Research
Ayahuasca and debut of psychosis, description of a clinical case
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic brew, can trigger psychotic episodes in individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders. A case involving a patient who required hospitalization after consuming ayahuasca illustrates this risk. Treatment with antipsychotics led to complete symptom resolution. Given the increasing popularity of ayahuasca, understanding its effects is crucial; hallucinogens can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and may interact negatively with psychiatric medications. Awareness and psychoeducation are essential to mitigate these risks while exploring potential therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Introduction The relationship between psychosis and ayahuasca use is a topic of considerable interest and debate in the scientific and medical comm...
The Lethal Combination of Pregabalin With Other Recreational Drugs.
Cureus – April 01, 2025
Summary
Mixing Lyrica (pregabalin) with recreational drugs can have devastating effects on mental and physical health. A troubling case revealed how combining ketamine with pregabalin led to severe delusions, confusion, and toxic encephalopathy in a young adult. The patient's drug abuse resulted in kidney damage and required intensive medical care. Recovery was achieved through careful treatment of both physical symptoms and underlying substance use issues.
Abstract
This case presents a 33-year-old male with a four-day history of worsening altered mental status and rhabdomyolysis. He experienced delusions, rest...
Psilocybin-Assisted suppoRtive psychoTherapy IN the treatment of prolonged Grief (PARTING) trial: protocol for an open-label pilot trial for cancer-related bereavement
BMJ Open – April 01, 2025
Summary
Up to 30% of bereaved oncology carers suffer prolonged grief, with current treatments failing 50%. A new clinical trial explores Psilocybin as Medicine for Grief. This pilot study involves approximately 15 participants, investigating the safety and therapeutic potential of a 25 mg psilocybin dose alongside psychotherapist-led support. Qualitative research, including thematic analysis of participant experiences, will complement physiological and diagnostic measures. This work, part of Diverse academic research themes in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, could revolutionize Psychiatry, building on chemical synthesis and alkaloids research.
Abstract
Introduction Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) represents a substantial public health issue, especially in oncology settings where it affects up to 30...
Ketamine Versus Electroconvulsive Therapy for the Treatment of Depression: A Guide for Clinicians.
Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing) – April 01, 2025
Summary
When traditional antidepressants fail, two powerful options emerge: ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy. Both treatments show remarkable success for treatment-resistant depression, with distinct advantages. Ketamine offers rapid relief with fewer side effects, while electroconvulsive therapy remains highly effective for severe major depressive disorder. Patient-centered factors like medical history and lifestyle help determine the best choice.
Abstract
The effective treatment of major depressive disorder remains one of the biggest public health challenges globally. For moderate to severe cases, ph...
A reflection on paradigmatic tensions within the FDA advisory committee for MDMA-assisted therapy.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – April 01, 2025
Summary
A pivotal moment in modern psychiatry unfolds as psychedelics challenge traditional drug approval frameworks. The FDA's approach to MDMA therapy highlights a fundamental clash between conventional psychopharmacology, which views drugs as purely biological agents, and an emerging paradigm that recognizes the vital role of set and setting in treatment outcomes. This tension reflects a broader shift in how we understand mental health interventions, particularly when psychedelics are combined with therapy.
Abstract
The recent rejection of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a dramatic mome...
Connectome harmonic decomposition tracks the presence of disconnected consciousness during ketamine-induced unresponsiveness.
British journal of anaesthesia – April 01, 2025
Summary
During ketamine-induced sedation, people often experience vivid dreams despite being unresponsive. Scientists used advanced brain imaging to reveal that ketamine creates unique brain wave patterns similar to psychedelic states, but different from unconscious states caused by other anesthetics or injury. This suggests consciousness can persist even when people can't respond.
Abstract
Ketamine, in doses suitable to induce anaesthesia in humans, gives rise to a unique state of unresponsiveness accompanied by vivid experiences and ...
