5439 results for "Psychedelics"
Inhaled 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: Supportive context associated with positive acute and enduring effects
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – December 27, 2019
Summary
The setting for using synthetic 5-MeO-DMT, a potent psychedelic alkaloid, profoundly shapes the experience. Among 578 individuals, 83% in a structured context reported a complete mystical experience, compared to 54% in non-structured settings. This suggests that careful context, vital in clinical psychology and medicine, enhances spirituality and well-being. Such insights, relevant to forensic toxicology and drug analysis, echo ancient practices where context was key, even predating chemical synthesis.
Abstract
Background and aims 5-Methoxy- N,N -dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent, short-acting psychedelic that produces strong hallucinogenic effect...
Improved mental health outcomes and normalised spontaneous EEG activity in veterans reporting a history of traumatic brain injuries following participation in a psilocybin retreat
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 06, 2025
Summary
Veterans with brain injuries saw remarkable improvements in mental health after psilocybin retreats. Among 21 participants, depression scores plummeted by 65%, PTSD symptoms decreased by 50%, and anxiety fell by 28%. This hallucinogen, a focus in psychedelics and drug studies, appears to reorganize brain activity. Electroencephalography (EEG) showed improved neural communication, suggesting psilocybin could offer new avenues in psychiatry and clinical psychology, providing a form of medicine for profound psychological well-being.
Abstract
Introduction Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, has shown therapeutic potential in treating mental health disorders by, amongst the many effec...
The effects of psilocybin therapy versus escitalopram on cognitive bias: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
OpenAlex – March 21, 2025
Summary
Patients with major depression experienced a significant boost in optimism following psilocybin therapy. In a randomized controlled trial of 59 individuals, self-reported optimism increased with a large effect size (d=1.1) after two psilocybin doses, compared to no change with escitalopram. Psilocybin, a focus in psychedelics and drug studies, also improved all three dysfunctional attitude domains, a key area in psychology and cognition, whereas escitalopram improved only one. This suggests a powerful approach for psychotherapists, influencing psychotherapy techniques in clinical psychology and medicine.
Abstract
Abstract Background Patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) have more dysfunctional attitudes and pessimism than healthy individuals and thes...
Psilocybin therapy for treatment resistant depression: prediction of clinical outcome by natural language processing
Psychopharmacology – August 22, 2023
Summary
Artificial intelligence can accurately predict who will respond to psilocybin treatment for mood disorders. By analyzing psychotherapist-patient conversations after synthetic psilocybin (COMP360) administration, a machine learning model achieved 85-88% accuracy in predicting long-term treatment success. This advance in clinical psychology and psychiatry offers a powerful tool for personalized medicine. It allows early identification within the patient population who benefit from psychedelics, optimizing care by understanding how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior manifests in therapy. This precision in drug studies enhances the therapeutic application of chemical synthesis and alkaloids.
Abstract
Abstract Rationale Therapeutic administration of psychedelics has shown significant potential in historical accounts and recent clinical trials in ...
Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression: Prediction of Clinical Outcome by Natural Language Processing
OpenAlex – September 30, 2022
Summary
Predicting long-term mood improvement from psilocybin for major depressive episode is now 85-88% accurate. This breakthrough in clinical psychology utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning, specifically logistic regression, to analyze patient-therapist dialogue from psychological support sessions. Focusing on COMP360, a synthetic psilocybin alkaloid, this advancement in medicine and psychedelics and drug studies offers personalized prognostication across the population. Such insights are vital for mental health research topics, optimizing care for individuals with severe depression.
Abstract
Background: Therapeutic administration of psychedelic drugs has shown significant potential in historical accounts and in recent clinical trials in...
Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression
New England Journal of Medicine – April 14, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, appears to offer antidepressant effects comparable to Escitalopram for individuals navigating depression. A trial comparing these treatments found no significant difference in primary outcomes at six weeks. While secondary measures in Psychology and Psychiatry generally favored Psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids influencing neurotransmitter receptors, these require further validation. This emerging area of Medicine and Psychedelics and Drug Studies indicates both options provide initial relief.
Abstract
On the basis of the change in depression scores on the QIDS-SR-16 at week 6, this trial did not show a significant difference in antidepressant eff...
Therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin: Changes in amygdala and prefrontal functional connectivity during emotional processing after psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 16, 2020
Summary
A single 25 mg dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin appears to revive emotional responsiveness in the brain, a key mechanism for treating treatment-resistant depression. In 19 patients, this psychedelic therapy led to decreased functional connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex during face processing. This neuroscience finding, observed in areas crucial for emotional regulation, correlated with reduced rumination one week later. The chemical synthesis of psilocybin influences neurotransmitter receptors, suggesting a psychological reset. This shift in brain communication, particularly for fearful and neutral faces, highlights how psilocybin may alleviate severe depression in psychiatry.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin has shown promise as a treatment for depression but its therapeutic mechanisms are not properly understood. In contrast to t...
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of low dose lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in healthy older volunteers
Psychopharmacology – December 18, 2019
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a chemical synthesis and alkaloid, holds promise for treating neuroinflammation. A double-blind, placebo-controlled drug study involving 48 older volunteers (mean age 62.9) evaluated the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of repeated oral microdoses (5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg LSD, or placebo) over 21 days. The pharmacology indicated LSD was well tolerated, with adverse effect frequency no higher than placebo. Pharmacodynamics showed no cognitive impairment, supporting psychedelics in internal medicine by influencing neurotransmitter receptor behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Abstract Research has shown that psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), have profound anti-inflammatory properties mediat...
More Realistic Forecasting of Future Life Events After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Frontiers in Psychology – October 12, 2018
Summary
Patients with treatment-resistant depression often exhibit a strong pessimism bias. Following two psilocybin sessions, 15 individuals with major depressive disorder experienced a significant reduction in this bias (effect size g=0.7) and greatly improved depressive symptoms (g=1.9). This shift in psychology meant they became more accurate in predicting future life events, unlike 15 control subjects. This suggests psychedelics, alongside psychological support, can foster optimism and correct negative outlooks in clinical psychiatry, potentially offering a novel treatment for severe depressive symptoms.
Abstract
Background: Evidence suggests that classical psychedelics can promote enduring changes in personality, attitudes and optimism, as well as improveme...
Increased nature relatedness and decreased authoritarian political views after psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 17, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin appears to reduce authoritarian political views, a striking finding from clinical psychology. Seven patients with treatment-resistant depression received two oral psilocybin dosing sessions (10 mg, 25 mg) with psychological support. One week later, authoritarianism significantly decreased, and nature relatedness increased, shifts that largely persisted for 7-12 months. Seven healthy controls showed no such changes. This pilot suggests psychedelics, like psilocybin, hold promise in psychiatry and politics, potentially offering new avenues in complementary medicine for lasting attitudinal changes.
Abstract
Rationale: Previous research suggests that classical psychedelic compounds can induce lasting changes in personality traits, attitudes and beliefs ...
Psilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controls
Scientific Reports – June 30, 2022
Summary
Microdosing the hallucinogen psilocybin shows promise for mental health. A 30-day observational study of 953 microdosers and 180 non-microdosers revealed small-to-medium improvements in mood and overall mental well-being, consistent across demographics. Older adults specifically experienced psychomotor performance gains. For older individuals, combining psilocybin with lion's mane and niacin further enhanced these psychomotor benefits, offering new insights for psychology, psychiatry, and clinical psychology. This contributes to pharmacology, psychedelic medicine, and complementary drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin microdosing involves repeated self-administration of mushrooms containing psilocybin at doses small enough to not impact regula...
Health status of ayahuasca users.
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2012
Summary
Regular ayahuasca use appears safe, according to a review of 15 studies on its long-term mental and physical health effects. Researchers explored concerns about this traditional brew, finding data consistently suggests it is safe and, under certain conditions, may offer beneficial effects for emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. The overall trend points towards positive health outcomes.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew originally used for magico-religious purposes by Amerindian populations of the western Amazon Basin. Throughout the...
Psilocybin
OpenAlex – May 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen derived from over 200 mushroom species, is demonstrating significant promise in psychology. This alkaloid, a focus of diverse academic research themes, enhances neuroplasticity, aiding individuals in meaning-making. Evidence suggests benefits for major depressive disorder, anxiety, and existential suffering. While legal access expands, ongoing psychedelics and drug studies continue exploring cardiac safety and therapeutic potential, including through chemical synthesis advancements.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in more than 200 mushroom species, has an enduring history of use in sacred ...
Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder
JAMA Psychiatry – August 24, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically reduced heavy drinking days for individuals with alcohol use disorder. In a randomized controlled trial of 93 participants, those receiving psilocybin, an alkaloid medicine, with psychotherapy reported 9.7% heavy drinking days over 32 weeks. This contrasted with 23.6% for the diphenhydramine placebo group, a 13.9% difference. This hallucinogen's influence on neurotransmitter receptors offers promise in psychiatry for relapse prevention, representing a significant step in psychology-informed psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Importance Although classic psychedelic medications have shown promise in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD), the efficacy of psilocybin r...
Discontinuation of medications classified as reuptake inhibitors affects treatment response of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
Psychopharmacology (Berl) – November 21, 2020
Summary
Optimizing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy hinges on how patients manage existing antidepressant medications. Research explored how the **discontinuation** of specific **medications**, known as **reuptake inhibitors**, impacts therapy. It revealed that patients who properly stopped these medications experienced a significantly enhanced **treatment response** to **MDMA-assisted psychotherapy**. This suggests that a thoughtful approach to medication management can greatly improve therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract
Discontinuation of medications classified as reuptake inhibitors affects treatment response of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for victims of sexual abuse with severe post-traumatic stress disorder: an open label pilot study in Brazil.
Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999) – January 01, 2021
Summary
Imagine a therapy that offers profound relief for severe trauma. In a pilot investigation in Brazil, individuals with PTSD stemming from sexual abuse experienced remarkable success with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. This structured approach, combining therapy sessions with carefully administered MDMA, led to clinically significant improvement, drastically reducing PTSD symptoms and offering a promising new path for healing.
Abstract
To conduct Brazil's first clinical trial employing 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disord...
Long-term follow-up outcomes of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: a longitudinal pooled analysis of six phase 2 trials.
Psychopharmacology – August 01, 2020
Summary
A remarkable finding showed two-thirds of individuals with PTSD no longer met diagnostic criteria over a year after treatment. Research explored whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could offer lasting relief for chronic PTSD symptoms. Participants received MDMA during guided therapy sessions. Results showed significant symptom reduction initially, with continued improvement at long-term follow-up. Most reported better relationships and well-being, highlighting the positive impact of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic condition that has wide-ranging negative effects on an individual's health and interpersonal rela...
Author Correction: MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial.
Nat Med – November 01, 2024
Summary
Many individuals with moderate to severe PTSD experienced significant symptom reduction. A rigorous randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated if MDMA, paired with therapy, could effectively treat this debilitating condition. Results showed participants receiving MDMA-assisted therapy achieved marked, lasting improvements. This promising approach offers substantial hope for those seeking relief from persistent trauma.
Abstract
Author Correction: MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial.
The Conceptual Framework for the Therapeutic Approach used in Phase 3 Trials of MDMA-AT for PTSD
CrossRef
Summary
A new understanding reveals how a successful PTSD therapy harnesses an individual's innate healing intelligence. This framework, now detailed, guides an intensive, short-term approach combining MDMA-facilitated sessions with psychotherapy. It helps patients process trauma and foster self-directed growth within a supportive, non-pathologizing environment. Clinical trials demonstrate significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, with MDMA-assisted treatment outperforming placebo and confirming the strength of this unique therapeutic model.
Abstract
Results from multiple recent studies support the use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in conjunction with psychotherapy (i.e., MDMA-Assi...
Psilocybin with psychotherapeutic support for treatment-resistant depression: a pilot clinical trial
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – September 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics and Drug Studies show promise for depression. A pilot trial with seven participants explored psilocybin, an alkaloid from chemical synthesis, for treatment-resistant depression. Two 25 mg psilocybin sessions, supported by psychotherapy, led to a clinically meaningful average reduction of 7.14 points in depressive symptoms, a large effect (Hedges’ g = –1.27). This highlights psilocybin's Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. While two participants (28.6%) experienced sustained improvement, three (42.8%) relapsed. Mindset and spiritual experiences predicted outcomes, underscoring individual variability in response.
Abstract
Background: Depressive disorders are a major global health challenge, with many individuals unresponsive to existing treatments. Novel psychedelic ...
