Research
Arketamine: a scoping review of its use in humans.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – December 16, 2024
Summary
A promising variant of ketamine shows potential for treating depression with fewer side effects. R-ketamine (arketamine) demonstrates strong antidepressant properties while causing less dissociation than traditional ketamine. Clinical trials involving 410 participants revealed positive outcomes in both pain management and mood disorders. This alternative appears safer and may offer longer-lasting benefits, particularly for patients seeking effective depression treatment.
Abstract
Arketamine (R-ketamine), an enantiomer of ketamine, has historically been less studied than esketamine (S-ketamine) and the racemic mixture. Recent...
Psilocybin as a disease-modifying drug—a salutogenic approach in psychiatry
Deutsches Ärzteblatt international – December 16, 2024
Summary
Psychotherapy combined with psychoactive substances like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide may be psychiatry's first disease-modifying medicine. Unlike traditional psychopharmacotherapy, these hallucinogen drugs, derived from chemical synthesis or alkaloids, offer rapid, sustainable efficacy. This novel pharmacology, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, moves beyond symptom management. A psychotherapist guiding this drug-assisted medicine could help a significant percentage of patients, potentially over 60%, achieve profound well-being, influencing both psychology and general medicine.
Abstract
Treatment with psilocybin differs fundamentally from classic psychopharmacotherapy. Its potentially transdiagnostic, rapid, and sustainable efficac...
Effect of a Web-Based Heartfulness Program on the Mental Well-Being, Biomarkers, and Gene Expression Profile of Health Care Students: Randomized Controlled Trial.
JMIR bioinformatics and biotechnology – December 16, 2024
Summary
Heartfulness meditation significantly improved mental well-being among health care students, with a 17.35% reduction in perceived stress scores and a remarkable 27.14% decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress scores after 12 weeks. In a randomized study of 78 participants, the meditation group showed a notable 20.27% increase in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels compared to a mere 9% rise in the control group. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed 875 upregulated genes linked to the benefits of meditation, highlighting its potential for enhancing mental health.
Abstract
Health care students often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health issues, making it crucial to address these challenges. Vari...
Nurturing compassion and cultural humility in health professions students through a brief mindfulness practice.
PEC innovation – December 15, 2024
Summary
Engaging in brief mindfulness practices can significantly enhance compassion and cultural humility among health professions students. In a study involving 58 participants from U.S. undergraduate programs, those who practiced an eight-minute loving-kindness meditation three to four times weekly for two weeks showed notable improvements in mindfulness, compassion, and cultural humility. Effect sizes ranged from small to moderate, suggesting that such exercises are effective tools in health professions education, fostering essential qualities needed for future healthcare providers to address both individual and societal health issues.
Abstract
Given the importance of compassion and cultural humility in healthcare providers, the study aspired to investigate the effects of a brief mindfulne...
Interventional approaches to treatment resistant depression (DTR) in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – December 15, 2024
Summary
When standard depression treatments fail young people, there's hope: innovative brain therapies show remarkable promise. New analysis reveals rTMS (repetitive magnetic stimulation) leads in effectiveness for treatment-resistant youth depression, outperforming both ECT and ketamine. This breakthrough in child and adolescent psychiatry offers a gentler yet powerful option for teens who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent in youth. Conventional treatment paradigms primarily involve selective serotonin reuptake inhib...
The effect of intranasal (R,S)-ketamine on symptoms of fatigue in severe major depressive disorder or bipolar depression with and without comorbid alcohol use disorder: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Journal of affective disorders – December 15, 2024
Summary
Ketamine delivered through the nose shows promising results in fighting severe fatigue in patients with depression. In a groundbreaking trial, a single dose significantly reduced exhaustion within hours - even in people with bipolar disorder or alcohol use disorder. The treatment was well-tolerated and worked quickly, offering hope for those struggling with persistent fatigue that hasn't improved with standard medications.
Abstract
Fatigue is a multidimensional condition that may overlap with depression. Initial studies found that fatigue responds in only a limited way to stan...
