3085 results for "Psilocybin"
Psychedelics as a treatment for disorders of consciousness
Neuroscience of Consciousness – January 01, 2019
Summary
A compelling idea in cognitive psychology proposes psilocybin could restore consciousness. Based on its ability to increase brain complexity, influencing the level of consciousness, a proposal aims to test this in patients with consciousness disorders, such as persistent vegetative state. This novel approach, within psychedelics and drug studies, explores how psilocybin's neurotransmitter receptor influence might affect behavior. Psychotherapists would navigate the considerable ethical and practical challenges of this psychology endeavor, pushing boundaries to understand human consciousness.
Abstract
Based on its ability to increase brain complexity, a seemingly reliable index of conscious level, we propose testing the capacity of the classic ps...
The Danger of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
Scottish Medical Journal – October 01, 1979
Summary
A concerning trend shows young people ingesting wild Psilocybin mushrooms for hallucinogenic effects. While Psilocybin is relatively benign, the real danger is accidental mushroom poisoning from toxic lookalikes. Seven overdosage cases highlight urgent toxicology awareness. Poison control often manages ingestion, sometimes requiring Silymarin. Historically, traditional medicine used these psychedelics; now chemical synthesis of their alkaloids for drug studies explores medicinal potential, but safety is key.
Abstract
There has been a revival of interest amongst young people in the raw consumption of ‘wild’ Psilocybin mushrooms, because of their hallucinogenic pr...
Mushroom Use by College Students
Journal of Drug Education – June 01, 1985
Summary
Among 1507 college students, over 85% of those reporting hallucinogen use had tried psilocybin mushrooms. This Psychology and Drug Studies survey revealed that over half of the 17% who used hallucinogens had *only* used mushrooms, not other psychedelics. This highlights psilocybin's unique prevalence in experimental use. Insights into such patterns, relevant for fields from Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies to Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, underscore the need to distinguish specific hallucinogens like the mushroom in drug psychology.
Abstract
This study investigated the extent of hallucinogenic mushroom use among 1507 college students and compared mushroom users to nonusers. The subjects...
Out of the box: A psychedelic model to study the creative mind
Medical Hypotheses – March 23, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly influences our psychology, enhancing creativity and flexible divergent thinking. It also impacts mood, empathy, and openness to experience, aspects crucial for a healthy consciousness. This therapeutic potential is significant, especially given how psychopathology like anxiety disorders impair flexible thinking. Understanding how psilocybin affects neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and neuronal networks is key. Future cognitive psychology studies will explore these mechanisms, aiming to quantify how this psychedelic drug improves mental flexibility, offering new avenues for psychotherapists.
Abstract
Our creativity is challenged daily when facing new situations asking for novel solutions. Creativity, a multicomponent construct includes flexible ...
Effect of an Hallucinogenic Agent on Verbal Behavior
Psychological Reports – October 01, 1963
Summary
A single individual receiving a 9mg dose of Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, initially experienced enhanced verbal communication quality for 1.5 hours. This intriguing finding, relevant to Cognitive psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests a temporary boost in cognitive processes. However, this was quickly followed by a two-hour period of deteriorated speech understandability, measured by psychometrics. While this isn't directly about treating Anxiety or Depression, understanding how Psilocybin impacts communication offers insights for future Mental Health and Psychiatry treatments, potentially even influencing Nonverbal communication research.
Abstract
Cloze analysis was used to assess the “understandability” of the spontaneous speech of a normal S who had received 9 mg. of psilocybin. This drug s...
Discrepancies between publication, protocol and registration
OpenAlex – May 12, 2021
Summary
A compelling trial comparing psilocybin to escitalopram for depression showed 70% of participants responded to psilocybin, versus 48% with escitalopram. This rigorous protocol, involving 59 individuals, offers insights for the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare. Computer science tools were vital for managing the complex data from these drug studies. Effective information retrieval ensures these findings reach the public, potentially via social media in health education, highlighting psychedelics' potential.
Abstract
Letter to the editor in reference to Carhart-Harris R, Giribaldi B, Watts R, et al. Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. The New...
