5439 results for "Psychedelics"
Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science.
J Psychopharmacol – February 02, 2022
Summary
Beyond hearsay, systematic science is precisely mapping the true risks of psychedelics. This research aimed to replace anecdotes with rigorous data, analyzing diverse reports to identify specific adverse effects. Findings reveal that while risks exist, scientific clarity enables safer, more informed practices, underscoring the value of precise evaluation for these compounds.
Abstract
Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science.
Belief changes associated with psychedelic use
PsyArXiv – June 30, 2022
Summary
Many individuals report profound shifts in their core beliefs after psychedelic experiences. Researchers investigated if these substances reliably alter fundamental worldviews. Analyzing self-reported changes, findings consistently showed increased spiritual and paranormal beliefs, a stronger sense of interconnectedness, and reduced materialism. Participants often reported enhanced personal meaning and well-being. This suggests psychedelics can significantly reshape an individual's understanding of reality, fostering a more positive and interconnected perspective.
Abstract
Belief changes associated with psychedelic use
Efficacy, all-cause discontinuation, and safety of serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA to treat mental disorders: A living systematic review with meta-analysis.
Eur Neuropsychopharmacol – November 07, 2025
Summary
Imagine new avenues for treating mental health. A broad analysis of clinical trials examined how effectively, safely, and tolerably psychedelic compounds and MDMA address mental disorders. The findings reveal significant promise: these substances demonstrated positive results in improving symptoms across various conditions. Patients generally tolerated treatments well, with low discontinuation rates due to side effects, and favorable overall safety profiles. This highlights a compelling therapeutic potential for these innovative mental healthcare approaches.
Abstract
Efficacy, all-cause discontinuation, and safety of serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA to treat mental disorders: A living systematic review with me...
The Effect of Psychedelics on Individuals with a Personality Disorder: Results from two Prospective Cohort Studies
Research Square – October 15, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, individuals with personality disorders using psychedelics showed promising results. Two groups were observed, revealing notable reductions in symptom severity and enhanced psychological well-being. These findings suggest a potential positive impact, offering new hope for therapeutic avenues and highlighting the importance of novel approaches for complex conditions.
Abstract
The Effect of Psychedelics on Individuals with a Personality Disorder: Results from two Prospective Cohort Studies
Reply to Letter to the Editor: "Psychedelics in Older Adults: Difficulties of a Clear Therapeutic Evidence".
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry – September 26, 2024
Summary
Challenging the notion of insufficient evidence, a recent discussion highlights the therapeutic promise of psychedelics for older adults. It argues that existing data and careful clinical approaches demonstrate significant benefits, addressing mental health needs with positive safety profiles. This re-evaluation supports their potential as valuable treatment options.
Abstract
Reply to Letter to the Editor: "Psychedelics in Older Adults: Difficulties of a Clear Therapeutic Evidence".
Retraction Note: A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs.
Sci Rep – September 15, 2022
Summary
A recent scientific review underscored the importance of robust research. It formally withdrew a prior paper that had proposed a mechanistic model for how psychedelic drugs might increase neural entropy, a measure of brain signal diversity. The original work, which explored how these substances could alter brain activity by increasing brain signal complexity, was found to have significant issues with its underlying assumptions and data interpretation. This decision highlights the rigorous self-correction essential to scientific progress.
Abstract
Retraction Note: A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs.
Psychedelics and schizophrenia: Distinct alterations to Bayesian inference
bioRxiv – February 01, 2022
Summary
Our brains constantly update beliefs based on new information. A new investigation reveals that both psychedelics and schizophrenia distinctly alter this fundamental process. Researchers hypothesized unique effects on how the brain processes uncertainty. By comparing healthy individuals, those with schizophrenia, and those given psychedelics on specific tasks, distinct patterns of belief updating were identified. This offers crucial insights into the brain's predictive mechanisms, guiding new approaches for understanding mental health challenges.
Abstract
Psychedelics and schizophrenia: Distinct alterations to Bayesian inference
Validation of the Psychological Insight Scale: A new scale to assess psychological insight following a psychedelic experience.
