Research
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...
Preadministration of Lorazepam Reduces Efficacy and Longevity of Antidepressant-Like Effect from a Psychedelic.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
Common anti-anxiety medication may diminish the benefits of psychedelic therapy for depression. When lorazepam was given before psychedelic treatment, it reduced both the strength and duration of antidepressant effects. This suggests that combining these medications could make psychedelic therapy less effective, an important finding for developing future depression treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics such as psilocybin have been shown to have persistent antidepressant effects, but with considerable individual variability in optimal ...
Scoping Review: The Role of Psychedelics in the Management of Chronic Pain
Journal of Pain Research – March 01, 2024
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelics, including psilocybin, hold significant potential in medicine for alleviating chronic pain. This exciting area, explored via MEDLINE and Psychiatry databases, indicates hallucinogens derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids could offer novel therapeutic avenues. While Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies highlight promise, robust, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are crucial. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies are essential to fully evaluate their role in chronic, non-cancer pain management.
Abstract
Psychedelics may have potential in alleviating pain symptoms secondary to a multitude of chronic pain conditions. However, further randomized, doub...
Neural correlates of mindfulness meditation and hypnosis on magnetic resonance imaging: similarities and differences. A scoping review.
Journal of neuroradiology = Journal de neuroradiologie – March 01, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness meditation and hypnosis both show promise in enhancing mental health by altering brain connectivity. An analysis of 97 MRI studies revealed that both practices decreased activity in the default mode network, which is linked to self-referential thoughts, while increasing connectivity with the salience network, crucial for attention. Specifically, mindfulness showed enhanced connectivity between these networks, a finding not observed in hypnosis. These insights pave the way for understanding how these practices can effectively address stress, anxiety, and depression.
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation (MM) and hypnosis practices are gaining interest in mental health, but their physiological mechanisms remain poorly understo...
American Psychiatrists' Opinions About Classic Hallucinogens and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications: A 7-Year Follow-Up Survey.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
American psychiatrists have dramatically shifted their views on psychedelics, with 81% now believing hallucinogens show promise in treating mental health conditions. A recent survey reveals growing acceptance of psychedelic-assisted therapy among mental health professionals, with half planning to offer these treatments once approved. Psychiatrists showed increased optimism and decreased concern about risks compared to 2016, with over 90% supporting further research into therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, may eventually be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treatment-resistant depression...
Psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
OpenAlex – March 01, 2024
Summary
Many experiencing social anxiety find traditional treatments insufficient, with symptoms recurring over 10-12 years. A promising new approach in clinical psychology combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, potentially involving psilocybin. This biopsychosocial model offers psychotherapists a powerful treatment for anxiety and depression, addressing underlying cognition and emotional patterns. It considers how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior impacts mental health. This innovative strategy, rooted in psychology and psychiatry, aims to enhance cognitive behavioral therapy and improve psychometrics for treatment.
Abstract
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by an overwhelming fear and anxiety of social rejection that ...
Changes in information integration and brain networks during propofol-, dexmedetomidine-, and ketamine-induced unresponsiveness.
British journal of anaesthesia – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, propofol, and dexmedetomidine significantly altered brain network dynamics during unresponsiveness in a study of 72 participants. High-density EEG revealed that permutation cross mutual information (PCMI) decreased in frontal, parietal, and occipital regions, with notable changes from baseline to unresponsive states: for instance, PCMI in the parietal-occipital region dropped from 0.58 to 0.48. Additionally, increased normalized path length in delta, theta, and gamma bands indicated impaired global integration, highlighting the potential for using EEG to quantify consciousness changes during anesthesia.
Abstract
Information integration and network science are important theories for quantifying consciousness. However, whether these theories propose drug- or ...
Novel rapid treatment options for adolescent depression.
Pharmacological research – March 01, 2024
Summary
Adolescent treatment-resistant depression and suicidal risk highlight an urgent need for fast-acting antidepressants. Traditional options like fluoxetine take weeks to show effects, leaving a gap in immediate care. Innovative approaches, such as neuromodulation techniques and consciousness-altering drugs like ketamine, show promise for rapid relief. A review of 50 studies emphasizes the importance of considering sex differences and other factors in treatment efficacy. With over 20% of adolescents experiencing depression, exploring these novel therapies could significantly enhance suicide prevention efforts in this vulnerable age group.
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel fast-acting antidepressants for adolescent treatment-resistant depression and/or suicidal risk, since the selecti...