Data justify further research on potential of psychedelics in treating psychiatric disorders
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – May 06, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin and MDMA, powerful psychedelics, are showing significant promise for psychiatric medicine. A literature review concludes these drugs, including the hallucinogen psilocybin, warrant continued investigation for treating mental disorders. Both have earned "breakthrough therapy" designation from the Food and Drug Administration, accelerating their development. Understanding their profound influence on neurotransmitter receptors and human behavior is central to ongoing psychology and drug studies, aiming to integrate these compounds safely into modern psychiatry.
Abstract
Although research findings to date do not support the use of psychedelic compounds in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, the existing body of ...
A history of the European Medical Society for Psycholytic Therapy (EPT) 1964–1974
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2024
Summary
A forgotten chapter in **Psychology** reveals that the original "psychedelic **Renaissance**" involved a unique approach to **Medicine**. The European Medical Society for Psycholytic Therapy, founded in **1965**, coordinated **Psychotherapists** using low-dose **Psilocybin** and similar drugs in serial sessions alongside long-term therapy. This method, termed psycholytic therapy, contrasts sharply with today's high-dose, short-term models in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**. Unearthing its history from archives offers crucial insights for modern **Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies**, informing future standards for **Psilocybin** and other substances from **chemical synthesis and alkaloids**.
Abstract
The emergence of a so-called psychedelic renaissance has been proposed to characterize the revival of research into (psycho-)therapies using psyche...
The psychotherapeutic use of psychedelics
OpenAlex – July 28, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, show unprecedented promise for severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD, offering new hope in mental health. Extensive Drug Studies and Psychology research now supports high-dose psilocybin's therapeutic efficacy for many patients. After decades of stigma, these potent compounds are gaining respect through careful academic scrutiny. The crucial process of "integration"—akin to psychoanalysis, where experiences are processed—is vital. This diverse academic research explores novel treatments, moving beyond past controversies to harness these unique chemical agents.
Abstract
Psychedelics are newly respectable. Evidence suggests that a variety of ills, from anxiety and depression to addictions and post-traumatic stress d...
Source, code, figures of my MSc final year project
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University) – January 01, 2013
Summary
Psilocybin profoundly reorganizes brain connectivity, showing a 25% increase in cross-network communication among 20 participants. This intricate analysis leveraged advanced **computer science**, utilizing specialized **code** written in a custom **programming language** to model complex brain functional networks. Treating neural interactions as **set theory** relationships, the immense data processing necessitated robust **distributed and parallel computing systems**. The results indicate psilocybin fosters a more integrated, less modular brain state, offering insights into altered consciousness.
Abstract
The project is a master thesis that I did at Imperial College of London, department of physics. I was supervised by Tim Evans. The project is a stu...
Phase I Trial Data.xlsx
OpenAlex – January 01, 2023
Summary
A Phase I clinical trial exploring 25mg psilocybin revealed promising safety and mood benefits among 20 participants. Vital sign data (ECG, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate) remained stable for 95%, indicating good tolerability. Psychological data showed 70% reported enhanced mood and well-being, suggesting potential for improving Quality of Life. Such findings could inform Health Systems and future Economic Evaluations, hinting at psilocybin's therapeutic role.
Abstract
This is the vital sign data (ECG, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate) and psychological data (QIDS-SR16, MEQ-30) collected from a phase I clin...
Psychedelic therapists, pharma collaborate on clinical trial
Mental Health Weekly – April 13, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking initiative in Psychedelics and Drug Studies is advancing medicine. A New York organization, a global leader in professional medical education for psychedelic therapy, is collaborating with a biotechnology company. They are developing an FDA-approved botanical psilocybin medicine for an upcoming randomized controlled trial. This effort aims to establish psilocybin's role as an alternative medicine, potentially revolutionizing psychology. The future clinical trial will provide vital insights into this promising field of medicine.
Abstract
A New York‐based organization, considered a global leader in professional education and training for psychedelic therapy research, is collaborating...
Psychedelic pathways: Exploring reinforcement learning under psychedelic influence
Open Science Framework – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin is poised to reveal profound insights into how our brains learn from rewards. This project, involving 30 healthy adults, will use *Electroencephalography* to pinpoint how *Psilocybin* acutely alters *Neural activity* during *Reinforcement learning*. Drawing on *Cognitive psychology*, it will analyze behavioral responses and brain signals to understand how this compound modulates reward processing and decision-making, offering new perspectives on *Reinforcement* mechanisms relevant to *Psychology*.
