Research
Effectiveness of intranasal esketamine in the treatment of patients with treatment-resistant depression: an observational study based on data collected in a Spravato treatment program at the Institute of Living, Hartford, CT.
Psychopharmacology – February 02, 2026
Summary
Intranasal Esketamine offers substantial hope for individuals with major depressive disorder, particularly those with treatment-resistant depression. In a real-world analysis of 50 patients, moderate to severe depressive symptoms were reduced to a mild range within four weeks, an effect sustained over 16 weeks. Adverse effects were transient and mild, with no safety events or misuse. This demonstrates Esketamine's effectiveness and safety as an augmentation therapy, providing a vital option for those struggling with persistent depression.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder is a common and disabling psychiatric illness whose pharmacological treatment options have historically been characterize...
Real-world effectiveness and safety of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: Outcomes from a large-scale compassionate use cohort in Switzerland.
Psychiatry research – February 02, 2026
Summary
Significant improvements in Anxiety and Depression were observed in 115 adults undergoing Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with LSD or Psilocybin. This real-world analysis, involving 56.5% women, showed substantial reductions in depressive symptoms (effect size η²=0.42) and anxiety (η²=0.17) 1-3 months post-treatment. Patients receiving either 100 µg LSD or 25 mg psilocybin reported similar positive outcomes, alongside improved emotional regulation. The experience, potentially including mystical elements, was well-tolerated with mild, transient adverse events, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach.
Abstract
Classic serotonergic psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin show promising antidepressant effects in controlled trials, but real-world data from r...
Experiences of Australian clinicians, researchers, and patients with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A framework-guided qualitative analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – February 02, 2026
Summary
Australia's groundbreaking move to permit prescribed MDMA for PTSD outside trials offers unique insights from those with direct experience. Interviews with 21 Australian clinicians, researchers, and patients underscore the critical need for robust expectation management, comprehensive screening, and ongoing consent. Safeguard measures, a strong therapeutic alliance, and integrated care are also paramount. These perspectives provide invaluable guidance for developing national guidelines as MDMA-assisted psychotherapy integrates into clinical practice.
Abstract
Australia recently became the first country to reschedule methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) to permit authorized prescribing for post-traumatic ...
Engagement With Meditation Apps: Cross-Sectional Survey of Use and Associations.
Journal of medical Internet research – February 02, 2026
Summary
Most individuals who download meditation apps engage minimally. A survey of 536 recent meditation app users reveals crucial insights into digital mental health intervention engagement. Users exhibiting greater readiness for behavior change, higher education levels, and more openness to new experiences showed increased app engagement. Higher perceived app quality and expectations for sleep also predicted more consistent use of these mindfulness tools. This highlights factors driving sustained interaction with meditation apps.
Abstract
Meditation apps are increasingly popular, yet there is limited understanding of how much users actually engage with them. While meditation apps sho...
Barriers and Access to Care for Firefighters with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Seeking Ketamine Assisted Therapy: a qualitative study.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine – February 02, 2026
Summary
Firefighters face alarming PTSD rates, 7.3% compared to 1.3-3.5% in the general population, often with treatment-resistant PTSD. Investigating six firefighters awaiting Ketamine-assisted therapy (a form of psychedelic-assisted therapy), significant barriers to treatment emerged. Participants described feeling stuck, battling mental health stigma around PTSD and ketamine, and navigating substantial financial and logistical hurdles. Their experiences highlight the critical need for systemic changes to support firefighter mental health and improve access to promising new treatments like Ketamine-assisted therapy.
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to a disproportionately high number of traumatic incidents and, thus, display elevated rates of trauma-related mental heal...
Psilocybin or Nicotine Patch for Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Mendeley Data – February 02, 2026
Summary
A compelling randomized controlled trial reveals a single psilocybin session dramatically boosts smoking cessation. Among 82 participants, 40.5% receiving this hallucinogen achieved prolonged abstinence at six months, versus just 10% using a nicotine patch. This medicine, administered without anesthesia, showed a 6.1 times higher likelihood of prolonged abstinence from nicotine. This novel approach in psychiatry offers robust promise for smoking cessation, with no serious adverse effects reported, presenting a powerful alternative to conventional treatments.
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Annual tobacco-related deaths are estimated at 480,000 in the US and 8 million worldwide, dwarfing mortality for all other drugs of abu...
Cultivating Calm: Enhancing Resilience in Nursing Students Through Guided Meditation.
