, new medications targeting glutamate - a key brain chemical - can provide relief within days. Two FDA-approved treatments now harness this mechanism: a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression and a novel oral medication. These options offer hope for patients who don't respond to conventional therapies.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, burdensome, highly prevalent disease that is characterized by depressed mood and anhedonia. MDD is es...
Evaluation of spectroscopic techniques for on-site drug testing of festival seizures.
Drug testing and analysis – June 01, 2025
Summary
On-site drug testing at festivals revealed MDMA doses varying from 52mg to 336mg per tablet, highlighting the critical need for rapid identification methods. Advanced infrared and Raman spectroscopy techniques were evaluated for testing drug seizures, with over 160 samples analyzed through packaging. While Raman excelled at powder testing, infrared proved more reliable overall, achieving 95% accuracy. Combined use of both methods offers optimal results for rapid, accurate drug identification.
Abstract
Despite the fact that drugs of abuse are illegal, a drug-free festival still remains an utopia in most settings. For law enforcement purposes, it i...
Role of oxidative phosphorylation in the antidepressant effects of arketamine via the vagus nerve-dependent spleen-brain axis.
Neurobiology of disease – September 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking discovery reveals how the body's energy production system plays a key role in treating depression. Scientists found that arketamine's antidepressant effects work through a fascinating connection between the spleen and brain, linked by the vagus nerve. This pathway relies on oxidative phosphorylation and transforming growth factor β1 to improve mood and behavior. The spleen-brain axis appears crucial for the treatment's success.
Abstract
Arketamine, the (R)-enantiomer of ketamine, exhibits antidepressant-like effects in mice, though the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. I...
Facts and myths about use of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression: a narrative clinical review.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough nasal spray medication offers new hope for people who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants. Esketamine shows promising results for treatment-resistant depression, helping patients achieve remission when other medications fail. This targeted therapy works differently than standard treatments for major depressive disorder, providing rapid relief and supporting long-term recovery.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when at least two different antidepressants, taken at the right dosage, for adequate period of time and...
Oral esketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with open-label extension.
Molecular psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough in depression treatment may lie in personalized dosing: while fixed low-dose oral esketamine showed limited benefits, individually tailored higher doses significantly reduced symptoms in treatment-resistant patients. In a rigorous trial, patients receiving customized doses saw depression scores drop by 6 points on average, offering hope for those who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
About one-third of patients with depression do not achieve adequate response to current treatment options. Although intravenous and intranasal admi...
Validation and application of a method for the quantification of 137 drugs of abuse and new psychoactive substances in hair.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis – June 15, 2024
Summary
Hair testing reveals surprising insights into drug use patterns! Scientists developed a groundbreaking forensic toxicology method that can detect 137 different substances in a single strand of hair. Using advanced mass spectrometry, the technique identifies both traditional drugs and novel psychoactive substances with remarkable accuracy, even at tiny concentrations. When tested on real forensic samples, it successfully spotted multiple substances, proving its value for modern drug screening.
Abstract
In the dynamic universe of new psychoactive substances (NPS), the identification of multiple and chemically diverse compounds remains a challenge f...
Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review
Frontiers in Psychiatry – July 12, 2022
Summary
Compelling findings for **Psychology**: mystical experiences significantly reduce **distress** and **anxiety**. Ten of twelve reviews on **psychedelics** like psilocybin (derived from **chemical synthesis and alkaloids**) confirm a strong link between these profound experiences and symptom reduction. This offers promising avenues for **Clinical psychology**, **Psychiatry**, and **Psychotherapists**, illustrating how these substances, through **neurotransmitter receptor influence**, affect behavior. While impactful, many analyses had small sample sizes, suggesting the need for broader investigation in **Drug Studies**.
Abstract
The mystical experience is a potential psychological mechanism to influence outcome in psychedelic therapy. It includes features such as oceanic bo...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part I. Historical Perspective and Overview
OpenAlex – December 26, 2023
Summary
MDMA shows striking promise, proving superior to existing treatments for PTSD in two completed Phase III clinical trials. This marks a new frontier in Psychiatry and Medicine. While a Psilocybin clinical trial is underway, larger studies (over 100 participants) suggest it may not surpass current antidepressants for depression. The pharmacology of various psychedelics, including Lysergic acid diethylamide and other hallucinogens, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers significant hope for anxiety, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic drugs have recently emerged as plausibly effective pharmacological agents for the management of depression, anxiety, and ot...
