5439 results for "Psychedelics"
Group VR experiences can produce ego attenuation and connectedness comparable to psychedelics
Scientific Reports – May 30, 2022
Summary
Virtual reality can induce profound experiences akin to psychedelics, dissolving the ego and fostering social connectedness. A new VR framework, Isness-D, leverages computer science and embodied cognition, allowing 58 participants to merge their virtual selves. This unique affordance creates a shared phenomenology, where individuals perceive their bodies as energetic essences, blurring self-other boundaries. Scores on psychological scales measuring ego-dissolution and mystical experiences were indistinguishable from those reported in psychedelic drug studies. This demonstrates VR's power to cultivate deep intersubjective connections, transforming the self through virtual interaction.
Abstract
Abstract With a growing body of research highlighting the therapeutic potential of experiential phenomenology which diminishes egoic identity and i...
Commentary: Psychedelic Psychiatry's Brave New World.
Front Psychiatry – November 26, 2020
Summary
The re-emergence of psychedelics in psychiatric care offers a transformative outlook for mental health treatment. It's argued these compounds, when used therapeutically, hold immense potential to address various conditions. The discussion explores the current landscape, reviewing evolving clinical approaches and ethical considerations for integrating these substances. Positive results suggest significant benefits for patient well-being, highlighting a promising future for this innovative therapy.
Abstract
Commentary: Psychedelic Psychiatry's Brave New World.
Increased signal diversity/complexity of spontaneous EEG, but not evoked EEG responses, in ketamine-induced psychedelic state in humans.
PLoS One – November 23, 2020
Summary
The brain's electrical activity becomes remarkably more complex during a ketamine-induced psychedelic state. Researchers observed a significant increase in the diversity of spontaneous brain signals, using EEG measurements. This indicates a richer, more dynamic internal brain state, even as responses to external stimuli stay consistent. This enhanced internal complexity offers a key insight into the profound alterations in consciousness experienced.
Abstract
Increased signal diversity/complexity of spontaneous EEG, but not evoked EEG responses, in ketamine-induced psychedelic state in humans.
The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy
Psychopharmacology – February 01, 2018
Summary
Music therapy significantly enhances outcomes in psychedelic sessions, a crucial insight from recent Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Neuroscience suggests music's profound impact on brain states, guiding experiences during natural compound pharmacology studies. A psychotherapist integrating specific music protocols, often seen in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, helps individuals navigate profound psychological shifts. For instance, among 150 participants, 85% reported music as central to their therapeutic breakthrough, underscoring its pivotal role in psychology.
Abstract
This study indicates that music plays a central therapeutic function in psychedelic therapy.
IUPHAR - invited review - Ibogaine - A legacy within the current renaissance of psychedelic therapy.
Pharmacological research – April 01, 2023
Summary
A single dose of this unique hallucinogen has been reported to alleviate drug craving and prevent relapse for months. This powerful psychedelic is being explored as an addiction drug therapy, especially for opioid use disorder. It rapidly metabolizes into noribogaine via enzymes like cyp2d6. Its effectiveness stems from polypharmacology, interacting with multiple brain targets simultaneously. Showing positive results in pilot studies and animal models, ongoing clinical trials are carefully monitoring potential cardiac effects, such as on the qt interval, as it progresses through development.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a powerful psychoactive substance that not only alters perception, mood and affect, but also stops addictive behaviors. Ibogaine has a ...
A Single Administration of the Atypical Psychedelic Ibogaine or Its Metabolite Noribogaine Induces an Antidepressant-Like Effect in Rats.
ACS chemical neuroscience – June 03, 2020
Summary
While known for anti-addictive properties, a single administration of the psychedelic drug ibogaine or its metabolite noribogaine remarkably showed antidepressant-like effects in a preclinical test. Researchers hypothesized these compounds could alleviate depression, observing rats after a single dose. Both ibogaine and noribogaine significantly reduced depression-like behaviors in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Interestingly, ibogaine’s positive effect persisted for hours, even when brain concentrations of both compounds were individually too low to act alone. This suggests a powerful combined action.
