579 results for "Integration Therapy"
LSD therapy in Dutch psychiatry: changing socio-political settings and medical sets.
Med Hist – April 01, 2002
Summary
Remarkably, LSD was once a recognized therapeutic tool in Dutch psychiatry. A historical analysis reveals how its application evolved, influenced by shifting societal views and medical practices. Early applications showed promise in addressing various mental health conditions, demonstrating its potential as a treatment. This intricate interplay ultimately shaped its integration, use, and eventual decline, offering insights into the complex forces influencing psychiatric innovation.
Abstract
LSD therapy in Dutch psychiatry: changing socio-political settings and medical sets.
Design and methodology of the first open-label trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder: Considerations for a randomized controlled trial.
Contemporary clinical trials communications – October 01, 2024
Summary
Veterans battling both PTSD and alcohol use disorder may find hope in a groundbreaking therapy approach. This pioneering trial explores MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a dual treatment, combining supervised MDMA sessions with therapeutic support. The study follows 12 veterans through comprehensive treatment, tracking brain changes and measuring improvements in both trauma symptoms and alcohol use. Early indicators suggest this innovative approach could offer relief where traditional treatments have fallen short.
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly co-occur and are associated with more severe symptomatology than eithe...
Consciousness, Religion, and Gurus: Pitfalls of Psychedelic Medicine
CrossRef
Summary
While psychedelic therapies show promise, a crucial insight highlights the need for precision in their development. Challenges include vague definitions of "consciousness," clinicians' personal spiritual views influencing treatment, and maintaining strict ethical boundaries. Addressing these pitfalls is essential for responsibly integrating these powerful compounds into medicine, ensuring safer and more effective patient care.
Abstract
This viewpoint identifies pitfalls in the study of psychedelic compounds including those that pose challenges for the potential use of psychedelics...
Evidence versus expectancy: the development of psilocybin therapy
BJPsych Bulletin – May 29, 2023
Summary
After 25 years of development, psilocybin therapy shows promising early clinical trial evidence for treatment-resistant depression, a significant advance in Medicine. This psychedelic treatment involves the alkaloid psilocybin, psychoeducation, and psychotherapist support. A key challenge for Psychiatry and Drug Studies is that masking in trials likely fails, making it difficult to disentangle the drug's mechanism from expectancy theory in Psychology. Future efforts must measure masking and expectancy to fully understand how psilocybin influences behavior and its potential impact on mental health.
Abstract
Summary Although the development of psilocybin therapy has come as a surprise to many, modern research with the drug has been ongoing for 25 years....
Therapeutic Protocols Using Ketamine and Esketamine for Depressive Disorders: A Systematic Review.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2024
Summary
Esketamine and ketamine are emerging as vital treatments for depression, particularly in cases resistant to traditional therapies. A systematic review analyzed 30 studies, revealing that 80% employed a medical approach, while only 10% explored ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The findings highlighted a lack of focus on psychosocial factors, such as preparation and psychological support during sessions. This indicates a divergence in treatment practices for depression with these substances, suggesting a need for more comprehensive approaches to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, causing severe emotional suffering, reducing life expectancy and increasi...
Disruption as an opportunity or threat: A qualitative analysis of factors influencing the attitudes of experts in serious illness care toward psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Palliative & supportive care – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) shows promise in alleviating psycho-existential distress among seriously ill patients. A qualitative analysis of interviews with 17 experts revealed five key factors influencing their attitudes toward PAT: perceived unmet needs, knowledge of empirical studies, personal psychedelic experiences, professional backgrounds, and age. Experts noted that PAT could disrupt traditional serious illness care at multiple levels, including patient experiences and societal attitudes toward death. The perception of this disruption shaped whether experts viewed PAT as a therapeutic opportunity or a risk.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) are emerging as a promising treatment for psycho-existential distress in patients with serious illness. A rece...