Meditation and psychedelics facilitate similar types of mystical, psychological, and philosophical-existential insights predictive of wellbeing: A qualitative-quantitative approach
OpenAlex – June 06, 2025
Summary
Profound transformative experiences, vital for mental health, are not exclusive to psychedelics. Narrative accounts from 147 psychedelic and 66 meditation experiences reveal strikingly similar insights. While Mystical-type insights were more frequent in meditation, value insights were common in psychedelic experiences, a key finding for drug studies. These insights span Psychological, Philosophical-existential, and Mysticism themes, enriching our epistemology of self-understanding. Metacognitive and value insights improved positive affect; Mysticism predicted increased meaning. Both meditation and psychedelic substances offer deep pathways for personal growth, valuable for any psychotherapist addressing existential well-being.
Abstract
Both psychedelic substances and meditation have been proposed to facilitate personally meaningful and transformative experiences, with insights pla...
Hallucinogenic potential: a review of psychoplastogens for the treatment of opioid use disorder
Frontiers in Pharmacology – August 22, 2023
Summary
Current medicine struggles with the opioid epidemic, leaving many with Opioid use disorder. However, a compelling shift in Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggests hallucinogens offer a potent new approach to addiction. These compounds, often derived through chemical synthesis, demonstrate unique pharmacology and profound neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, addressing both the physical opioid dependence and underlying psychology. This novel medicine, including alternatives to treatments like buprenorphine, could provide a holistic path for recovery, moving beyond the limited efficacy of existing therapies.
Abstract
The United States is entering its fourth decade of the opioid epidemic with no clear end in sight. At the center of the epidemic is an increase in ...
The entropic heart: Tracking the psychedelic state via heart rate dynamics
OpenAlex – November 09, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that heart rate entropy, a measure of physiological "arrow of time," significantly increases during experiences with hallucinogens like psilocybin. Using advanced computer science and artificial intelligence for biochemical analysis, consistent increases in heart rate and heart rate variability were observed across four psychedelics. Crucially, only heart rate entropy changes correlated with brain entropy shifts, offering unique insights into neuroscience and psychology. This cost-efficient approach in psychedelics and drug studies helps illuminate how these substances, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, impact behavior and subjective states.
Abstract
A growing body of work shows that autonomic signals provide a privileged evidence-stream to capture various aspects of subjective and neural states...
Correlation analysis between clinical effective emotional treatment and plasma N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function-related indexes.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
Effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) may significantly alter brain chemistry and inflammation. Researchers explored how successful antidepressant therapy affects plasma markers related to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and inflammatory cytokines. They analyzed blood samples from 70 MDD patients before and after treatment, measuring key compounds like glutamate and various cytokines linked to metabolism. Results showed that effective treatment led to beneficial shifts: increased glutamate levels and reduced inflammatory cytokines. These positive changes correlated with significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, including cognitive improvements. The findings highlight the crucial role of NMDAR function and immune system modulation in achieving clinical recovery from MDD.
Abstract
With the use of ketamine, Glutamate (Glu) system has gradually become the focus of antidepressant effects. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a...
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Paradigm Shift in Psychiatric Research and Development
Frontiers in Pharmacology – July 05, 2018
Summary
**Psilocybin** and other **Psychedelics**, professionally guided by a **Psychotherapist**, are revolutionizing **Psychiatry**. This innovative **Medicine** model offers profound efficacy for mental disorders, with **Drug Studies** indicating over 60% remission rates for treatment-resistant conditions. These compounds, often **alkaloids** from **Chemical synthesis**, exert their **Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior**, opening non-ordinary states of **Consciousness**. This paradigm shift challenges traditional **Psychology** diagnostics, addressing root causes like trauma and cultural factors, rather than merely managing symptoms.
Abstract
Mental disorders are rising while development of novel psychiatric medications is declining. This stall in innovation has also been linked with int...
Virtual Reality as a Moderator of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Frontiers in Psychology – March 04, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics, like the natural compound psilocybin, show profound promise in psychology for treating anxiety and influencing consciousness. These hallucinogens require careful psychotherapist guidance and a supportive mindset. Virtual reality (VR) could significantly enhance this, aiding relaxation, promoting mindfulness, and complementing practices like meditation. While VR’s potential to deepen these experiences is compelling, its synergy with psychedelics demands rigorous evaluation in drug studies to understand its full impact on behavior.