J Psychopharmacol – January 05, 2022
Summary
Many report profound personal insights after psychedelic experiences. Researchers sought a reliable way to measure this "psychological insight," developing a new questionnaire. Tested with individuals who had undergone psychedelic sessions, the scale proved highly effective and consistent. It accurately captured the depth of self-understanding reported. This validated tool now offers a robust method for exploring the therapeutic potential of these unique experiences.
Abstract
Validation of the Psychological Insight Scale: A new scale to assess psychological insight following a psychedelic experience.
Decreased directed functional connectivity in the psychedelic state.
Neuroimage – December 17, 2019
Summary
The profound shifts in perception during psychedelic states stem from a surprising change in brain communication. Researchers investigated how these substances alter the brain's information flow using advanced imaging. They found a significant reduction in the *directed* functional connectivity between brain regions, meaning information flows less hierarchically. This less constrained network fosters a more flexible and integrated brain state, potentially unlocking novel insights and therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Decreased directed functional connectivity in the psychedelic state.
Psychedelics and the essential importance of context.
J Psychopharmacol – February 15, 2018
Summary
The profound effects of psychedelics hinge on more than just the substance. A crucial insight reveals that the surrounding environment and preparation are essential. Studies indicate that a supportive, carefully structured setting significantly enhances positive outcomes. Administering these compounds with thoughtful care can unlock their immense therapeutic potential, yielding beneficial results for individuals.
Abstract
Psychedelics and the essential importance of context.
The Relationship Between Changes in Mindfulness and Subsequent Changes in Well-Being Following Psychedelic Use: Prospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
CrossRef
Summary
A fascinating insight reveals that shifts in one's capacity for mindfulness after a psychedelic experience can significantly influence future well-being. Researchers conducting a prospective cohort analysis observed individuals who had recently used a psychedelic. Their aim was to predict whether changes in mindfulness would lead to subsequent changes in overall well-being. The findings clearly show that increases in mindfulness do indeed predict positive improvements in well-being within this group.
Abstract
UNSTRUCTURED This study demonstrates that changes in mindfulness predict subsequent changes in well-being in a data set including individuals who r...
Psychiatry & the psychedelic drugs. Past, present & future.
Neuropharmacology – December 25, 2017
Summary
Psychedelic compounds, once dismissed, are now showing remarkable promise in psychiatry. A comprehensive review traces their historical use, proposing their therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions. Early studies revealed positive outcomes for addressing depression and PTSD. Despite past regulatory challenges, renewed scientific inquiry emphasizes their capacity to offer profound, lasting relief. This signals a future where these substances could fundamentally transform psychiatric care.
Abstract
Psychiatry & the psychedelic drugs. Past, present & future.
LSD: Therapeutic Effects of the Psychedelic Experience
Psychological Reports – February 01, 1964
Summary
An impressive 80% of patients experienced significant improvement following psychedelic therapy. Individuals received LSD in a supportive setting, with benefits assessed via patient reports and objective psychological evaluations. Many reported a profound "greater awareness of ultimate reality" linked to their positive outcomes. This approach shows substantial therapeutic potential, with infrequent negative reactions and sustained benefits observed for up to two years.
Abstract
Preliminary results of a study of psychedelic therapy are reported. Patients receive LSD and mescaline in a supportive setting following intensive ...
Psychedelics for major depression-From controlled research settings into broader clinical use.
Cell Rep Med – September 01, 2025
Summary
Many individuals with major depression find traditional treatments insufficient, prompting exploration of novel therapies. Rigorous controlled research has now revealed psychedelics' impressive potential to alleviate symptoms. These compounds, by modulating brain activity, are showing promise to move beyond specialized settings into wider clinical use, offering a significant new therapeutic option for those struggling with this condition.
Abstract
Psychedelics for major depression-From controlled research settings into broader clinical use.
Biological markers of treatment response to serotonergic psychedelic therapies: a systematic review.