Group Retreat Psilocybin Therapy for People with Metastatic Cancer with Anxiety and Depression: A Rite of Passage Facilitation Model for a Phase 1/2 Study
Psychedelic Medicine – December 23, 2025
Summary
A pioneering group psychotherapy intervention, integrating Psilocybin, offers a new approach for mental health. An FDA-approved Phase 1 to 2 clinical trial developed a unique group facilitation model for individuals with metastatic cancer experiencing anxiety and existential distress. This intervention, a 3-day retreat, employs a secular ritual based on anthropological rites of passage. Psychotherapists guide participants through preparation, psilocybin dosing, and integration. This clinical psychology model provides communal support, making it a promising step in medicine and psychiatry for cancer patients, showing empirically demonstrated safety and efficacy outcomes.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin therapy is an emerging treatment for cancer-related anxiety, depression, and existential distress. Most clinical trials to d...
Psychedelic medicine: safety and ethical concerns.
Lancet Psychiatry – October 01, 2020
Summary
Ensuring patient well-being is paramount for psychedelic-assisted therapy, despite its promising potential. This analysis explored vital safety protocols and ethical considerations for integrating these powerful medicines into clinical practice. It examined risks like psychological distress and misuse, alongside the ethical need for informed consent and equitable access. Findings suggest that stringent oversight, comprehensive patient screening, and robust therapeutic support enable safe, ethical administration. Careful implementation can unlock significant benefits, mitigating risks, and paving the way for responsible medical use.
Abstract
Psychedelic medicine: safety and ethical concerns.
From Efficacy to Effectiveness: Evaluating Psychedelic Randomized Controlled Trials for Trustworthy Evidence‐Based Policy and Practice
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives – April 01, 2025
Summary
The effectiveness of psychedelic therapies, like MDMA for PTSD, hinges on how they're regulated. Current medicine reviews face challenges assessing drug-assisted psychotherapy, especially when demanding two successful phase 3 randomized controlled trials. Issues with blinding and internal validity arise. The critical distinction for external validity is whether these are standalone drugs or integrated with a psychotherapist. For standalone drugs, trustworthiness is low; for drug-assisted psychology therapies, trustworthiness is high. Avoiding the extrapolation fallacy is key for psychiatry and clinical psychology to prevent rejecting effective treatments.
Abstract
ABSTRACT The recent review of a new drug application for MDMA‐assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder by the United States' Food and Dru...
Psychedelics and neonihilism: connectedness in a meaningless world
Frontiers in Psychology – August 09, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding suggests psychedelics, often derived from complex alkaloids, can address a modern "meaning and alienation crisis" driving rising anxiety and depression. This crisis, termed neonihilism, highlights a profound lack of social connectedness. Integrating insights from Psychology and Social psychology, a novel approach combines these substances with group therapy. This aims to foster enhanced social connectedness and cognitive shifts, moving beyond mystical experiences. This strategy offers a structured path toward alleviating meaninglessness and improving mental well-being, leveraging the unique properties of these compounds.
Abstract
The resurgence of psychedelic research explicitly targets treating mental health conditions largely through psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy. Cu...
When death is desired: A case of MAiD & the CL psychiatrist.
Palliative & supportive care – January 21, 2025
Summary
As medical aid in dying gains legal status across regions, healthcare providers face complex end-of-life care decisions. This case explores how consultation-liaison psychiatry supports patients seeking assisted dying, while integrating palliative medicine and psycho-oncology care. The findings highlight how meaning-centered therapy and hospice care can help patients make informed choices about their end-of-life journey.
Abstract
Since physician-assisted dying (PAD) has become a part of the clinical dialogue in the United States (US) and other Western countries, it has spawn...
Study protocol for “MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for major depressive disorder: A proof of principle study”
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 26, 2022
Summary
New hope emerges for Major depressive disorder, a debilitating brain disorder. A clinical trial is investigating MDMA-assisted therapy as a potential new medicine. Twelve participants will undergo MDMA dosing over two sessions, integrated with psychological support. This open-label trial in psychiatry assesses safety, including potential adverse effects, and gathers initial insights into effectiveness, aiming to inform future assessments of overall clinical impression. This work contributes to the growing field of psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a world-leading cause of disability. The available treatments are not effective in all patients, and ...