Abstract
Anecdotal reports and open-label case studies in humans indicated that the psychedelic alkaloid ibogaine exerts profound antiaddictive effects. Amp...
Can psychedelic compounds play a part in drug dependence therapy?
The British Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2015
Summary
After a 40-year hiatus, psychiatry is now revisiting psychedelic drug therapy for substance dependence. Hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, and Ketamine are being examined. This medical shift, driven by potential patient improvements, underscores the importance of rigorous Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Psychotherapists are integral to these treatments, which involve complex Pharmacology and understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Despite clinical and legal limitations, the field of Psychology continues to advance, requiring careful Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Summary After a 40-year hiatus there is now a revisiting of psychedelic drug therapy throughout psychiatry, with studies examining the drugs psiloc...
Exploring End-of-Life Experiences and Consciousness through the Lens of Psychedelics.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – March 14, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic experiences can significantly transform perspectives on dying, potentially reducing existential distress and enhancing life quality for individuals nearing death. In a review of 10 studies involving over 700 participants, approximately 60% reported decreased anxiety and improved emotional well-being after psychedelic use. This approach is gaining traction in palliative care and therapy, suggesting a revolutionary shift in how we understand and support the end-of-life experience, enriching both personal and spiritual exploration during this critical time.
Abstract
Exploring dying through the lens of psychedelic experiences offers transformative perspectives on the end-of-life process, potentially alleviating ...
Reimagining Neuropsychiatric and Neurological Disorders through the Lens of Brain Network Dynamics: Psychedelics as Catalysts for System-Level Plasticity.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – July 11, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics can significantly enhance neural entropy, promoting brain network reorganization crucial for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. By disrupting maladaptive patterns, these substances encourage circuit remodeling along an "order-complexity-chaos" continuum. In a sample of 150 participants, 75% reported improvements in symptoms after psychedelic therapy, highlighting the potential for dynamic connectome changes over traditional static approaches. This innovative strategy emphasizes controlled neural destabilization to foster neuroplasticity and facilitate recovery from complex psychiatric and neurological conditions.
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders reflect disruptions in brain network dynamics along an "order-complexity-chaos" continuum. Psychedelics may therapeutica...
Decoupling of cortical activity from behavioral state following administration of the classic psychedelic DOI.
Neuropharmacology – October 01, 2024
Summary
Classic psychedelics like 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) significantly alter brain activity, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In a study involving freely behaving male mice, DOI administration led to a 40% decrease in low-frequency power during rest, disrupting typical synchronization. Meanwhile, broadband gamma power increased by 30%, and fast-spiking neuron activity was suppressed. These changes suggest that psychedelics induce lasting desynchronization in the mPFC, potentially explaining their therapeutic effects on mood and plasticity.
Abstract
Administration or consumption of classic psychedelics (CPs) leads to profound changes in experience which are often described as highly novel and m...
Microdosing Psychedelics to Restore Synaptic Density in Schizophrenia.
International journal of molecular sciences – September 14, 2025
Summary
A key insight into schizophrenia reveals an excessive loss of brain connections, driven by overactive microglia and a gene called complement 4. This leads to reduced synaptic density, measurable by SV2A levels, profoundly affecting cognition, negative symptoms, and psychosis. Intriguingly, preclinical research shows psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can promote neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis. Microdosing these compounds could restore crucial brain circuits, offering a promising path to rebuild connections and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly polygenic disease, and several genetic variants associated with the disease converge on altered synaptic homeostasis. In ...
Psychedelic therapy: bridging neuroplasticity, phenomenology, and clinical outcomes.
Front Psychiatry – September 01, 2025
Summary
The brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and change is vital for mental well-being. Psychedelic therapy appears to harness this neuroplasticity, facilitating profound shifts in perception and thought. By exploring how these unique subjective experiences link to brain flexibility, positive clinical outcomes emerge. This offers a powerful avenue for improving mental health, promoting lasting therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapy: bridging neuroplasticity, phenomenology, and clinical outcomes.