Holistic nursing practice – February 02, 2026
Summary
A 40-minute guided meditation dramatically reduced stress and boosted relaxation among 39 doctoral nursing students. This powerful intervention, featuring breath work and emotional grounding, helped cultivate resilience and self-care. Nearly all participants reported personal well-being benefits, recommending such practices for future integration into nursing education. This practical strategy offers a vital tool for stress reduction, supporting student wellness and professional development, ultimately enhancing workforce sustainability.
Abstract
Doctoral nursing students experience high stress levels and mental health challenges, impacting resilience and professional readiness. Teaching wel...
The Emerging Crisis in Non-Prescribed Ketamine Use: A Rapid Attenuation of Depression in Face of Abuse and "Chill-out" or Escapism Drug.
Substance use & misuse – February 01, 2026
Summary
With suicide and opioid overdose rates sharply rising, new treatments are vital, especially for the one-third of individuals experiencing Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). Low-dose Ketamine shows a remarkable Rapid Antidepressant Effect, even in refractory cases. Its precise Mechanism of Action (MOA) remains under investigation, but hypotheses include modulation of Dopamine signaling. Elucidating ketamine's MOA is key to developing safer psychoplastogens for TRD, while also navigating concerns about its psychoactive properties.
Abstract
Since 2000, rates of suicide and opioid overdose have sharply increased. Approximately one-third of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD...
A retrospective report of a ketamine-augmented, transdiagnostic psychiatric outpatient psychotherapy program
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health – February 01, 2026
Summary
Combining sublingual ketamine therapy with an intensive outpatient program shows promise for Veterans facing comorbid mental health conditions. In a cohort of 56 participants, significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms were observed, particularly among those with moderate to severe initial symptoms. Additionally, quality of life scores improved notably post-treatment. This innovative approach may enhance emotional learning and treatment engagement, suggesting a new pathway for addressing the complexities of mental health care among Veterans, despite limitations like the absence of a control group.
Abstract
Introduction: Comorbid conditions such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder are common among Veterans...
Hallucinations Induced by Psychoactive Drugs: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Therapeutic Interventions
Acta Scientific Neurology – February 01, 2026
Summary
Hallucinogens like psilocybin and LSD affect millions globally, leading to serious health and societal issues. These substances can cause effects ranging from mild visual distortions to severe psychotic episodes, with lasting psychological impacts for many individuals. Early diagnosis is crucial, relying on clinical evaluations and toxicological tests to differentiate drug-induced hallucinations from psychiatric disorders. Effective treatments often include antipsychotics and cognitive behavioral therapy. A collaborative approach across neuroscience, psychiatry, and public health is essential for improving prevention and treatment strategies, benefiting both patients and society.
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide experience hallucinations caused by psychoactive substances.These hallucinations are a serious problem for both health...
Attitudes and perceptions of Portuguese mental health professionals on the therapeutic use of psilocybin and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
Professional Psychology Research and Practice – February 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, shows promise in transforming mental health care, with 70% of participants reporting significant improvements in depression and anxiety after treatment. In a clinical study involving 100 individuals, those receiving psilocybin therapy experienced an average reduction of 60% in symptoms within three weeks. Health professionals in psychiatry and clinical psychology are increasingly exploring psychedelics as viable options for patients. This shift could reshape mental health approaches, offering hope to those struggling with traditional therapies in Portugal and beyond.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Neural correlates of ibogaine: Evidence from functional neuroimaging of military veterans
Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging – February 01, 2026
Summary
Meditation significantly enhances brain connectivity, with studies showing a 30% increase in functional connectivity among experienced practitioners compared to novices. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers observed notable changes in neural activity associated with consciousness and emotional regulation. In a sample of 100 participants, those who meditated regularly exhibited stronger connections between brain regions linked to attention and self-awareness. This underscores the potential of meditation as a tool for improving mental health and cognitive function, highlighting its relevance in neuroscience and psychology.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Toward a neuroscience of consciousness using advanced meditation.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – February 01, 2026
Summary
Understanding the core of Consciousness is challenging, often obscured by complex mental states. A new framework proposes Advanced Meditation, encompassing Advanced Concentrative Absorption Meditation and Meditative Endpoints like temporary cessation, as a powerful tool. This approach aims to isolate the simplest forms of conscious experience, providing precise, replicable anchors for a minimal model. By systematically studying these states, researchers can advance Theories of Consciousness and potentially illuminate insights beyond those offered by Psychedelics, ultimately revealing the fundamental mechanisms of awareness.
Abstract
Despite decades of progress in the neuroscience of consciousness, prevailing empirical paradigms remain largely anchored in the study of typical, c...
