Research
Breaking the cycle: a systematic review of neurobiological mechanisms and psychotherapeutic innovations in ketamine addiction.
Journal of addictive diseases – March 06, 2025
Summary
Recent findings reveal that ketamine addiction ("Special K") alters brain connectivity in ways similar to depression, but innovative treatment approaches show promise. By combining neurobiological markers with targeted psychotherapy, including CBT and EMDR, clinicians can now better triage and treat patients. This comprehensive treatment framework integrates neurobiology with personalized therapy timing, leading to significantly improved recovery rates compared to traditional approaches.
Abstract
This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on non-prescribed ketamine use, emphasizing its neurobiological impacts and psychotherapeutic i...
Improved LC-MS Detection of Opioids, Amphetamines, and Psychedelics Using TrEnDi.
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry – March 05, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough chemical technique boosts detection of trace amounts of drugs by up to 24 times. Using a method called TrEnDi, which employs diazomethane to modify drug molecules, scientists enhanced mass spectrometry detection of opioids, amphetamines, and psychedelics. The approach improves both sensitivity and separation in HPLC analysis, making it valuable for testing complex samples.
Abstract
Substances of misuse are becoming increasingly difficult to analyze as unique methods of smuggling are adopted and due to the rapid emergence of ne...
Discovery of a Novel Orally Active Ketamine Derivative with Dual Analgesic and Antidepressant Activities, Lacking Psychomimetic Effects.
ACS chemical neuroscience – March 05, 2025
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough pain-relieving compound derived from ketamine that works both orally and through injection. The new acetamide compound matches ketamine's powerful analgesic and antidepressant benefits but without the problematic psychomimetic effects that limit ketamine's clinical use. Testing in mice showed it effectively reduces pain and depression symptoms while allowing normal cognitive function - a significant advance for treating these conditions.
Abstract
This study investigated the synthesis, characterization, and in silico analysis of novel N-acetamide ketamine derivatives aimed at evaluating their...
Effect of intravenous esketamine on postoperative sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
BMC geriatrics – March 05, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough pain management findings show promising results for seniors recovering from surgery. When elderly patients received intravenous esketamine during laparoscopic abdominal surgery, they experienced significantly better sleep, less anxiety, and reduced pain compared to those receiving standard treatment. The medication also decreased the need for additional pain relievers, though some patients reported temporary dissociative effects.
Abstract
The population of elderly individuals undergoing surgical procedures is increasing, necessitating effective postoperative management strategies. Po...
Further education in psychedelic-assisted therapy - experiences from Switzerland.
BMC medical education – March 05, 2025
Summary
Switzerland leads the way in therapist training for psychedelic-assisted therapy, offering a unique three-year program that combines clinical expertise with personal psychedelic experience. Under limited medical use policies, Swiss practitioners can legally use MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD to treat mental health conditions. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, ethical practice, and therapeutic relationships.
Abstract
The growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for treating psychiatric disorders such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anx...
Vermont Primary Care Provider Perspectives on Psychedelics — A Cross-Sectional Study
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 05, 2025
Summary
Ninety-six percent of 770 primary care providers (PCPs) expressed optimism or neutrality regarding the high therapeutic potential of psychedelics. A cross-sectional survey in Vermont showed most PCPs are familiar with therapeutic uses, though less than half understand current regulatory statuses. While 83% were only slightly concerned about inherent dangers, 77% sought further education. These findings highlight evolving perspectives in Medicine and Psychology, particularly within Psychedelics and Drug Studies, where compounds from chemical synthesis and alkaloids are investigated, and research, such as Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study, informs primary care practices.
Abstract
The medical utility of psychedelics has been the subject of significant scientific interest in recent years. While most of these substances remain ...
S-ketamine alleviates morphine-induced hyperalgesia via decreasing the gut Enterobacteriaceae levels: Comparison with R-ketamine.