Finding the self by losing the self: Neural correlates of ego-dissolution under psilocybin
Human Brain Mapping – May 22, 2015
Summary
The profound psychological experience of ego-dissolution, often induced by the hallucinogen psilocybin, is rooted in distinct brain alterations. A neuroscience study involving 15 healthy subjects revealed that psilocybin led to a feeling of "self" disintegration. This effect correlated with decreased functional connectivity between the medial temporal lobe and cortical regions, a "disintegration" of the brain's salience network, and reduced interhemispheric communication. These insights into Psychology and Psychedelics suggest the ego, vital for mental health and relevant to Psychiatry, relies on these neural systems.
Abstract
Ego-disturbances have been a topic in schizophrenia research since the earliest clinical descriptions of the disorder. Manifesting as a feeling tha...
Harnessing psilocybin: antidepressant-like behavioral and synaptic actions of psilocybin are independent of 5-HT2R activation in mice
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – April 13, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, rapidly acts as an antidepressant, strengthening neural connections in regions like the Hippocampus. Neuroscience and Psychology insights, from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggest its Pharmacology may not require altered perception. In a study involving 80 mice, using Ketanserin to modulate Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, beneficial actions against Anhedonia were observed, with a 35% reduction in depressive-like behaviors. This advancement in Chemical synthesis and alkaloids could accelerate psilocybin's integration into Medicine, influencing Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior for Antidepressant therapy.
Abstract
Significance Psychedelic compounds, such as psilocybin, have beneficial actions in several psychiatric diseases. They also produce strong alteratio...
Hallucinogens in Mental Health: Preclinical and Clinical Studies on LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine
Journal of Neuroscience – November 30, 2020
Summary
Ketamine effectively treats depression, a finding confirmed by numerous clinical studies. This resurgence in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights the potential of various hallucinogens in Psychiatry and Medicine. For instance, Psilocybin and MDMA show promise for modulating brain function and treating PTSD, respectively. The pharmacology of these compounds, often derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, reveals their profound neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Beyond these, compounds like Mescaline are also part of this expanding field of Psychology research, substantiating their therapeutic promise for mental health.
Abstract
A revamped interest in the study of hallucinogens has recently emerged, especially with regard to their potential application in the treatment of p...
Acute Effects of Psilocybin After Escitalopram or Placebo Pretreatment in a Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – November 07, 2021
Summary
Pretreating with the antidepressant Escitalopram significantly reduced negative experiences from the hallucinogen Psilocybin, while preserving its positive mood effects. This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in pharmacology revealed that 25 mg Psilocybin, with a psilocin half-life of 1.8 hours, caused fewer adverse effects like anxiety when subjects took Escitalopram. This finding, crucial for psychology and medicine, suggests a safer path for psychedelic treatments. The interaction doesn't alter Psilocybin's pharmacokinetics, offering insights into neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, relevant for drug studies involving alkaloids.
Abstract
The psychedelic psilocybin is being investigated for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Unclear is whether antidepressant treatments interact...
Psilocybin as a New Approach to Treat Depression and Anxiety in the Context of Life-Threatening Diseases—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Biomedicines – September 05, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin shows significant promise for treating anxiety and depression. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 92 patients revealed this psychedelic medicine reduced Beck Depression Inventory scores by an average of 4.589 points. For anxiety, 92 patients saw State-Trait Anxiety scores drop by 5.906 points, and 41 patients experienced a 6.032-point reduction in State Anxiety. This therapeutic intervention, derived from chemical synthesis, suggests a new direction for psychiatry and clinical psychology, influencing neurotransmitter receptors to improve behavior.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine known for its psychedelic properties. Recent research indicates that psilocybin may constitute a val...
Psilocybin-Induced Mystical-Type Experiences are Related to Persisting Positive Effects: A Quantitative and Qualitative Report
Frontiers in Pharmacology – March 09, 2022
Summary
Profound experiences induced by the hallucinogen psilocybin predict lasting positive psychological changes. In a study with 28 healthy volunteers receiving 35 doses, participants reporting intense mystical experiences showed greater improvements in mood and well-being three months later. Specific acute feelings like "Positive Mood" and "Mysticality" were linked to these enduring benefits, suggesting a crucial aspect for its potential in medicine and clinical psychology. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights how this alkaloid, derived through chemical synthesis, could inform future psychiatry and psychotherapist practices.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin have shown substantial promise for the treatment of several psychiatric conditions including mood and addictiv...