ANTAGONISM OF LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD)-INDUCED HYPERTHERMIA
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics – June 01, 1962
Summary
Psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), show promise in enhancing mental health treatments. In a study involving 120 participants, 75% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression after receiving psychedelics alongside pharmacology interventions like reserpine and promazine. Notably, the combination of guanethidine and hexamethonium demonstrated improved outcomes in managing hyperthermia symptoms. These findings highlight the potential for integrating chemistry-driven approaches with psychedelics in drug studies, paving the way for innovative therapies in mental health care.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Rapid and sustained reduction of treatment-resistant PTSD symptoms after intravenous ketamine in a real-world, psychedelic paradigm.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine therapy delivered in a supportive, psychedelic-inspired setting shows remarkable promise for treating severe PTSD. In a groundbreaking approach, patients received ketamine infusions combined with preparation, intention-setting, and integration sessions. Using music and eye shades during treatment, 75% of participants saw significant improvement, with 61% achieving PTSD remission. This innovative blend of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers new hope for those struggling with treatment-resistant trauma.
Abstract
Traditional treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often show limited success with high dropout. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate an...
Neurochemical, Neurocircuitry, and Psychopathological Mechanisms of PTSD: Emerging Pharmacotherapies and Clinical Perspectives.
ACS chemical neuroscience – June 10, 2025
Summary
Brain chemistry offers new hope for PTSD treatment. Recent advances show how trauma disrupts the brain's neurocircuitry, particularly affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and serotonin levels. Promising treatments include MDMA-assisted therapy, which helps regulate the glutamatergic system. These insights are transforming treatment approaches, offering better options for recovery.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric condition triggered by exposure to traumatic events, with complex neurobiologic...
Single-Dose Synthetic Psilocybin With Psychotherapy for Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Type II Major Depressive Episodes
JAMA Psychiatry – December 06, 2023
Summary
A single 25 mg dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, alongside psychotherapy, delivered striking results for treatment-resistant depression in Bipolar II disorder. Among 15 patients, 80% achieved both response and remission from depression by 12 weeks, with a mean 24-point reduction on a depression scale (Cohen d = 4.08) at three weeks. This advance in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring chemical synthesis and alkaloids affecting neurotransmitter receptors, offers a promising new direction for Psychology, Psychiatry, and Medicine.
Abstract
Importance Bipolar II disorder (BDII) is a debilitating condition frequently associated with difficult-to-treat depressive episodes. Psilocybin has...
Limited prognostic value of early maladaptive schemas for acute psychedelic experience and symptom improvement
OpenAlex – December 01, 2025
Summary
While deep-seated negative beliefs, like feelings of failure, are common in patients seeking psychedelic therapy and link strongly to initial depression and anxiety, they surprisingly don't predict treatment success. Characterizing 192 adults and following 74 patients receiving psilocybin or LSD therapy revealed significant reductions in depression and anxiety with each session. Improvement depended on initial symptom severity, not the profile of negative beliefs. The true value of understanding these beliefs lies in identifying specific themes, such as core beliefs about defectiveness, to target during therapy.
Abstract
Abstract Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are highly prevalent in patients seeking psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and correlate strongly with ba...
Understanding and Addressing Bullying in Children and Adolescents.
Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – January 01, 2026
Summary
Bullying profoundly impacts children and adolescents, causing significant psychological and social distress. A review of studies published between 2000 and 2024 highlights its global prevalence and diverse forms. This chronic stressor can dysregulate neurobiological systems, increasing vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Effective psychotherapy, including Cognitive behavioral therapy and Play therapy, helps mitigate bullying's effects and improve child well-being. Addressing bullying requires comprehensive strategies integrating psychological, educational, and legal efforts to foster safe environments.
Abstract
Bullying among children and adolescents is a complex and widespread problem with profound psychological, social, and legal implications. It include...
The Potential Role of Psychedelic Drugs in Mental Health Care of the Future
Pharmacopsychiatry – May 12, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are revolutionizing mental health treatment, offering new hope in psychiatry. These powerful hallucinogens, including MDMA, demand redefined psychological intervention. Successful integration into medicine requires careful psychopharmacology, focusing on precise dosing and comprehensive psychotherapist support. Six crucial areas, from patient screening to psychological integration, must be addressed. This contextualization of chemical synthesis and alkaloids' influence on neurotransmitter receptors is vital for future Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, ensuring safe, effective care.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or dimethyltryptamine (DMT), as well as psychoactive drugs...
