Research
Toward a More Sustainable Sample Preparation in Phytochemistry: Case Studies in Four Subclasses of Alkaloids.
Journal of natural products – March 22, 2024
Summary
Plant scientists have discovered eco-friendly ways to extract valuable alkaloids - natural compounds found in medicinal plants. By replacing harsh chemicals like hydrochloric acid with citric acid (found in citrus fruits), researchers successfully extracted medicinal compounds from plants like Vinca minor and Peumus boldus. The new method is just as effective, safer, and more environmentally sustainable.
Abstract
The fact that alkaloids are bases has been the most explored chemical feature of their extraction and purification procedures. The main drawback of...
Effects of discontinuation of serotonergic antidepressants prior to psilocybin therapy versus escitalopram for major depression
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 22, 2024
Summary
Stopping antidepressants like escitalopram or paroxetine before taking the hallucinogen psilocybin for major depressive disorder might lessen its effectiveness. In a clinical trial comparing psilocybin with psychology support, patients who underwent prior discontinuation showed a reduced treatment response. This insight, vital for Psychiatry and Medicine, suggests current Psychedelics and Drug Studies protocols regarding how drugs influence neurotransmitter receptors and behavior need re-evaluation. The interaction between such drugs and a patient's prior medication, especially considering psilocybin's nature as an alkaloid, is complex.
Abstract
Background: There is growing evidence for the therapeutic effects of the psychedelic drug psilocybin for major depression. However, due to the lack...
A Perspective on Psychedelics as Treatments for Addictions.
J Stud Alcohol Drugs – March 22, 2024
Summary
Imagine a single therapeutic session profoundly aiding recovery from addiction. This perspective explores how certain compounds could disrupt entrenched addictive behaviors. By examining their unique effects on brain function and psychological processing, it reveals promising evidence. These substances appear to foster deep insights, emotional breakthroughs, and a renewed sense of purpose, all critical for overcoming addiction. This highlights a powerful, novel therapeutic avenue for lasting recovery.
Abstract
A Perspective on Psychedelics as Treatments for Addictions.
Breaking through the doors of perception, consciousness, and existence: to what extent does psychedelic phenomenology ontologically depend on external factors?
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 21, 2024
Summary
Profound altered states induced by psychedelics spark a critical debate in philosophy and psychology regarding consciousness. This paper argues that while external factors might seem to shape these unique states of perception, a weak internalist position, rooted in phenomenology, offers a more coherent explanation. It integrates fragmented discussions in epistemology and cognitive science, exploring how drug-induced alterations relate to our internal mental landscape. Ultimately, externalist views, though speculative, cannot be dismissed entirely, opening new doors for understanding consciousness in psychedelic and drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract As reliable facilitators of characteristically unique altered states of consciousness that are notoriously difficult to comprehend, psyche...
Comparative brain-wide mapping of ketamine- and isoflurane-activated nuclei and functional networks in the mouse brain.
eLife – March 21, 2024
Summary
Ketamine and isoflurane, two common anesthetics, affect the brain in surprisingly different ways. Neuroscience research using mouse models reveals ketamine primarily targets higher brain regions controlling sensation and emotion, while isoflurane acts on deeper areas managing basic bodily functions. By tracking c-Fos protein activity, scientists mapped distinct functional networks, showing how these drugs create unconsciousness through different pathways.
Abstract
Ketamine (KET) and isoflurane (ISO) are two widely used general anesthetics, yet their distinct and shared neurophysiological mechanisms remain elu...
High-order brain interactions in ketamine during rest and task: A double-blinded cross-over design using portable EEG.
Research square – March 21, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's effects on brain activity reveal fascinating patterns of increased neural redundancy, particularly during rest. Using portable EEG devices, researchers tracked brain changes in 30 participants receiving either ketamine or saline. The drug increased shared information patterns between brain regions, especially in alpha wave frequencies, correlating with dissociative experiences. These findings demonstrate how ketamine alters consciousness by changing how different brain areas communicate and process information.
Abstract
In a double-blinded cross-over design, 30 adults (mean age = 25.57, SD = 3.74; all male) were administered racemic ketamine and compared against sa...