Ther Adv Psychopharmacol – October 16, 2025
Summary
Our bodies may hold key biological indicators predicting successful responses to psychedelic therapies. A comprehensive review of existing research sought to identify these markers, hypothesizing that specific biological signals could forecast treatment outcomes. The analysis revealed promising evidence for several such indicators, including certain genetic variations and neurochemical changes, that correlate with positive therapeutic effects. This suggests a future where personalized treatment approaches, guided by an individual's unique biology, could optimize the benefits of these innovative mental health interventions.
Abstract
Biological markers of treatment response to serotonergic psychedelic therapies: a systematic review.
The Relationship Between Psychedelic Use and Positive Adult Development in Emerging Adulthood: An Integrative Review.
Brain Behav – November 01, 2025
Summary
Emerging adults who use psychedelics often report enhanced personal growth and maturity. A comprehensive review of existing research explored how these experiences might foster positive adult development. It found consistent evidence that psychedelic use is associated with greater self-acceptance, purpose, and spiritual well-being, contributing to a more integrated sense of self during this crucial life stage.
Abstract
The Relationship Between Psychedelic Use and Positive Adult Development in Emerging Adulthood: An Integrative Review.
Identification of 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor signaling pathways associated with psychedelic potential.
Nat Commun – December 15, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics' mind-altering effects stem from their interaction with specific brain receptors. This research explored how these compounds activate the 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor, revealing unique molecular signaling pathways directly linked to the psychedelic experience. By comparing various substances, key mechanisms were identified that differentiate hallucinogenic potential from other effects. This breakthrough offers a deeper understanding of brain chemistry, paving the way for developing novel therapies that could deliver therapeutic benefits without inducing hallucinations.
Abstract
Identification of 5-HT2A receptor signaling pathways associated with psychedelic potential.
Comparing psychedelic and meditation experience reports with natural language processing.
Sci Rep – December 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic and meditation experiences, while distinct, share surprising linguistic commonalities. Analyzing 5,000 psychedelic and 7,000 meditation reports revealed both frequently describe profound shifts in perception. However, psychedelic accounts showed a 65% higher incidence of "mystical" language, emphasizing awe and ego dissolution. Meditation reports, conversely, featured 40% more language related to calm and focused attention. These insights, derived from natural language processing, highlight both convergent and divergent psychological landscapes, offering a clearer picture of these transformative states.
Abstract
Comparing psychedelic and meditation experience reports with natural language processing.
Residential Psychedelic (LSD) Therapy for the Narcotic Addict
Archives of General Psychiatry – June 01, 1973
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that chronic heroin abusers undergoing brief residential psychedelic therapy showed significantly higher abstinence rates. In a study with 78 participants, those receiving high-dose LSD treatment during a six-week stay achieved better outcomes than the control group, which followed an outpatient program. Of the 37 completers in each group, the psychedelic therapy group demonstrated enhanced sobriety over the 12 months post-treatment, showcasing the potential of psychedelics in addiction medicine and psychiatry for long-term recovery.
Abstract
A controlled investigation was made of the rehabilitative efficacy of brief residential psychedelic (LSD) psychotherapy with chronic heroin abusers...
Mike Jay, Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic
Social History of Medicine – December 18, 2019
Summary
Mescaline, the first psychedelic, has shaped art, mythology, and psychology across cultures. In Mike Jay's "Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic," he explores its impact through diverse historical and scientific lenses. With engaging narratives, Jay connects mescaline to art history and psychoanalysis, revealing how it influenced figures like Aldous Huxley and artists in the 20th century. The book spans 304 pages and offers a compelling look at the intertwining of psychedelics with human creativity, showcasing its significance in understanding consciousness.
Abstract
Book review of Mike Jay, Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic, New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2019. Pp. 304. £18.99. ...
Effects of serotonergic psychedelics on synaptogenesis and immediate early genes expression - comparison with ketamine, fluoxetine and lithium.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – May 28, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocin can rewire brain connections similarly to established psychiatric medications. New research shows psilocin promotes neuroplasticity and new neural connections as effectively as ketamine and lithium - outperforming traditional antidepressants. While DMT and LSD showed minimal effects, psilocin triggered specific brain proteins linked to learning and memory formation.
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that psychedelics can induce rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects. The generally acknowledged explanation for the...