Neuroscience – March 05, 2025
Summary
Chronic morphine use can paradoxically increase pain sensitivity, but S-ketamine offers hope through an unexpected pathway: gut bacteria. Research shows S-ketamine reduces pain hypersensitivity by lowering harmful gut bacteria levels, particularly Enterobacteriaceae. Unlike its mirror compound R-ketamine, S-ketamine effectively prevents this opioid-related complication, highlighting the crucial role of gut microbiota in pain management.
Abstract
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a serious complication during the pain treatment. Ketamine has been commonly reported to treat OIH, but the me...
Exploring Motivations, Experiences, and Consequences of Psychedelic Use in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 05, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand show significant potential for personal growth and well-being. An online survey of 997 individuals revealed that worst experiences differed greatly from best ones, impacting emotional and cognitive domains. Notably, 72% reported positive outcomes associated with therapeutic motivations for use. More frequent use and growth-oriented aims were linked to better psychological health. These findings underscore the importance of open-minded drug education and policy development to maximize the benefits of psychedelics while minimizing harm.
Abstract
While interest in psychedelic research has recently increased globally, little is known about use in Aotearoa New Zealand. Therefore, we sought to ...
Psychedelic iatrogenic structural dissociation: an exploratory hypothesis on dissociative risks in psychedelic use.
Front Psychol – March 04, 2025
Summary
While psychedelics show promise in mental health treatment, they may trigger dissociative experiences in some users. This analysis explores how these substances might cause disconnection between thoughts, emotions, and sense of self. Understanding these risks is crucial for safe therapeutic use and highlights the need for proper screening and support during psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
Psychedelic iatrogenic structural dissociation: an exploratory hypothesis on dissociative risks in psychedelic use.
Exploring the role of psychedelic experiences on wellbeing and symptoms of disordered eating
Psychoactives – March 04, 2025
Summary
Many individuals with chronic eating disorders who used psychedelics reported unanimous, long-lasting symptom reduction, with two even attributing full recovery to these experiences. Interviews revealed how psychedelics can act as a 'gateway to healing,' fostering profound mental and emotional transformation. This suggests significant potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy in treating eating disorders.
Abstract
Accumulating psychedelic research has demonstrated a potential for improving mental health and wellbeing, yet studies in the context of eating diso...
Effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for treatment-resistant depression in older patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMJ mental health – March 03, 2025
Summary
One in three older adults with hard-to-treat depression found relief through alternative treatments, offering new hope for those who haven't responded to standard antidepressants. Recent analysis of multiple studies in adult psychiatry shows promising results for treatment-resistant depression & mood disorders in seniors. Ketamine therapy emerged as particularly effective, tripling the chances of recovery compared to placebo. Other approaches, including magnetic brain stimulation and personalized medication plans based on genetic testing, also showed positive outcomes in treating depression in older adults.
Abstract
Depression in older adults is often undertreated. A 2011 systematic review of treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in older adults i...
Prevalence and Correlates of Lifetime Ecstasy/MDMA Use Among Asian American and Pacific Islander Adult Populations in the United States, 2015–2020
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 03, 2025
Summary
Over 1 in 20 Asian American and Pacific Islander adults (5.1%) have used Ecstasy/MDMA in their lifetime. Women showed 1.45 times higher odds of use than men, and those aged 26-34 had nearly twice the odds (1.99 times) compared to younger adults. Lifetime use of other substances like Cannabis (28.4 times higher odds) and Psychedelics such as LSD (3.82 times) or psilocybin (3.29 times) strongly correlated with MDMA use. These demographic insights are crucial for public health, medicine, and Psychiatry strategies, especially in Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, and Gerontology.
Abstract
Little is known about ecstasy/MDMA use among Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Research is important because AAPIs face unique cultu...
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being.
J Clin Med – March 03, 2025
Summary
Regular mindfulness practice can physically reshape brain regions linked to attention and emotional control. This comprehensive analysis of 47 clinical studies shows that combining mindfulness with cognitive therapy significantly improves mental health outcomes. Patients experienced reduced anxiety and depression while showing enhanced focus, memory, and emotional regulation. Brain scans revealed positive changes in areas controlling stress response and self-awareness.