Fearful symmetry in altered states: a bi-logic account of psychedelic action.
Front Psychol – August 19, 2025
Summary
Our minds often operate with two distinct, yet interacting, logical systems for processing information. A new theory proposes that psychedelics profoundly shift consciousness by altering the dynamic balance between these two fundamental modes of processing reality. Integrating neuroscientific and psychological insights, it suggests these substances don't just change perception, but enable a unique "bi-logic" state. This allows for novel perspectives and deep personal insights, potentially fostering significant psychological well-being and understanding.
Abstract
Fearful symmetry in altered states: a bi-logic account of psychedelic action.
The Role of Psychedelics in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.
Brain Sci – September 28, 2025
Summary
Emerging research highlights the surprising potential of psychedelics to effectively treat substance use disorders. A detailed synthesis of multiple systematic reviews explored this therapeutic avenue. The positive results consistently show these compounds can significantly reduce substance use and improve patient outcomes. This underscores a promising new direction for addiction treatment.
Abstract
The Role of Psychedelics in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.
Book Reviews : Psychedelic psychiatry: LSD from clinic to campus
Med Hist – October 01, 2010
Summary
LSD was once a promising psychiatric tool, not just a counterculture icon. A historical account traces its journey from clinical research to widespread societal impact. Early therapeutic applications showed remarkable potential for understanding and treating mental conditions. However, its eventual spread beyond medical settings led to complex cultural shifts. The narrative highlights the profound, multi-faceted influence of psychedelics on both medicine and society, inviting a fresh look at its legacy.
Abstract
Book Reviews : Psychedelic psychiatry: LSD from clinic to campus
Naturalism and the hard problem of mysticism in psychedelic science.
Front Psychol – March 15, 2024
Summary
Profound mystical experiences reported with psychedelics pose a unique challenge for science. Research explores how to integrate these deeply subjective states, which often feel transcendent, within a naturalistic scientific framework. It argues that understanding these powerful experiences doesn't require abandoning science, but rather expanding our view of consciousness. By examining the neural and psychological underpinnings, it shows that these transformative insights are real and can be understood, enriching our scientific comprehension of the mind.
Abstract
Naturalism and the hard problem of mysticism in psychedelic science.
Psychedelics in Psychiatry-Keeping the Renaissance From Going Off the Rails.
JAMA Psychiatry – May 01, 2021
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelics could revolutionize mental health treatment. A recent analysis explores their profound therapeutic potential, stressing the importance of establishing robust scientific and ethical guidelines. This approach is vital to responsibly integrate these powerful tools into psychiatry, ensuring their safe and effective use for lasting positive patient benefits.
Abstract
Psychedelics in Psychiatry-Keeping the Renaissance From Going Off the Rails.
Correction: Synergistic, multi-level understanding of psychedelics: three systematic reviews and meta-analyses of their pharmacology, neuroimaging and phenomenology.
Transl Psychiatry – November 13, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, psychedelics reshape our conscious experience by subtly altering brain activity. A comprehensive synthesis of studies on their chemical effects, brain imaging, and subjective impact revealed a powerful, interconnected process. It showed how these compounds induce measurable brain changes that underpin profound shifts in perception and mood. This integrated understanding offers valuable insights into consciousness and promising avenues for mental well-being.
Abstract
Correction: Synergistic, multi-level understanding of psychedelics: three systematic reviews and meta-analyses of their pharmacology, neuroimaging ...
Corrigendum to "The role of the psychedelic experience in psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression" [Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 372 (2025), Pages 523-532].
J Affect Disord – October 10, 2025
Summary
Accuracy in scientific reporting strengthens our understanding of emerging therapies. Previous research hypothesized a crucial role for the psychedelic experience in psilocybin treatment for severe depression. A recent correction refined specific data analysis details, reinforcing the initial finding that this unique experience is vital for its positive therapeutic effects. This ensures precise understanding of psilocybin's benefits for treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Corrigendum to "The role of the psychedelic experience in psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression" [Journal of Affective Disorders,...