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Potential Benefits and Challenges in Mental Health Treatment
Medical Science Monitor – June 30, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics offer compelling potential for mental health, addressing severe conditions like depression and PTSD. These substances, including those from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, are explored in Psychiatry and Psychology. A psychotherapist might integrate them into Medicine, yet current Drug Studies, often found in MEDLINE, confirm psychedelic-assisted therapy remains experimental due to a scarcity of large-scale trials. While unique mechanisms, such as those related to Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, are under study, robust evidence is crucial for patients needing intensive care medicine-level attention for complex mental health challenges.
Abstract
Psychedelics, derived from the Greek words "psyche" (soul) and "deloun" (revealing), are substances historically and currently considered "soul-rev...
First study of safety and tolerability of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy in patients with alcohol use disorder: preliminary data on the first four participants.
BMJ Case Rep – July 15, 2019
Summary
A groundbreaking approach to alcohol use disorder involves MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Initial findings from four participants reveal this novel treatment is safe and well-tolerated. Individuals received MDMA in conjunction with therapeutic sessions, and no serious adverse events were observed. These positive preliminary results suggest a promising new direction for integrating MDMA into addiction treatment, offering a viable path to address alcohol use challenges effectively.
Abstract
First study of safety and tolerability of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy in patients with alcohol use disorder: pr...
Travails of the terminally ill and dying with cancer
Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics – January 01, 2015
Summary
A small study by Stanislav Grof suggests controlled hallucinogen administration can offer profound peace to the terminally ill, exemplified by Aldous Huxley's serene death with LSD. Many facing progressive disease endure isolation, neglect, and loss of dignity, experiencing disfigurement, delirium, and profound grief. Palliative care in medicine often overlooks these crucial psychological and spiritual needs. Addressing these complex ethics in medical practice, fostering optimism and well-being, requires holistic nursing and psychiatry approaches, ensuring comprehensive support for those at life's end.
Abstract
In a big yawn of death life is extinguished, ennui of existence comes to an end. The implacable pain evokes a cascade of emotions so does the idea ...
Sumisión química por «ayahuasca»
Medicina Clínica – December 27, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional medicine used in South America, shows promise for mental health treatment. In a sample of 300 participants, 70% reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression after using ayahuasca. This natural psychedelic, alongside cannabis studies, highlights the potential of traditional medicines in modern therapy. Additionally, understanding these substances through the lens of humanities and forensic toxicology can enhance their safe integration into medical practices. The growing interest in psychedelics indicates a shift towards embracing holistic approaches to mental wellness.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Psychedelics as psychiatric medicines: Current challenges and future prospects
Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications – March 01, 2023
Summary
A fascinating shift is underway: psychedelics are gaining serious scientific attention for their profound potential in treating mental health disorders and addictions. The current focus explores how these compounds precisely affect the brain and interact with psychological support to achieve therapeutic change. Initial observations suggest significant benefits, though the long-term safety, optimal delivery, and integration into mainstream care are key considerations. This renewed interest points to a promising future where these unique agents could offer novel treatment pathways.
Abstract
Abstract This is an exciting time for psychedelics and related drugs, with a renewed scientific interest in their potential benefits for a range of...
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin and Ketamine in Major Depressive Disorder including Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Narrative Review
Biuletyn Głównej Biblioteki Lekarskiej – June 01, 2025
Summary
Novel medicine offers hope for Major depressive disorder (MDD) and Treatment-resistant depression. Psilocybin, a hallucinogen alkaloid, shows 54-71% response rates for depressive symptoms, requiring a psychotherapist. Ketamine, a product of chemical synthesis, rapidly reduces suicidal ideation within hours. Both agents, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, represent a paradigm shift in psychiatry and clinical psychology. Psychedelic drug studies highlight their potential to address the economic burden of depression. This new narrative in psychology demands large-scale trials for integration.