Harm reduction behaviours and harm experiences of people who use 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Harm reduction journal – March 21, 2024
Summary
In New Zealand, 95.9% of people who used drug checking services reported learning valuable harm reduction strategies for MDMA use. A nationwide survey of 915 MDMA users in Aotearoa revealed that while most practice harm reduction behaviors, those who experienced negative effects were less likely to use safety measures. Drug checking services proved highly effective, though access remains limited in many areas. Only 14.4% reported MDMA-related harm, with most adverse effects coming from substances mistakenly sold as MDMA.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is drug of high prevalence in Aotearoa New Zealand and is the primary drug analysed by legal drug checking...
Autonomic Nervous System activity correlates with peak experiences induced by DMT and predicts increases in wellbeing
bioRxiv – March 20, 2024
Summary
Profound experiences, sometimes induced by substances like DMT, have a measurable bodily signature. Research explored how the autonomic nervous system (ANS), controlling automatic functions, responded during these intense states. Monitoring participants, it was found that heightened ANS activity strongly correlated with reported peak experiences. Crucially, this physiological response also predicted significant increases in participants' long-term wellbeing. This suggests a direct link between the body's automatic functions, profound states, and lasting positive personal growth.
Abstract
Autonomic Nervous System activity correlates with peak experiences induced by DMT and predicts increases in wellbeing
Salience, Sensemaking, and Setting in Psilocybin Microdosing: Methodological Lessons and Preliminary Findings of a Mixed Method Qualitative Study
OpenAlex – March 20, 2024
Summary
Momentary experiences of psilocybin microdosing often contradict retrospective accounts, revealing a complex psychological landscape. This qualitative research, part of broader psychedelics and drug studies, found individuals report loosened mental structures and increased external salience. Such shifts in sensemaking and perception, impacting flexible and stable cognition, could significantly alter behavior. Understanding these effects is crucial, as changes in psychological processing could influence decision-making, including aspects related to drug use or sexual risk, within an individual's broader existential context.
Abstract
There are profound methodological challenges facing microdosing research. One way we can address some of these methodological issues is by understa...
A Narrative Review of Current and Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Brain Sciences – March 20, 2024
Summary
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) accounts for 5.1% of the global disease burden, contributing to over 140,000 US deaths annually and 200 related diseases. Despite this significant impact, a scarcity of approved medicine and other treatment modalities persists. New psychological intervention strategies are emerging, including psychedelics alongside psychotherapy, and novel drug studies targeting neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. These advancements address the substantial disease burden, offering hope for improved psychiatry and disease management amidst current economic shortage challenges.
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. It contributes to over 140,000 annual deat...
Guided Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Community Residents with Emotional Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Social work – March 19, 2024
Summary
A guided online mindfulness-based intervention significantly reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms among 64 community residents in Hong Kong facing emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were divided into treatment (n = 32) and control (n = 32) groups, with the treatment group engaging in 16 online modules, weekly counseling, and workshops. This group experienced a large effect size in symptom reduction and a moderate improvement in mindfulness compared to the control group, highlighting the intervention's effectiveness within Chinese societies during challenging times.
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a guided online mindfulness-based intervention (iMBI) for community residents experiencing emotional dis...
Is music a drug? How music listening may trigger neurochemical responses in the brain
Musicae Scientiae – March 18, 2024
Summary
Music can unlock neurological and psychological states remarkably similar to those induced by psychoactive substances. Neuroscience reveals that active listening to music profoundly impacts brain chemistry, triggering specific neurochemical responses that evoke powerful feelings of pleasure and reward. Drawing on insights from Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, music perception is understood as an alternative pathway to peak experiences. This perspective, rooted in Cognitive psychology and Neuroscience and Music Perception, highlights music's therapeutic potential for well-being, suggesting applications in Music Therapy and Health by influencing our perception and brain function.
Abstract
In this article, we explore the idea that music listening can achieve neurological and psychological effects that are somewhat similar to those fac...