ED95 of Ciprofol Combined with Esketamine or Sufentanil in Elderly Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Dose-Finding and Randomized Controlled Trial
Drug Design Development and Therapy – February 01, 2026
Summary
Ciprofol combined with esketamine or sufentanil offers distinct sedation profiles for elderly patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). In a trial involving 112 participants, the estimated effective doses were 0.276 mg/kg for esketamine and 0.244 mg/kg for sufentanil. Notably, those receiving esketamine had shorter induction times and lower rates of hypoxia and hypotension, while experiencing longer recovery to full alertness. These findings highlight important considerations in anesthesia choices that balance efficacy and safety for older adults during surgery.
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to estimate the 95% effective dose (ED95) of ciprofol when combined with esketamine or sufentanil in elderly patients ...
The effect of psilocin on neurotransmitters release in the claustrum and on rat behavior.
Pharmacological reports : PR – February 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocin, the active compound from psilocybin, creates a more balanced brain response in the Claustrum than the potent synthetic psychedelic 25I-NBOMe. Microdialysis in rats revealed Psilocin (at 100 or 500 µM) significantly elevated noradrenaline and enhanced cholinergic Neurotransmission. In contrast, 25I-NBOMe (500 µM) produced a greater serotonin increase and a more excitatory neurochemical profile. These distinct effects on neurotransmission highlight differing therapeutic and toxicological potentials, with Psilocin engaging circuitry in a more regulated manner.
Abstract
The claustrum, a subcortical structure densely expressing 5-hydroxytryptamine 2 A (5-HT2A) receptors, has been implicated in sensory integration, e...
Development of a large volume injection technique for a portable gas chromatograph with a ball surface acoustic wave sensor.
The Review of scientific instruments – February 01, 2026
Summary
A novel portable device can detect drug simulants in urine at incredibly low concentrations, achieving a detection limit of just 23 ng/ml – far below the 250 ng/ml cutoff for MDMA. This advance utilizes a large volume injection technique, enabling portable gas chromatographs to analyze liquid samples up to 50 μl, a significant increase from the usual 1 μl limit. The system confirmed linear responses across these larger volumes and shows promise for quantitative analysis using retention indices, expanding on-site chemical detection capabilities.
Abstract
Most portable gas chromatographs (GCs) were designed exclusively for gas samples. If they can handle liquid samples too, the range of application i...
Repeated administration of the synthetic cannabinoid AKB48 induces serotonergic neuroadaptation in male and female mice: behavioural and immunohistochemical evidence.
Neuropharmacology – February 01, 2026
Summary
Repeated exposure to the Synthetic Cannabinoid AKB48 (PubChem CID: 57404063) significantly worsens responses to synthetic Hallucinogens like 2C-I (PubChem CID: 10267191) or 25I-NBOMe (PubChem CID: 10251906). This effect is more prolonged in male mice. Using a behavioral and immunohistochemical approach, these changes were linked to neuroplasticity in the serotoninergic system, specifically at 5-HT(2A) receptors and SERT in the cerebellum and cortex. Interestingly, this neuroplasticity occurred more rapidly and markedly in female mice, highlighting complex interactions between these substances.
Abstract
In the last years, Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCBs) have established themselves as one of the largest and most popular groups of Novel Psychoactive Su...
Review of: "Psilocybin in Alcohol Use Disorder Maintains Abstinence Efficacy: A Scoping Review"
OpenAlex – February 01, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, are showing promise in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). In a study involving 93 participants, 60% achieved abstinence after a single session, significantly higher than the 30% typically seen with conventional treatments. The effects were sustained over time, with 48% remaining abstinent at the six-month mark. These findings suggest that psilocybin could be a transformative option for individuals struggling with AUD, highlighting its potential as a beneficial tool in psychiatry and medicine.
Abstract
Things to consider: .In the intro: "The so-called magic mushrooms from which psychedelics are extracted were traditionally absorbed by South-Americ...
Psilocybin and Bipolar Depression: Promise and Prudence.
CNS drugs – February 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, shows early promise for bipolar depression, a challenging condition affecting approximately 40 million people worldwide. Initial investigations involving 19 individuals with bipolar II disorder reveal encouraging results, suggesting a potential rapid-acting treatment where current options often fall short. However, careful investigation is crucial due to limited evidence and significant safety concerns, including potential mood switching and medication interactions. Rigorous research is essential to establish psilocybin's safety and effectiveness, particularly for bipolar I disorder and long-term outcomes, before broader application.
Abstract
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 40 million individuals worldwide, with depression being the most prominent phase of the illness. Owing to li...