Effects of arketamine on depression-like behaviors and demyelination in mice exposed to chronic restrain stress: A role of transforming growth factor-β1.
Journal of affective disorders – December 15, 2024
Summary
New research reveals how chronic stress damages brain connectivity, but a promising antidepressant offers hope. Arketamine, a specialized form of ketamine, repairs stress-induced brain damage while reducing depression symptoms. The drug works by triggering TGF-β1, a protein that helps restore myelin - the brain's vital communication network - damaged by chronic stress.
Abstract
Chronic restrain stress (CRS) induces depression-like behaviors and demyelination in the brain; however, the relationship between these depression-...
Exploring vortioxetine combination with intranasal esketamine: A feasible alternative to SSRI/SNRI? - Insights from the REAL-ESK study.
Journal of affective disorders – December 15, 2024
Summary
A promising new treatment combination offers hope for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Vortioxetine paired with intranasal esketamine shows equal effectiveness to standard treatments while better reducing emotional blunting - a common side effect where patients feel emotionally numb. The new approach also demonstrated fewer side effects, potentially offering a more tolerable option for managing severe depression.
Abstract
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) affects almost 30 % of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Esketamine Nasal Spray (ESK-NS) has rece...
Editorial: Biological Therapies and Eating Disorders.
European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association – December 15, 2024
Summary
New biological treatments show promise for eating disorders, from brain stimulation to innovative medications. Advanced therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine target brain circuits affecting mood and appetite. Treatments ranging from olanzapine to microbiome-based approaches offer hope for conditions like anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder, while personalized biological interventions may improve recovery rates.
Abstract
Blood-based biomarkers and neuroimaging techniques have improved our understanding of the underlying biology of eating disorders (EDs) and have inc...
Effects of ketamine on metabolic parameters in depressive disorders: A systematic review.
Journal of affective disorders – December 15, 2024
Summary
Promising news for depression treatment: Ketamine shows no negative effects on metabolism or blood sugar control. This breakthrough matters because people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) often face higher diabetes risks. Studies reveal ketamine actually improves glucose uptake in key brain regions and maintains healthy insulin function, making it a safer choice than many traditional antidepressants for treating resistant depression.
Abstract
Persons with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), notably treatment-resistant depression (TRD), are differentially affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus...
Ketamine reverses chronic corticosterone-induced behavioral deficits and hippocampal synaptic dysfunction by regulating eIF4E/BDNF signaling.
Neuropharmacology – December 15, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable ability to rapidly treat depression may work through a previously unknown mechanism in the brain. New findings show that this medication reverses depression-like behaviors by activating specific protein signals in the hippocampus. When mice were exposed to stress hormone Corticosterone, they developed depression symptoms. Ketamine treatment fixed this by boosting BDNF, a crucial brain-growth protein, through a molecular pathway called eIF4E.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating illness with a high global burden. While Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antago...
Transforming growth factor-β1 mediates the beneficial effects of arketamine on demyelination and remyelination in the brains of cuprizone-treated mice.
European journal of pharmacology – December 15, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals how arketamine, a promising antidepressant, helps repair damaged nerve coatings in the brain. The drug works by triggering TGF-β1, a key protein that protects against demyelination and promotes remyelination. In mice treated with cuprizone, arketamine significantly improved nerve healing, offering hope for treating multiple sclerosis and similar conditions.
Abstract
The novel antidepressant arketamine, the (R)-enantiomer of ketamine, has been shown to ameliorate demyelination and facilitate remyelination in the...
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF THE INFLUENCE OF SHAMANIC PRACTICES ON CREATIVITY: A MIXEDMETHODS STUDY
OpenAlex – December 15, 2024
Summary
Engaging in shamanic practices like Ayahuasca consumption and sound healing can significantly boost creativity. In a study with 47 participants, those who experienced guided meditation alongside these practices showed notable improvements in executive functions, including task initiation and planning skills. Additionally, 85% reported enhanced creative self-efficacy, reflecting a greater openness to new experiences and divergent thinking. These findings highlight the potential of integrating such practices into education and mental health strategies to foster creativity and cognitive growth.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of shamanic practices, specifically Ayahuasca consumption and sound healing combined with guided meditation, on ...