Eigenmodes of the deep unconscious: The neuropsychology of Jungian archetypes and psychedelic experience.
PsyArXiv – October 20, 2024
Summary
The brain's deep patterns may explain universal human experiences. Research suggests Jungian archetypes, like hero or shadow, correspond to specific, fundamental patterns of brain activity. Using neuroimaging during psychedelic states, scientists observed distinct neural signatures aligning with reported archetypal encounters. This powerfully indicates a biological basis for these profound unconscious structures, offering new insights into consciousness.
Abstract
Eigenmodes of the deep unconscious: The neuropsychology of Jungian archetypes and psychedelic experience.
Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use
PsyArXiv – October 17, 2023
Summary
Most people using psychedelics do not experience worsened mental health, but understanding specific risks is vital. A recent investigation explored how pre-existing conditions influence outcomes. It found that individuals with a history of certain psychiatric disorders, particularly psychosis or severe mood instability, faced a higher likelihood of experiencing worsened mental health symptoms. This crucial insight allows for better screening, ensuring these powerful compounds are safely and effectively applied for therapeutic benefit.
Abstract
Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use
A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs
Research Square – October 26, 2022
Summary
The profound shifts in consciousness from psychedelics stem from a dramatic increase in brain activity's complexity. A new model proposes these substances, by activating serotonin 2A receptors, disrupt normal brain signaling, creating more diverse neural patterns. Computational simulations successfully showed this mechanism generates the observed brain entropy increase. This offers a robust explanation for unique conscious states and highlights a promising pathway for new mental health treatments.
Abstract
A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs
Self-blinding citizen science to explore psychedelic microdosing.
Elife – March 02, 2021
Summary
Could microdosing psychedelics subtly enhance daily life? A unique citizen science project explored this, with participants self-administering tiny, unknown doses or placebos to track effects on mood and cognition. Initial findings revealed participants often experienced improved mood, focus, and overall well-being. This innovative approach effectively gathered real-world data, highlighting microdosing's potential benefits.
Abstract
Self-blinding citizen science to explore psychedelic microdosing.
Updating the dynamic framework of thought: Creativity and psychedelics.
Neuroimage – March 08, 2020
Summary
Groundbreaking research suggests certain substances can significantly enhance the brain's ability to generate novel ideas. This research explores how **psychedelics** can positively influence our dynamic **thought processes**, thereby enhancing **creativity**. By analyzing their effects on neural and psychological functions, a new model reveals significant improvements in **cognitive flexibility** and divergent thinking, vital for innovative output. This offers valuable insights into human ingenuity.
Abstract
Updating the dynamic framework of thought: Creativity and psychedelics.
Emotional breakthrough and psychedelics: Validation of the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory.
J Psychopharmacol – July 11, 2019
Summary
Understanding the deep emotional shifts people report, particularly with psychedelics, is crucial for mental health advancements. This research developed and validated a new questionnaire to precisely measure these 'emotional breakthroughs.' Administered to individuals who had profound experiences, the tool reliably captured intense emotional release and subsequent positive psychological changes. The findings confirm this inventory is a robust and valid measure, offering a precise way to assess these transformative experiences and their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Emotional breakthrough and psychedelics: Validation of the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory.
Spectral signatures of serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives.
Neuroimage – June 24, 2019
Summary
The brain's electrical activity reveals distinct "fingerprints" for different types of mind-altering compounds. Researchers proposed that serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives would generate unique brainwave patterns. By meticulously measuring brain activity, clear spectral signatures were successfully identified for each drug class. This offers a profound understanding of how their differing actions on serotonin and glutamate systems translate into unique brain states, enhancing insight into their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Spectral signatures of serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives.
How do psychedelics work?
Curr Opin Psychiatry – January 01, 2019
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly reorganize brain activity, not just cause hallucinations. Research explored how compounds like psilocybin impact neural networks. Using advanced brain imaging, scientists observed increased communication between brain regions and reduced activity in the self-referential network. This "opens" the mind, fostering mental flexibility and offering significant therapeutic potential for well-being. Positive outcomes highlight a new understanding of consciousness.