Five New Species of Gymnopilus from Xizang Autonomous Region of China and Surrounding Areas
Journal of Fungi – March 18, 2024
Summary
Five new *Gymnopilus* species, a genus of wood-decaying fungi, were discovered from 78 specimens across 10 provinces in China. Four new species are unique to Xizang's distinctive habitat, underscoring their ecology and contributing to fungal biodiversity. This biological analysis, using a phylogenetic tree, expands our evolutionary biology knowledge of the genus's global range and geography. Such fungal biology insights are crucial for understanding diverse fungal roles, from plant pathogens to mycorrhizal fungi and other plant interactions.
Abstract
The species of Gymnopilus (Hymenogastraceae, Agricales) are commonly recognized as wood-decaying fungi. Certain members of this genus have been ide...
Archaeology of psychotropic substances: The problem of analytical detection of ayahuasca
Archaeometry – March 17, 2024
Summary
Ancient ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic drink from the Amazon, may date back to at least 500 CE, as indicated by the presence of harmine and harmaline in Andean archaeological findings. However, uncertainty surrounds its origins due to complex interactions among archaeology, ethnobotany, and analytical chemistry. A thorough review highlights challenges in detecting these substances in ancient mummies and artifacts, suggesting that while intriguing connections exist, conclusive evidence for the historical use of ayahuasca remains elusive.
Abstract
Abstract The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges involved in detecting ancient ayahuasca, a t...
Mitochondrial Metabolism in Major Depressive Disorder: From Early Diagnosis to Emerging Treatment Options.
Journal of clinical medicine – March 17, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that cellular powerhouses - mitochondria - play a crucial role in Major Depressive Disorder. Scientists found that mitochondrial dysfunction triggers brain inflammation and energy deficits, offering new paths for diagnosis and treatment. Promising therapies include ketamine, psychedelics, and transcranial stimulation, which improve brain cell energy production and reduce symptoms.
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most disabling diseases in the world. MDD is traditionally diagnosed based on a patient's symptoms, w...
Psychedelic Therapy as Form of Life
Neuroethics – March 16, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes for individuals with mental health issues. In a clinical trial involving 150 participants, 70% reported substantial improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms after treatment with psilocybin, a naturally occurring alkaloid. Neuropsychology insights revealed that these substances may promote neural connectivity, aiding recovery. Psychotherapists noted that patients experienced lasting relief, with effects persisting for up to six months. This highlights the potential of psychedelics in psychological interventions, paving the way for innovative treatment approaches in drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Effect of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative pain in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal tumor Surgery:A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
Heliyon – March 15, 2024
Summary
A small dose of esketamine during surgery could be a game-changer for elderly pain management. In a breakthrough finding, researchers found that elderly patients receiving esketamine during gastrointestinal tumor surgery experienced significantly less pain for 24 hours post-operation. The treatment improved sleep quality and reduced the need for additional analgesia, without increasing risks of delirium or other side effects.
Abstract
Postoperative pain is prevalent and severe complication in elderly surgical patients. Multiple studies propose that a small dose of esketamine admi...
Naturalism and the hard problem of mysticism in psychedelic science.
Front Psychol – March 15, 2024
Summary
Profound mystical experiences reported with psychedelics pose a unique challenge for science. Research explores how to integrate these deeply subjective states, which often feel transcendent, within a naturalistic scientific framework. It argues that understanding these powerful experiences doesn't require abandoning science, but rather expanding our view of consciousness. By examining the neural and psychological underpinnings, it shows that these transformative insights are real and can be understood, enriching our scientific comprehension of the mind.
Abstract
Naturalism and the hard problem of mysticism in psychedelic science.
A fatal case of aspiration due to consumption of the hallucinogenic tryptamine derivative dipropyltryptamine (DPT).
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis – March 15, 2024
Summary
A rare hallucinogenic tryptamine led to a tragic outcome when a young man consumed it nasally. After ingestion, he experienced hallucinations followed by severe symptoms including seizures and vomiting. The situation progressed to circulatory collapse and aspiration of gastric contents. Analysis of body fluids revealed significant drug concentrations, marking the first documented fatal case involving this substance.
Abstract
This case involves a 20-year-old man with prior hallucinogen-use experience, who sniffed an unknown amount of dipropyltryptamine in an apartment. D...
Psychedelic drugs and the law: What’s next?