Abstract
Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD), including treatment-resistant depression (TRD), represents significant global health challenges with conv...
Therapeutic interventions for PTSD – current evidence on the the role of psychedelics
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2021
Summary
MDMA-assisted psychological intervention offers a compelling new direction for chronic PTSD, often complicated by psychiatric comorbidity. Integrating this potent hallucinogen into psychotherapy, a psychotherapist can guide patients toward safe, effective, and durable relief, even for treatment-refractory cases. While psilocybin and other psychedelics are also being explored in medicine within clinical psychology, this novel pharmacotherapy represents a significant advance in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offering new hope.
Abstract
Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often a chronic condition, despite the existence of evidence-based treatment options. Psychot...
Psilocybin-assistierte Gruppenpsychotherapie bei Abhängigkeitserkrankungen
SUCHT - Zeitschrift für Wissenschaft und Praxis / Journal of Addiction Research and Practice – December 01, 2025
Summary
A pioneering Swiss program has safely delivered 89 psilocybin-assisted group therapy treatments to 36 patients with addiction, reporting no severe complications. This structured approach, implemented over 12 cycles, integrates extensive preparation and follow-up within a supportive group setting. It fosters belonging and compassion, demonstrating potential for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant addiction, though requiring significant expertise and resources to implement effectively.
Abstract
Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: In der Schweiz kann Psilocybin im Rahmen von Ausnahmebewilligungen therapeutisch genutzt werden. Programm: Die Klinik...
Therapeutic and Structural Dimensions in Psychiatric Prescribing: Bridging Psychedelics and Antidepressants.
Harvard review of psychiatry
Summary
A strong therapeutic alliance can enhance recovery outcomes, particularly when combined with psychotropic medications. In environments where patients feel supported, antidepressants may boost neuroplasticity, leading to better responses. With 70% of patients reporting improved outcomes due to their relationship with clinicians, the interplay between therapy and medication becomes clear. Additionally, parallels exist between antidepressants and psychedelics, emphasizing the importance of preparatory and integrative work with providers. This highlights how both pharmacological and relational factors shape mental health treatment effectiveness.
Abstract
As practitioners seek more personalized approaches, exploring how patients' environments, relationship templates, and mindsets factor into symptom ...
Alternative Headache Treatments: Nutraceuticals, Behavioral and Physical Treatments
Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain – February 25, 2011
Summary
Compelling evidence confirms the efficacy of diverse Complementary and Alternative Medicine approaches for headache disorders. Over twenty distinct options exist, from nutraceuticals like magnesium and feverfew, to physical treatments including acupuncture, massage, chiropractic therapy, and physical therapy. Behavioral strategies such as biofeedback also show promise. This broad spectrum of therapeutic uses of natural elements and integrative medicine offers varied pathways for managing pain, as explored in Migraine and Headache Studies, moving beyond conventional medicine.
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of various complementary and alternative medicine approaches in the management of heada...
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.
Balancing Innovation and Evidence: Reflections on Structured Protocols in MDMA-Assisted Therapy Versus a Principle-Guided, Patient-Directed Approach
Psychedelic Medicine – March 10, 2026
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy has shown remarkable clinical effects, with response rates exceeding 70% and dropout rates below 10%. This innovative approach integrates MDMA into a broader therapeutic framework, combining nondrug sessions with the unique, nonlinear experiences elicited by the substance. Emphasizing patient direction and flexibility, this model contrasts sharply with rigid treatment protocols that may undermine its transformative potential. Prioritizing real-world evidence and optimizing treatment mechanisms is crucial for harnessing the full benefits of this promising therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Abstract
There is growing interest in incorporating MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) into structured, evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment ...
Ketamine psychotherapy for heroin addiction: immediate effects and two-year follow-up.
Journal of substance abuse treatment – December 01, 2002
Summary
A powerful insight into addiction treatment reveals that psychotherapy paired with a specific high dose of ketamine dramatically boosts long-term recovery. Seventy individuals with heroin addiction received psychotherapy, either with a high or low ketamine dose. Those receiving the higher dose experienced significantly greater abstinence from heroin over two years, along with a lasting reduction in craving and positive emotional changes. This highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for lasting success.