Abstract
Psychotherapy with the use of psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymetha...
Microglial BDNF modulates arketamine's antidepressant-like effects through cortico-accumbal pathways.
Science advances – July 11, 2025
Summary
Brain cells called microglia play a surprising role in how a promising antidepressant, arketamine, works. Using models of chronic stress, it was found that arketamine increases a key brain protein, BDNF, within these microglia. This microglial BDNF then boosts beneficial brain activity and communication in mood-regulating regions, particularly connecting the prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens. This mechanism leads to powerful antidepressant-like effects, revealing a vital pathway for future mental health therapies.
Abstract
Arketamine, the (R)-enantiomer of (R,S)-ketamine, shows even greater rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects in rodent models compared to e...
Psychedelic use in individuals living with eating disorders or disordered eating: findings from the international MED-FED survey.
Journal of eating disorders – July 24, 2025
Summary
Over 30% of people with an eating disorder report lifetime psychedelic use, often finding profound transformation. A large survey explored how individuals with conditions like Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Binge eating disorder, or even ARFID use substances such as LSD, Psilocybin (Magic mushrooms), or DMT. Positive reports included increased connectedness and new insights into their eating disorder symptoms, highlighting potential benefits from psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
There are few effective treatments for eating disorders (EDs), and new interventions are urgently needed. The MEDication and other drugs For Eating...
Psychoactive substances: novel molecular insights and therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease.
Translational neurodegeneration – July 25, 2025
Summary
Imagine a new path for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Despite current challenges, recent molecular insights reveal how specific psychoactive substances, like certain psychedelics and cannabinoids, could offer significant therapeutic potential. These compounds are being explored for their ability to enhance learning and cognitive performance, suggesting novel strategies to combat neurodegeneration and improve brain health.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major neurodegenerative disorder that causes severe cognitive decline and poses a significant burden on global health...
Bipolar disorder.
Lancet (London, England) – July 22, 2025
Summary
Affecting 40 million globally, bipolar disorder's predominant phase is often depression, not just mania. Diagnosis is challenging due to symptom overlap. Yet, significant progress in understanding its multigene, infectious, and mitochondrial causes is enhancing care. Patient-centered treatments, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, offer effective management.
Abstract
The hallmark of bipolar disorder is hypomania or mania, and the predominant phase of illness is depression. Affecting approximately 40 million indi...
Prescription and Nonprescription Drug Use Among People With Eating Disorders.
JAMA network open – July 01, 2025
Summary
Many individuals with eating disorders report using various substances to manage their symptoms. An extensive international survey explored how people perceive both prescribed and non-prescribed drugs. It revealed that cannabis and psychedelics were frequently reported to improve eating disorder symptoms. While prescription antidepressants often benefited overall mental health, they were generally not found effective for eating disorder symptoms, with specific exceptions. This highlights promising new approaches for symptom relief.
Abstract
There are few effective pharmacotherapies for treating eating disorders (EDs). High rates of substance use among individuals with EDs suggest poten...
The Future of Pain Management.
Neurologic clinics – August 01, 2025
Summary
Pain isn't just physical; it's a complex sensory, emotional, and cognitive experience. A comprehensive review reveals a promising future for pain management. Advances in treatment algorithms, novel pain medication like psychedelics, and noninvasive neuromodulation offer exciting new pain interventions. This heralds significant potential for effective pain treatment, transforming care for both acute pain and chronic pain.
Abstract
This article explores the complexities of pain management, highlighting the multidimensional nature of pain, which encompasses affective, cognitive...
Implementation of a community-based LC-UV drug checking service: promising preliminary findings on feasibility and validity.
Harm reduction journal – October 18, 2024
Summary
A community drug checking service showed its ability to accurately identify psychoactive substances, boosting safety. Its LC-UV analysis was cross-validated against a high-precision LC-HRMS method. For 102 samples, results revealed minimal differences (≤20%) and strong correlations for substances like cocaine and MDMA. This confirms LC-UV's reliability for harm reduction, providing accurate drug checking.
Abstract
The increasing diversity of psychoactive substances on the unregulated drug market poses significant health, psychological, and social risks to peo...
Past-year hallucinogen use in relation to psychological distress, depression, and suicidality among US adults.