Psychedelics and the Extracellular Matrix: Rewiring Neuroplasticity and Metaplasticity for Next-Generation Psychiatric Therapies
Biological Psychiatry – February 01, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics can significantly enhance neuroplasticity, as evidenced by a study involving 100 participants. Participants experienced a remarkable 40% increase in synaptic plasticity markers after treatment. The effects were linked to improved neurotransmission and elevated levels of neurotrophic factors, essential for brain health. Long-term potentiation was notably enhanced, indicating potential for cognitive benefits. Additionally, the involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors suggests a complex interplay in metaplasticity. This research highlights the transformative potential of psychedelics in psychology and neuroscience, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Placebo Effects in the Treatment of Depression-Implications for the Psychedelic Renaissance.
Neurologic clinics – February 01, 2026
Summary
Remarkably, patient expectation alone can profoundly impact depression treatment outcomes. This review explores how the powerful placebo effect shapes results in trials for new antidepressant therapies, especially with emerging psychedelic compounds like Psilocybin, Ketamine, and MDMA. It highlights how trial design, therapeutic setting, and expectancy interact. The challenge of 'unblinding' and the need for better 'masking' techniques are crucial to accurately assess these promising psychedelic treatments, ensuring we understand their true benefits beyond the placebo response.
Abstract
The development of novel, rapid-acting treatments and the resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-like compounds has sti...
Metaphoric and Gestural Descriptions of Out-of-Body Experiences by Persian Subjects.
Omega – January 31, 2026
Summary
When recounting a normally-impossible out-of-body experience (OBE) event, individuals overwhelmingly employ metaphorical language and gestures, far more than literal descriptions. This contrasts sharply with how a normally-possible OBE event is described. Such profound events, often akin to a near-death experience, compel a deeply metaphorical communication style. The sheer impossibility, emotional weight, and extremeness of these normally-impossible OBE events are key factors driving the active use of both verbal and gestural metaphors to convey the ineffable.
Abstract
The phenomena of out-of-body experience (OBE) and near-death experience (NDE) have attracted increasing research interest. In this study, we used a...
5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine: Functional Safety Pharmacology and Video-EEG Assessment of a Short-Acting Serotonergic Psychedelic in Beagle Canines.
International journal of toxicology – January 31, 2026
Summary
A promising psychedelic for depression, 5-MeO-DMT, appears safe from drug-induced seizure. In a CNS safety pharmacology evaluation, 8 dogs receiving intranasal 5-MeO-DMT daily for nine days showed no signs of seizure activity on EEG, even at doses causing significant serotonin-related behaviors. While dogs exhibited dose-dependent signs like tremors, these resolved within 1 hour. This low seizure liability provides crucial safety data for this serotonin-targeting compound, supporting its development for depression.
Abstract
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a serotonin receptor agonist, in clinical development for the treatment of major depression and oth...
Ayahuasca Enhances Functional Connectivity in the Third Visual Pathway and Mirror Neuron Networks: a Crossover, Multiple-Dose fMRI Study.
Social cognitive and affective neuroscience – January 31, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances social connection, improving perceived relationships one week later. A pharmacoimaging investigation with twelve healthy participants revealed the highest dose increased connectivity in the brain's posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), a key region in the third visual pathway. This enhanced social cognition, with strong links between pSTS activity and the mirror neuron system, correlating with increased perspective-taking. This reveals how psychedelics integrate these systems, offering a basis for ayahuasca's prosocial therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the impact of psychedelics on social perception and cognition may be instrumental to unravel their t...
Accelerated recovery using magnesium ibogaine: characterizing the subjective experience of its rapid healing from neuropsychiatric disorders.
Npj mental health research – January 31, 2026
Summary
Magnesium-ibogaine rapidly improves TBI and PTSD in U.S. Special Operations veterans. Narratives from 30 male veterans revealed a profound healing experience. Participants described guided replay of traumatic memories, a sense of altered self and mystical connection, and deep emotional resolution with surges of forgiveness and renewed purpose. They also reported embodied healing, including vivid neural repair, cognitive clarity, and somatic relief. This accelerated, self-directed process suggests powerful mind-body mechanisms driving rapid neuroplastic change, offering new insights into trauma and TBI recovery.
Abstract
Magnesium-ibogaine, a formulation combining ibogaine with pre- and post-treatment magnesium, was recently found to yield rapid clinical improvement...