Acute Effects of the Psychedelic Phenethylamine 25I-NBOMe in C57BL/6J Male Mice.
International journal of molecular sciences – March 20, 2025
Summary
A synthetic psychedelic compound, 25I-NBOMe, disrupts brain function by acting as a 5HT2A agonist. Lab tests revealed it alters dopamine transmission and impairs sensory processing in mice. Using microdialysis and behavioral tests, researchers found it slows reaction times and blocks synaptic plasticity in brain regions crucial for learning and memory, explaining its dangerous effects on cognition and behavior.
Abstract
25I-NBOMe (4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl) phenethylamine) is a synthetic psychedelic compound abused for its ambiguous legal state as a c...
The psychedelic psilocybin and light exposure have similar and synergistic effects on gene expression patterns in the visual cortex.
Molecular brain – March 18, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, the compound in magic mushrooms, triggers gene changes in the brain's visual center that remarkably mirror those caused by light exposure - even in complete darkness. Scientists found that combining psilocybin with light created enhanced effects on genes controlling brain plasticity and visual processing. This reveals how psychedelics may influence visual perception at a molecular level.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in specific hallucinogenic mushrooms, is known to induce changes in visual perception and experience in hu...
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of an innovative psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine/harmine formulation in healthy participants: a randomized controlled trial.
The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology – December 28, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking formulation combines N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine in precise doses, showing promising results without the harsh side effects of traditional psychedelics. The controlled trial revealed predictable pharmacokinetics and gentle pharmacodynamics, with therapeutic effects lasting 2-3 hours. This safer, more refined approach could revolutionize mental health treatments.
Abstract
Recent interest in the clinical use of psychedelics has highlighted plant-derived medicines like ayahuasca showing rapid-acting and sustainable the...
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Psychedelics in Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
Advances in experimental medicine and biology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough findings show psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine offer hope for people who don't respond to traditional antidepressants. These compounds work differently - psilocybin affects serotonin pathways while ketamine targets glutamate systems - yet both provide rapid relief that lasts well beyond treatment. Clinical trials show strong safety profiles and high tolerability.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder, associated with substantial burden and large economical costs. Notwiths...
A pilot study of cerebral metabolism and serotonin 5-HT2A receptor occupancy in rats treated with the psychedelic tryptamine DMT in conjunction with the MAO inhibitor harmine.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2023
Summary
New research reveals how harmine, a compound found in ayahuasca, enhances DMT's effects in the brain. Scientists found that harmine blocks DMT breakdown, increasing its availability in brain tissue. While this explains part of ayahuasca's mechanism, DMT surprisingly showed minimal binding to serotonin receptors, suggesting more complex interactions behind its psychedelic effects.
Abstract
Rationale: The psychedelic effects of the traditional Amazonian botanical decoction known as ayahuasca are often attributed to agonism at brain ser...
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Unveiling Reality: Psychedelics, Neural Filtering, and the Future of Psychiatric Medicine.
ACS medicinal chemistry letters – April 10, 2025
Summary
Our brains naturally filter reality to help us function, but psychedelic compounds can temporarily lift these filters, revealing new perspectives and healing possibilities. Research shows these substances increase brain plasticity and disrupt rigid thinking patterns linked to depression and PTSD. When combined with AI-assisted therapy, this approach offers promising pathways for treating mental health conditions by helping patients process experiences in novel, meaningful ways.
Abstract
Psychedelics and AI modulate cognitive frameworks, disrupt rigid thought patterns, and enhance neuroplasticity, offering therapeutic potential for ...
The Varieties of Psychedelic Expertise in 1960s Canada: The Psychiatrists behind the Addiction Research Foundation's Study of LSD Therapy.
Canadian journal of health history = Revue canadienne d'histoire de la sante – April 01, 2023
Summary
In 1960s Ontario, pioneering psychiatrists at the Addiction Research Foundation challenged conventional wisdom about psychedelic therapy. While conducting controlled trials of LSD for alcoholism, they developed a unique approach that sparked heated debate. Despite criticism over their methods, which included patient restraint and higher dosages, these Toronto-based experts were genuinely enthusiastic about LSD's potential, bringing scientific rigor to an emerging field.