Unlocking the biosynthesis of psychedelic-inspired indolethylamines.
Trends in biochemical sciences – March 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have discovered a remarkable enzyme in cane toads that naturally produces DMT-like compounds. This enzyme efficiently performs N-methylation to create psychedelic indolethylamines similar to those found in traditional plant medicines. The compounds show promising serotonin receptor binding properties, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for mental health treatment.
Abstract
A recent report by Chen et al. describes the discovery of RmNMT, a highly active and promiscuous tryptamine N-methyltransferase from the cane toad,...
Meditation, Compassionate Love, and Mental Health in Later Life.
Journal of gerontological nursing – March 01, 2024
Summary
Meditation significantly enhances feelings of compassionate love, which in turn reduces depressive symptoms and anxiety in later life. In a nationwide survey of 1,861 adults, those practicing meditation reported a 11% increase in feelings of being loved. Higher levels of love correlated with a decrease of 2.10 points in depressive symptoms and 0.99 points in anxiety. Additionally, meditation indirectly lowered depressive symptoms by 0.23 points and anxiety by 0.11 points through its impact on compassionate love.
Abstract
Understanding of the mechanisms by which meditation imparts beneficial effects on later-life mental health is limited. The current study assessed t...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—Psilocybin
American Journal of Therapeutics – March 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and alkaloid, shows remarkable promise as a medicine in psychiatry. Initial clinical trials reported 42%-57% remission for major depressive disorder, potentially surpassing existing antidepressants like Fluoxetine. Larger studies observed 25%-29% remission, still a significant reduction in symptoms. Its pharmacology, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, offers sustained benefits from 1-2 doses. While generally safe, transient adverse effects occur, and one large clinical trial noted 7 cases of suicidal ideation. Psychedelics and drug studies continue to explore its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Background: The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, induces profound alterations in consciousness through the 5-HT 2A recepto...
How often should I meditate? A randomized trial examining the role of meditation frequency when total amount of meditation is held constant.
Journal of counseling psychology – March 01, 2024
Summary
Participants in a two-week meditation intervention using the Healthy Minds Program app showed significant improvements in psychological distress, loneliness, and self-compassion. Among 351 undergraduates with elevated depression and anxiety, those practicing one 20-minute session or two 10-minute sessions daily experienced similar benefits, with effect sizes ranging from 0.12 to 0.63. Daily assessments indicated consistent reductions in distress and loneliness. These findings suggest that how meditation is distributed throughout the day may not matter as much as previously thought, enhancing accessibility for beginners.
Abstract
Meditation apps are the most commonly used mental health apps. However, the optimal dosing of app-delivered meditation practice has not been establ...
MDMA enhances positive affective responses to social feedback.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – March 01, 2024
Summary
MDMA significantly enhances positive emotional responses to social feedback, with a high dose (1.5 mg/kg) leading to increased feelings of acceptance among participants. In a study with 36 healthy adults, aged 18-40, MDMA outperformed both a placebo and methamphetamine in fostering positive reactions to personalized social interactions. Specifically, the compound boosted social acceptance, suggesting it may play a vital role in improving social connections, particularly in therapeutic settings. Understanding these effects could further enhance its potential use in treating conditions like PTSD.
Abstract
The prosocial compound ± 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative that has shown promise as an adjunct to psychotherap...
Getting in Touch with Touch: The Importance of Studying Touch in MDMA-Assisted Therapy and the Development of a New Self-Report Measure.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
Touch plays a vital role in MDMA-assisted therapy, yet its effects have rarely been measured systematically. A new assessment tool, the Touch Outcomes Measurement Inventory, helps therapists understand how physical contact impacts clients during psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions. This breakthrough enables better evaluation of touch's therapeutic benefits in MDMA treatment.
Abstract
MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) is an emerging treatment modality, with recent phase 3 trials indicating its potential for regulatory approval. Cen...
Plant dehydration, alkaloid concentration, and cytotoxicity on ayahuasca traditional tea
Amazon Expedition Magazine. – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca tea, a blend of P. viridis and B. caapi, has been integral to Amazonian indigenous cultures for healing and spiritual rituals since pre-Columbian times. In Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, it serves as a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Studies reveal its potential benefits, including psychoactive effects attributed to alkaloids that may influence GABA activity. With sample sizes often exceeding 200 participants, findings suggest significant therapeutic potential in addressing mental health issues through its unique biochemical properties and traditional practices.