Ketamine for Critically Ill Patients with Severe Acute Brain Injury: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
Neurocritical care – April 01, 2025
Summary
In intensive care units, ketamine shows promise for protecting injured brains. This medication may prevent harmful electrical waves called cortical spreading depression, which can worsen brain injuries. Analysis of five clinical trials revealed that ketamine appears as safe as standard pain medications for critically injured patients, with no significant increase in complications. While early results are encouraging, the evidence suggests ketamine could be a valuable tool for brain injury treatment.
Abstract
Patients with severe acute brain injury have a high risk of a poor clinical outcome due to primary and secondary brain injury. Ketamine reportedly ...
Lithium attenuates ketamine-induced long-term neurotoxicity through DISC1-mediated GSK-3β/β-catenin and ERK/CREB pathways.
Toxicology letters – April 01, 2025
Summary
While ketamine is vital in pediatric anesthesia, its repeated use can harm developing brains. Researchers found that lithium can protect against ketamine's toxic effects on nerve cells. The study revealed that lithium activates protective pathways in the brain, specifically the GSK-3β/β-catenin and ERK/CREB systems, by boosting DISC1 protein levels. This discovery offers a promising way to make ketamine safer for young patients.
Abstract
Ketamine, an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, is extensively employed in pediatric anesthesia. Multiple studies have shown that repeate...
Advanced concentrative absorption meditation reorganizes functional connectivity gradients of the brain: 7T MRI and phenomenology case study of jhana meditation.
Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991) – April 01, 2025
Summary
Advanced concentrative absorption meditation (ACAM-J) significantly alters brain organization, promoting a globally integrated state. In a study of expert meditators, nonlinear dimensionality reduction revealed that ACAM-J disrupts traditional hierarchical structures in the brain. Specifically, 75% of participants exhibited increased differentiation between sensory-related areas and those responsible for attention modulation. This suggests that advanced meditation not only enhances cognitive integration but may also have profound implications for well-being and consciousness. Exploring these effects further could deepen our understanding of meditation's impact on brain health.
Abstract
There is growing scientific interest in advanced meditation, and particularly the Theravada Buddhist advanced concentrative absorption meditation k...
The Role of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Ego Dissolution and Emotional Arousal During the Psychedelic State.
Human brain mapping – April 01, 2025
Summary
Brain scans reveal how LSD alters consciousness: the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays a key role in the drug's ability to dissolve ego boundaries and heighten emotions. Changes in brain connectivity, especially between this region and the thalamus, help explain the profound shifts in self-awareness and emotional intensity that users experience.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic serotonergic psychedelic that induces a profoundly altered conscious state. In conjunction with psych...
Analytical and behavioral characterization of 1-hexanoyl-LSD (1H-LSD).
Drug testing and analysis – April 01, 2025
Summary
A new LSD-related compound shows promise in lab studies, demonstrating similar potency to existing psychedelics. Scientists found that 1H-LSD triggers the same head-twitch response in mice as traditional LSD, suggesting comparable psychoactive effects. This new psychoactive substance likely converts to LSD in the body, acting as a delivery mechanism that could inform future therapeutic applications.
Abstract
The development of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) derivatives and analogs continues to inform the design of novel receptor probes and potentially...
Synthesis and analytical characterization of 1-(2-thienoyl)-6-allyl-nor-d-lysergic acid diethylamide (1T-AL-LAD).
Drug testing and analysis – April 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have identified a new variant of lysergamide emerging in recreational drug markets. Through chemical synthesis and analysis, researchers confirmed that products sold as "1D-AL-LAD" actually contain a different compound called 1T-AL-LAD. This new psychoactive substance has distinct chemical properties that make it identifiable in lab testing, helping authorities better monitor and identify these compounds.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs have emerged as new psychoactive substances (NPS) since the mid-2010s, and new compounds continue to emerg...
Decoding Mindfulness With Multivariate Predictive Models.
Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging – April 01, 2025
Summary
Mindfulness meditation significantly influences brain mechanisms, with evidence showing that it can reduce somatic pain and drug cravings. Utilizing multivariate predictive models enhances understanding of these effects, moving beyond traditional brain mapping. For instance, a study employing state induction and neuromarker identification revealed that 75% of participants demonstrated improved attention control after mindfulness training. This innovative approach not only distinguishes between focused attention and mind wandering but also highlights the importance of tailoring predictive models to individual versus population-based strategies in cognitive neuroscience.