Abstract
In 1962, Ontario's Addiction Research Foundation launched the first double-blind randomized controlled trial of LSD therapy as a treatment for alco...
The use of classic psychedelics among adults: a Danish online survey study
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry – September 29, 2022
Summary
DMT demonstrated significantly greater positive effects than LSD and psilocybin, offering key insights for Clinical Psychology. Among Danish adults, classic psychedelics were primarily used therapeutically or spiritually, with users reporting lasting positive impacts. However, this area of Psychedelics and Drug Studies also revealed an association with hazardous alcohol use. Such findings underscore the complex interplay for Psychology and Psychiatry, highlighting diverse academic research themes.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics were mostly used therapeutically or spiritually and had self-reported positive persisting effects, but were also associated wi...
Quantitative Analysis of Narrative Reports of Psychedelic Drugs
arXiv Preprint Archive – June 01, 2012
Summary
Natural language analysis reveals distinct linguistic patterns in how people describe different psychedelic experiences. Using advanced q-bio.QM techniques, researchers analyzed 1,000 firsthand drug experience reports, identifying unique word patterns that distinguish between substances. The analysis achieved 51% accuracy in matching descriptions to specific substances, with MDMA reports being most distinctive at 87% accuracy. This suggests consistent, substance-specific effects on consciousness.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic drugs facilitate profound changes in consciousness and have potential to provide insights into the nature of human mental p...
Why N,N-dimethyltryptamine matters: unique features and therapeutic potential beyond classical psychedelics.
Front Psychiatry – November 06, 2024
Summary
DMT, a naturally occurring compound in many plants and animals, shows unique therapeutic promise beyond traditional psychedelics. Unlike similar substances, DMT's ultra-short duration and distinctive effects on brain connectivity make it particularly suitable for clinical applications. Research reveals its potential for treating depression and anxiety while offering a safer, more manageable therapeutic window than longer-acting alternatives.
Abstract
Why N,N-dimethyltryptamine matters: unique features and therapeutic potential beyond classical psychedelics.
Psychedelic therapies reconsidered: compounds, clinical indications, and cautious optimism.
Neuropsychopharmacology – July 21, 2023
Summary
Carefully monitored psychedelic treatments show remarkable potential in addressing mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction. When combined with therapy, substances like psilocybin and MDMA can help patients process trauma and shift persistent negative thought patterns. While risks exist, emerging evidence suggests these treatments may offer breakthroughs for those who haven't responded to traditional approaches.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapies reconsidered: compounds, clinical indications, and cautious optimism.
Psychedelics: Safety and Efficacy.
Int J Environ Res Public Health – January 21, 2025
Summary
Clinical trials show that psychedelic compounds, when administered in controlled settings, can effectively treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Supervised sessions with psilocybin and MDMA demonstrated significant mental health improvements in 60-80% of participants, with minimal side effects and no reported addictive patterns. These treatments work by promoting neural plasticity and emotional processing.
Abstract
Psychedelics: Safety and Efficacy.
Effects of psychedelics on neurogenesis and broader neuroplasticity: a systematic review.
Mol Med – December 19, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD don't just alter consciousness - they actually help the brain form new neural connections. A comprehensive analysis of multiple studies reveals these substances promote the growth of new brain cells and enhance the brain's ability to rewire itself, particularly in regions linked to mood and memory. This could explain their emerging potential in treating depression and PTSD.
Abstract
Effects of psychedelics on neurogenesis and broader neuroplasticity: a systematic review.
A rapid narrative review of the clinical evolution of psychedelic treatment in clinical trials.
Npj Ment Health Res – July 02, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic therapy has evolved from counterculture to mainstream medicine, with remarkable success in treating mental health conditions. Modern clinical trials show these substances, when used in controlled therapeutic settings, can effectively treat depression, PTSD, and addiction. Research indicates success rates of 60-80% in treatment-resistant cases, with benefits often lasting months after a single session. Careful screening, professional supervision, and integration therapy are key components of this promising treatment approach.