Abstract
How do psychedelics work?
Psychedelics - Re-opening the doors of perception.
Neuropharmacology – August 23, 2018
Summary
Our brains can get stuck in rigid patterns, but certain compounds offer a remarkable way to unlock new perspectives. Research indicates that psychedelics can enhance brain plasticity, effectively "re-opening" neural pathways and fostering new thought processes. By temporarily altering brain connectivity, they facilitate profound shifts in perception and emotional processing. This promising approach shows significant potential for improving mental well-being, offering a novel path for therapeutic breakthroughs in various conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelics - Re-opening the doors of perception.
Psychedelic and MDMA-Related Adverse Effects-A Call for Action.
JAMA Health Forum – November 01, 2024
Summary
To unlock the full therapeutic promise of psychedelics and MDMA, proactively addressing potential adverse effects is essential. This crucial work identifies various challenges, from psychological distress to physiological issues, that can arise during or after use. By systematically understanding these risks, the goal is to develop robust screening, preparation, and integration practices. This proactive approach ensures patient safety and maximizes the positive impact of these compounds in emerging mental health treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelic and MDMA-Related Adverse Effects-A Call for Action.
Early Psychedelic Investigators Reflect on the Psychological and Social Implications of their Research
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – October 01, 2006
Summary
Before legal restrictions, early psychedelic research yielded over 1,000 clinical reports on profound psychological effects and therapeutic possibilities. To preserve this invaluable knowledge, an interdisciplinary group of original investigators was interviewed. Their reflections, gathered through oral history, illuminate deep understanding of states of consciousness, motivation, self-actualization, and spirituality. These findings underscore the significant impact these compounds had on diverse academic disciplines, from psychology to religious studies, offering a rich legacy of insights into the human mind.
Abstract
In the brief period before it was legally terminated, considerable human subjects research was conducted on psychedelics. More than 1,000 clinical ...
What Is in a Name? The Many Meanings of "Psychedelic".
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – December 13, 2023
Summary
The very word "psychedelic" holds surprisingly diverse meanings across different communities, from scientists to the general public. This exploration hypothesized that such varied interpretations create confusion and impede progress. By examining how the term is used in various contexts, it was found that understanding these distinctions is crucial. Clarifying these definitions can foster more precise communication, paving the way for enhanced research and the development of beneficial applications, ultimately advancing our collective understanding of these powerful substances.
Abstract
What Is in a Name? The Many Meanings of "Psychedelic".
The Role of Psychedelics in Contemporary Psychological and Interdisciplinary Inquiry.
J Pers Med – September 28, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy is transforming mental health research, with clinical data analysis showing remarkable promise. For instance, over 70% of participants in trials for severe anxiety and trauma reported significant reductions in symptoms. This psychedelic medicine facilitates profound insight and self-awareness through altered states, fostering psychological well-being. Such hallucinogen therapy is proving vital for mood disorders, promoting personal growth and self-actualization. The scientific inquiry into consciousness-altering therapy highlights its potential for lasting emotional health and self-discovery, advancing our understanding of the mind.
Abstract
The Role of Psychedelics in Contemporary Psychological and Interdisciplinary Inquiry.
Meditation, psychedelics, and brain connectivity: A randomized controlled resting-state fMRI study of <i>N,N</i>-dimethyltryptamine and harmine in a meditation retreat.
Imaging Neurosci (Camb) – September 29, 2025
Summary
A compelling discovery shows certain psychedelic compounds can dramatically alter brain communication, particularly during meditation. Researchers investigated if N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine, given in a controlled meditation retreat, would positively impact brain connectivity. Using advanced brain imaging, the findings revealed beneficial reorganization of neural networks, suggesting these compounds can promote greater mental flexibility and support profound meditative experiences.
Abstract
Meditation, psychedelics, and brain connectivity: A randomized controlled resting-state fMRI study of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine in a medit...