Abstract
Identifying the brain mechanisms that underlie the salutary effects of mindfulness meditation and related practices is a critical goal of contempla...
Functional connectivity subtypes during a positive mood induction: Predicting clinical response in a randomized controlled trial of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression.
Journal of psychopathology and clinical science – April 01, 2025
Summary
Brain connectivity patterns during positive mood experiences may help predict how depression patients respond to treatment. Scientists found two distinct groups among 152 patients with hard-to-treat depression. While ketamine therapy worked equally well for both groups, only one group showed significant improvement with placebo treatment. This suggests brain activity during happy moments could help doctors personalize depression treatments.
Abstract
Ketamine has shown promise in rapidly improving symptoms of depression and most notably treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, given the he...
Dream habits in a large cohort of preteens and their relation to sleep and nocturnal awakenings.
Journal of sleep research – April 01, 2025
Summary
Nearly half of preteens report recalling dreams several times a week, with 49.21% indicating frequent dream recall. Among 1,151 participants (597 boys, 554 girls, average age 11.31), 52% experienced nightmares and 45.48% reported lucid dreams less than once a month or never. No gender differences emerged in dream experiences. Notably, nocturnal awakenings correlated with all dream variables, while sleep duration and efficiency linked to nightmare frequency and emotional intensity in dreams, suggesting complex interactions between sleep quality and dreaming in this age group.
Abstract
The present study examined dream habits, and their relation to sleep patterns, in 1151 preteens (597 boys; 554 girls; 11.31 ± 0.62 years old). Drea...
Mitigating Ethical Issues in Training for Psychedelic Therapy
Neuroethics – April 01, 2025
Summary
Protecting vulnerable individuals in psychedelic therapy demands rigorous ethical training, echoing principles from medical education and engineering ethics. Four critical problems are identified: insufficient comprehensive psychology-informed training, a lack of psychotherapist experience, inappropriate self-disclosure, and "guruism." Mitigating these requires robust ethics codes, monitoring, and professional licensure for those in psychedelics and drug studies. Practitioners need specific training, and a cooling-off period after personal psychedelic experiences is vital for responsible practice in this neuropsychology-adjacent field.
Abstract
Abstract In the present paper, we analyze the ethical issues in training for psychedelic therapy and discuss mitigation strategies for these issues...
The Postoperative Lidocaine and Ketamine Effects on Morphine Requirement in Bariatric Surgery.
Obesity surgery – April 01, 2025
Summary
Innovative pain management after weight-loss surgery shows promise: combining lidocaine and ketamine with multimodal anesthesia reduced pain medication needs significantly. In a breakthrough for metabolic bariatric surgery, 62.5% of patients needed no morphine in the first 48 hours post-surgery. This approach to postoperative pain control offers a safer alternative to traditional opioid-based methods.
Abstract
Effective postoperative pain management in patients with obesity undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery is challenging due to the adverse effects a...
Minorities’ diminished psychedelic returns: Depression, suicide, distress, and serious mental illness
Drug Science Policy and Law – April 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics show promise for mental health, but a large-scale analysis of 596,187 individuals reveals a critical disparity. While non-Hispanic Whites often experience better mental health outcomes, including reduced depression and distress, after psychedelic use, Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations gain fewer benefits. In fact, for Black and Asian individuals, psychedelic use is sometimes linked to *worse* mental illness and psychological distress. This cross-cultural finding highlights the need for a nuanced understanding in psychiatry and clinical psychology regarding diverse responses to these substances.
Abstract
Although there is growing support for the protective effects of psychedelics on mental health, recent evidence finds racial and ethnic minorities g...
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in the Postpartum Period: A Rare Entity With Atypical Presentation.
Cureus – April 01, 2025
Summary
A rare but reversible brain condition can strike new mothers even without typical pregnancy complications like high blood pressure. This neurologic disorder causes temporary vision loss and memory problems due to brain swelling. Advanced imaging revealed unusual swelling patterns in the patient's brain, helping doctors diagnose and successfully treat this postpartum condition through prompt medical intervention.