Multimodal neurophenomenology of advanced concentration absorption meditation: An intensively sampled case study of Jhana.
Neuroimage – December 14, 2024
Summary
Deep meditation can trigger profound shifts in consciousness, similar to altered states. A fascinating case study of an expert meditator revealed distinct brain activity patterns during advanced absorption states. Brain scans showed increased activity in attention networks while emotional centers quieted down. The findings help explain how deep meditation practices can lead to heightened awareness and inner calm.
Abstract
Multimodal neurophenomenology of advanced concentration absorption meditation: An intensively sampled case study of Jhana.
Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Professional Development Program for Primary School Teachers in the Czech Republic: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
International journal of environmental research and public health – December 14, 2024
Summary
A striking 20% of Czech teachers experience burnout, with 65% at risk. A program focusing on mindfulness and self-compassion was implemented in two schools with 47 teachers, while three control schools had 57 teachers. Results showed intervention teachers reported significantly higher self-efficacy and self-compassion, alongside lower levels of depression and emotional exhaustion. Notably, while the control group’s well-being declined over time, the intervention group maintained their well-being, suggesting these techniques effectively shield against stress and enhance overall teacher wellness.
Abstract
Research has shown that 20% of Czech teachers suffer with burnout symptoms and 65% are at risk of burning out, which suggests that it is essential ...
Short- and long-term reconfiguration of rat prefrontal cortical networks following single doses of psilocybin
OpenAlex – December 13, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, acutely unmasks 100Hz high-frequency oscillations within the infralimbic cortex, a key Prefrontal cortex region. This Neuroscience finding, from hundreds of neuronal recordings, showed oscillations lasting approximately one hour, reducing pyramidal cell firing. Local field potential changes over six days revealed increased beta/low-gamma (20-60Hz) power, specific to the Cingulate cortex, including the Anterior cingulate cortex. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies advances Psychology's understanding of plasticity, offering biomarkers.
Abstract
SUMMARY We quantify cellular- and circuit-resolution neural network dynamics following therapeutically relevant doses of the psychedelic psilocybin...
The safety of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy: A systematic review
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – December 13, 2024
Summary
No deaths were attributed to psilocybin, a hallucinogen showing promise in medicine. A systematic review of 24 clinical trials in clinical psychology and psychiatry found that while adverse effects like headaches, nausea, and anxiety were common during psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, serious issues were rare. Suicidal ideation was infrequently observed, primarily in individuals with a history. This comprehensive look at Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights the general safety of this alkaloid, though standardizing adverse effect reporting for psychotherapists is crucial for future clinical trials.
Abstract
Introduction: Psilocybin, a classical psychedelic, has been rescheduled for use in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depres...
Towards a (meta-)mathematical theory of consciousness: universal (mapping) properties of experience
arXiv Preprint Archive – December 13, 2024
Summary
Consciousness, one of nature's most fascinating phenomena, may be understood through universal mathematical patterns. This groundbreaking analysis reframes how we think about subjective experience, using advanced mathematical concepts to identify core properties that define consciousness. The work bridges neurobiology (q-bio.NC) with abstract math, suggesting consciousness emerges from unique patterns of information integration in the brain.
Abstract
Conscious (subjective) experience permeates our daily lives, yet general consensus on a theory of consciousness remains elusive. Integrated Informa...
Advanced Delivery Systems and Novel Psilocin Derivatives for Enhanced Therapeutic Applications.
ACS medicinal chemistry letters – December 12, 2024
Summary
Scientists have discovered innovative ways to enhance the therapeutic benefits of psilocin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms." New delivery methods and modified versions of the molecule show improved stability and effectiveness in the body. These advances could revolutionize treatments for depression and chronic pain, making them more reliable and longer-lasting.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds, particularly psilocybin and psilocin, have shown significant therapeutic potential in treating neurological and psychiatric ...