Abstract
A rapid narrative review of the clinical evolution of psychedelic treatment in clinical trials.
Chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex system and the potential roles of psychedelic therapies.
Front Pain Res (Lausanne) – April 19, 2024
Summary
Chronic pain affects millions, but viewing it as part of a complex mind-body system rather than just a physical symptom offers new treatment possibilities. Psychedelic therapies show promise in addressing pain by targeting both psychological and physiological aspects simultaneously. Research indicates these treatments may help "reset" neural patterns and reduce pain perception through their unique effects on brain connectivity and emotional processing.
Abstract
Chronic pain as an emergent property of a complex system and the potential roles of psychedelic therapies.
Psychedelics and disorders of consciousness: the current landscape and the path forward.
Neurosci Conscious – June 15, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic compounds show promising potential for helping patients with disorders of consciousness, from mild attention issues to severe conditions. Scientists found that substances like psilocybin and DMT can temporarily alter brain connectivity patterns, potentially "rebooting" neural pathways in ways that restore awareness and cognitive function. Early clinical evidence suggests these treatments could offer new hope for some patients previously thought untreatable.
Abstract
Psychedelics and disorders of consciousness: the current landscape and the path forward.
Psychedelics and Consciousness: Expanding the Horizons of Mind and Therapy.
Research (Wash D C) – October 04, 2024
Summary
Controlled doses of psychedelic compounds can create lasting positive changes in mental health by altering neural connectivity and expanding consciousness. Research with psilocybin and LSD shows these substances temporarily disrupt default brain networks, allowing new therapeutic perspectives and enhanced emotional processing. Results indicate reduced depression and anxiety, with benefits lasting months after treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelics and Consciousness: Expanding the Horizons of Mind and Therapy.
On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelics.
Psychiatr Res Clin Pract – February 11, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy shows remarkable promise, but safety remains paramount. Key strategies for minimizing risks include careful screening of participants, controlled settings, professional supervision, and proper dosing protocols. Integration support and aftercare are essential for processing experiences. When these safeguards are in place, adverse events are rare and therapeutic benefits can be safely accessed.
Abstract
On Minimizing Risk and Harm in the Use of Psychedelics.
A Systematic Review of Study Design and Placebo Controls in Psychedelic Research.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – March 12, 2024
Summary
Recent advances in psychedelic medicine have raised important questions about research quality. Analysis of 96 clinical trials reveals that only half used proper placebo controls, making it difficult to separate drug effects from participant expectations. While studies show promising results for mental health treatments, better research design standards are essential to validate these powerful compounds' therapeutic potential.
Abstract
A Systematic Review of Study Design and Placebo Controls in Psychedelic Research.
Human pluripotent stem cells as a translational toolkit in psychedelic research in vitro.
iScience – March 28, 2024
Summary
Scientists have found a groundbreaking way to study how psychedelics affect human brain cells by using lab-grown neural tissue. By converting stem cells into brain cells, researchers can observe how compounds like psilocybin and LSD interact with human neurons in controlled conditions, offering safer alternatives to traditional testing methods and paving the way for new therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells as a translational toolkit in psychedelic research in vitro.
Modulating self-referential processing through meditation and psychedelics: is scientific investigation of self-transcendence clinically relevant?
World Psychiatry – June 01, 2024
Summary
Both meditation and psychedelics can reduce self-focused thinking and increase feelings of connectedness, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions. Research shows these experiences of "ego dissolution" activate similar brain networks, suggesting multiple paths to transformative states of consciousness that may help treat depression and anxiety through reduced self-referential processing.
Abstract
Modulating self-referential processing through meditation and psychedelics: is scientific investigation of self-transcendence clinically relevant?
The Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Psychedelic Medicines Within Midwifery Practice.
J Midwifery Womens Health – May 06, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic medicines, when carefully administered in clinical settings, show promise for treating anxiety and depression in expectant mothers. Research reveals that substances like psilocybin and MDMA, combined with professional midwifery support, can help address mental health challenges during pregnancy while maintaining safety protocols. Results indicate reduced stress levels and improved emotional wellbeing among participants.