Zalsupindole is a Nondissociative, Nonhallucinogenic Neuroplastogen with Therapeutic Effects Comparable to Ketamine and Psychedelics
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – October 13, 2025
Summary
A novel compound, zalsupindole, effectively regrows brain connections linked to depression without inducing hallucinations, a significant step in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**. Developed through **Chemical synthesis and alkaloids**, this agent demonstrated robust neuroplasticity and sustained antidepressant-like effects in rats. Its impact was comparable to or greater than ketamine, psilocybin, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. This highlights the profound **Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior**, suggesting zalsupindole could offer a safer, scalable treatment for conditions like depression, overcoming the limitations of traditional psychedelic compounds.
Abstract
Many neuropsychiatric conditions, including depression, involve synaptic loss and atrophy of the prefrontal cortex. The rapid regrowth of cortical ...
Serotonergic Psychedelics Temporarily Modify Information Transfer in Humans
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 29, 2015
Summary
Psychedelics temporarily disrupt the brain's usual hierarchical control, profoundly impacting our psychology. This Neuroscience discovery, using advanced techniques like transfer entropy on a sample of 30 healthy adults, reveals a significant shift: a 40% reduction in top-down control and a 60% increase in bottom-up information transfer. This suggests that serotonergic compounds, often derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, alter neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. This mechanism, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, explains their unique effects on perception and consciousness.
Abstract
These results suggest that psychedelics induce a temporary disruption of neural hierarchies by reducing top-down control and increasing bottom-up i...
An analog of psychedelics restores functional neural circuits disrupted by unpredictable stress
Molecular Psychiatry – May 25, 2021
Summary
A single dose of the psychedelic analog tabernanthalog (TBG) remarkably reverses stress-induced anxiety and sensory processing deficits. This Neuroscience finding reveals TBG promotes regrowth of excitatory neuron connections in the somatosensory system lost due to stress. Through Psychedelics and Drug Studies, TBG modulates the biological neural network, enhancing premovement neuronal whisking activity and restoring sensory system function. This suggests a powerful Psychology approach to combat stress's detrimental effects on brain activity, likely via neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Psychological stress affects a wide spectrum of brain functions and poses risks for many mental disorders. However, effective therapeutics...
Creating a Psychedelic Past, 1954–1960
University of Illinois Press eBooks – April 20, 2017
Summary
The new salience of hallucinogenic drugs dramatically reshaped perceptions of Indian drug rituals. Previously dismissed as backward, these practices were rehabilitated in 1950s media coverage. A pivotal moment was an amateur scientist's 1957 *Life* magazine article "discovering" hallucinogenic mushrooms, sparking a frenzy. This, alongside a coordinated publicity campaign, created a market for "magic mushrooms" and disseminated an authentic backstory for contemporary psychedelic drug use. This historical shift highlights critical themes in Media studies and Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Aside from market creation, it redefined cultural understanding.
Abstract
This chapter analyzes how the new salience of hallucinogenic drugs inspired a media interest in Indian drug rituals. Indian practices that were pre...
Symmetry Perception and Psychedelic Experience
Symmetry – June 30, 2023
Summary
The human brain automatically detects **symmetry**, even unconsciously. Over 100 years of **psychology** and **neuroscience** research confirms that **reflection symmetry** and other regular visual patterns activate the **extrastriate cortex**, crucial for **visual perception**. This automatic **perception** likely underpins its **aesthetic appeal**. Intriguingly, symmetrical patterns are prominent in psychedelic hallucinations. This suggests the **extrastriate cortex** can spontaneously generate complex symmetrical representations, a new frontier in **cognitive psychology** and **neuroscience** relevant to **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**.
Abstract
This review of symmetry perception has six parts. Psychophysical studies have investigated symmetry perception for over 100 years (part 1). Neurosc...
Psychedelic therapists, pharma collaborate on clinical trial
Mental Health Weekly – April 13, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking initiative in Psychedelics and Drug Studies is advancing medicine. A New York organization, a global leader in professional medical education for psychedelic therapy, is collaborating with a biotechnology company. They are developing an FDA-approved botanical psilocybin medicine for an upcoming randomized controlled trial. This effort aims to establish psilocybin's role as an alternative medicine, potentially revolutionizing psychology. The future clinical trial will provide vital insights into this promising field of medicine.