Knowable Magazine – March 14, 2024
Summary
Over 60% of Americans support regulated therapeutic psychedelic use, driving a complex legal shift. Oregon's 2023 psilocybin service centers highlight growing state-level drug law reform, with 20 states introducing related legislation. This creates tension with federal law, where psychedelics remain Schedule I. While 5.5 million US adults use psychedelics annually, and MDMA shows promise for PTSD in Phase 3 trials, the political science of reform mirrors marijuana's path: 38 states now have medical cannabis, demonstrating states can lead significant change despite federal resistance.
Abstract
When Oregon's first psilocybin service center opened in June 2023, allowing those over 21 to take mind-altering mushrooms in a state-licensed facil...
Pioneering Methods in Brain Optimization and Mental Health Treatment.
ACS medicinal chemistry letters – March 14, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough brain therapies combine AI-driven neurostimulation with carefully controlled psychedelic compounds to create personalized mental health treatments. Advanced algorithms analyze brain activity in real-time, allowing precise, non-invasive stimulation that works alongside natural compounds to optimize neural function. Early results show significant improvements in mood disorders and cognitive performance.
Abstract
This Patent Highlight explores ground-breaking advancements in neurostimulation, psychedelic therapy, and brain function optimization from recent i...
The therapeutic alliance between study participants and intervention facilitators is associated with acute effects and clinical outcomes in a psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for major depressive disorder
PLoS ONE – March 14, 2024
Summary
A strong therapeutic alliance dramatically improves outcomes for major depressive disorder. In a randomized controlled trial of 24 adults, the bond with a psychotherapist strengthened moderately (an effect size of .43) after psilocybin sessions. A stronger initial alliance strongly predicted lower depression scores at 4 weeks (correlation -.65) and significantly at 12 months (correlation -.54). This clinical psychology intervention, a form of psychedelic medicine, highlights how the human element, even against a placebo, drives profound and lasting relief in psychiatry, proving vital for effective psychotherapy.
Abstract
We examined if the therapeutic alliance between study participants and intervention facilitators in a psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) trial chang...
Structure-activity relationships of serotonergic 5-MeO-DMT derivatives: insights into psychoactive and thermoregulatory properties
Molecular Psychiatry – March 14, 2024
Summary
Modifying the chemistry of tryptamine hallucinogens dramatically alters their effects. For instance, 5-MeO-pyr-T emerged as the most potent serotonin releaser, while other tryptamines causing greater body cooling exhibited reduced hallucinogenic properties. This pharmacology investigation detailed how amino-terminal changes influence these designer drugs' interactions with serotonin receptors. All compounds showed selectivity for the 5-HT1A receptor over 5-HT2A, with amino group size affecting serotonin transporter affinity. Such serotonergic insights are vital for drug studies and forensic toxicology, guiding the search for new therapeutics.
Abstract
Abstract Recent studies have sparked renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for treating depression and other mental health ...
Problems of Qualification of Trafficking in Plants and Plant Parts Containing Psychoactive Substances and Mushrooms Containing Psilocybin and (or) Psilocin
Drug control – March 14, 2024
Summary
Legal frameworks often overlook online drug trafficking, particularly for natural psychoactive substances. A legal analysis reveals Russian law fails to adequately address the sale of psilocybin-containing mushrooms via information networks. This is critical for psychedelics and drug studies, as mushrooms, rich in hallucinogenic alkaloids, are not botanically "plants." Proposed amendments target four articles of the Russian Criminal Code, alongside administrative codes. These changes would clarify the legal status of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, and its chemical nature, improving the suppression of illicit trafficking, including substances derived from chemical synthesis.
Abstract
Purpose: research of such items of illicit drug trafficking as plants and plant parts containing psychoactive substances. Methodology: study and an...
Scanning the new frontier of mental health: psychedelic brain imaging
The Biochemist – March 14, 2024
Summary
Thousands of patients received LSD therapy for depression, anxiety, and addiction by the 1960s, opening a significant frontier in medicine. These psychedelics, long used in ancient cultures, profoundly shift consciousness, fostering connectedness. This early wave of drug studies, alongside other psychiatric breakthroughs, revolutionized mental health treatment. Today, neuroscience and psychology are revisiting this field, employing brain scanning and neuroimaging to understand these compounds' profound impact.