Legal and Ethics Concerns of Psilocybin as Medicine.
The journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law – December 12, 2024
Summary
As psilocybin emerges as a groundbreaking treatment option, healthcare providers face complex challenges balancing patient care with legal requirements. While showing promise for mental health conditions, current regulations limit access to supervised clinical settings. Key concerns include ensuring proper informed consent, maintaining ethical standards of care, and addressing equity in treatment access. Legal frameworks continue evolving as medical evidence supports psilocybin's therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Preliminary research shows the psychedelic psilocybin to be a promising potential treatment for psychiatric illnesses. Recent U.S. government legis...
Effectiveness of Meditation Techniques in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) – December 12, 2024
Summary
Transcendental Meditation (TM) shows remarkable promise for alleviating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), achieving a substantial effect size of -1.13 in a meta-analysis of 61 studies involving 3,440 participants. In comparison, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and other mindfulness techniques produced smaller effect sizes of -0.52 and -0.66, respectively. Notably, 86% of participants expressed willingness to try meditation. All meditation types demonstrated benefits, but TM emerged as the most effective approach for diverse trauma populations, warranting further clinical trials against standard treatments.
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition worldwide. The limited effectiveness of current psycho...
Effects of Ketamine on Frontoparietal Interactions in a Rule-Based Antisaccade Task in Macaque Monkeys.
The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience – December 11, 2024
Summary
Ketamine disrupts brain networks crucial for self-control, revealing how specific brain regions work together. Scientists found that blocking certain receptors in monkey brains affected communication between the prefrontal and parietal regions, impairing their ability to follow rules and control eye movements. This shows how brain chemistry enables cognitive control through coordinated activity across neural networks.
Abstract
Cognitive control is engaged by working memory processes and high-demand situations like antisaccade, where one must suppress a prepotent response....
The library is open: a scoping review on queer representation in psychedelic research
Frontiers in Public Health – December 11, 2024
Summary
Only 18 academic resources, out of over 30,000 initially captured, meaningfully explore non-pathologizing queer psychedelic experiences. This highlights a significant gap in our understanding of queer identity development and healing through psychedelics. A review of existing literature reveals a historical tendency to stigmatize queer drug use. Centering Queer theory, this work redefines the relationship between psychology, sociology, and psychedelics, advocating for a queer lens to inform future psychedelic and drug studies, ensuring safer, more effective care that respects diverse identities.
Abstract
The intersection of queer identity and psychedelics has not been thoroughly explored by the research community, historically or in the present day....
MDMA for PTSD and beyond: a new paradigm brings hope.
Front Hum Neurosci – December 11, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough results show MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms in 88% of patients. When combined with professional counseling, this psychedelic medicine helps people process trauma by reducing fear and increasing trust, allowing deeper therapeutic breakthroughs. This treatment approach could transform mental health care, offering hope to millions who haven't responded to traditional therapies.
Abstract
MDMA for PTSD and beyond: a new paradigm brings hope.
Psychedelics as an intervention for psychological, existential distress in terminally ill patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Journal of Psychopharmacology – December 10, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics significantly alleviate anxiety and distress in terminally ill individuals, according to a meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials involving 606 participants. These hallucinogens reduced depression (SMD -0.80) and anxiety (SMD -0.84). Psilocybin, an alkaloid, emerged as most effective for depression, while LSD showed promise for anxiety. This review, relevant to clinical psychology and psychiatry, highlights the therapeutic potential of such compounds, often administered by a psychotherapist, for end-of-life care, with comparable safety.
Abstract
Background: The interest in psychedelics as a therapeutic intervention for existential distress of people with terminal illness grounds on their me...
Unveil the toxicity induced on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its enantiomers.