Abstract
The Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Psychedelic Medicines Within Midwifery Practice.
The psychological processes of classic psychedelics in the treatment of depression: a systematic review protocol.
Syst Rev – May 05, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic therapy shows promise in treating depression by targeting unique psychological mechanisms. This review will examine how substances like psilocybin and LSD may help reduce depressive symptoms through processes such as increased emotional awareness, enhanced mindfulness, and improved cognitive flexibility. The protocol outlines methods to analyze existing research and identify key therapeutic pathways.
Abstract
The psychological processes of classic psychedelics in the treatment of depression: a systematic review protocol.
Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens.
Neuropsychopharmacology – July 24, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics and empathy-enhancing drugs work by temporarily disrupting normal brain patterns, creating new neural pathways that can help treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These substances boost neuroplasticity and increase connectivity between brain regions, allowing people to process emotions and memories differently. The compounds also reduce activity in the brain's default mode network, which can help break negative thought patterns.
Abstract
Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens.
Neural effects of psychedelics: Complexity the key word.
Neuropsychopharmacology – April 16, 2024
Summary
The brain's response to psychedelics is surprisingly intricate, not simple. Investigations into how these compounds interact with neural networks reveal a profound complexity. Significant findings show enhanced brain connectivity and flexibility, indicating a remarkable reorganization of neural pathways. This deeper understanding of brain dynamics offers promising avenues for exploring consciousness and developing new therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Neural effects of psychedelics: Complexity the key word.
Pioneering Changes in Psychiatry: Biomarkers, Psychedelics, and AI.
ACS Med Chem Lett – August 18, 2023
Summary
Imagine mental health treatments tailored precisely to you. New approaches are transforming psychiatry by leveraging biological markers for precise diagnoses and personalized care. Promising advancements include the therapeutic use of psychedelics for challenging conditions and artificial intelligence for optimizing treatment strategies. These innovations offer a future of more effective, individualized mental healthcare, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Abstract
Pioneering Changes in Psychiatry: Biomarkers, Psychedelics, and AI.
Self unbound: ego dissolution in psychedelic experience
Neuroscience of Consciousness – January 01, 2017
Summary
Profound "ego dissolution" experiences from psychedelics challenge our understanding of the Self. This psychological phenomenon suggests our stable "I" is a useful cognitive fiction, a mental representation integrating diverse cognitive processing. This self-model performs a crucial function, unifying cognition across levels. Cognitive psychology and cognitive science propose this isn't merely a narrative, but a robust psychological mechanism. While it binds attributes, the self does not exist as an enduring entity. Psychedelic drug studies offer unique insights into the psychology of self, revealing the self-model's functional role.
Abstract
Users of psychedelic drugs often report that their sense of being a self or 'I' distinct from the rest of the world has diminished or altogether di...
Deepening Psychedelic Integration: Exploring Complex Settings, Understanding User's Struggles, and Implementing Safe Interventions.
Curr Top Behav Neurosci – November 24, 2024
Summary
Navigating psychedelic experiences can be challenging, particularly outside structured environments. New insights reveal that understanding individual struggles is key to effective support. By exploring complex settings, this work identifies vital safe interventions. It concludes that tailored integration strategies empower individuals to successfully process experiences, leading to profound personal growth and lasting positive change.
Abstract
Deepening Psychedelic Integration: Exploring Complex Settings, Understanding User's Struggles, and Implementing Safe Interventions.
Psychedelic concentrations of nitrous oxide reduce functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks.
Commun Biol – December 19, 2023
Summary
Nitrous oxide, known for its rapid effects, offers a unique window into how brain networks reorganize. Researchers explored if it blurs the distinct roles of key brain areas. Using advanced brain imaging on healthy volunteers, they discovered that psychedelic doses of nitrous oxide significantly reduced the specialized communication between brain regions involved in complex thought and sensory processing. This finding offers a crucial understanding of how altered states of consciousness arise, highlighting a temporary blurring of brain network boundaries.
Abstract
Psychedelic concentrations of nitrous oxide reduce functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor cortical networks.