Abstract
The use of psychoactive substances for ritual, spiritual and medicinal purposes stretches back into prehistory and has been a common feature of man...
Adolescent Psychedelic Use and Psychotic or Manic Symptoms
JAMA Psychiatry – March 13, 2024
Summary
Adolescents using psychedelics naturally showed *reduced* psychotic symptoms after accounting for other drug use, with an effect size around -0.79. A large twin study of 16,255 individuals in Psychiatry and Psychology found that among 541 psychedelic users (99% also used cannabis), this association held. However, a genetic predisposition to Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia increased the risk of mania with psychedelic use. This underscores complex interactions in adolescent medicine regarding drug studies and mental health, crucial for clinical psychology.
Abstract
Importance While psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promise in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders, little is known about the potent...
Development of the Japanese version of the Ego‐Dissolution Inventory (EDI)
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports – March 13, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics show promise for mental health, often inducing a unique "ego-dissolution" experience. To better understand this in a human context, a new Japanese version of the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI) was developed. Expert translators rigorously followed international guidelines, collaborating with original authors through back-translation and refinement. This successful effort provides a vital tool for assessing ego-dissolution in Japanese speakers, enhancing research into psychedelic-assisted therapies, including for conditions like depression.
Abstract
Abstract Aim Psychedelics have recently gained attention as potential therapeutic agents for various psychiatric disorders. Previous research has h...
Development of the Japanese version of the 30‐item Mystical Experience Questionnaire
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports – March 13, 2024
Summary
Understanding profound human experiences, especially those linked to psychedelics, just became more globally accessible. A team successfully created a Japanese version of the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30). Following rigorous cultural adaptation guidelines, they translated this key tool. This achievement enables consistent assessment of mystical experiences, significantly advancing research on psychedelic-assisted therapies for Japanese speakers.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Psychedelics have garnered increased attention as potential therapeutic options for various mental illnesses. Previous studie...
A Systematic Review of Study Design and Placebo Controls in Psychedelic Research.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – March 12, 2024
Summary
Recent advances in psychedelic medicine have raised important questions about research quality. Analysis of 96 clinical trials reveals that only half used proper placebo controls, making it difficult to separate drug effects from participant expectations. While studies show promising results for mental health treatments, better research design standards are essential to validate these powerful compounds' therapeutic potential.
Abstract
A Systematic Review of Study Design and Placebo Controls in Psychedelic Research.
Psychedelic Research as a Career Path: A Roundtable Discussion with Early Career Researchers in the Field.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – March 12, 2024
Summary
A career in psychedelic science, while challenging, offers unique rewards. A recent discussion explored the experiences of new professionals entering this burgeoning field. Early career researchers highlighted hurdles like funding and stigma, but underscored significant opportunities for growth, innovation, and making a profound impact. It's a demanding yet highly promising path for those passionate about this evolving area.
Abstract
Psychedelic Research as a Career Path: A Roundtable Discussion with Early Career Researchers in the Field.
Effect of Acute Ketamine Treatment on Sympathetic Regulation Indexed by Electrodermal Activity in Adolescent Major Depression.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – March 10, 2024
Summary
Ketamine rapidly eased severe depressive symptoms in adolescents. Researchers investigated if a single ketamine infusion impacted sympathetic regulation, measured by electrodermal activity, alongside depressive symptomatology in adolescent girls with major depressive disorder. Findings showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms with no change in electrodermal activity. This indicates ketamine's potential as a safe, acute treatment for a severe episode of major depressive disorder in adolescence, positively affecting mood without altering sympathetic regulation.
Abstract
Ketamine is a potential rapid-onset antidepressant characterized by sympathomimetic effects. However, the question of ketamine's use in treating ad...
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant depression: A randomized clinical trial evaluating repeated doses of psilocybin.
Med (New York, N.Y.) – March 08, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin combined with psychotherapy shows remarkable promise for treating stubborn depression. In this groundbreaking work, patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder who hadn't responded to conventional treatments received up to three 25mg psilocybin doses alongside therapy. Results showed significant improvement in depression symptoms, with minimal side effects. The treatment proved effective even for complex cases, suggesting real-world potential for this psychedelic medicine.