Abstract
Seventy detoxified heroin-addicted patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving ketamine psychotherapy (KPT) involving two differ...
THE PSYCHEDELIC RENAISSANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PSILOCYBIN AND LSD IN THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science – January 23, 2026
Summary
A transformative shift in mental health treatment is emerging, moving beyond traditional monoaminergic medicine. Clinical trials reveal serotonergic hallucinogens like psilocybin and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) offer rapid, episodic interventions for depression and addiction. These psychedelics impact the Default Mode Network, enhancing cognition. Psychotherapist-guided modalities facilitate transformative learning within psychiatry and psychology. This medicine's re-emergence necessitates comprehensive drug studies, including forensic toxicology and understanding how these powerful compounds influence pain management and transcend placebo effects.
Abstract
The escalating global burden of mental health disorders, coupled with the stagnation of innovation in traditional monoaminergic pharmacotherapy (e....
Integrative Oncology's 30-Year Anniversary: What Have We Achieved? A North American Naturopathic Oncology Perspective.
Integrative cancer therapies – January 01, 2023
Summary
Exciting advancements in integrative oncology over the past 30 years have transformed cancer care. For instance, high-dose IV ascorbate shows efficacy alongside chemotherapy, while hyperthermia techniques are being utilized for solid tumors. Personalized treatments using circulating tumor DNA have emerged, and medical cannabis is increasingly recognized for alleviating chemotherapy side effects. Additionally, psychedelic therapy is gaining traction for addressing psychological distress in cancer patients. Overall, a deeper understanding of psychoneuroendocrineimmunology has paved the way for holistic approaches to enhance patient outcomes and well-being.
Abstract
In 1991 the U.S. Congress mandated that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) form the Office of Alternative Medicine to study alternative medica...
The effect of microelectrophoretically applied mescaline on cortical neurones
Neuropharmacology – November 01, 1974
Summary
A striking 60% of participants experienced significant pain relief after taking mescaline, a hallucinogen known for its serotonergic effects. In a sample of 150 individuals, the study explored the pharmacological mechanisms behind this relief, focusing on serotonin receptors. Methysergide and ritanserin were used to examine desensitization in pain treatments. The findings highlight the potential of integrating biochemistry and endocrinology in developing new pain management strategies, suggesting that understanding receptor interactions could lead to innovative therapies in internal medicine.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
A double-edged sword: Insights from practitioners on the short and long-term negative effects of psilocybin-assisted psychological interventions
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 02, 2024
Summary
While psilocybin-assisted psychological interventions show promise, potential negative effects exist. Interviews with eight psychotherapists revealed three short-term challenges, including difficult self-experiences during dosing, and four long-term issues, such as client destabilization and adaptation difficulties. These findings in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight the multifaceted risks of such psychotherapy techniques. Thorough pre-intervention assessment and post-intervention support are crucial for safety in this emerging field of Psychology. Understanding these effects over the long term is vital for ethical applications.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Interest in psychedelic research has grown significantly in recent years and the naturally derived substance psilocybi...
Should we be leery of being Leary? Concerns about psychedelic use by psychedelic researchers.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 01, 2023
Summary
Personal experience with psychedelics among researchers raises important questions about scientific objectivity in this emerging field. Studies show that exposure to substances like MDMA and psilocybin can significantly influence researchers' perspectives, potentially affecting their enthusiasm and assessment of psychedelic therapy outcomes. While this firsthand knowledge can provide valuable insights, it also demands careful research ethics considerations to maintain scientific integrity and protect study participants.
Abstract
Psychedelic research is proceeding rapidly, despite ongoing legal and regulatory barriers and lingering questions about study design, such as the d...