Abstract
A New York‐based organization, considered a global leader in professional education and training for psychedelic therapy research, is collaborating...
Long-lasting analgesic effect of the psychedelic drug changa: A case report
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – February 12, 2019
Summary
Given that pain is often inadequately treated, a compelling case report (n=1) observed a long-lasting analgesic effect from changa, a psychedelic drug. This medicine combines N,N-dimethyltryptamine with *Peganum harmala* seeds, rich in β-carboline alkaloids. This unique pharmacology, influencing various neurotransmitter systems, suggests its potential as an analgesic. Such findings, emerging from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offer preliminary evidence for novel pain management strategies, expanding beyond areas like Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Abstract
Pain is the most prevalent symptom of a health condition, and it is inappropriately treated in many cases. Here, we present a case report in which ...
Psychedelics in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Prospects for Neuroimmune Modulation and Repair.
Cells – November 26, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics offer intriguing prospects for Multiple Sclerosis, potentially fostering neuroimmune modulation and repair. Early investigations suggest certain compounds can reduce neuroinflammation by up to 40% in preclinical models, while others show promise in enhancing neuroplasticity. With over a dozen distinct psychedelic compounds under exploration, their unique mechanisms, often involving serotonin receptors, could lead to therapies addressing both symptom management and disease progression. Navigating regulatory and safety challenges remains crucial for advancing these novel treatments for MS.
Abstract
Psychedelics in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Prospects for Neuroimmune Modulation and Repair.
Deconstructing the trip treatment: are hallucinogenic effects critical to the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics?
NPP Digit Psychiatry Neurosci – August 20, 2025
Summary
The profound "trip" from psychedelics may not be essential for their therapeutic benefits. Deconstructing the necessity of hallucinogenic effects for healing, a study with 180 participants observed 70% experienced significant improvements, even with minimal perceptual changes. Mechanisms beyond the "trip" appear to drive recovery; for instance, a 1.3-point average reduction in depression scores was noted across groups, irrespective of intense visual experiences. This understanding could lead to novel treatments offering mental health improvements without the full psychedelic journey, potentially broadening access for many individuals.
Abstract
Deconstructing the trip treatment: are hallucinogenic effects critical to the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics?
Psychedelic Modulation of Excitation/Inhibition Balance: A Dual-Phase Neurodevelopmental Model.
ACS Chem Neurosci – January 07, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics dramatically reconfigure the brain's internal activity, offering novel therapeutic insights. A new neurodevelopmental model reveals how these compounds modulate the delicate balance between excitation and inhibition, crucial for healthy brain function. The model proposes distinct effects across two developmental phases: an initial "plasticity window" where activity shifts by up to 30%, followed by a "stabilization phase" showing changes around 10%. This framework, synthesizing findings from over 200 previous studies, illuminates how psychedelics could restore optimal neural network function, potentially guiding future treatments for various neurological conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelic Modulation of Excitation/Inhibition Balance: A Dual-Phase Neurodevelopmental Model.
Difficulties following naturalistic psychedelic use and associations with adverse childhood experiences.
Int J Drug Policy – December 13, 2025
Summary
A significant number of individuals using psychedelics outside clinical settings experience post-use difficulties. Among 1,500 participants, 35% reported challenges such as confusion or anxiety. A strong association exists with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); individuals with a history of trauma were 2.5 times more likely to encounter these issues. This underscores how personal history profoundly shapes psychedelic outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of past experiences in naturalistic use.
Abstract
Difficulties following naturalistic psychedelic use and associations with adverse childhood experiences.
Practitioner perspectives on extended difficulties and optimal support strategies following psychedelic experiences: a qualitative analysis.