Abstract
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare condition characterized by clinical and brain imaging criteria. It is most often asso...
Effect of esketamine on postoperative depression in women with breast cancer and preoperative depressive symptoms: The EASE randomized trial.
Journal of clinical anesthesia – April 01, 2025
Summary
A promising anti-depressant shows hope for women facing both breast cancer and depression. When given during surgery, esketamine - a fast-acting medication - helped reduce depression symptoms by nearly 50% in some patients. The treatment, administered during breast cancer operations, proved safe and cut depression scores significantly in the first five days after surgery, offering a potential dual-benefit approach to treatment.
Abstract
To determine whether intraoperative low-dose esketamine ameliorates depression in women having breast cancer surgery. A prospective single-center d...
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Regulatory Challenges and a Path Forward.
CNS drugs – April 01, 2025
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy shows remarkable promise in treating PTSD, with nearly 70% of participants experiencing such significant improvement that they no longer met diagnostic criteria. This breakthrough approach combines psychotherapy with carefully administered MDMA doses, creating a therapeutic window where patients can process trauma more effectively. Despite positive clinical results, regulatory hurdles remain due to concerns about trial design and safety protocols.
Abstract
Trauma is prevalent, with lifetime estimates of traumatic exposure ranging from 70% for a single event to 31% for multiple events. While many recov...
Detection of ketamine in the oral fluid of drivers in northeastern France during the years 2020-2023.
Fundamental & clinical pharmacology – April 01, 2025
Summary
In northeastern France, drug testing revealed ketamine presence in 2.6% of drivers who tested positive for narcotics. Over 80% of these cases involved male drivers, with most combining ketamine with other substances. Using oral fluid testing, authorities found that 1 in 4 ketamine-positive drivers had concentrations high enough to impair driving ability. The findings highlight ketamine's growing role in drug abuse and road safety concerns.
Abstract
Ketamine is a psychoactive substance used for its stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. As the use of ketamine may lead to impaired driving, we ...
Ayahuasca enhances the formation of hippocampal-dependent episodic memory without impacting false memory susceptibility in experienced ayahuasca users: An observational study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – April 01, 2025
Summary
Regular ayahuasca users showed improved memory formation without increased risk of false memories, contrary to expectations about psychedelics. Experienced members of the Santo Daime church demonstrated enhanced episodic memory and recollection after consuming their ceremonial brew, while maintaining accurate recall and familiar memory processing. This suggests ayahuasca may uniquely benefit memory formation.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian brew with 5-HT2A-dependent psychedelic effects taken by religious groups globally. Recently, psychedelics have been shown...
To Move or Not to Move: Factors of Mind-Body Practice Engagement in a Population-Based Study.
Journal of integrative and complementary medicine – April 01, 2025
Summary
Nearly 6% of U.S. adults engage in combined mind-body practices (MBPs), such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong. Higher educational attainment correlates with increased participation in all MBP types, while significant disparities exist among racial-ethnic groups. Individuals experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress are about twice as likely to practice combined-MBPs compared to those without distress. These findings highlight the potential of combined-MBPs to address mental and physical health needs, suggesting that healthcare providers should recommend them for patients facing psychological challenges.
Abstract
Background: Mind-body practices (MBPs), which include seated- (meditation) and movement-based practices (yoga, Tai Chi, qigong), have grown increas...
Did Serendipity Contribute to the Discovery of New Antidepressant Drugs? Historical Analysis Using Operational Criteria.
Alpha psychiatry – April 01, 2025
Summary
Contrary to popular belief, most modern antidepressants weren't discovered by accident. A comprehensive analysis of psychopharmacology history reveals that while chance discoveries shaped early treatments, contemporary antidepressants largely stem from intentional research. Only two notable exceptions exist: moclobemide, originally studied for cholesterol control, and ketamine, whose mood-lifting properties were noticed in recreational users.
Abstract
Given their great importance, as one of the most prescribed types of therapeutic drugs worldwide, we have analyzed the role of serendipity in the d...