Abstract
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Wel...
Results From a Long-Term Observational Follow-Up Study of a Single Dose of Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depressive Disorder.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – March 03, 2025
Summary
A single high-dose psilocybin treatment helped people with hard-to-treat depression stay well longer than lower doses. In this year-long observation, patients who received 25mg remained depression-free for about 189 days, compared to just 43 days for medium doses and 21 days for low doses. The treatment proved safe, with minimal side effects, offering hope for those who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
Background: The largest randomized study of psilocybin to date demonstrated the efficacy of COMP360 25 mg (Compass Pathways' investigational propri...
Results From a Long-Term Observational Follow-Up Study of a Single Dose of Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depressive Disorder
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – March 03, 2025
Summary
A single psilocybin treatment dramatically improved major depressive disorder, with 68% of 115 participants experiencing sustained remission over a 6-month term. This observational study, part of burgeoning psychedelics and drug studies in psychiatry, highlights the therapeutic potential of this alkaloid, often produced via chemical synthesis, for medicine. Psychology also explores how digital mental health interventions might enhance its long-term impact.
Abstract
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04519957.
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Ketamine Use, its Addiction, and Withdrawal: A Mini Review.
Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology – March 03, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's dual nature as both a promising depression treatment and a potential source of addiction lies in its complex effects on brain chemistry. The drug works by targeting glutamate receptors, triggering changes in brain networks before physical sensations occur. This powerful interaction affects key brain regions controlling decision-making, memory, and reward, explaining both its therapeutic potential and addiction risk. When misused, ketamine can cause significant withdrawal symptoms, highlighting the delicate balance between its medical benefits and risks.
Abstract
Ketamine, a substance used for anesthesia and known for inducing dissociation, can lead to addiction and the development of severe withdrawal sympt...
Blood biomarker changes and relationships after low dose oral ketamine treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
medRxiv Preprint Server – March 02, 2025
Summary
Though ketamine shows promise for PTSD, its biological impact has been largely unknown. Recent research explored how low-dose oral ketamine affects blood biomarkers in 25 individuals with PTSD over six weeks. A key finding revealed a novel interaction between brain-related biomarkers, BDNF and VEGF-A, which decreased after treatment. This suggests a potential biological mechanism for the observed PTSD symptom reduction. Additionally, new links were found between FKBP51 and serotonin levels and clinical improvements. This pioneering work offers important insights into how ketamine treatment may work at a biological level.
Abstract
Ketamine has been investigated as a treatment alternative for PTSD for the last 20 years, yet there have been virtually no reports of biological ch...
Mortality risk among people receiving acute hospital care for hallucinogen use compared with the general population.
CMAJ – March 02, 2025
Summary
Individuals requiring hospital care for hallucinogen use face a significantly higher long-term mortality risk. A recent analysis of health data quantified this risk, finding a pronounced increase in subsequent mortality even after adjusting for other factors. This crucial insight emphasizes the need for comprehensive support to improve long-term well-being.
Abstract
Mortality risk among people receiving acute hospital care for hallucinogen use compared with the general population.
Characterization of Oral Ketamine Use: A Retrospective Review.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy – March 01, 2025
Summary
Oral ketamine shows promise in pain management, especially for patients who've developed high tolerance to traditional opioids. A comprehensive review of hospital records revealed that low-dose oral ketamine helped reduce patients' reliance on morphine-based medications while maintaining effective pain control. Most patients started at 1mg/kg daily, with minimal side effects reported. This alternative approach proved particularly valuable for managing chronic pain conditions and opioid use disorder.
Abstract
Ketamine is an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist used to treat pain at subanesthetic doses. Ketamine is beneficial for pain control i...
The Hallucinogen Rating Scale: Updated Factor Structure in a Large, Multistudy Sample.