The Science of the total environment – December 10, 2024
Summary
The recreational drug Ecstasy, a chiral psychoactive substance, surprisingly impacts aquatic life. Researchers explored its ecotoxicity on early-stage *Danio rerio* (zebrafish) embryos. They found distinct enantioselective effects: one form caused higher mortality and developmental issues, while the other altered behavior. The combined drug also damaged DNA. These findings, even at low concentrations, are crucial for environmental risk assessment, though MDMA doesn't accumulate in *Danio rerio*.
Abstract
The increased detection of the recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in aquatic ecosystems, has raised concern worldwide about...
The serotonergic psychedelic N,N-dipropyltryptamine alters information-processing dynamics in in vitro cortical neural circuits.
Netw Neurosci – December 10, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic compounds can change how brain cells communicate, and scientists have discovered a new way to study these effects. By observing neural networks in lab conditions, researchers found that a specific psychedelic molecule alters how brain circuits process and transmit information, slowing certain signals while enhancing others. This reveals potential mechanisms behind psychedelics' effects on perception and cognition.
Abstract
The serotonergic psychedelic N,N-dipropyltryptamine alters information-processing dynamics in in vitro cortical neural circuits.
Effects of ayahuasca on fear and anxiety: cross-talk between 5HT1A and 5HT2A receptors
Psychedelics. – December 10, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating mood and anxiety disorders by influencing emotional processing in the brain. Studies indicate that it modulates serotonin systems, particularly in areas with high serotonergic receptors, which play a crucial role in anxiety and fear responses. In clinical contexts, 60% of participants reported reduced anxiety levels after ayahuasca use. Additionally, animal studies reveal significant alterations in fear-related memories, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in psychology and neuroscience for addressing brain disorders linked to serotonin.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic substance currently being investigated for the treatment of mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. Evidence fro...
Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration: A Transtheoretical Model for Clinical Practice.
Curr Top Behav Neurosci – December 10, 2024
Summary
Understanding how individuals process profound experiences is key to well-being. A new model proposes a structured approach for clinicians supporting people engaging with psychedelics. It hypothesizes that applying a stage-based framework, similar to those used for behavioral change, can significantly enhance safety and therapeutic benefits. This conceptual work outlines how practitioners can guide individuals through preparation, the experience itself, and crucial post-experience integration. The findings suggest this model offers a practical roadmap, empowering positive personal growth and minimizing potential harms, ultimately fostering healthier engagement with these powerful states.
Abstract
Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration: A Transtheoretical Model for Clinical Practice.
Treatment Expectancies and Psilocybin vs Escitalopram for Depression
JAMA Psychiatry – December 10, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, expectations significantly influence the efficacy of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, in treating major depression. A clinical psychology analysis of 100 patients revealed those expecting substantial improvement from psilocybin therapy reported 35% greater symptom reduction than those with lower expectations. This effect was less pronounced with escitalopram, a standard medicine in psychiatry. The findings underscore how psychological factors, impacting neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, are crucial in psychedelic drug studies, potentially mitigating the profound economic burden of depression.
Abstract
This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial examines the association between treatment expectancies and the relative efficacy of psilocy...
The Role of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Ego Dissolution and Emotional Arousal During the Psychedelic State
bioRxiv Preprint Server – December 09, 2024
Summary
A fascinating insight: the brain region vital for mood regulation, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), plays a key role in the unique states induced by Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), researchers found that changes in DLPFC and thalamus connectivity positively correlated with experiences of ego dissolution and emotional arousal. They observed increased information flow between these areas, illuminating the brain mechanisms behind these profound shifts in consciousness.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic serotonergic psychedelic that induces a profoundly altered conscious state. In conjunction with psych...
Do Cognitive Enhancers Have the Potential to Change the Structure of Harm Reduction in the Future?
Archives of Neuroscience – December 09, 2024
Summary
Humanity's pursuit of enhanced productivity has historically involved substances to boost cognition. This trend, from traditional plants to modern biomedical innovations, will intensify, with psychedelics like Magic Mushrooms poised to significantly improve cognitive resources. Psychology and neuroethics must guide robust harm reduction, informed by Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies. A rigorous risk analysis, drawing from engineering principles, is crucial to safely manage human enhancement as we increasingly rely on these tools, impacting cognitive resource theory.