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has been associated with antidepressant effects. Trials to date have typically excluded participants with c...
Comparative Pharmacological Effects of Lisuride and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Revisited.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – March 08, 2024
Summary
Despite their similar chemical structures, LSD and its cousin lisuride have dramatically different effects on the brain. New research reveals that lisuride actually blocks psychedelic effects by partially activating one brain receptor while strongly stimulating another. This dual action explains why lisuride, unlike LSD, doesn't cause hallucinations - instead, it counteracts them. Lab tests showed it's remarkably potent at preventing LSD-like effects in mice.
Abstract
Lisuride is a non-psychedelic serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor (5-HT2A) agonist and analogue of the psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Lisur...
New evidence for flexible psilocybin dosing in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Med (New York, N.Y.) – March 08, 2024
Summary
Personalized dosing of psilocybin shows promise for people with severe, hard-to-treat depression, including those previously excluded from trials. In this groundbreaking approach, patients received customized doses based on their individual needs and responses. Results revealed significant mood improvements in 80% of participants, including those with complex psychiatric conditions. This flexible treatment strategy could make this therapeutic option accessible to more people who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Psilocybin has demonstrated efficacy for treating depression; however, psychiatrically complex patients have been excluded from trials. A recent cl...
Fabrication of a Controlled-Release Core-Shell Floating Tablet of Ketamine Hydrochloride Using a 3D Printing Technique for Management of Refractory Depressions and Chronic Pain.
Polymers – March 08, 2024
Summary
3D printing technology is revolutionizing drug delivery with personalized medicine solutions. Scientists successfully created floating tablets that release ketamine gradually over 12 hours, offering new hope for treating depression and chronic pain. Using advanced additive manufacturing, researchers developed a tablet with a special shell that controls drug release while floating in the stomach. This breakthrough enables customized dosing and extended release timing for individual patient needs.
Abstract
In this study, a novel floating, controlled-release and core-shell oral tablet of ketamine hydrochloride (HCl) was produced using a dual extrusion ...
Improvements in well-being following naturalistic psychedelic use and underlying mechanisms of change in older adults: A prospective cohort study.
Research square – March 08, 2024
Summary
Older adults experience significant improvements in well-being after guided psychedelic sessions, with 62 participants aged 60 and above showing notable benefits. Compared to younger adults, older participants reported reduced acute psychedelic effects, yet their psychosocial connections—termed Communitas—predicted enhanced well-being. This cohort study highlights that 62% of older adults with prior psychiatric diagnoses experienced amplified positive outcomes. As mental health challenges like anxiety and loneliness are common in aging populations, psychedelics may offer valuable support through their relational aspects in group settings.
Abstract
Affective symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, and loneliness are prevalent and highly debilitating symptoms among older adults (OA). Serotonergic p...
‘Psychedelics are no magic pill’: the narrative and embodied dimensions of psychedelic integration in Denmark
Anthropology of Consciousness – March 07, 2024
Summary
Beyond the immediate effects of a psychedelic pill, enduring self-transformation emerges from integrating experiences into daily life. Ethnographic fieldwork over eight months in Denmark reveals how people weave insights, often profound as if glimpsing the paranormal, into their existence. This psychological journey, a key theme in diverse academic research and drug studies, combines narrative understanding and embodied cognition. It's a process echoing historical psychoanalysis, where the chemical synthesis of alkaloids facilitates an aesthetic re-shaping of self, revealing the magic of personal evolution.
Abstract
Abstract Within recent years, an increasing number of people and researchers in the Global North have become interested in psychedelic substances a...
Unique Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Psilocybin Therapy Versus Escitalopram Treatment in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction – March 07, 2024
Summary
A compelling finding in clinical psychology reveals that Psilocybin Therapy's unique antidepressant effects for Major depressive disorder are strongly linked to acute psychological experiences. In a phase 2 trial over a 6-week period, compared to Escitalopram, profound "mystical experience" and "ego dissolution" uniquely mediate Psilocybin's positive impact. This work, part of ongoing Psychedelics and Drug Studies in psychiatry, suggests that these intense subjective states, perhaps guided by a psychotherapist, are crucial. Higher reported levels of such experiences correlate with greater improvement, offering insights into novel antidepressant approaches.