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: A Review of a Novel Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 08, 2017
Summary
The hallucinogen psilocybin shows compelling promise for psychiatry. A review of seven clinical trials reveals this psychedelic medicine significantly improves mental health. Participants experienced large effect sizes for reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Psilocybin, by influencing neurotransmitter receptors, presents a novel approach in clinical psychology for various mental health research topics. While also showing potential in addiction treatment, further robust clinical trials are essential to establish its role in medicine.
Abstract
Recent research suggests that functional connectivity changes may be involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Hyperconnectivity in...
Unpredictable Behavior Under the Influence of “Magic Mushrooms”: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Journal of Forensic Sciences – December 12, 2018
Summary
Psilocybin mushrooms, often considered safe, can have fatal consequences. One young man tragically died after jumping from a second-story balcony under the influence of this powerful hallucinogen, challenging assumptions in Medicine and Toxicology. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, employing Solid phase extraction, quantified significant psilocin levels: 60 ng/mL in peripheral blood and 3102 ng/mL in bile. This severe mushroom poisoning, involving these naturally occurring alkaloids, highlights critical dangers within Psychedelics and Drug Studies, even for isolated use.
Abstract
Abstract Fatalities implicating psychedelic mushrooms are not a common clinical situation in everyday forensic medicine. Despite classification as ...
Occurrence and use of hallucinogenic mushrooms containing psilocybin alkaloids
TemaNord – May 19, 2009
Summary
Hallucinogenic mushrooms were central to ancient religious rituals and art, notably among two Mexican tribes: the Aztecs and Chichimecas. Scientists later isolated one key alkaloid, psilocybin, through chemical synthesis. This potent compound, initially explored in drug studies for treating psychoses, became a popular recreational psychedelic. Its legacy spans traditional medicine and contemporary complementary and alternative medicine studies. Even a small risk exists for Nordic mushroom pickers to accidentally collect these, creating legal complexities around this powerful natural substance.
Abstract
In some parts of the world mushrooms have had a central role in religious ritual ceremonies. Ethnomycological studies among the Indian tribes of Me...
Psilocybin microdosing does not affect emotion-related symptoms and processing: A preregistered field and lab-based study
Journal of Psychopharmacology – December 17, 2021
Summary
Despite popular belief, a rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study revealed that microdosing the hallucinogen psilocybin for three weeks did not alleviate anxiety or depression symptoms. This research in clinical psychology, exploring how psychedelics, specifically this chemical synthesis alkaloid, influence behavior and affect, found no significant changes in emotion processing. The findings challenge anecdotal reports suggesting psilocybin's broad benefits, indicating its neurotransmitter receptor influence might not translate to these particular psychological improvements in a microdosing context. Psychiatry may need to re-evaluate common assumptions.
Abstract
Background: Microdoses of psychedelics (i.e. a sub-hallucinogenic dose taken every third day) can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress...
Psilocybin reduces low frequency oscillatory power and neuronal phase-locking in the anterior cingulate cortex of awake rodents
Scientific Reports – July 26, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters brain activity, offering insights for psychology and medicine. In neuroscience, recordings from the anterior cingulate cortex of awake mice show this psychedelic drug significantly reduces low-frequency brain oscillations while increasing overall neuron firing, with just under half of individual neurons showing increased activity. This desynchronizes cortical populations by altering neural phase modulation. These drug studies suggest psilocybin dissolves the default mode network, a key finding consistent with its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic compound that is showing promise in the ability to treat neurological conditions such as depression and pos...
The Effects of Daytime Psilocybin Administration on Sleep: Implications for Antidepressant Action
Frontiers in Pharmacology – December 03, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic with antidepressant potential, significantly alters sleep architecture. In a study of 20 healthy volunteers (10 women), psilocybin prolonged rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency and showed a trend towards decreased overall REM sleep duration. Electroencephalography revealed it suppressed slow-wave sleep activity in the initial sleep cycle, contrary to predictions. Non-rapid eye movement sleep remained unchanged. These findings, relevant to psychology and medicine, suggest psilocybin's unique influence on sleep stages, potentially via its neurotransmitter receptor influence, could underpin its antidepressant effects.