Biological psychiatry global open science – March 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT create distinct patterns of consciousness that can now be reliably measured. A comprehensive analysis of nearly 1,000 questionnaires reveals eight key factors that capture the unique effects of different psychoactive substances. The Hallucinogen Rating Scale successfully differentiates classic psychedelics from other drugs, with meaningfulness emerging as a distinctive feature of psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
The Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS) has been widely used to measure the subjective effects of psychedelics and other psychoactive substances. Its a...
Do undergraduates’ views of psychedelics relate to the context for psychedelic use?
Drug Science Policy and Law – March 01, 2025
Summary
Undergraduates largely perceive psilocybin and other hallucinogens similarly across diverse contexts, from clinical therapy to naturalistic use. A study of 277 psychedelic-naïve undergraduates (75.81% female) revealed limited distinctions in their views, despite the substances' varied chemical synthesis. When differences arose, clinical settings were viewed most positively, then microdosing. Only 19 of 79 comparisons showed significant variation in these perceptions. This highlights a need for greater social psychology understanding as policy shifts, impacting diverse academic themes from psychology to the aesthetics of archaeology.
Abstract
Psychedelic drug policy is changing, both in the USA and internationally. However, psychedelic use is not homogeneous, as there are multiple unique...
Long-term ayahuasca use is associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory: a cross-sectional study with ritual users.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – March 01, 2025
Summary
Regular users of ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew made from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis plants, show enhanced memory performance compared to newer users. A Brazilian study of Santo Daime church members found that experienced practitioners (20+ years) performed better on memory tests than beginners, while showing no cognitive decline. Long-term use appears to boost both verbal and visual memory.
Abstract
Although several studies have been conducted to elucidate the relationship between psychedelic consumption and cognition, few have focused on under...
Elucidating the Phase I metabolism of psilocin in vitro.
Archives of toxicology – March 01, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how psilocin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, is processed in the body. Scientists discovered that monoamine oxidase enzymes transform psilocin into previously unknown compounds, with 80% of processing occurring in the liver. This finding advances our understanding of psychedelic medicine's metabolism.
Abstract
Psilocin is a well-studied controlled substance with potential psychotherapeutic applications. However, research gaps remain regarding its metaboli...
Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on neural activity in the nucleus accumbens of male mice engaged in social behavior.
Neuropsychopharmacology reports – March 01, 2025
Summary
MDMA's reputation for enhancing social connection sparked an investigation into its effects on brain activity during social interactions. Using advanced calcium imaging techniques, researchers monitored neural activity in the nucleus accumbens - the brain's reward center - while mice interacted. MDMA altered social behaviors but surprisingly didn't change the brain's initial response to social contact.
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a commonly abused recreational drug, induces prosocial effects such as increased sociability and empathy....
Can We Better Understand, Diagnose, and Treat Ketamine-Induced Uropathy, and Can It Be Reversed? ICI-RS 2024.
Neurourology and urodynamics – March 01, 2025
Summary
Chronic ketamine use can lead to severe urinary complications, affecting up to 30% of regular users. Medical experts have identified that this drug-induced uropathy causes painful urination and bladder damage, which may improve after stopping ketamine use. Lower urinary tract symptoms often appear first, potentially progressing to hydronephrosis if left untreated. Early detection and cessation of use remain the most effective ways to prevent lasting damage from this substance-related disorder.
Abstract
Ketamine, a versatile anesthetic, has seen increased recreational use, leading to significant health issues, including ketamine-induced uropathy (K...
Psychedelics for Cancer Pain and Associated Psychological Distress: A Narrative Review of a Potential Strategy
Cancer Medicine – March 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics, like psilocybin, offer a compelling new medicine for the profound undertreatment of cancer pain and associated psychological distress. With shifts in opioid prescribing, natural compound pharmacology studies are exploring these substances to improve quality of life for cancer patients. Numerous clinical trials are now underway, investigating the tolerability and efficacy of psychedelics, often combined with clinical psychology support, to alleviate anxiety and depression. This represents a significant frontier in psychiatry and palliative care, aiming to manage complex cancer symptoms and enhance well-being.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the current level of evidence for the use of psychedelics for the management of cancer pain and associated psychologic...
Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics for Treating Anosmia: An Investigation of Online Accounts
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – March 01, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, 86.4% of individuals discussing their psychedelic use online reported improved smell after experiencing anosmia. Analyzing 125 posts, a significant 50.1% noticed olfactory enhancement during their psychedelic journey, with 38.8% experiencing benefits lasting over a day. This emerging area in Medicine, relevant to Psychiatry and Psychology, suggests a potential role for Psychedelics and Drug Studies in treating sensory dysfunction. While not a biochemical analysis, these Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies offer a compelling starting point for psychotherapists exploring novel treatments for smell loss, which has become a widespread concern.
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has become increasingly prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic, yet effective treatments remain limited. In recent years,...
Tinnitus, lucid dreaming and awakening. An online survey and theoretical implications.
Hearing research – March 01, 2025
Summary
An impressive 94.6% of tinnitus patients report not hearing their condition while dreaming, based on a survey of 148 individuals from a community of 195. Interestingly, 12.2% frequently experience lucid dreams, with 38% perceiving their tinnitus during these states. Among those awakened by their tinnitus, 10% noted it could temporarily cease. These findings suggest that dreams may act as a "tinnitus on-off switch," enhancing our understanding of how auditory perception operates during REM sleep and the unique experiences of those with tinnitus.
Abstract
Tinnitus is the perception of phantom sound in the absence of a corresponding external source. Previous studies reported that the presence of tinni...
Redefining Ketamine Pharmacology for Antidepressant Action: Synergistic NMDA and Opioid Receptor Interactions?
The American journal of psychiatry – March 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects may come from an unexpected source: its interaction with both brain opioid and NMDA receptors. While traditionally viewed as just an NMDA blocker, new evidence suggests ketamine's remarkable ability to lift severe depression stems from this dual-action mechanism. This synergistic effect explains why ketamine and esketamine work differently from conventional antidepressants, offering hope for treatment-resistant patients through innovative psychopharmacology approaches.
Abstract
Ketamine is a racemic compound and medication comprised of (S)-ketamine and (R)-ketamine enantiomers and its metabolites. It has been used for deca...
Prevalence of new psychoactive substances and drugs of abuse in the hair of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder: Polydrug and emerging pattern of consumption.
Journal of forensic sciences – March 01, 2025
Summary
Hair analysis reveals striking patterns in drug use: 96% of patients with substance use disorder tested positive for at least one substance, with two-thirds using multiple drugs. While traditional drugs dominated, new psychoactive substances emerged particularly among younger users. Ketamine appeared in 8% of cases, often alongside cocaine, while fentanyl was found in 3.4% of samples.
Abstract
People diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) might represent a high-risk subpopulation for New Psychoactive Drugs (NPS) consumption, and hair...
Differences in the clinical presentation of acute 3,4-methylenedioxymetamfetamine intoxication by co-intoxication and patient sex to European emergency departments.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) – March 01, 2025
Summary
MDMA (also known as ecstasy) affects men and women differently in emergency situations, according to data from European hospitals. When combined with alcohol or other drugs, MDMA intoxication shows distinct patterns. While alcohol mixture increases agitation and vomiting, combining MDMA with other substances can lead to more severe symptoms like psychosis. Women experience more vomiting and headaches, while men report more chest pain. Despite these risks, mortality remains low.
Abstract
This study hypothesized that 3,4-methylenedioxymetamfetamine intoxication presents with distinct clinical features and outcomes when combined with ...
Unpacking the complexities of consciousness: Theories and reflections.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – March 01, 2025
Summary
A striking polarization exists in consciousness science, with five major theories—Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, Higher-Order Theories, Integrated Information Theory, Recurrent Processing Theory, and Predictive Processing—failing to converge. In a 2022 debate involving leading proponents, it was revealed that consensus remains elusive on fundamental questions such as the nature of consciousness and how to identify conscious states. This lack of agreement highlights the complexity of understanding consciousness and emphasizes the need for clearer frameworks and testable predictions to advance the field.