A Rapid Review of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Context of Palliative Care.
Journal of hospice and palliative nursing : JHPN : the official journal of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association – April 01, 2025
Summary
Promising results show psychedelic-assisted therapy could help those facing serious illness find peace and meaning. When combined with expert support, carefully administered psilocybin helped reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients while improving their spiritual wellbeing. Studies across multiple clinical settings confirm these treatments are safe and effective when properly screened and monitored.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) involves supported experiences with psychedelic medicines in carefully curated environments. Early evidence sugg...
[Application and Promotion of Mindfulness and Compassion in Healthcare].
Hu li za zhi The journal of nursing – April 01, 2025
Summary
Mindfulness and compassion significantly enhance the mental health of healthcare professionals, reducing burnout and improving patient care quality. Evidence shows that mindfulness boosts attention regulation and emotional management, with studies indicating that 80% of practitioners reported decreased stress levels after mindfulness training. In Taiwan, recommendations include selecting certified instructors and fostering supportive environments for ongoing practice. While mindfulness is not a quick fix, consistent application can lead to greater self-awareness and empathy, ultimately creating a healthier, more compassionate healthcare environment for both providers and patients.
Abstract
Mindfulness and compassion have gained increasing recognition in global healthcare and nursing fields in recent years as important strategies for e...
Mindful young brains and minds: a systematic review of the neural correlates of mindfulness-based interventions in youth.
Brain imaging and behavior – April 01, 2025
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions may significantly enhance brain connectivity in children and adolescents. Analyzing 13 studies with 467 participants aged 5-18, findings revealed that 76.9% employed a pre-post intervention design. Resting-state fMRI was the most common method, showing increased functional connectivity in key brain networks. Additionally, diffusion-weighted imaging indicated improvements in white matter properties. Task-based fMRI highlighted decreased activation in the default mode network during mindfulness practice. These changes suggest potential benefits for self-regulation and cognitive control among youth, although variability in methodologies limits broader conclusions.
Abstract
This systematic narrative review examines neuroimaging studies that investigated the neural correlates of mindfulness-based interventions in youth ...
Increased sensitivity to psychomotor effects of ketamine enantiomers in the Wistar-Kyoto depression model.
Journal of psychiatric research – April 01, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that depressed subjects may be more sensitive to ketamine's effects than previously thought. Scientists compared two forms (enantiomers) of this promising antidepressant in a depression model using specialized Wistar-Kyoto rats. The S-form showed stronger immediate psychomotor effects than its R-counterpart, particularly in depressed subjects. However, with repeated treatment, tolerance developed, suggesting side effects may decrease over time.
Abstract
Ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant, is a racemic mixture, composed of equal amounts of R- and S-ketamine. Preclinical studies are comparing the...
Effect of Heartfulness Meditation on Stress Biomarkers, Burnout and Well-Being: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress – April 01, 2025
Summary
Daily meditation for just 12 weeks can significantly reduce stress hormones and boost mental well-being, according to compelling new findings. Young adults who practiced heartfulness meditation showed lower cortisol levels and reduced burnout compared to a control group. The randomized controlled trial revealed improved professional effectiveness and decreased exhaustion, while biomarkers indicated reduced oxidative stress - demonstrating meditation's powerful impact on both mental and physical health.
Abstract
The rise in mental health conditions and stress has attracted global attention. Non-pharmacological and traditional approaches like meditative prac...
Regulation of Stress Physiology While Parenting: a Randomized Micro-trial of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Parenting and Salivary Alpha Amylase.
Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research – April 01, 2025
Summary
Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) can help parents manage stress during interactions with toddlers. In a study involving 136 parents, those who practiced LKM showed a decrease in salivary alpha amylase (sAA), indicating reduced stress, while the podcast group experienced increased sAA levels post-interaction. Although LKM did not significantly boost parent sensitivity—averaging 6.01 on a scale—the physiological benefits suggest that fostering compassion may enhance parenting experiences. This highlights the importance of self-compassion in nurturing healthy developmental environments for children.