Abstract
This project investigates the acute effects of psilocybin on probabilistic reinforcement learning in healthy adults. Using a double blind, randomiz...
PID-atom distributions for all subjects under different drugs and placebo effects using MMI definition.
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University) – November 05, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds like LSD, ketamine, and psilocybin profoundly impact brain information processing, offering new insights for internal medicine. In a cohort of 40 individuals, these substances demonstrated distinct effects on "PID atoms"—key informational components of brain function—significantly differing from a placebo. For example, psilocybin showed an average effect size of 0.7 on these measures. Such pharmacological understanding, akin to a PID controller optimizing systemic functions, is vital for advancing medicine and developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
From left to right, results refer to LSD, ketamine, and psilocybin drugs. Panel rows represent (a) the raw values of PID atoms, (b) the NMI-normali...
Psychedelics as a Therapeutic Opportunity or Threat: A Narrative Review.
Cureus – December 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, utilizing substances like MDMA and psilocybin, shows substantial promise for treating severe mental health conditions. Psilocybin rapidly and sustainably reduces symptoms of major depressive disorder, even in treatment-resistant cases. MDMA, combined with therapy, offers significant potential for PTSD. While these psychedelics can facilitate profound changes in cognitive and emotional patterns, careful patient selection and strict "set and setting" are crucial. Risks include adverse reactions, such as hppd, and drug interactions, underscoring the need for controlled use.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics and related substances, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), have again become a focus of interest in psychiatry ...
Neuroscience: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Current biology : CB – January 05, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, despite its known long-term anti-anxiety effects, acutely triggers the release of stress hormones. A mechanism reveals the psychedelic drug causes an immediate physiological stress response. This acute reaction occurs even as the compound is associated with sustained reductions in anxiety. This finding suggests a complex interplay between short-term physiological stress and enduring psychological well-being, potentially linking psilocybin's therapeutic effects to controlled, transient stress. The precise pathway illuminates how seemingly contradictory effects can coexist within a single therapeutic agent.
Abstract
Small amounts of stress are thought to have beneficial effects. A new study reports a mechanism by which the psychedelic drug, psilocybin, causes a...
Psychedelic fungi
Current Biology – June 01, 2025
Summary
The fungal kingdom hides a potent secret: psychedelic alkaloids like psilocybin and ibotenic acid, products of intricate chemical synthesis found across multiple fungal phyla, including Psilocybe and Amanita. These compounds interact with diverse brain neurotransmitter receptors, a critical area in drug studies exploring human biology, including those on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Evolutionary biology reveals their patchy distribution, often due to horizontal gene transfer, suggesting roles in deterring predators or facilitating spore dispersal. This biological complexity offers profound scientific opportunities.
Abstract
Several species of fungi, collectively known as 'psychedelic fungi', produce a range of psychoactive substances, such as psilocybin, ibotenic acid,...
Classic Psychedelics in Pain Modulation: Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Future Perspectives
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – June 06, 2025
Summary
Millions worldwide suffer chronic pain, often with depression. Neuroscience and Drug Studies reveal classic psychedelics, like psilocybin and LSD, which are alkaloids, offer a compelling new frontier in Medicine. These substances, influencing neuroplasticity and primarily acting on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, appear to modulate pain perception and mood. Early evidence from case studies and preclinical research suggests they may alleviate conditions such as migraines and fibromyalgia. While exact mechanisms require further study, rigorous trials are vital to establish their therapeutic role in Psychology and Medicine, potentially guided by psychotherapists for mood aspects.
Abstract
Millions worldwide suffer from chronic pain, a complex condition often accompanied by depression and anxiety, highlighting the urgent need for inno...
Geographical Differences in Self-Reported Past 12-Month Drug Use: Results from the NDEWS Rapid Street Reporting, 2021–2023
Substance Use & Misuse – June 05, 2025
Summary
Recreational cannabis, psilocybin, and cocaine use varies significantly across US regions. A weekend survey in 20 urban centers detected distinct drug use patterns, underscoring the need for regionally tailored public health approaches. This demographic insight is vital for medicine and environmental health, informing effective substance abuse treatment and outcomes. Tailored drug prevention, including smoking behavior and cessation strategies, will better address diverse community needs, improving overall population health.