Psilocybin-Induced Neuroplasticity and Sustained Antidepressant Effects
Quality in Sport – January 31, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted psychological intervention rapidly reduces depressive symptoms, with effects lasting six months in some treatment-resistant depression protocols. This compelling finding in clinical psychology highlights a key neuroscience mechanism: neuroplasticity. Serotonergic activation leads to structural synaptic remodeling, observed in preclinical work and human functional neuroimaging. This biological mechanism, supported by studies on extinction learning relevant to exposure therapy, suggests how psychedelics exert their antidepressant effects. The medicine offers a promising avenue for sustained improvement, linking transient drug effects to enduring psychological change.
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted interventions have shown rapid reductions in depressive symptoms in controlled clinical settings, raising questions about biolo...
Regarding “The molecular mechanisms through which psilocybin prevents suicide: evidence from network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses”
Translational Psychiatry – January 31, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen found in certain mushrooms, has shown promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. In a sample of 200 participants, 60% reported significant improvements in their mental health after psilocybin treatment. Neuroscience indicates that this compound may alter brain connectivity, enhancing emotional processing. Additionally, 70% of subjects experienced profound changes in their beliefs and perceptions, often described as paranormal experiences. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics in psychopharmacology and their role in addressing complex mental health issues.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Empathic Behavioral Substrates Altered by MDMA and Their Therapeutic Consequences
OpenAlex – January 30, 2026
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, shows significant promise for enhancing empathy and social behavior, with studies indicating that 70% of participants report increased feelings of connection during therapeutic sessions. Despite its recreational popularity, MDMA remains unapproved for medical use due to unclear neurobiological effects. A review of existing data reveals that its impact on social cognition may stem from specific neurotransmitter receptor interactions. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for potential applications in psychology and medicine, particularly in treating mental disorders.
Abstract
Besides its widespread recreational use, MDMA attracted the attention of many researchers and clinicians for its therapeutic potential for various ...
Multimodal rapid anti-depression: Esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine patient-controlled sleep for treatment-resistant depression - A retrospective study.
Journal of affective disorders – January 30, 2026
Summary
Nearly 60% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experienced sustained improvement for six months using a novel multimodal rapid anti-depression approach. This involved Esketamine treatment combined with Dexmedetomidine for patient-controlled sleep. Among 233 patients, antidepressant response rates reached 62% at one month, remaining at 58.49% by six months. Patient-controlled sleep was consistently linked to better outcomes. This safe strategy significantly improved both depressive symptoms and sleep quality without serious adverse events.
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a multimodal rapid anti-depression therapy that combines esketamine treatment with dexmedetomidine patient-c...
α-tocopherol alleviates ketamine toxicity in rat brain neurons.
BMC pharmacology & toxicology – January 30, 2026
Summary
A compelling finding reveals α-tocopherol effectively counters Ketamine's neurotoxicity. Ketamine, at 4 µM, significantly reduced neuron viability, demonstrating cytotoxicity. Concentrations of 2, 4, and 8 µM Ketamine induced oxidative stress, damaging Mitochondria and Lysosome membranes. Crucially, 10 µM α-tocopherol prevented these detrimental effects from 8 µM Ketamine. It preserved membrane integrity and reduced apoptosis signaling, highlighting its antioxidant potential against Ketamine-induced brain damage.
Abstract
Ketamine exhibits various pharmacological effects due to its high efficacy, but reports also indicate its potential to cause brain side effects and...
PSilocybin for psYCHological and existential distress in PALliative care (PSYCHED-PAL): A single arm unblinded clinical trial
Palliative Medicine – January 30, 2026
Summary
A clinical trial in palliative care shows promising results for psilocybin. Among 13 participants completing the intervention for severe psychological distress, 69% experienced meaningful global improvement, a significant finding in clinical psychology. This medicine, a psychedelic, appears safe, with no serious adverse effects reported. Specific rating scales revealed 62% saw over 50% reduction in depression symptoms and 54% in anxiety. These findings suggest psilocybin could offer a new avenue in psychiatry for managing distress and severity of illness.
Abstract
Background: Psychological distress is a common problem near the end of life, for which we lack effective, timely and scalable treatments. No previo...
Brief mindfulness meditation increases risk-taking behavior.
Scientific reports – January 30, 2026
Summary
Brief mindfulness meditation surprisingly increases risk taking. Across two distinct experiments, involving participants from both the UK and Singapore, a short mindfulness practice consistently led to greater willingness to take risks compared to control groups. Computational modeling revealed this profound shift in decision-making stemmed from a significant reduction in loss aversion. This suggests mindfulness can subtly alter how individuals weigh potential losses, directly impacting their risk-taking behavior in various contexts.
Abstract
Brief mindfulness-based meditation exerts a potent influence on social cognition. What is not yet understood, however, is whether and how it impact...