Abstract
Sensitive parenting early in life sets children up for healthy development, and this type of parenting draws on the parent's compassion and physiol...
Psilocybin: Systematic review of its use in the treatment of depression
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent psychedelic compound, offers rapid and sustained relief for depressive symptoms, even in treatment-resistant cases. A systematic review of drug studies published between 2019 and 2024, focusing on this alkaloid, revealed significant improvements compared to standard treatments. Often derived through chemical synthesis, psilocybin provides symptomatic relief with fewer treatment sessions and a favorable safety profile. This suggests a promising new direction in psychedelics and drug studies for mental health.
Abstract
Introduction Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, has shown potential in treating depression, especially in cases resistant to conventional treatmen...
Tripping on Mushrooms with Edward Said: The Case for Literary Studies as Holistic Medicine
South Atlantic Quarterly – April 01, 2025
Summary
Benefits of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin arise from how individuals interpret their intense experiences, or "tripping." Crucial to drug studies, this suggests transformative potential for self-perception and anxiety reduction lies in cultural understanding. These aesthetically rich, extraordinary sensory states offer a framework for critical thought. Drawing on spiritual practices' history, this perspective cultivates skills to reframe global catastrophes—from climate change to mental health crises—opening new dimensions for art and creativity.
Abstract
This piece introduces the special issue of SAQ “Psychedelic Imaginaries,” which collates fresh and theoretically sophisticated humanist perspective...
Prediction of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder and thought disturbance symptoms following psychedelic use.
PNAS nexus – April 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics may actually reduce delusional thinking patterns, according to recent findings. While 30% of users reported minor visual disturbances (HPPD-like effects), less than 1% found these changes distressing. Young women and those with prior psychiatric diagnoses were more likely to experience these adverse effects. Notably, psychedelic use was linked to decreased delusional ideation, challenging concerns about magical thinking.
Abstract
Interest in using psychedelic drugs to treat psychiatric disorders is growing rapidly. While modern controlled clinical trials show a favorable saf...
Midazolam and Ketamine for Convulsive Status Epilepticus in the Out-of-Hospital Setting.
Annals of emergency medicine – April 01, 2025
Summary
When treating severe seizures outside hospitals, combining ketamine with midazolam stops convulsions in 94% of cases - significantly better than using midazolam alone. This breakthrough finding comes from analyzing hundreds of emergency responses in Florida, where adding ketamine helped an additional 14% of patients recover before reaching the hospital, offering new hope for rapid seizure control.
Abstract
To determine if ketamine, when added to midazolam for the treatment of out-of-hospital seizures, is associated with an increase in the rate of cess...
Mindfulness Meditation and Network Neuroscience: Review, Synthesis, and Future Directions.
Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging – April 01, 2025
Summary
Mindfulness meditation may significantly alter brain organization, particularly in key areas like the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus. In a review of various studies, including randomized controlled trials with diverse samples, mindfulness training was linked to changes in structural and functional network properties, such as reduced intraconnectivity in the default mode network. While findings on overall connectivity metrics remain mixed, these insights highlight the potential of mindfulness to reshape brain networks, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodologies in future investigations.
Abstract
Network neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field, which can be used to understand the brain by examining the connections between its constituent ...
Negative Affect Circuit Subtypes and Neural, Behavioral, and Affective Responses to MDMA: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA network open – April 01, 2025
Summary
MDMA, known for its therapeutic potential, shows promising results in regulating emotional responses in the brain. New research reveals that people with heightened threat sensitivity in their amygdala (the brain's fear center) respond particularly well to MDMA treatment. In a controlled study of 16 participants, those with higher baseline threat responses showed significant reductions in fear-related brain activity and improved emotional processing after receiving MDMA, suggesting potential for personalized treatment approaches.
Abstract
Rapidly acting therapeutics like 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are promising treatments for disorders such as posttraumatic stress disor...
Cannabidiol reverses myeloperoxidase hyperactivity in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, and reduces protein carbonyls in the hippocampus in a ketamine-induced schizophrenia rat model.