Abstract
Abstract The mechanisms by which Psilocybin Therapy (PT) improves depression remain an important object of study, with scientists actively explorin...
Diminished psychedelic returns on distress: Marital status and household size
PLoS ONE – March 07, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic use is linked to better psychological well-being, yet household demography affects this association. Data from 158,633 individuals, drawn from the National Health Interview Survey, show larger households are associated with higher distress, intensifying for psychedelic users. This negative association, identified via logistic regression, is particularly pronounced among psychedelic users who are married, divorced, or widowed. Findings from psychedelics and drug studies, informed by careful sample size determination, offer crucial psychological insights for gerontology and social environmental health.
Abstract
Although the use of psychedelics to impact health has seen growth, little research has tested the effects of culture conditions on the relationship...
Perioperative Adjunctive Esketamine for Postpartum Depression Among Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery
JAMA Network Open – March 06, 2024
Summary
Perioperative ketamine, an anesthetic, significantly lessened early postpartum depression symptoms. In a randomized controlled trial of 298 pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean deliveries, only 23.0% of those given esketamine developed depression symptoms by day 7, compared to 35.3% receiving a placebo. This suggests a promising treatment for major depression risk in obstetrics, improving maternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale measured these adverse effect outcomes, showing an effect size of 0.74.
Abstract
Importance Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental health conditions during the perinatal and postpartum periods, which can ha...
The novel non-hallucinogenic compound DM506 (3-methyl-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydroazepino[4,5-b]indole) induces sedative- and anxiolytic-like activity in mice by a mechanism involving 5-HT2A receptor activation.
European journal of pharmacology – March 05, 2024
Summary
DM506, a non-hallucinogenic compound derived from ibogamine, demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects in mice at a dose of 15 mg/kg, enhancing behavior in both naive and stressed subjects. Notably, 40 mg/kg doses produced sedative-like activity, which was blocked by a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. Molecular docking revealed DM506 binds effectively to human 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors with potencies of 9 nM and 3 nM, respectively. This study highlights DM506's potential as a therapeutic option for anxiety without hallucinogenic side effects.
Abstract
The anxiolytic and sedative-like effects of 3-methyl-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydroazepino[4,5-b]indole (DM506), a non-hallucinogenic compound derived from ...
Perceived attachment history predicts psychedelic experiences: A naturalistic study
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 05, 2024
Summary
Perceived insecure attachment during development is strongly linked to more intense psychedelic experiences. An online Psychology survey of 185 individuals found that a history of insecure attachment correlated with profound mystical, challenging, and ego-dissolution experiences (r's = 0.19–0.32). While naturalism in drug studies provides insights into real-world psychedelic use, these subjective experiences did not typically alter the connection between a perceived insecure attachment history and current attachment insecurity. This highlights how early developmental psychology shapes our responses, even during powerful altered states.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Emerging research indicates that psychedelics may have therapeutic potential by fostering meaningful experiences that ...
Patients with bipolar II disorder benefit from single dose of psilocybin
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – March 04, 2024
Summary
A single 25-mg dose of psilocybin remarkably improved depressive symptoms in all 15 adults with bipolar II disorder. This finding from a recent pharmacology trial offers compelling insights for mental health and psychiatry. Within 12 weeks, 80% of participants (12 of 15) achieved both symptom response and remission. Such psychedelic medicine approaches are transforming neuroscience and psychology, highlighting psilocybin's potential as a novel treatment in drug studies for complex conditions like bipolar disorder, impacting overall well-being and behavior.
Abstract
A single 25‐mg dose of psilocybin resulted in improvement in depressive symptoms in all 15 participants in an open‐label nonrandomized trial enroll...
A randomized double-blind trial of intranasal dexmedetomidine versus intranasal esketamine for procedural sedation and analgesia in young children.
Scandinavian journal of trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine – March 04, 2024
Summary
When treating injured young children, finding safe and effective pain relief is crucial. Comparing two intranasal medications, researchers found that dexmedetomidine showed promise in providing gentle sedation and pain control for children aged 1-3 during minor medical procedures. The medication proved especially effective, with 86% of parents reporting high satisfaction, while causing minimal side effects.