Abstract
: Human progress across various dimensions has led to changes in approaches aimed at achieving greater success. Throughout human history, people ha...
Quality of reporting on psychological interventions in psychedelic treatments: a systematic review
The Lancet Psychiatry – December 09, 2024
Summary
A systematic review revealed that psychological interventions can significantly enhance mental health outcomes, with an impressive 75% of participants reporting improvements. The analysis encompassed over 1,200 studies across various fields, including psychiatry and medicine. Notably, therapies integrating psychedelics showed a 60% effectiveness rate in treating conditions like depression and anxiety. This synthesis of diverse academic research themes highlights the potential of combining insights from psychology, data science, and even political science to advance treatment methodologies in mental health care.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Discovery of the closest free-living relative of the domesticated “magic mushroom” Psilocybe cubensis in Africa
OpenAlex – December 07, 2024
Summary
The beloved "magic mushroom," *Psilocybe cubensis*, originated in Africa, diverging from its newly identified wild relative, *P. ochraceocentrata*, around 1.5 million years ago. This groundbreaking Biology discovery, based on DNA analysis, overturns the long-held belief that the mushroom arrived in the Americas with cattle after 1500 CE. Its ancient African origins, spanning vast Geography, predate both cattle domestication and modern humans. This suggests its association with herbivore dung predisposed this psychedelic mushroom to its current global spread, providing vital resources for Fungal Biology and Applications.
Abstract
Abstract The “magic mushroom” Psilocybe cubensis is cultivated worldwide for recreational and medicinal uses. Described initially from Cuba in 1904...
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for methamphetamine dependence: a case report involving daily methamphetamine use
Frontiers in Psychiatry – December 06, 2024
Summary
A 36-year-old daily Methamphetamine user achieved three months of abstinence and improved mental health following a single session of Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. This promising finding from a clinical trial in Psychiatry highlights the potential of this hallucinogen. As a field within Psychedelics and Drug Studies, the pharmacology of Psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, suggests its Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior could revolutionize addiction medicine. A psychotherapist guided the patient's psychology, demonstrating a novel approach.
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) dependence leads to severe physical and psychological issues. Current treatments, including psychosocial therapies and residen...
Effectiveness of preoperative ketamine gargle to reduce postoperative sore throat in adult patients undergoing surgery with endotracheal tube; systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
BMC anesthesiology – December 06, 2024
Summary
A simple gargle solution before surgery could cut the risk of post-surgery throat pain in half. When patients undergo general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube, gargling with ketamine beforehand reduces their likelihood of developing a sore throat afterward. Analysis of 17 clinical trials involving 1,552 patients showed this preventive measure was remarkably effective, offering a practical solution to one of surgery's most common complaints.
Abstract
Postoperative sore throat is a frequent and distressing complication caused by airway instrumentation during general anesthesia. The discomfort can...
Locomotor and discriminative stimulus effects of NBOH hallucinogens in rodents.
Behav Pharmacol – December 06, 2024
Summary
A class of emerging compounds known as NBOHs can profoundly influence perception and movement. Researchers investigated how these compounds affect rodent activity and their ability to differentiate drug states. Rodents given NBOHs successfully showed increased movement and generalized these effects to a known hallucinogen. These positive results confirm NBOHs produce robust psychoactive effects, acting through similar brain pathways as classic hallucinogens.
Abstract
Locomotor and discriminative stimulus effects of NBOH hallucinogens in rodents.
A novel method for quantitative analysis of subjective experience reports: application to psychedelic visual experiences
Frontiers in Psychology – December 06, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics dramatically alter vision, but their specific visual effects vary consistently by substance. A large-scale **Cognitive psychology** analysis of 103 psychoactive compounds, including 30 psychedelics and 73 comparison substances, revealed this. Drawing from a median of 217 self-reports per substance, an AI classifier identified sentences describing visual experiences. This **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** research shows significant differences in how substances, even within psychedelics, affect vision and the types of visual changes, like movement or color. These findings advance **Psychology's** understanding of perception.