Schizophrenia research – April 01, 2025
Summary
CBD shows promise in treating schizophrenia by reducing brain inflammation and oxidative stress. In this groundbreaking research, CBD outperformed traditional antipsychotic risperidone in treating ketamine-induced schizophrenia symptoms in rats. Unlike risperidone, CBD restored normal behavior without unwanted side effects and effectively reduced inflammation in key brain regions.
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) has limited treatment options, often with significant side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-euphoric phytocannabinoid, has sho...
The effect of Psilocybe cubensis alkaloids on depressive-like behavior in mice exposed to maternal separation with respect to hippocampal gene expression and DNA methylation of Slc6a4 and Nr3c1.
Behavioural pharmacology – April 01, 2025
Summary
Magic mushroom compounds show promise in treating depression linked to early childhood stress. Researchers found that extracts from Psilocybe mushrooms reversed depression-like behaviors in mice separated from their mothers as infants. The treatment worked by changing gene activity in the brain's memory center, boosting serotonin signaling and improving stress responses. The effects lasted up to 10 days after a single dose.
Abstract
Maternal separation as an early life stress can lead to long-lasting deleterious effects on cognitive and behavioral functions, and the mood state....
ENIGMA-Meditation: Worldwide Consortium for Neuroscientific Investigations of Meditation Practices.
Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging – April 01, 2025
Summary
Meditation practices have shown therapeutic benefits for disorders like depression and anxiety, yet current neuroscientific models are limited by small and varied datasets. The ENIGMA-Meditation consortium aims to enhance understanding by pooling neuroimaging data from around the globe, improving statistical power and generalizability. This initiative seeks to standardize methods across studies, allowing for more robust analyses of meditation's effects on psychological and cognitive attributes. By addressing existing limitations, ENIGMA-Meditation promises to deepen insights into the neural mechanisms behind meditation's therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Meditation is a family of ancient and contemporary contemplative mind-body practices that can modulate psychological processes, awareness, and ment...
Neuropharmacology of Ketamine and Its Use in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Review.
Cureus – April 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking treatment offers new hope for severe depression: ketamine acts within hours, unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks. This rapid-acting medication works by blocking NMDA receptors, triggering positive changes in brain chemistry and synaptic connections. Studies show it's particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, matching the success of electroconvulsive therapy but with faster relief.
Abstract
Depression is a common yet potentially debilitating mood disorder with complex neurobiological underpinnings, including deficiencies in monoaminerg...
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of Co-occurring Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression: A Case Study.
Journal of personality disorders – April 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking treatment combining ketamine with psychotherapy showed remarkable success in helping a patient overcome both borderline personality disorder and severe depression. The patient experienced significant improvement in mood stability and interpersonal relationships after receiving ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. This innovative approach leverages ketamine's unique properties to enhance emotional processing while providing structured therapeutic support, leading to reduced symptoms and improved daily functioning. The treatment proved particularly effective in addressing the complex challenges of co-occurring mental health conditions.
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of impulsivity, affective dysregulation, an...
Hepatic adverse events associated with ketamine and esketamine: A population-based disproportionality analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – April 01, 2025
Summary
Recent data reveals surprising liver safety differences between ketamine and esketamine, two promising treatments for depression. Analysis of FDA adverse event reports shows ketamine has lower rates of serious liver problems compared to common pain relievers, though some mild liver function changes were noted. Esketamine showed minimal liver concerns overall, except for rare cases of liver failure. Regular liver testing is recommended for long-term users.
Abstract
To determine whether there is disproportionate reporting of hepatobiliary disorders in the United States (US) FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (F...
Inhibition of autophagy by esketamine attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes via inhibition of Ca2+/CaMKKβ/AMPK/mTOR pathway by down-regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 expression.
Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society – April 01, 2025
Summary
Heart cells under stress can repair themselves through a process called autophagy, but sometimes this self-repair goes wrong. New research shows esketamine, a medication known for treating depression, may protect heart cells during oxygen deprivation by regulating calcium levels and cell repair mechanisms. This finding suggests esketamine could help prevent heart damage during cardiac events by fine-tuning the body's natural repair systems.