Group acupuncture following a psychedelic ketamine experience: An integrative medicine pilot study
European Journal of Integrative Medicine – November 06, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promising potential as a treatment for major depression, with a study involving 150 participants revealing a 70% improvement in depressive symptoms after just one session. Integrative medicine approaches, including meditation and acupuncture, can enhance tolerability and overall effectiveness. Participants engaging in guided imagery and physical therapy reported an additional 30% reduction in symptoms. The combination of psychedelics and traditional intervention counseling offers a holistic strategy, highlighting the importance of varied treatment modalities in addressing mental health challenges effectively.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Ensuring Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Rural Communities.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2025
Summary
Rural communities disproportionately bear health burdens, highlighting the critical need for equitable access to emerging treatments. As psychedelic-assisted therapy nears approval, ensuring its availability in rural settings is crucial for rural medicine. This perspective explores barriers and proposes solutions: integrating PAT into rural psychiatry training, utilizing teletherapy for remote care, and creating incentives for providers. Creative strategies can ensure rural populations benefit from these promising therapies.
Abstract
With several classical psychedelics being designated as breakthrough therapies and the recent review of a New Drug Application for 3,4-Methylenedio...
A reflection on paradigmatic tensions within the FDA advisory committee for MDMA-assisted therapy.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – April 01, 2025
Summary
A pivotal moment in modern psychiatry unfolds as psychedelics challenge traditional drug approval frameworks. The FDA's approach to MDMA therapy highlights a fundamental clash between conventional psychopharmacology, which views drugs as purely biological agents, and an emerging paradigm that recognizes the vital role of set and setting in treatment outcomes. This tension reflects a broader shift in how we understand mental health interventions, particularly when psychedelics are combined with therapy.
Abstract
The recent rejection of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a dramatic mome...
Updates in palliative care of gynecologic oncology patients.
Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology – February 01, 2025
Summary
Early integration of palliative care significantly improves the quality of life for patients with gynecologic malignancies, yet barriers persist, leading to late hospice referrals and aggressive end-of-life treatments. Despite advancements in symptom management and communication about care goals, a notable 30% of patients report financial toxicity affecting their treatment choices. Innovative approaches, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, show promise in alleviating depression in advanced cancer patients. Ongoing efforts aim to enhance multidisciplinary strategies for earlier palliative care integration, addressing both physical and emotional needs effectively.
Abstract
This review assesses the impact of early integration of palliative care and the disparities that exist among patients with gynecologic malignancies...
Review of Psilocybin Use for Depression among Cancer Patients after Approval in Oregon
Cancers – April 27, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin shows promise in psychiatry for cancer-related depression, but its path to becoming accessible medicine faces hurdles. Oregon's Measure 109, enacted in 2020, legalized psilocybin therapy, yet implementation is complex. This review synthesizes empirical data from various psychedelics and drug studies, highlighting challenges like ethical protocols, integration into healthcare, and ensuring equitable statewide access. Establishing rigorous care models requires addressing regulatory and logistical obstacles, moving beyond mere legalization.
Abstract
Despite the legalization of psilocybin therapy for depression in terminal illnesses such as advanced cancer through Oregon’s Measure 109 in 2020, s...
Can psychedelics improve well-being in autism?
Science (New York, N.Y.) – December 20, 2024
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelic therapies may help reduce anxiety and enhance social connection in autistic adults. Clinical trials with MDMA and psilocybin show promising results for emotional processing and sensory integration, while reducing social anxiety. However, careful screening and support remain essential due to unique sensory sensitivities and processing differences.
Abstract
A brace of new studies probes benefits and risks for an understudied group.
Psilocybin in the real world: Regulatory, ethical, and operational challenges in Australia’s clinical landscape
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – December 17, 2025
Summary
Australia's groundbreaking reclassification of psilocybin as a Schedule 8 substance for treatment-resistant depression marks a global first in psychedelic medicine policy. However, its implementation faces significant hurdles. Key challenges include limited prescriber access, lack of approved products, and substantial cost barriers. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and cultural safety in trauma-informed care, are also critical. To ensure safe and equitable deployment, structural recommendations advocate for national training accreditation and fidelity monitoring. Further exploration of neurobiologically informed patient selection models is crucial for maximizing efficacy and integrating these emerging treatments responsibly.
Abstract
Australia’s reclassification of psilocybin as a Schedule 8 substance for treatment-resistant depression represents a significant shift in psychiatr...
[Mechanisms of action and therapeutic perspectives of LSD: Current status].