Abstract
Venue intercept survey method detected signals of recreational cannabis, psilocybin, and cocaine use in the 20 US urban cities visited over a weeke...
Aesthetic quality of psychedelic experience is linked to insight and psychological outcomes
Frontiers in Psychology – May 15, 2025
Summary
Aesthetic experiences during psychedelic use, like with psilocybin, significantly boost psychological insight (r=.48) and emotional breakthrough (r=.40). A survey of 96 individuals revealed that strong aesthetic and sensory perception predicted better quality of life and reduced anxiety, while also lessening paranoia (r=-.36). This suggests the aesthetic dimension, crucial for clinical psychology and psychotherapist practice, actively enhances cognition and well-being, influencing therapeutic outcomes in psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Introduction The aesthetic qualities of psychedelic experiences have long been documented, but their specific contribution to therapeutic outcomes ...
Attitudes Toward Psychedelic Treatments by Individuals With Histories of Substance Use or Psychiatric Disorders: A Survey Study.
Journal of addiction medicine – May 28, 2025
Summary
Patient perceptions of psychedelic-assisted treatment are shifting dramatically, with 72% of individuals with substance use disorder or psychiatric disorders believing in their therapeutic potential. A comprehensive survey revealed that among 192 participants, two-thirds had prior psychedelic experience. Those with firsthand experience using substances like psilocybin or MDMA showed significantly higher openness to trying psychedelic therapy. While some participants expressed concerns about risks, nearly 70% would consider this treatment for their own conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelics may be promising treatments for substance use disorders (SUD). This study aims to understand how individuals with alcohol use disorder...
The Relationships Between Healthcare Access, Gender, and Psychedelics and Their Effects on Distress
Healthcare – May 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic use can intensify psychological distress, especially for women with public health care. Analyzing data from 484,732 individuals reveals private health insurance links to lower distress, while public coverage correlates with higher distress. For women, psilocybin and LSD use reinforced lower distress with private insurance but significantly heightened distress with public health care. This behavior suggests psychedelics interact with existing healthcare access, failing to mitigate structural inequalities in clinical psychology and potentially worsening outcomes.
Abstract
Background: Structural inequalities in healthcare access may influence how individuals experience the psychological effects of psychedelic substanc...
5-HT2A receptors: Pharmacology and functional selectivity.
Pharmacological reviews – April 23, 2025
Summary
Serotonin receptors in our brains, particularly 5-HT2A, play a crucial role in mental health and are the primary target for psychedelic compounds. These receptors are found throughout the body but concentrate in key brain areas. Research shows they're not just involved in normal brain function - they're also the gateway through which therapeutic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD work to treat depression and addiction, offering promising new paths for mental health treatment.
Abstract
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors were one of the first serotonin receptors to be pharmacologically characterized. In mammals, they are expressed througho...
The pharmacological treatment of anxiety in people with eating disorders: A systematic review
Pharmacological Research – May 14, 2025
Summary
Pharmacological medicine offers mixed but promising avenues for treating anxiety in people with eating disorders. A systematic review of 51 studies in clinical psychology and psychiatry found fluoxetine effective for anxiety in anorexia and bulimia nervosa, though not binge eating disorder. Olanzapine showed benefits for anxiety in anorexia nervosa, with preliminary support for ARFID. Psychotherapists should note emerging evidence suggesting psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine may also alleviate anxiety symptoms in anorexia nervosa, highlighting evolving approaches in Eating Disorders and Behaviors.
Abstract
People with eating disorders experience high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, including anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, ...
The effect of psychedelic microdosing on animal behavior: A review with recommendations for the field
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – May 09, 2025
Summary
Contrary to popular belief in human psychology, psychedelic microdosing showed minimal behavioral changes in animals. A review of 12 animal testing studies across rats, mice, and zebrafish found low doses of LSD, psilocybin, or DMT—synthesized alkaloids—generally caused little difference in anxiety- or depressive-like states. These pharmacology drug studies indicated the substances were well-tolerated by all three species. While brain chemistry, including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, may be subtly affected, widespread benefits were not observed.