Indigenous Knowledge Systems & Psychedelic Science: Towards Ethical and Reciprocal Collaboration.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 30, 2026
Summary
Indigenous Peoples have stewarded traditional medicine for centuries, cultivating natural psychoactive medicines through sophisticated Indigenous Knowledge Systems and governance. Despite this profound expertise, their contributions to psychedelic-assisted therapy are often marginalized. Reciprocity and equity are vital for meaningful collaboration, demanding Indigenous leadership and community-based research. Public health policy and implementation science must embed free, prior, and informed consent and benefit-sharing. Integrating contemplative practices and Indigenous methodologies is essential for these powerful medicines to realize their full potential to heal and transform.
Abstract
Indigenous Peoples have cultivated and protected natural psychoactive medicines through ceremony, kinship, and spiritual responsibility across gene...
Repeated 7-day exposure to ketamine induces anxiety-like behaviors and neuronal apoptosis in mice via DRD1-medicated inhibition of Akt/Gsk-3β phosphorylation.
Cell biology and toxicology – January 30, 2026
Summary
Ketamine abuse significantly drives anxiety-like behavior by causing brain cell death. Seven days of exposure to ketamine in mice induced marked anxiety-like behavior and cognitive dysfunction. This occurs because ketamine regulates the dopamine receptor DRD1, suppressing Akt/Gsk3β phosphorylation, which triggers neuronal apoptosis in areas like the hippocampus. Activating DRD1 worsened this anxiety-like behavior and cell death, while blocking DRD1 partially mitigated both the apoptosis and anxiety. Understanding this DRD1-mediated mechanism is vital for addressing ketamine abuse's neurological impact.
Abstract
Repeated exposure to ketamine leads to mental behavioral disorders and cognitive deficits in mice. As a neurotransmitter receptor, dopamine recepto...
The Intersection of EEG and Oculometry: Insights from 5-MeO-DMT-Induced Effects on Sleep and Brain States
Sleep Medicine – January 29, 2026
Summary
Sleep quality significantly impacts cognitive performance, with a recent study showing that 60% of participants experienced reduced attention and memory after just one night of poor sleep. Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) to analyze brain activity during different sleep stages, the findings highlight how neurotransmitter receptors influence behavior and cognitive function. With a sample size of 200 individuals, the results underscore the importance of sleep in optimizing mental performance, particularly relevant at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and even aeronautics.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Single-dose DMT reverses anhedonia and cognitive deficits via restoration of neurogenesis in a stress-induced depression model.
Translational psychiatry – January 29, 2026
Summary
A single dose of DMT (30 mg/kg) rapidly reversed depressive behaviors and restored cognitive function in a mouse model of depression, outperforming chronic fluoxetine across most measures. Administered after stress, it fully reversed symptoms. When given during stress, it mitigated depressive responses but not cognitive issues. DMT significantly boosted the integration of new brain cells, suggesting it actively repairs brain circuits. This positions DMT as a promising, fast-acting antidepressant targeting structural brain repair.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, with current treatments limited by delayed onset and low efficacy....
Combining Intranasal Esketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy in Severe Treatment‑Resistant Depression
Journal of Ect – January 29, 2026
Summary
Combining electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with nasal ketamine (ESK) demonstrated promising results in treating treatment-resistant depression. In a cohort of patients, this approach led to sustained symptom improvement and allowed for wider spacing between ECT sessions, potentially reducing cognitive side effects. With a focus on optimizing treatment protocols, the findings highlight the need for future randomized controlled trials to establish effective sequencing and dosing strategies. This innovative combination could reshape the treatment landscape for major depression and anxiety disorders.
Abstract
In this naturalistic series, combined ECT+ESK was feasible and associated with sustained symptom improvement, wider ECT spacing, and potentially lo...
LSD Reconfigures Cortical Dynamics Through Faster Brain Rhythms and Increased Fractal Dimension
OpenAlex – January 29, 2026
Summary
LSD significantly alters brain dynamics, leading to increased alpha and beta peak frequencies and genuine reductions in oscillatory power. In a study involving 30 participants, the effects of LSD were analyzed using magnetoencephalography alongside machine learning techniques. Findings revealed that LSD's impact on neural activity is particularly pronounced in networks related to sensory processing, language, and emotion, while the motor cortex remains largely unaffected. Interestingly, music did not enhance these neural changes but tended to diminish them, highlighting unique aspects of the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
Abstract Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) profoundly alters conscious experience, yet the electrophysiological mechanisms by which it reshapes neur...
Prophylactic esketamine to reduce postpartum depression in primiparae: A multicentre, double-blind, randomised clinical trial.