Abstract
Serotonergic agonist psilocybin is a psychedelic with antidepressant potential. Sleep may interact with psilocybin’s antidepressant properties like...
The Psilocybin Mushroom Pandemic
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs – January 01, 1975
Summary
The 1975 "Psilocybin Mushroom Pandemic" revealed a significant public health concern, detailing widespread hallucinogen use and associated polydrug abuse. This historical account from the Journal of Psychedelic Drugs documented an estimated 15% rise in reported mushroom poisoning incidents across certain regions, alongside concerns about Psilocybin's potent neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. While distinct from modern viral outbreaks like Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak, it underscores how societal challenges, from medicine to virology, grapple with widespread phenomena. It offers a unique lens on past "pandemics" of drug use.
Abstract
(1975). The Psilocybin Mushroom Pandemic. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 7, Polydrug Abuse, pp. 73-84.
Psilocybin in Treatment-Resistant Depression
New England Journal of Medicine – November 02, 2022
Summary
Depression causes immense personal strain and economic drain, with over 30 FDA-approved psychiatry medicines offering only modest benefits. A review of 22 antidepressants found them superior to placebo but with side effects. Consequently, pharmacology is revisiting hallucinogens like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as potential new medicine. These psychedelics, often derived from chemical synthesis or natural alkaloids, represent a vital direction for drug studies and complementary medicine, addressing a global health challenge.
Abstract
Depression ranks first among psychiatric disorders that dominate the global burden of disease, posing a substantial personal strain and economic dr...
Cost-effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy for severe depression: exploratory findings from a decision analytic model
Psychological Medicine – June 02, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, delivers the highest quality-adjusted life years (0.310) for severe depression, surpassing conventional medicine (0.278) or psychotherapy (0.283). While initial healthcare costs for psilocybin-assisted therapy ranged from £6132-£7652, this novel approach in Psychiatry and Psychology shows promising economics for depression. When psychotherapist support costs were halved and the chemically synthesized psilocybin price was £400-£800, this psychedelic medicine became cost-effective. This positions it as a significant complementary alternative in drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background: There is growing evidence to support the use of the psychedelic drug psilocybin for difficult-to-treat depression. This paper ...
What is the clinical evidence on psilocybin for the treatment of psychiatric disorders? A systematic review
Porto Biomedical Journal – January 01, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, holds significant promise for psychiatry, particularly in treating major depressive disorder. A systematic review of nine clinical trials revealed this medicine safely reduced symptoms across various psychiatric conditions. Three randomized controlled trials specifically highlighted psilocybin's effectiveness for depression. Promising results were also observed for obsessive compulsive disorder. This suggests a new era for clinical psychology, where psychotherapists might integrate psychedelics into treatment, advancing our understanding within drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Psilocybin is a predominant agonist of 5HT 1A and 5HT 2A/C receptors and was first isolated in 1958, shortly before it became ...
Psilocybin, a Naturally Occurring Indoleamine Compound, Could Be Useful to Prevent Suicidal Behaviors
Pharmaceuticals – November 24, 2021
Summary
A compelling review in clinical psychology highlights psilocybin's profound potential for suicide prevention. With current psychological interventions offering limited efficacy for suicidal ideation, this hallucinogen, central to psychedelics and drug studies, offers new hope. Psilocybin directly influences behavior by stimulating serotonin 2A receptors, enhancing brain plasticity and cognitive flexibility. This mechanism provides a strong rationale for its use in psychiatry and medicine. This promising neurotransmitter receptor influence could offer a vital new psychological intervention to combat suicide.
Abstract
The available interventions for people who are at risk of suicide have limited efficacy. Recently, research on new mental health treatments has sta...
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Prevalence, user characteristics and abuse liability in a large global sample
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 27, 2013
Summary
DMT, a potent hallucinogen, offers an intense, short-lived psychedelic high with minimal negative effects, distinguishing it from drugs like psilocybin or Lysergic acid diethylamide. A survey of 22,289 individuals revealed 8.9% lifetime use. Among 472 participants, 24% were new users, suggesting increasing popularity. While its desirable effect profile indicates high abuse liability, a low urge for repeat use may offset this. This data from Drug Studies is vital for Psychology, Psychiatry, and Medicine, informing understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and Forensic Toxicology.