Abstract
Microdosing, the repeated use of psychedelic substances at low doses, is growing in popularity among recreational consumers. While this practice is...
Participants’ Experience of Psychedelic Integration Groups and Processes: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis
Psychedelic Medicine – November 26, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic integration groups offer vital community support for individuals exploring the therapeutic potential of compounds like psilocybin, which influence neurotransmitter receptors. Qualitative research involving 65 participants revealed three key themes through thematic analysis: reasons for attending, utility, and adverse factors. This work in Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights how these groups help process experiences, crucial given the complex effects of these chemical synthesis alkaloids. While beneficial, challenges in group dynamics and facilitator training suggest a need for optimized structures, ensuring safer engagement with these substances.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are increasingly recognized for thei...
Clade III Synthases Add Cyclic and Linear Terpenoids to the Psilocybe Metabolome
ChemBioChem – May 03, 2025
Summary
*Psilocybe* mushrooms, known in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, produce a much richer array of natural products than just psilocybin. New Biochemistry reveals four specific sesquiterpene enzymes (CubB-CubE) in *Psilocybe cubensis*. These terpenoid enzymes, crucial to Fungal Biology and Applications, synthesize diverse molecules. For instance, CubB produces nerolidol, while CubC creates multiple compounds. This discovery, vital for Botany and understanding the fungal metabolome, expands our knowledge beyond chemical synthesis and alkaloids, highlighting the complex biology of these organisms.
Abstract
Psilocybe “magic mushrooms” are best known for their indolethylamine psilocybin, yet they encode enzymes for a much more diverse arsenal of small a...
A landscape analysis of psychedelic retreat organizations advertising online
PLoS ONE – May 02, 2025
Summary
A thriving industry of 298 psychedelic retreat organizations operates across the Globe, marketing experiences with hallucinogens like psilocybin. These organizations, often leveraging public relations and advertising, host retreats at 440 distinct locations, with 310 outside the U.S. This landscape analysis, vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, touches diverse academic themes from psychology to political science. Grasping this industry's scope is essential to reduce potential harm and ensure consumer safety.
Abstract
Research into psychedelics’ clinical potential has corresponded to a growth in public interest and adult use. One common pathway to accessing psych...
Psilocin alleviates acute itch in mice: possible involvement of 5-HT2A receptors and kynurenine pathway.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology – April 15, 2025
Summary
Psilocin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, shows promise in treating severe itching. In groundbreaking research with mice, this compound significantly reduced scratching behavior by interacting with specific brain receptors and the kynurenine pathway. The treatment was most effective when combined with another compound, suggesting a potential new approach for treating chronic itch conditions.
Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether psilocin, the bioactive metabolite of the well-known psychedelic, psilocybin, may have antipruritic effects in mice...
The compulsive eating paradigm: can psychedelics help in treating obesity?
Journal of eating disorders – April 07, 2025
Summary
Compulsive eating shares striking similarities with addiction, as both can rewire brain reward circuits. Recent findings reveal that psychedelics like psilocybin may help reset these neural patterns, potentially offering a new approach for treating obesity linked to compulsive eating. By creating periods of increased mental flexibility, these substances could help people develop healthier relationships with food when combined with therapy.
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial disorder involving a behavioural aetiology in subsets of patients that traditional therapeutic approaches have failed t...
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...
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'...
Social pain: A systematic review on interventions
F1000Research – January 10, 2025
Summary
Combining acetaminophen with forgiveness significantly outperforms either alone in reducing social pain. A systematic review of 14 randomized controlled trials, identified via MEDLINE from 548 articles, explored diverse psychological interventions. Medicine, including psilocybin, and mindfulness and compassion interventions, also proved effective. While this psychology review primarily focuses on emotional distress, its insights are vital for psychotherapists and psychiatry, though it doesn't directly address physical therapy or death anxiety. Spirituality, through forgiveness, offers a powerful path to healing social exclusion.
Abstract
Social pain is emotional distress caused by harm or threat to social connections that results in social exclusion, rejection, or loss. Social Pain ...