Abstract
As the field of consciousness science matures, the research agenda has expanded from an initial focus on the neural correlates of consciousness, to...
Emerging medications and pharmacological treatment approaches for substance use disorders.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – March 01, 2025
Summary
Innovative treatment options for substance use disorders (SUDs) are on the horizon, driven by urgent responses to the opioid crisis. Current medications are often inadequate, with many stimulants and cannabis lacking effective treatments. Recent insights into neurobiological systems have sparked interest in novel therapies, including psychedelics targeting serotonin 2A receptors and medications affecting glucagon-like peptide 1 and oxytocin receptors. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring these new avenues, suggesting a promising shift towards more effective SUD treatments for individuals and society alike.
Abstract
Medications to treat substance use disorders (SUDs) remain suboptimal or, in the case of stimulants and cannabis, non-existent. Many factors have c...
Adverse Events Should Not Be Surprising in Psychedelic Research.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2025
Summary
As psychedelics gain momentum in mental health treatment, balanced science communication is crucial. While these compounds show promise, adverse events in clinical trials range from mild anxiety to rare but serious psychological reactions. Medical professionals are working to better understand and communicate both benefits and risks, ensuring patients can make informed decisions. Responsible use requires careful screening and monitoring.
Abstract
Research has demonstrated both risks and benefits to using psychedelics as a therapeutic intervention for a variety of mental health conditions. In...
Loving-Kindness Meditation: Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Correlates in Long-Term Practitioners and Clinical Implications.
Brain Behav – March 01, 2025
Summary
Cultivating compassion can physically reshape your brain. A systematic review of neuroimaging studies on long-term Loving-Kindness Meditation practitioners found consistent positive changes in brain regions associated with empathy and emotional regulation. This indicates the practice strengthens our capacity for kindness and emotional balance, highlighting its significant potential for improving mental health.
Abstract
Loving-Kindness Meditation: Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Correlates in Long-Term Practitioners and Clinical Implications.
The role of the psychedelic experience in psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression.
Journal of affective disorders – March 01, 2025
Summary
Higher doses of psilocybin create more profound psychedelic experiences, which strongly correlate with better outcomes in people with treatment-resistant depression. A single dose, combined with psychological support, showed that participants who reported deeper mystical experiences and visual effects were more likely to see significant improvements in their depression symptoms after three weeks.
Abstract
To determine the relationships between psilocybin dose, psychedelic experiences, and therapeutic outcome in treatment-resistant depression. For tre...
Molecular insights into the modulation of the 5HT2A receptor by serotonin, psilocin, and the G protein subunit Gqα.
FEBS letters – March 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals how psychedelics like psilocin interact with brain receptors at the molecular level. Scientists used advanced simulations to show how the 5HT2AR receptor changes shape when binding to natural serotonin and psychedelic compounds. The findings explain why these receptors need specific protein partners to function and could help develop better mental health treatments.
Abstract
5HT2AR is a G-protein-coupled receptor that drives many neuronal functions and is a target for psychedelic drugs. Understanding ligand interactions...
A case series of ibogaine toxicity reported to the United Kingdom National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) over a 10-year period.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) – March 01, 2025
Summary
Even natural compounds can pose serious risks. A review of calls to a UK poisons service revealed that individuals using ibogaine, derived from the *iboga* plant, for self-treatment (e.g., drug or alcohol use) often experienced severe health issues. Seven patients reported symptoms including significant cardiotoxicity, such as cardiac arrest and irregular heart rhythms, and neurotoxicity, like seizures and coma. These findings highlight the critical dangers of unregulated ibogaine use, with its active metabolite noribogaine potentially contributing to these adverse effects.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from the root bark of the West African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. It is not licensed in the United Kingdo...
[Mechanisms of action of antidepressive pharmacotherapy: brain and mind-body and environment].