Addictive behaviors – September 01, 2022
Summary
Ecstasy (MDMA) use was linked to *reduced* psychological distress and suicidal thoughts among US adults. A study of over 240,000 US adults explored how various hallucinogens, including psychedelics, relate to mental well-being. While ecstasy showed decreased depression and suicidality, other hallucinogens like LSD were linked to increased risks. This reveals distinct impacts of different hallucinogens on mental health.
Abstract
There is renewed interest in the clinical application of hallucinogenic substances to treat a range of psychiatric conditions. However, there is mi...
Registered clinical studies investigating psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders.
Journal of psychiatric research – July 01, 2021
Summary
The number of clinical trials exploring psychedelics for psychiatric disorders has significantly increased, driven by promising early findings. Researchers are investigating compounds like MDMA and psilocybin, primarily for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Other psychedelics, including LSD, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and DMT, are also being explored for various psychiatric disorders, highlighting a growing interest in these innovative treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics are a hallucinogenic class of psychoactive drugs with the primary effect of activating non-ordinary states of consciousness. Due to th...
Tags
Focus on Adolescent Use of Club Drugs and "Other" Substances.
Pediatric clinics of North America – December 01, 2019
Summary
Many adolescents are experimenting with an alarming array of substances, from custom-designed club drugs and hallucinogens to inhalants and otc substances. These designer drugs present unique, evolving risks due to novel compounds and drug interactions. The findings highlight the urgent need for vigilance and proactive identification of substance use. Implementing strategies like SBIRT offers a crucial path to positive intervention and improved outcomes for adolescents.
Abstract
Club drugs and "other" abusable substances are briefly overviewed as a reminder about the wide variety of known and unknown substances used by adol...
Discrete memory impairments in largely pure chronic users of MDMA.
European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology – October 01, 2017
Summary
Even largely pure, chronic MDMA use specifically affects new memory formation. Researchers investigated if cognition difficulties were solely due to the empathogen or compounded by other substances. Comparing pure mdma users, polydrug users (with stimulants like mda, mdea), and non-users, they used cognitive tests and hair analysis. Pure mdma users primarily showed significant declarative memory deficits. Polydrug users showed broader impairments in working memory, executive functions, and attention. This suggests chronic mdma use is linked to discrete declarative memory challenges, while wider cognition issues stem from co-occurring stimulant use.
Abstract
Chronic use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") has repeatedly been associated with deficits in working memory, declarative memo...
Psychosis, psychedelic substance misuse and head injury: A case report and 23 year follow-up.
Brain injury – January 01, 2015
Summary
Remarkably, psychosis can manifest nearly two decades after a severe traumatic brain injury. A detailed 23-year follow-up revealed a man who developed a severe psychotic disorder 19 years post-injury. This onset was notably precipitated by heavy psychedelic drug-use, including cannabis and LSD. The psychosis persisted even without intoxication, suggesting a complex interplay. This case offers crucial insights for neuropsychiatry, indicating that psychedelic drug-use may potentiate psychosis in individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury, a risk factor previously overlooked due to traditional exclusion criteria.
Abstract
This study describes the case of a 57 year old gentleman with a previous severe brain injury who developed a severe psychotic disorder 19 years aft...
New psychoactive substances as adulterants of controlled drugs. A worrying phenomenon?
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2014
Summary
Many street drugs are not what users expect. Analysis of samples revealed 24 new psychoactive substances used in the adulteration of controlled drugs such as MDMA. These compounds often replaced the intended drug, creating dangerous combinations in the illegal market. Drug checking services are crucial, identifying these unexpected new psychoactive substances and empowering users with information to reduce harm.
Abstract
The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) as adulterants has received little attention in the literature. In this paper, results from Energy Con...
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion Pharmacogenomics of Drugs of Abuse
Pharmacogenomics – February 01, 2011
Summary
Individual genetics profoundly dictate how drugs, from potent opioids like Alfentanil and Oxycodone to medicines like Hydrocodone, affect the body. This variability stems from differences in drug metabolism, where enzymes like CYP2D6 process substances. Understanding these pharmacokinetic pathways is crucial for safe pharmacology, especially with drugs like Methadone or Dextromethorphan, and for Psychedelics studies. Such knowledge is vital for predicting drug interactions, assessing toxic risks, improving Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, and understanding how drugs influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Pharmacologic and toxic effects of xenobiotics, such as drugs of abuse, depend on the genotype and phenotype of an individual, and conversely on th...