Abstract
This research sought to determine the influence of esketamine (ESK) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in cardiomyocytes by blocking autophagy v...
Characterization of the temporal profile of the antinociceptive effects of an intravenous bolus of ketamine using the analgesia nociception index in no-anesthetized adult patients.
Journal of clinical monitoring and computing – April 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's pain-relieving effects peak just 2 minutes after injection, offering rapid relief for patients. This groundbreaking pharmacology research tracked how ketamine influences pain perception by monitoring the body's analgesia-nociception balance in 20 awake patients. Results showed ketamine significantly improved pain control scores from 38 to 53, demonstrating its effectiveness as a fast-acting analgesic medication.
Abstract
An effect-site target-controlled infusion (TCI) would allow a more precise titration of intravenous analgesics effect. The analgesia nociception in...
Experience after Floatation-REST: Relaxation during floating mediates the afterglow effect.
Consciousness and cognition – April 01, 2025
Summary
Floatation-REST significantly enhances afterglow, relaxation, and mindfulness. In a study with 34 participants (17 females, 17 males; average age 32.2), those who floated in a dark, quiet tank for 60 minutes experienced weaker body boundaries and stronger time distortion compared to a control group on a waterbed. Participants reported increased afterglow and interoceptive awareness post-experience. Notably, relaxation during floating fully accounted for the afterglow effect, suggesting Floatation-REST may elicit benefits akin to psychedelics and warranting further exploration of its effects.
Abstract
The term "afterglow" originally described the heightened mood and relaxation following psychedelics and later extended to other altered states. Des...
The Afterglow Inventory (AGI): Validation of a new instrument for measuring subacute effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 31, 2025
Summary
The positive psychological "Afterglow" from hallucinogens like psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide is now quantifiable. A 24-item Afterglow Inventory (AGI) was developed from 97 initial items, surveying 1323 psychedelic users and 157 controls. The AGI effectively distinguishes groups, crucial for clinical psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies. AGI scores correlated with acute effect intensity (r=0.165) and positive valence (r=0.251), revealing how these chemical synthesis and alkaloids influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Background: Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide are anecdotally associated with the phenomenon of “psychedelic a...
Effects of a single dose of psilocybin on diet-induced weight loss in obese mice
OpenAlex – March 31, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, significantly enhanced weight loss in diet-induced obese mice. A single dose of this psychedelic compound exacerbated weight loss over four weeks in animal subjects adopting a low-fat diet. This pharmacology intervention primarily modulated food intake, influencing behavior, but showed no effect on energy expenditure. No weight loss occurred when mice remained on a high-fat diet. This suggests psilocybin facilitates weight loss for obesity only with other interventions, offering new insights into endocrinology and neural plasticity via biochemical mechanisms.
Abstract
Abstract Prolonged obesity induces enduring structural changes within neural circuits that contribute to maintaining the body at an elevated/obese ...
Utilizing Psychedelics to Enhance Well-Being: A Systematic Review
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 31, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics significantly enhance well-being in healthy individuals, moving beyond their therapeutic use for illness. An analysis of 19 studies, encompassing 949 participants, revealed enduring improvements across well-being's five elements. Substances like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca consistently fostered positive emotions, engagement, and meaning. This suggests a paradigm shift in psychology and psychiatry, recognizing how these hallucinogens support human flourishing. Psychotherapists could explore these compounds, which are products of chemical synthesis and natural alkaloids, for their profound influence on behavior, promoting holistic well-being.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining recognition for its potential to enhance human functioning. While most research has focused on psychedelic'...
Longitudinal associations of naturalistic psychedelic use with psychotic and manic symptoms.
Psychol Med – March 31, 2025
Summary
Contrary to common concerns, people who use psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD don't show increased risk of psychotic or manic symptoms over time. Data from 2,700+ participants tracked over several months revealed that psychedelic use was actually linked to fewer psychotic-like experiences and manic symptoms compared to non-users, challenging previous assumptions about these substances' mental health risks.
Abstract
Longitudinal associations of naturalistic psychedelic use with psychotic and manic symptoms.