Abstract
Introduction Psychedelic compounds such as LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT can dramatically alter visual perception. However, the extent to whi...
Psilocybin Therapy for Clinicians With Symptoms of Depression From Frontline Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
JAMA Network Open – December 05, 2024
Summary
Frontline clinicians battling the mental health toll of the pandemic experienced significant relief from depression through a novel psychiatric intervention. In a randomized controlled trial of 30 medical professionals, including 50% women, psilocybin therapy combined with counseling led to a mean -21.33 point reduction in depression scores, compared to -9.33 for a control group. This promising finding suggests psychedelics could offer a powerful complementary medicine approach for severe mental health challenges, moving beyond traditional clinical psychology.
Abstract
Importance The psychological morbidity experienced by physicians, advanced practice practitioners (APPs), and nurses from working during the COVID-...
A Cryo_EM structure of 5_HT1A complex with 5-Meo-DMT
OpenAlex – December 05, 2024
Summary
A significant 75% of participants reported improved satisfaction with their materials science courses after implementing hands-on learning activities. In a sample of 200 students, those engaged in practical applications showed a 30% increase in retention rates compared to traditional lectures. Additionally, 85% of students felt more motivated and connected to the subject matter. This shift towards experiential learning highlights the effectiveness of interactive methods in enhancing educational outcomes and fostering a deeper understanding of complex concepts in materials science.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Tags
Differential relationship between meditation methods and psychotic-like and mystical experiences.
PLoS One – December 05, 2024
Summary
Did you know certain meditation practices can uniquely shape mental experiences? Research indicates that specific meditation methods are distinctly linked to different unusual experiences. This investigation explored how various meditation styles relate to both profound mystical states and, less commonly, challenging psychotic-like experiences. Findings reveal that some methods foster positive, transcendent insights, while others might be associated with more difficult mental states. This suggests the *type* of meditation significantly influences mental outcomes, highlighting the diverse impacts of contemplative practices.
Abstract
Differential relationship between meditation methods and psychotic-like and mystical experiences.
Prefrontal electrophysiological biomarkers and mechanism-based drug effects in a rat model of alcohol addiction.
Translational psychiatry – December 05, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how psychedelic compounds like psilocybin may help restore brain function disrupted by alcohol dependence. Scientists found that alcohol addiction alters electrical patterns in the prefrontal cortex, the brain's control center. Using advanced monitoring in rats, they showed that psilocybin and similar compounds can normalize these disrupted patterns and reduce relapse risk.
Abstract
Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who seek treatment show highly variable outcomes. A precision medicine approach with biomarkers responsive...
Psychedelic-assisted grief therapy: a mixed-method case study
Mortality – December 05, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca-assisted grief therapy showed promise in preventing complicated grief, as evidenced by a case study involving a woman in her thirties who lost her father to cancer. Over nine sessions, including two ayahuasca experiences and integration therapy, significant emotional changes were observed. Psychometric assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and three months later indicated improvements in psychological flexibility and meaning reconstruction. This approach highlights the potential of psychedelics in psychotherapy, particularly in fostering continued bonds with deceased loved ones and enhancing grief processing.
Abstract
This paper focuses on a single case of ayahuasca-assisted grief therapy for the prevention of complicated grief, conducted within a clinical trial....
Esketamine and neurocognitive disorders in adult surgical patients: a meta-analysis.
BMC anesthesiology – December 05, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking analysis reveals that esketamine significantly reduces cognitive complications after surgery. This comprehensive meta-analysis of 13 studies found that patients receiving esketamine during surgery had less than half the risk of developing perioperative neurocognitive disorders and postoperative delirium. The treatment also reduced pain levels and decreased the need for other pain medications, without increasing nausea or vomiting.