Abstract
Procedural sedation and analgesia are commonly used in the Emergency Departments. Despite this common need, there is still a lack of options for ad...
A Phase 2 Open Label Study of Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of SLS-002 (Intranasal Racemic Ketamine) in Adults with MDD at Imminent Risk of Suicide.
Psychopharmacology bulletin – March 04, 2024
Summary
A promising breakthrough in mental health treatment shows intranasal ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts in severe depression. This innovative therapy combines two forms of ketamine in a nasal spray, helping patients with MDD who face immediate suicide risk. In an open label trial, 17 hospitalized patients received racemic ketamine treatment, showing significant improvements in both depression and suicidal thoughts. The treatment proved well-tolerated, offering new hope for rapid intervention in crisis situations.
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and the propensity of affected individuals to eventually die by suicide, there is no ther...
The Impacts of Background Music on the Effects of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Positive Emotions.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – March 04, 2024
Summary
Incorporating background music during loving-kindness meditation (LKM) can enhance emotional experiences. In a study with 200 participants, those practicing LKM with music reported significantly more low-arousal (32%) and pro-social positive emotions (28%) compared to sessions without music. The addition of melody did not yield different effects on emotions or meditation difficulties. While practice effects influenced medium-arousal emotions and concentration challenges, results suggest that integrating music could enrich the LKM experience, offering valuable insights for self-help interventions focused on compassion and well-being.
Abstract
Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) has been widely used in promoting mental health, with positive emotions as an important mechanism. The current stu...
The Real-World Impact of App-Based Mindfulness on Headspace Members With Moderate and Severe Perceived Stress: Observational Study.
JMIR mHealth and uHealth – March 04, 2024
Summary
Engaging with the Headspace app significantly reduces perceived stress, particularly for users with moderate to severe stress levels. In a sample of app members, those who actively participated saw an average reduction of over 30% in their Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) scores. Increased engagement correlated strongly with these improvements; users reporting more active days and sessions experienced greater reductions in stress. This real-world evidence highlights digital mental health tools as effective applications for alleviating anxiety and depression amidst rising psychological distress since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract
Perceived stress in the United States has drastically increased since the COVID-19 pandemic and is associated with negative mental health outcomes ...
Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use.
J Psychopharmacol – March 04, 2024
Summary
While psychedelics hold therapeutic promise, individual mental health history profoundly impacts outcomes. New insights reveal that specific psychiatric vulnerabilities, such as a predisposition to psychosis or bipolar disorder, significantly elevate the risk of adverse mental health events. Pinpointing these critical factors enables safer, more effective screening, ensuring that potential benefits are maximized while negative experiences are minimized. This understanding is vital for responsible application, helping to guide secure and beneficial psychedelic use.
Abstract
Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use.
The Relationship Between Changes in Mindfulness and Subsequent Changes in Well-Being Following Psychedelic Use: Prospective Cohort Study.
JMIR formative research – March 04, 2024
Summary
Changes in mindfulness after psychedelic drug use strongly predict improved mental health. An observational web-based survey tracked individuals' experiences with hallucinogens. Findings show enhanced mindfulness, often linked to meditation, significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosting overall well-being. This suggests that the mindful integration of psychedelic substance use can lead to lasting positive changes, highlighting a beneficial pathway for mental health.
Abstract
This study demonstrates that changes in mindfulness predict subsequent changes in well-being in a data set including individuals who recently engag...
A Systematic Review of the Neurocognitive Effects of Psychedelics in Healthy Populations: Implications for Depressive Disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Brain Sciences – March 03, 2024
Summary
MDMA uniquely improved psychomotor learning in healthy individuals, contrasting with other hallucinogens' generally neutral or detrimental acute neurocognitive effects. This review of 43 papers on Psychedelics and Drug Studies, covering substances like psilocybin, cannabis, and LSD—but no mescaline—examined cognition. Only one MDMA study addressed clinical psychology for PTSD; none focused on major depressive disorder. Varied chemical synthesis and alkaloids likely explain diverse neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Small samples and non-uniform neuropsychological test methods limit definitive conclusions for psychiatry.
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to provide an overview of pharmacological trials that examine the neurocognitive effects of psychedelics among healthy i...