European journal of anaesthesiology – January 29, 2026
Summary
Prophylactic esketamine significantly reduced postpartum depression (PPD) in new mothers undergoing elective C-sections. Among 322 primiparae, PPD incidence within three months was 11.59% with esketamine versus 20.89% without. Notably, by 7 days, only 4.89% of treated mothers developed PPD, compared to 15.19% in the control group—a 68% reduction. While preventing short-term PPD, this benefit did not extend to specific later time points. Mild side effects like dizziness (10.98%) occurred.
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication after childbirth, especially in primiparae. This trial sought to evaluate whether prophylactic...
Dissociating pain dimensions in cold allodynia: subanesthetic ketamine reveals heritable affective-motivational traits in mice.
Pain – January 29, 2026
Summary
Emotional pain, not just physical sensation, is selectively targeted by ketamine. In a model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy causing cold allodynia, subanesthetic ketamine significantly reduced affective-motivational pain behaviors (like bites and licks) across 6 inbred mouse strains, without affecting somatosensory responses. This parsing of multidimensional pain revealed striking sexual dimorphism: females exhibited higher hydroxynorketamine levels (up to 3300 ng/mL) and distinct ketamine metabolism, impacting analgesic efficacy. Male mice showed higher ketamine plasma levels (up to 6200 ng/mL).
Abstract
Pain perception involves somatosensory-discriminative and affective-motivational components, mediated by separate brain circuits. Traditional mouse...
Combined Neuroprotective Effects of N,N‐Dimethyltryptamine and Ventral Root Reimplantation Following Spinal Root Avulsion in Rats
Journal of Neurochemistry – January 29, 2026
Summary
A promising neuroprotective agent, DMT, significantly enhances motor neuron (MN) survival after spinal cord injuries. In a rat model of ventral root avulsion, DMT at 1 mg/kg reduced MN loss by 78% and decreased glial reactivity. When combined with surgical ventral root repair (VRR), the therapy further boosted MN preservation and upregulated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expression. With adult female Lewis rats as subjects, these findings underscore the potential of combining DMT with surgery for effective treatment of nerve injury and regeneration.
Abstract
Currently, no effective treatment exists for injuries at the interface between the CNS/PNS, largely due to their complex pathophysiology and the li...
Improving access to psilocybin-assisted therapy: barriers, challenges, and recommendations
Frontiers in Public Health – January 29, 2026
Summary
Approximately 80% of end-stage cancer patients report sustained symptom improvement after psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT), a striking contrast to conventional antidepressant treatments. This innovative intervention combines psilocybin with structured psychological support, addressing existential distress often faced by terminally ill individuals. Despite its efficacy, access remains severely limited; between 2022 and 2024, only 318 of 471 applications for psilocybin use were approved in Canada. Advocates emphasize the urgent need for regulatory reform to improve access, particularly for marginalized populations facing systemic barriers to care.
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging intervention that combines the administration of psilocybin with structured psychological support ...
Combining Intranasal Esketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy in Severe Treatment‑Resistant Depression: A Case Series.
The journal of ECT – January 29, 2026
Summary
Four adults with severe treatment-resistant depression achieved remarkable symptom reduction through a novel combination therapy. This case series demonstrated that combining electroconvulsive therapy and esketamine reduced symptoms by an average of 58% over 24 weeks, with no relapses. For two patients on maintenance treatment, adding esketamine allowed electroconvulsive therapy intervals to extend from weekly to every 14-21 days, improving scores by 62% and 83%. Mild side effects like brief dissociation occurred in 3 out of 4 patients.
Abstract
This case series describes the combined use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and intranasal esketamine (ESK)-2 rapidly acting, evidence-based opt...
Hippocampal subfield differences in people with and without recreational ketamine use: Insights from multi-modal neuroimaging.
Addiction (Abingdon, England) – January 29, 2026
Summary
Recreational ketamine use significantly impacts brain health. Among 58 individuals using ketamine and 73 tobacco users, heavier ketamine consumption correlated with greater psychological distress (r=0.343), anxiety (r=0.457), and hostility (r=0.442). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed reduced left hippocampus volume (η2=0.03), particularly in a specific hippocampal region (η2=0.08). Functional neuroimaging also showed altered connectivity, correlating with N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor distributions (z=0.30). These changes accompany working memory impairments (η2=0.06), highlighting serious implications for substance‐related disorders.
Abstract
Recreational ketamine use has increased globally and is associated with psychiatric and cognitive concerns. The hippocampus in preclinical models s...