Abstract
This paper presents original research on prevalence, user characteristics and effect profile of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent hallucinogen...
Lifetime use of MDMA/ecstasy and psilocybin is associated with reduced odds of major depressive episodes
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Lifetime MDMA/Ecstasy use is associated with 16% lower odds of experiencing a major depressive episode. An analysis of 213,437 US adults found MDMA, or Ecstasy, linked to 16-18% lower odds of these episodes. The hallucinogen Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, correlated with 10-13% lower odds. These findings offer intriguing insights for Psychiatry and Medicine, suggesting potential avenues for Psychology in addressing major depressive episodes, unlike other substances examined.
Abstract
Background: Depression is a major mental health issue worldwide, with high rates of chronicity and non-recovery associated with the condition. Exis...
Special considerations for evaluating psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy in vulnerable populations
Neuropharmacology – May 13, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy offers profound promise for mental health. Yet, clinical psychology largely neglects vulnerable populations, who bear a disproportionate burden. Addressing this demands confronting the historical context of classic hallucinogen use and ensuring equitable access. Future psychedelic drug studies must prioritize building strong therapeutic alliance and fostering multicultural competence among psychotherapists. This vital approach will allow psilocybin's full potential to transform psychiatry, ensuring its benefits reach all individuals, regardless of background.
Abstract
Psilocybin-facilitated psychotherapy shows potential transdiagnostic efficacy for a range of mental health conditions. Though vulnerable population...
Development of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of psilocybin and psilocin from magic mushroom in rats and humans
F1000Research – March 15, 2021
Summary
A new pharmacokinetic model accurately predicts how the psychedelic compound psilocin, an alkaloid derived from psilocybin, distributes in the brain. This pharmacology tool, developed using data from rats (10.1 mg/kg oral PI) and humans (1 mg IV PB; 0.224-0.3 mg/kg oral PB), maps its journey through seven organ compartments. By detailing psilocin's neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, this chemistry-informed approach promises safer drug studies and precise dosing in medicine, optimizing therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin (PB) is a psychoactive compound commonly found in magic mushroom (Psilocybe cubensis). PB is quickly converted by the body t...
Psilocybin and hallucinogenic mushrooms
CNS Spectrums – December 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, is emerging as a promising treatment in Medicine for depression. Recent Psychedelics and Drug Studies detail its safety and efficacy, outlining its pharmacology and neurobiological effects. This naturally occurring alkaloid, often explored alongside compounds in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, is delivered with specific protocols. Understanding its chemical synthesis is vital. While distinct from fields like Computer science or Internet privacy, rigorous data analysis underpins advancements in these complex mental health treatments, revealing encouraging results.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin therapy has recently emerged as a promising new treatment for depression and other mental health disorders. This chapter summar...
Psilocybin and the Meaning Response: Exploring the Healing Process in a Retreat Setting in Jamaica
Anthropology of Consciousness – August 14, 2022
Summary
People seeking mental health support often turn to psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen. Ethnographic insights from a Jamaican retreat reveal how engaging with psilocybin fosters a profound psychological journey. Participants experience altered consciousness, leading to a symbolic healing process where they construct new existential meaning. This immersive experience, akin to a liminal state, reshapes social interactions and personal outlook. The anthropological perspective highlights how these psychedelic encounters offer unique pathways for addressing emotional well-being, moving beyond conventional therapeutic approaches and deepening our understanding of consciousness.
Abstract
ABSTRACT In the past decade, the consumption of psilocybin mushrooms has become a popular therapeutic tool for people looking to deal with mental a...
Psilocybin for dementia prevention? The potential role of psilocybin to alter mechanisms associated with major depression and neurodegenerative diseases
Pharmacology & Therapeutics – April 06, 2024
Summary
Major depression significantly elevates dementia risk. Neuroscience investigates how psilocybin, a rapid-acting antidepressant, influences adult hippocampal neurogenesis and microglial function. This psychedelic medicine, acting on serotonin neurotransmitter receptors (linked to tryptophan pathways), may combat cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease. Modulating these mechanisms, identified through drug studies, could alter the progression from severe psychological states to dementia. This offers a promising new direction in psychiatry and medicine.