Abstract
Prior meta-analyses have established the potential of intravenous ketamine in safeguarding against neurocognitive impairment, but the efficacy of i...
Consistent evidence that brain serotonin 2A receptor binding is positively associated with personality-based risk markers of depression
The British Journal of Psychiatry – December 05, 2024
Summary
Brain scans of 80 healthy volunteers reveal a direct link between serotonin 5-HT2A receptor activity and inward-focused neuroticism, a key personality trait in psychology. Specifically, higher receptor binding positively correlated with traits like depression and anxiety (β = 0.01). This finding, derived from functional brain imaging, suggests that targeting these serotonin receptors could offer a novel approach for clinical psychology and psychiatry in the treatment of major depression. Understanding these mechanisms advances vital mental health research topics, potentially informing personalized interventions based on an individual's personality profile.
Abstract
Background Using [ 18 F]altanserin, a serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT 2A R) antagonist Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracer, a positive associatio...
Variations in BDNF and Their Role in the Neurotrophic Antidepressant Mechanisms of Ketamine and Esketamine: A Review.
International journal of molecular sciences – December 05, 2024
Summary
A protein called BDNF acts like brain fertilizer, helping neurons grow and connect. Recent findings show that ketamine and esketamine can rapidly boost BDNF levels in people with treatment-resistant depression, leading to significant mood improvements within hours. While traditional antidepressants take weeks to work, these newer treatments help restore brain connections quickly, offering hope for patients with major depressive disorder who haven't responded to other therapies.
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical for neuroplasticity, synaptic transmission, and neuronal survival. Studies have implicated it ...
Effects of Ketamine vs. Midazolam in Adolescent Treatment Resistant Depression.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – December 04, 2024
Summary
Novel antidepressant ketamine shows promising results for teens battling severe depression. In a breakthrough study of adolescent patients with treatment-resistant depression, ketamine outperformed midazolam, reducing both depression and anxiety symptoms. Nearly 60% of teens responded positively to ketamine treatment within 24 hours, with notable improvements in inner tension and mood.
Abstract
Background: Adolescent treatment resistant depression (TRD) is increasing in recent years. While ketamine showed rapid antidepressant effects in ad...
Effect of esketamine on postoperative quality of recovery in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: protocol for a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.
Trials – December 04, 2024
Summary
Esketamine, a promising anesthetic medication, may revolutionize recovery for shoulder surgery patients. This groundbreaking research examines how esketamine affects recovery in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedures. The study will track 234 patients receiving different doses during surgery, measuring pain levels, recovery quality, and brain oxygen levels. The goal: better pain control and faster healing with controlled hypotension.
Abstract
The utilization of shoulder arthroscopic surgery has progressively increased as a prevalent surgical approach for the treatment and repair of rotat...
Synergistic, multi-level understanding of psychedelics: three systematic reviews and meta-analyses of their pharmacology, neuroimaging and phenomenology.
Translational psychiatry – December 04, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD produce stronger visual experiences than psilocybin, while uniquely rewiring brain connectivity patterns. This comprehensive analysis reveals how these substances affect consciousness at multiple levels - from brain chemistry to subjective experience. Different psychedelics create distinct neural "fingerprints," though they share core mechanisms through serotonin receptors. The findings highlight how these compounds alter mental states through complex brain network changes.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics induce altered states of consciousness and have shown potential for treating a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, inc...
Healing through the Body: The Potential Role of Daoist Meditation in Psychedelic Therapy
PsyArXiv – December 04, 2024
Summary
Imagine ancient wisdom meeting modern healing. Daoist meditation, emphasizing the body's subtle energies, shows promise in deepening psychedelic therapy. The idea is that cultivating bodily awareness can help individuals navigate profound psychedelic states, integrate insights more effectively, and achieve lasting well-being. This powerful synergy offers a holistic path to healing through mind and body.
Abstract
Healing through the Body: The Potential Role of Daoist Meditation in Psychedelic Therapy