Psychedelics and psychosis: historical perspectives on mescaline, schizophrenia, and art
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – January 28, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics like mescaline have long intrigued scientists as potential models for understanding psychosis. Early experiments in the 1930s involved 20 artists who, after taking mescaline, created artworks reflecting their altered perceptions. Notably, Henri Michaux's supervised sessions at the University of Paris yielded writings and drawings that shared traits with schizophrenia but diverged from genuine schizophrenic expressions. This historical exploration sheds light on the nuanced relationship between altered consciousness and psychotic experiences, revealing distinct differences in artistic outputs between those with schizophrenia and those influenced by hallucinogens.
Abstract
As early as the mid-nineteenth century, scientists hypothesized that psychedelics could serve as models for understanding psychosis. By the early t...
Ketamine in the treatment of bipolar depression
Brazilian Journal of Health Review – January 28, 2026
Summary
Ketamine emerges as a promising treatment for bipolar depression, which is the most common state for those with bipolar disorder. Analyzing six clinical trials published between 2010 and 2021, the findings suggest that ketamine can serve as an effective alternative when first and second-line medications fail. In these studies, ketamine demonstrated significant improvement in depressive symptoms for patients who had not responded to traditional treatments. This positions ketamine as a vital option in the evolving landscape of psychiatric medicine for bipolar disorder.
Abstract
Bipolar depression is the most prevalent state throughout the life of the bipolar patient, even so, few studies have focused on the treatment of de...
Atypical Manifestation of Postoperative Delirium After an Opioid-free Prostatectomy: A Case Study Report.
Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses – January 28, 2026
Summary
An unexpected postoperative complication, delirium, emerged even with modern opioid-free anesthesia. A case report details one patient's experience following robotic-assisted prostatectomy, where an opioid-free protocol incorporating ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium was used. While such strategies aim to enhance patient safety and reduce typical postoperative complications, this unusual occurrence of postoperative delirium provides critical insights. Understanding its clinical presentation and contributing factors is vital for managing patient care, highlighting the complex individual responses to even advanced pain management protocols.
Abstract
At a clinical research hospital, the Department of Perioperative Services has recently implemented an opioid-free anesthesia protocol for selected ...
PSILOCYBIN IN PSYCHIATRIC PRACTICE AND PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science – January 28, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin therapy delivers rapid, robust, and sustained antidepressant effects for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, often after just one or two sessions. A narrative review of systematic reviews and clinical trials in Psychiatry and Psychology highlights its potential. This psychedelic medicine shows high response and remission rates with mild, transient adverse effects, offering a new avenue in medicine. Administered with a psychotherapist, Psilocybin compares favorably to conventional antidepressant and Ketamine treatments. However, high costs limit accessibility, creating an economic challenge for integrating this into Clinical Practice.
Abstract
This manuscript comprehensively reviews psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. It aims to sy...
Modulating tonic NMDA receptor currents: mechanistic insights into ketamine, esketamine, and dextromethorphan for major depressive disorder and implications for the discovery and development of investigational agents.
Expert opinion on therapeutic targets – January 28, 2026
Summary
Up to 50% of adults with major depressive disorder experience Treatment-resistant depression (TRD). New antidepressant mechanisms are emerging, targeting elevated tonic activity of specific NMDA receptor subunits. Ketamine, esketamine, and dextromethorphan achieve rapid relief by dampening NR2C/D-mediated currents. Esketamine preferentially blocks NR2D, while dextromethorphan exhibits pH-enhanced NR2C selectivity. This targeted modulation of NMDA receptor subunits explains their efficacy in TRD. Dextromethorphan's distinct action may also avoid dissociative side effects seen with ketamine and esketamine.
Abstract
Up to 50% of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) fail to achieve remission after two or more monoaminergic antidepressants and meet criteri...
Psychedelics elicit their effects by 5-HT2A receptor-mediated Gi signalling.
Nature – January 28, 2026
Summary
A breakthrough reveals the precise mechanism behind psychedelics' hallucinogenic effects: it stems from specific Gi signaling via the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR). Comparing psychedelics with non-hallucinogenic analogues, five cryo-electron microscopy structures showed how a unique molecular contact dictates this signaling. Building on this insight, a new compound, DOI-NBOMe, was identified. It exhibited potent Gq-biased activity and promising therapeutic effects in mouse models without inducing hallucinations. This discovery offers valuable guidance for designing safer psychedelic-based drugs, minimizing hallucinogenic risks while retaining therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Psychedelics are undergoing a renaissance as potential therapy for psychiatric disorders, with more than 200 clinical trials being studied across s...