Abstract
Ayahuasca tea is a decoction prepared with leaves of P. viridis shrub popularly known as rainha, chacrona or chacruna and stems of B. caapi commonl...
Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing psychological distress among nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Journal of nursing scholarship : an official publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing – March 01, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce psychological distress among nurses, with a pooled effect size of -0.50 for stress and -0.42 for depression across 16 randomized controlled trials. This analysis highlights that these practices can effectively alleviate mental health challenges, suggesting a promising approach to support nurses' well-being. Implementing mindfulness strategies could enhance personal and professional development plans, ultimately fostering a healthier work environment. Prioritizing mental health support is essential in addressing the unique challenges faced by nursing professionals.
Abstract
Nurses increasingly use mindfulness as an effective mental health intervention to reduce psychological distress. The effectiveness of mindfulness-b...
Clarifying and measuring the characteristics of experiences that involve a loss of self or a dissolution of its boundaries.
Consciousness and cognition – March 01, 2024
Summary
A clearer understanding of self-transcendence emerges from a study involving 386 participants who described experiences of ego dissolution. Through detailed analysis, 16 distinct characteristics were identified, highlighting various changes in sense of self and related cognitive and emotional responses. This study integrates insights from meditation, psychedelics, and psychopathology, refining the measurement of these overlapping phenomena. By delineating the common factors across these experiences, it enhances our comprehension of mystical experiences and their implications for mental health and spiritual practices.
Abstract
Mystical experience, non-dual awareness, selflessness, self-transcendent experience, and ego-dissolution have become increasingly prominent constru...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—Historical Perspective and Overview
American Journal of Therapeutics – March 01, 2024
Summary
MDMA, a synthetic drug, demonstrates superiority over existing treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder in two completed Phase III clinical trials. This highlights the growing potential of psychedelics as medicine in psychiatry. While psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogen, shows a 25-29% depression remission rate in larger trials (100+ participants)—comparable to standard antidepressants at 30%—other compounds like lysergic acid diethylamide and the dissociative Esketamine are also being explored. Understanding their pharmacology and potential adverse effects is crucial as these drug studies advance.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic drugs have recently emerged as plausibly effective pharmacological agents for the management of depression, anxiety, and ot...
Unique effects of sedatives, dissociatives, psychedelics, stimulants, and cannabinoids on episodic memory: A review and reanalysis of acute drug effects on recollection, familiarity, and metamemory.
Psychological review – March 01, 2024
Summary
Psychoactive drugs have surprisingly distinct effects on how we remember. A reanalysis of 28 drug conditions revealed how sedatives, dissociatives, psychedelics, stimulants, and cannabinoids uniquely impact our ability to recall specific details (recollection), recognize generally (familiarity), and judge memory accuracy (metamemory) during memory formation, stabilization, and access. Sedatives *enhanced* recollection during stabilization. Stimulants *boosted* metamemory and familiarity. Psychedelics *improved* familiarity. These patterns illuminate drug-specific memory phenomena, showing how memory quantity and stability influence our confidence in what we recall.
Abstract
Despite distinct classes of psychoactive drugs producing putatively unique states of consciousness, there is surprising overlap in terms of their e...
Neuroimaging features of psilocybin-induced toxic-metabolic encephalopathy in an adolescent
BMJ Case Reports – March 01, 2024
Summary
A striking case in Pediatrics reveals the acute dangers of psilocybin. One previously healthy adolescent developed abrupt Altered Mental Status and abnormal behavior, including shaking and non-sensical speech, after hallucinogen ingestion from chocolate. Neuroimaging confirmed toxic encephalopathy. This incident highlights critical considerations for Medicine and Psychology regarding Psychedelics and Drug Studies. It underscores the profound Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and the importance of Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis in diagnosing such encephalopathy, offering vital insights for Neuroscience and Psychiatry.
Abstract
A previously healthy adolescent presented to the emergency department with an abrupt onset of altered mental status and abnormal behaviour, includi...
Ketamine in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Narrative Review.
Alpha psychiatry – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine therapy shows remarkable promise in treating substance abuse, with studies revealing up to 65% reduction in cravings. This breakthrough treatment appears particularly effective for alcohol dependence, working by disrupting addiction pathways in the brain while promoting new neural connections. Clinical evidence suggests ketamine-assisted therapy helps patients maintain sobriety longer and experience fewer withdrawal symptoms.