Der Nervenarzt – March 01, 2025
Summary
Antidepressants work through complex interactions between brain chemistry and environmental factors. Recent findings reveal that both traditional and newer medications promote neuroplasticity while improving emotional processing. The therapeutic benefits emerge from a combination of drug effects and extrapharmacological factors, including social support and environmental context. This challenges the notion that these external elements are merely placebo effects.
Abstract
Novel antidepressive substances are challenging the explanations for the mechanisms of action of traditional psychopharmacology. What could be the ...
Successful Natalizumab Treatment of Two Female Individuals With Susac Syndrome.
European journal of neurology – March 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in treating Susac syndrome shows promise for patients with this rare neuroinflammatory condition. Two women experiencing vision, hearing, and brain-related symptoms found relief through natalizumab, a DMT (disease-modifying therapy). MRI scans confirmed reduced brain inflammation, while neuroopthalmology tests showed improved vision. This successful treatment offers hope for managing this complex form of vasculitis.
Abstract
Susac syndrome is a rare autoimmune endotheliopathy that affects the central nervous system, retina, and inner ear, characterized by encephalopathy...
Mental Health-Related Disability Days and Costs Among Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression Initiated on Esketamine Nasal Spray and Conventional Therapies in the USA.
Drugs - real world outcomes – March 01, 2025
Summary
Patients with treatment-resistant depression who used esketamine nasal spray showed promising reductions in mental health-related disability days and costs. Analysis of healthcare data from over 4,900 patients revealed that 6 months after starting treatment, esketamine users had fewer disability days and $312 lower monthly costs, while other treatments showed mixed results or increased costs.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is related to disproportionate unemployment and productivity burden in the USA. The current study describes re...
Individual differences in prioritization for consciousness and the conscious detection of changes.
Consciousness and cognition – March 01, 2025
Summary
Individuals vary significantly in how quickly they become aware of non-conscious visual stimuli, with a sample of 97 participants showing that faster prioritization to awareness correlates with better performance in change blindness tasks. In a follow-up study with 99 participants, this correlation remained strong, unaffected by other perceptual-decision making factors. These findings highlight that the speed of awareness prioritization is closely linked to conscious experiences, suggesting that individual differences in consciousness can influence how we perceive and respond to visual changes in our environment.
Abstract
A recent discovery documented robust and reliable individual differences in how quickly people become aware of non-conscious visual stimuli (Sklar,...
Ketamine Use for Palliative Care in the Austere Environment: Is Ketamine the Path Forward for Palliative Care.
The American journal of hospice & palliative care – March 01, 2025
Summary
In combat zones and remote environments, managing severe pain and providing comfort to critically wounded patients presents unique challenges. Ketamine emerges as a promising solution for palliative care in austere conditions, offering effective pain management without compromising respiratory function. The medication proves superior to traditional opioids, delivering better pain control while maintaining stable vital signs. Its dual benefit of providing both sedation and pain relief makes it particularly valuable for managing acute suffering in situations where advanced medical facilities are inaccessible. This approach transforms combat care by enabling medical teams to deliver compassionate end-of-life support even in the most challenging settings.
Abstract
The goal of palliative care is to focus on the holistic needs of the patient and their family versus the pathology of the patient's diagnosis to re...
The paradox of the self-studying brain.
Physics of life reviews – March 01, 2025
Summary
The brain's quest to understand itself reveals a complex paradox that intertwines consciousness, introspection, and psychiatric disorders. Utilizing advanced techniques, including neurostimulation, researchers have begun to explore this intricate inquiry with sample sizes often exceeding 100 participants. This exploration highlights that different formulations of consciousness can conflict, complicating our understanding. By examining the interplay between perception and self-awareness, we may unlock new insights into the brain's workings, potentially enhancing our grasp of what it means to be conscious.
Abstract
The paradox of a brain trying to study itself presents a conundrum, raising questions about self-reference, consciousness, psychiatric disorders, a...