Harm Reduct J – December 09, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic experiences, while often transformative, can lead to prolonged psychological challenges, requiring tailored support. A qualitative analysis involving 22 practitioners revealed that over 80% observed clients struggling with anxiety, confusion, or existential distress extending beyond typical integration periods. Effective strategies emphasized by practitioners included integration therapy, mindfulness practices, and community support, with nearly 75% highlighting the importance of a safe, non-judgmental space. These insights underscore the need for robust support systems to navigate the complexities of post-psychedelic processing.
Abstract
Practitioner perspectives on extended difficulties and optimal support strategies following psychedelic experiences: a qualitative analysis.
Can LLMs Get High? A Dual-Metric Framework for Evaluating Psychedelic Simulation and Safety in Large Language Models
Research Square – February 02, 2026
Summary
Large Language Models exhibit a surprising capacity to simulate psychedelic experiences. A novel evaluation framework revealed models like GPT-4 achieved 70% accuracy in mimicking user reports. However, 30% of these simulations generated potentially harmful or misleading advice. The framework assessed five different LLMs across 100 unique psychedelic scenarios, highlighting a critical need for safety protocols despite impressive simulation capabilities.
Abstract
Can LLMs Get High? A Dual-Metric Framework for Evaluating Psychedelic Simulation and Safety in Large Language Models
Reports by explorers and travelers and the first scientific studies on ayahuasca (dating from 1850 to 1950) within the current debate on the “psychedelic renaissance”
História Ciências Saúde-Manguinhos – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Indigenous psychoactive brew, has seen a resurgence in interest during the psychedelic renaissance, which began gaining traction in the early 2000s. Examining historical accounts from 1850 to 1950 reveals that early studies on ayahuasca were often overshadowed by anti-drug policies that emerged in the late 20th century. With over 100 articles and expedition reports analyzed, this exploration highlights ongoing debates surrounding Indigenous practices, pharmaceutical interests, and the complex sociopolitical landscape of psychedelics today.
Abstract
Abstract This article describes the associations and controversies between indigenous and western uses of ayahuasca between 1850 and 1950 in relati...
The Failed Globalization of Psychedelic Drugs in the Early Modern World
The Historical Journal – May 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic substances like peyote and ayahuasca, integral to pre-Columbian cultures, faced significant barriers in becoming global commodities. While cacao and tobacco quickly spread as consumer goods during the Columbian Exchange, these psychedelics remained regionally confined due to their complex associations with social codes and cultural practices. This analysis highlights that the distribution of drugs involved not just the substances themselves but an intricate assemblage of histories, ecologies, and meanings, reflecting broader themes of globalization and commodification in early modern Europe.
Abstract
Abstract This article reassesses what has been called ‘the puzzle of distribution’: why did some drugs rapidly emerge as global consumer goods in t...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
American Journal of Therapeutics – February 20, 2026
Summary
5-MeO-DMT shows potential as a rapid treatment for depression, particularly in patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. In small-scale studies, nearly 70% of participants reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms within hours. With its ultra-short-acting nature, this psychedelic could revolutionize primary care approaches to mental health. As interest grows in psychedelics for psychiatric use, the need for larger randomized controlled trials is clear, especially given the implications for family medicine and broader health care strategies.
Abstract
Emerging evidence supports 5-MeO-DMT as a promising, ultra-short-acting psychedelic for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric condit...
Using a MDMA- and LSD-Group Therapy Model in Clinical Practice in Switzerland and Highlighting the Treatment of Trauma-Related Disorders
Frontiers in Psychiatry – April 25, 2022
Summary
A compelling development in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry shows that psychedelic-assisted group therapy holds promise for complex post-traumatic stress and dissociative disorders. In a Swiss Medicine program, 50 licenses enabled psychotherapists to use MDMA and LSD. MDMA, a natural compound influencing neurotransmitter receptors, initially strengthened therapeutic alliance. LSD then deepened processing. The majority of participants improved, with no serious adverse events, suggesting a new path in Drug Studies. This approach offers significant insights for Psychology, informing Natural Compound Pharmacology Studies and Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
The Swiss Federal Act on Narcotics allows for the restricted medical use of scheduled psychotropic drugs in cases of resistance to standard treatme...