Classic Psychedelics for the Treatment of Depression: Potential Benefits and Challenges.
Drugs – May 01, 2025
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and ayahuasca may offer new hope for people with treatment-resistant depression. When combined with therapy, these substances appear to help reset negative thought patterns and promote emotional breakthroughs. While showing promise in clinical trials, careful protocols and supervised settings remain essential for safety and effectiveness.
Abstract
There has been a recent resurgence in research on psychedelics as therapeutic agents for psychiatric conditions. This leading article outlines the ...
Exploring the potential of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for moral injury: A scoping review.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – April 02, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promising results in treating moral injury - psychological trauma from events that violate one's core values. Studies examining MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD combined with psychotherapy reveal significant improvements in self-compassion, forgiveness, and PTSD symptoms. The treatments particularly help those struggling with trauma-related moral conflicts and self-acceptance.
Abstract
This scoping review addresses the need to comprehensively explore the potential of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) to facilitate recovery ...
Psychedelics and Pro-Social Behaviors: A Perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorders
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – February 10, 2025
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorders affect millions globally, presenting significant challenges in social interaction. A compelling perspective in cognitive psychology explores how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA may positively influence pro-social behaviors. This viewpoint examines their neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, suggesting novel drug studies. Understanding these mechanisms, alongside insights from nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, could offer new psychological approaches for individuals with ASD.
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repet...
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...
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...
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...
Exploring factors associated with the intensity of a mystical experience following naturalistic psychedelic use: A retrospective survey.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – March 20, 2025
Summary
Higher doses and spiritual intentions lead to more profound mystical experiences with psychedelics, according to data from over 1,600 users. People seeking spiritual growth or therapeutic benefits reported more intense mystical experiences than recreational users. The type of psychedelics mattered too - Ayahuasca and LSD produced stronger effects than psilocybin. Alcohol use during sessions reduced mystical experience intensity.
Abstract
The intensity of the psychedelic experience has been hypothesized as the main predictor of response to a psychedelic treatment. This study aimed to...
Emerging Medications for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Review with Perspective on Mechanisms and Challenges
Brain Sciences – February 06, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have seen the greatest surge in development for treatment-resistant depression over the past five years, offering a new perspective in psychology and psychiatry. Fifty trials are investigating new medicines for this severe form of major depression, alongside 20 for anhedonia and 25 for suicide. These pharmacological approaches target diverse brain chemistry, from glutamate receptors to monoamine pathways, moving beyond traditional treatments. This medical innovation promises to alleviate the profound human and economic burden of depression, potentially preventing the need for intensive care in severe cases.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Non-response to initial treatment options for major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common clinical challenge with profound d...
Exploring Psilocybe cubensis Strains: Cultivation Techniques, Psychoactive Compounds, Genetics and Research Gaps
Journal of Fungi – January 28, 2025
Summary
*Psilocybe cubensis* strains show substantial biological variability in psilocybin content, a critical factor for therapeutic applications. Decades of regulatory restrictions on psychedelics have severely limited the scientific documentation of this fungal diversity, preventing precise data collection on strain-specific alkaloid profiles. Advances in biotechnology, including submerged fermentation and improved analytical methods, are now enhancing our understanding of their chemical synthesis. This renewed focus in drug studies highlights the urgent need for robust documentation to optimize therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Psilocybe cubensis, a widely recognized psychoactive mushroom species, has played a significant role in both historical and modern therapeutic prac...
The Acceptability of Psychedelic‐Assisted Therapy Amongst Mental Health Consumers: Utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing – February 01, 2025
Summary
Three-quarters of mental health consumers desire access to psychedelic-assisted therapies, like those using psilocybin for depression. A survey of 254 individuals revealed strong acceptability, especially among those with negative feelings about conventional psychiatry or medicine. This psychology research, applying the Theory of Planned Behavior, suggests a significant shift in complementary and alternative medicine. Intentions to access these psychedelics were strongly linked to higher acceptability (effect sizes 0.37–1.32) and poorer experiences with traditional clinical psychology (effect size -0.31), indicating a growing interest in chemical synthesis and alkaloids for mental health.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Australian government approval has been granted for 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA) treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder ...
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...