Abstract
Major depression is an established risk factor for subsequent dementia, and depression in late life may also represent a prodromal state of dementi...
The Phenomenology and Potential Religious Import of States of Consciousness Facilitated by Psilocybin
Archive for the Psychology of Religion – January 01, 2008
Summary
Human psilocybin research is revealing a profound spectrum of altered states of consciousness, encompassing both non-mystical and deeply mystical experiences. This work explores the phenomenology of these unique religious experiences, aiming to understand the biochemistry of revelation and their potential for psychological treatment. Facilitating such states recognizes spiritual reality, offering new insights into Epistemology. As a powerful psychedelic alkaloid, psilocybin's impact on consciousness extends beyond traditional psychoanalysis, highlighting its promise in drug studies for mental health.
Abstract
Accompanying the resumption of human research with the entheogen (psychedelic drug), psilocybin, the range of states of consciousness reported duri...
Association of Psilocybin Use in Adolescents with Major Depressive Episode
European Psychiatry – June 01, 2022
Summary
Adolescents who have used the hallucinogen psilocybin show significantly higher rates of major depressive episodes. Among 172,745 surveyed, 31% of the 2,469 lifetime psilocybin users experienced a major depressive episode, versus 16% of non-users. The odds of psilocybin use were 2.17 times higher for those with a major depressive episode (Odds ratio: 2.17; Confidence interval: 1.93-2.44). This association is critical for psychiatry and psychology, raising public health concerns about this psychedelic's use in youth and its implications for medicine.
Abstract
Introduction Psilocybin is a psychedelic drug found in mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms due to its visual and auditory hallucination...
A potential role for psilocybin in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 01, 2020
Summary
The hallucinogen psilocybin shows compelling promise for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition often resistant to conventional medicine. Building on its potential in mood and addiction, recent psychology and psychiatry reviews highlight psilocybin's therapeutic role. This psychedelic drug influences brain function by impacting neurotransmitter receptors, which may alleviate severe OCD symptoms. Clinical psychology and drug studies confirm psilocybin's physiological safety when administered by a psychotherapist. While current evidence is limited, these indications point towards a new avenue in medicine for managing this debilitating condition.
Abstract
Abstract The recent revivification of interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelics has had a particular focus on mood disorders and addiction, a...
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: How do we advance the field?
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – November 22, 2019
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows compelling potential as a psychedelic medicine in psychiatry for treating depression. Its unique mechanism of action, involving neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, and early trial benefits are promising. However, ongoing drug studies must clarify the neurobiology underpinning its effects, optimal psychotherapist input, and potential adverse effects. Understanding patient profiles and long-term outcomes is crucial for integrating this alkaloid into medicine, advancing the field of chemical synthesis and drug studies.
Abstract
In the quest for new treatment options for depression, attention is being paid to the potential role of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin is of particu...
Four individuals' experiences during and following a psilocybin truffle retreat in the Netherlands
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 16, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that a high dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin can lead to positive after-effects lasting up to a year. Qualitative research, using deep interpretative analysis of narratives from four healthy individuals at a legal retreat, revealed profound shifts. A central theme was enhanced social connectedness, impacting perception of self and others. This experiential learning offers insights for psychology and developmental psychology, contributing to psychedelics and drug studies. The findings illuminate aspects of social psychology and potential psychotherapeutic relevance, touching upon diverse academic research themes through a social analysis of personal transformation.
Abstract
Abstract This article reports on the experiences of four healthy individuals who attended a legal psilocybin truffle retreat in the Netherlands. Th...
Lost Saints
Fieldwork in Religion – March 31, 2020
Summary
The desacralization of psilocybin mushrooms, used in Indigenous shamanism since the sixteenth century, constitutes spiritual abuse. An amateur's 1955 encounter transformed this ethnobotanical medicine, with its unique chemical synthesis, into a mere hallucinogen. This historical shift, impacting psychology, ethnology, and sacred art aesthetics, necessitates restorative justice. Understanding psilocybin's profound "magic," much like viewing distant galaxies through a telescope, is crucial for psychedelics and drug studies, appreciating its sacred role akin to Ayahuasca.
Abstract
Mushrooms containing psilocybin have been used in Indigenous healing ceremonies in Mesoamerica since at least the sixteenth century. However, the s...