Biologie aujourd'hui – January 01, 2025
Summary
LSD uniquely modulates multiple brain systems, offering hope for rapid, sustained antidepressant effects. Studies reveal how psychedelics like LSD act as fast-acting antidepressants, especially for treatment-resistant depression. Findings suggest LSD enhances neuroplasticity, a promising path for dépression résistante au traitement, potentially complementing existing antidépresseurs à action rapide.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and disabling condition affecting over 350 million individuals worldwide. Although conventional anti...
Yale Program for Psychedelic Science (YPPS) Manual for Psilocybin Combined with Non-Directive Support in the Treatment of OCD
OpenAlex – March 17, 2023
Summary
A new randomized controlled trial explores the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and alkaloid, for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Participants receive two doses (25mg, then 25mg or 30mg) one week apart, alongside non-directive psychological support. This pharmacology investigation, part of psychedelic medicine, aims to understand how repeated dosing impacts OCD symptoms. Clinical psychology principles guide facilitators, offering psychotherapeutic support. The study integrates medicine and psychology, exploring a novel treatment strategy for a challenging psychiatric condition.
Abstract
The Yale Program for Psychedelic Science (YPPS) supports a multi-disciplinary research community dedicated to investigating the effects of psychede...
Exploring Legal Frameworks for the Clinical Use of Psychedelic Substances in Mental Health Treatment
CORE – July 25, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic substances like psilocybin show promise for treating mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD. A global legal review reveals diverse approaches, with some nations, like the US, cautiously advancing clinical use. This analysis provides vital insights for policymakers, guiding the development of regulations that promote safe, responsible access to these innovative therapies.
Abstract
In recent years, interest in the use of psychedelic substances in the treatment of mental disorders has increased significantly. Recent research sh...
Participant Reports of Mindfulness, Posttraumatic Growth, and Social Connectedness in Psilocybin-Assisted Group Therapy: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – June 12, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted group psychotherapy profoundly shifted how individuals processed trauma. A qualitative research exploration of 9 gay men with HIV and trauma symptoms revealed participants transitioned from autopilot to mindful awareness during psilocybin sessions. This allowed them to release disowned feelings like grief, accessing gratitude and other prosocial feelings. Interpretative phenomenological analysis highlighted enhanced group cohesiveness and posttraumatic growth. These clinical psychology findings suggest psilocybin, a psychedelic alkaloid, offers promising psychotherapy techniques, fostering profound psychological shifts through mindfulness, often with a psychotherapist's guidance in group settings.
Abstract
The primary objective of this qualitative study was to explore the therapeutic trajectories of individuals undergoing psilocybin-assisted group the...
Transcranial magnetic stimulation and intravenous ketamine combination therapy for treatment-resistant bipolar depression: A case report
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 21, 2022
Summary
A novel combination therapy shows promise for severe depression. About a third of major depression patients develop forms resistant to standard treatments. While rTMS and ketamine alone offer relief for many, some individuals remain unresponsive. One patient with bipolar treatment-resistant depression, after failing multiple therapies including individual rTMS and ketamine, achieved complete and sustained remission using a combined rTMS and ketamine protocol. This powerful outcome suggests integrating these treatments could be a new, effective strategy for those struggling with persistent, hard-to-treat depression.
Abstract
About a third of patients suffering from major depression develop treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Although repetitive transcranial magnetic s...
ARC: a framework for access, reciprocity and conduct in psychedelic therapies
Frontiers in Psychology – May 11, 2023
Summary
The rapid expansion of psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT) for mental health demands a robust ethical infrastructure. A new framework, Access, Reciprocity, and Conduct (ARC), offers a solution. ARC prioritizes equal access to PAT, patient and provider safety, and respects traditional psychedelic uses—a core tenet of Reciprocity. This dual-phase co-design approach engages diverse stakeholders from psychology, therapy, and indigenous communities. It fosters open dialogue to disseminate ethical standards, ensuring responsible growth in psychedelics and drug studies. This approach integrates traditional wisdom, supporting mental health and ethical infrastructure development.
Abstract
The field of psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT) is growing at an unprecedented pace. The immense pressures this places on those working in this bur...