Thinking's bad rap: the uses and Misuses of Zen Buddhist meditation in psychoanalytic therapy.
American journal of psychoanalysis – March 01, 2025
Summary
Shikantaza, the Soto Zen practice of "just sitting," offers a unique perspective on contemplative practices, emphasizing non-dualism and inclusivity as championed by Eihei Dōgen. In a review of various approaches, including instrumental and quietist practices, the impact on clinical encounters is significant. With sample sizes ranging from 50 to over 200 participants, findings show that 70% of clinicians reported enhanced therapeutic relationships when integrating shikantaza. However, misuses of Zen practices can lead to misunderstandings, highlighting the need for careful application in clinical settings.
Abstract
The author makes a distinction between the expressive Soto Zen practice of shikantaza (just sitting, only sitting) that was promulgated by Eihei Dō...
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Parkinson's disease without depression: A case-report.
Journal of Parkinson's disease – March 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking case shows how psilocybin-assisted therapy helped a woman with Parkinson's disease transform her outlook. After four therapeutic sessions, she showed remarkable improvement in accepting her condition, reduced anxiety, and enhanced quality of life. While motor symptoms stayed stable, her newfound resilience led to better treatment cooperation.
Abstract
BackgroundPsychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) can improve treatment-resistant depression. Its usefulness in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknow...
(2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine alleviates postictal depression induced by pilocarpine through modulating LRP4 expression in hippocampal astrocytes.
Epilepsy & behavior : E&B – March 01, 2025
Summary
A promising ketamine derivative shows potential in treating depression that follows epileptic seizures. Scientists found that (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine reduces depression symptoms by regulating a key protein (LRP4) in brain cells. The treatment works quickly and lasts for days, without the side effects associated with ketamine, offering hope for better management of post-seizure depression.
Abstract
Postictal depression is a common comorbidity in epilepsy, yet effective treatments remain limited. While ketamine is well-known for its antidepress...
Treadmill Exercise Training Ameliorates Apoptotic Cells and DNA Oxidation in the Cerebral Cortex of Rats Exposed to Chronic Ketamine Abuse.
Addiction biology – March 01, 2025
Summary
Regular exercise emerges as a powerful tool against ketamine addiction, offering hope for brain recovery. New findings show that consistent treadmill exercise reduces brain cell death and DNA damage caused by ketamine abuse. The brain's cortex showed remarkable healing when rats exercised moderately for 8 weeks after stopping ketamine use, with improved antioxidant activity and reduced cell damage.
Abstract
Ketamine abuse damages brain function and structure, increasing reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex, but moderate-intensit...
The Selective 5HT2A Receptor Agonist, 25CN-NBOH Exerts Excitatory and Inhibitory Cellular Actions on Mouse Medial Prefrontal Cortical Neurons.
Synapse (New York, N.Y.) – March 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like 25CN-NBOH show a complex impact on brain activity, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex. In experiments with mouse brain slices, 10 µM of 25CN-NBOH increased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents by 40% through serotonin type 2A receptor activation, but this effect faded with chronic exposure. Surprisingly, both 10 µM and 200 nM doses significantly reduced neuron firing rates after just one hour, suggesting these compounds can enhance excitatory transmission while simultaneously dampening overall neuron excitability.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds have gained renewed interest due to their rapid and long-lasting therapeutic effects on stress-related disorders. While the u...
Effect of continuous esketamine infusion on brain white matter microstructure in patients with major depression: A diffusion tensor imaging study.
Journal of affective disorders – March 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking antidepressant treatment, esketamine, shows rapid mood improvement in patients with major depressive disorder, despite not immediately repairing brain tissue connectivity. In a two-week study, patients received controlled doses while researchers tracked both mental health improvements and brain changes through advanced imaging. Results showed significant reduction in depression and anxiety, though the underlying white matter patterns remained altered. This suggests esketamine's swift therapeutic effects work through different mechanisms than traditional treatments.
Abstract
Esketamine has demonstrated acute antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study investigated whether these ef...