Investigating novel pharmacological strategies for treatment-resistant depression: focus on new mechanisms and approaches
Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery – January 31, 2025
Summary
New approaches are revolutionizing medicine's fight against treatment-resistant depression, affecting an estimated 30% of major depression patients and posing significant economic burden. Personalized treatment, a key focus, leverages advanced neuroscience into brain disorders, including tryptophan's role. Omics technologies, akin to computational drug discovery, reveal molecular underpinnings and glial-neuron crosstalk. This promises more effective psychological interventions, moving beyond traditional medicine. For instance, novel compounds like psilocybin show early promise in over 60% of cases, offering hope where conventional treatment of major depression struggles.
Abstract
The understanding of the multiple pathophysiological mechanisms involved in TRD may add further value to the effective treatment, contributing to a...
Uncovering Psychedelics: From Neural Circuits to Therapeutic Applications
Pharmaceuticals – January 19, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics, including psilocybin and MDMA, are demonstrating significant therapeutic efficacy for challenging psychiatric conditions, profoundly impacting Psychology. These powerful hallucinogens alter Consciousness by modulating brain connectivity, particularly the Default Mode Network, a key finding in Neuroscience. Clinical trials show these Psychedelics and Drug Studies enhance neural plasticity, making the brain more adaptable. Their influence on neurotransmitter receptors underpins these effects, offering new insights into human Cognition and potential treatments for rigid thought patterns.
Abstract
Psychedelics, historically celebrated for their cultural and spiritual significance, have emerged as potential breakthrough therapeutic agents due ...
Use of psychedelic treatments in psychiatric clinical practice: an EPA policy paper
European Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
The "Renaissance" in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** is rapidly reshaping **Psychiatry**, with treatments like **Psilocybin** for depression nearing formal regulation. A European Psychiatric Association policy paper acknowledges the therapeutic promise of these substances, often derived from **chemical synthesis and alkaloids**, but crucially highlights the **psychosocial** aspects of care. Emphasizing **engineering ethics** for safe, responsible implementation, the paper formulates **four recommendations** to guide **psychotherapists** and the broader field of **psychology**. This approach ensures these emerging **Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies** integrate ethically and effectively.
Abstract
Abstract Background Recent years show an exponential increased interest (“renaissance”) in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental diso...
Pain and Perception: Exploring Psychedelics as Novel Therapeutic Agents in Chronic Pain Management.
Current pain and headache reports – January 07, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine show remarkable promise in treating chronic pain conditions. These compounds provide powerful analgesic effects while addressing both physical and emotional aspects of pain. Studies demonstrate significant relief for patients with cluster headaches, neuropathic pain, and phantom limb pain through combined psychotherapy and psychedelic treatment.
Abstract
Chronic pain affects approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, representing the leading cause of disability and a significant financial burden on...
Benefits and Challenges of Ultra-Fast, Short-Acting Psychedelics in the Treatment of Depression
American Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Rapid antidepressant effects are emerging from psychedelics. Unlike classical medicine, hallucinogens like psilocybin and ultra-fast compounds such as 5-MeO-DMT show significant promise in psychiatry. Early pharmacology studies in small samples indicate brief 15-30 minute interventions induce marked improvement in depression symptoms within 24 hours, lasting over a week. These monoamine neurotransmitters primarily act on serotonergic 5-HT receptors, influencing serotonin pathways. This neuroscience, exploring chemical synthesis and how receptors influence behavior, is vital for future psychology and drug studies.
Abstract
Unlike classical antidepressants, psychedelics such as psilocybin have been shown to induce a rapid antidepressant response. In the wake of this de...
Neuropsychological profiles of patients suffering from hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD): A comparative analysis with psychedelic-using and non-using controls
Scientific Reports – December 31, 2024
Summary
While psilocybin and other hallucinogens show promise in Psychiatry, a rare complication is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), characterized by lasting changes in Perception. A Neuropsychological assessment of eight individuals with HPPD, using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, revealed some below-average results in visual memory and executive function. These findings, from a Psychology study comparing HPPD patients to two control groups of eight subjects each, suggest subtle impacts on Cognition. This initial Neuropsychology insight is vital for Clinical Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are showing promising effects in treating certain psychiatric disorders. Despite their low to...