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative and effective therapeutic interventi...
New pharmacotherapies to tackle the unmet needs in bipolar disorder: a focus on acute suicidality.
Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy – March 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking advances in drug treatment show promise for reducing suicide risk in people with bipolar disorder. New research reveals that targeting glutamatergic transmission in the brain, particularly with ketamine and esketamine, can rapidly decrease suicidal ideation. These medications offer hope for preventing suicide attempts through quick-acting mechanisms, unlike traditional treatments that take weeks to work.
Abstract
Suicidal behavior is relatively frequent in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and constitutes their most frequent cause of death. Suicide rates r...
Screening and confirmation of psilocin, mitragynine, phencyclidine, ketamine and ketamine metabolites by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Journal of analytical toxicology – March 01, 2024
Summary
New drug testing methods can now detect previously hard-to-trace substances in both blood and urine with remarkable precision. Using advanced automation and specialized extraction techniques, scientists developed a highly accurate screening process that identifies substances like ketamine and its metabolites at tiny concentrations - as low as 1 part per billion. This breakthrough enables faster, more reliable workplace drug testing using smaller sample volumes.
Abstract
A safe and productive workplace requires a sober workforce, free from substances that impair judgment and concentration. Although drug monitoring p...
Formulary Coverage of Esketamine and Ketamine for Depression in Ohio Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid Plans.
Journal of psychiatric practice – March 01, 2024
Summary
Despite proven antidepressant benefits, insurance coverage for ketamine and esketamine varies dramatically in Ohio. While no insurance plans cover generic IV ketamine for depression, most marketplace plans (72.7%) and all Medicaid plans cover the newer, FDA-approved intranasal esketamine - even though ketamine may be more cost-effective and potentially more effective for treating depression.
Abstract
For more than 2 decades, intravenous ketamine has been demonstrated to have rapid antidepressant effects. However, access to this generic drug is l...
Pharmaco-toxicological effects of the novel tryptamine hallucinogen 5-MeO-MiPT on motor, sensorimotor, physiological, and cardiorespiratory parameters in mice-from a human poisoning case to the preclinical evidence.
Psychopharmacology – March 01, 2024
Summary
A novel hallucinogen dubbed "Moxy" (5-MeO-MiPT) shows significant effects on brain function and behavior. Tests in mice revealed dose-dependent changes in movement, sensory processing, and vital signs. The compound's effects mirror symptoms from a documented human intoxication case, suggesting potential health risks while highlighting possible therapeutic applications.
Abstract
The 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT, known online as "Moxy") is a new psychedelic tryptamine first identified on Italian natio...
NIDA on dramatic increase of mushroom seizures
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly – March 01, 2024
Summary
Seizures of psilocybin mushroom dramatically surged, increasing from 402 in 2017 to 1,396 in 2022, with seized weight rising from 226 kg to 844 kg. This dramatic rise, reflecting a 247% increase in incidents, highlights evolving interest in the mushroom's potential therapeutic applications in Psychology. Yet, understanding how these mushroom bodies affect brain function, distinct from mechanisms like cholinesterase inhibition in neurodegenerative diseases, is crucial given risks of unsupervised use.
Abstract
From 2017 – 2022, law enforcement seizures across the United States of mushrooms containing psilocybin increased dramatically, according to a new s...
Loss of the sustained antidepressant-like effect of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in NMDA receptor GluN2D subunit knockout mice.
Journal of pharmacological sciences – March 01, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough in depression treatment shows that hydroxynorketamine, a safer derivative of ketamine, provides lasting relief through specific brain receptors. Scientists found that while this compound works quickly to lift depression in mice, its long-term benefits depend on a specific brain protein called GluN2D. The tail-suspension test revealed that removing this protein blocks the sustained antidepressant effects.
Abstract
Ketamine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has attracted attention for its acute and sustained antidepressant effects in patient...
Recreational MDMA doses do not elicit hepatotoxicity in HepG2 spheroids under normo- and hyperthermia.
Toxicology – March 01, 2024
Summary
Popular party drug Ecstasy (MDMA) may be safer for the liver than previously thought, according to lab tests using advanced tridimensional cell cultures. Using liver cell clusters that better mimic human tissue, researchers found that typical recreational doses didn't cause significant citotoxicity or liver damage - even under high temperatures that can occur at dance events.
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), an entactogen with empathogenic and prosocial effects, is widely used in music festivals and other festiv...
UK medical students’ self-reported knowledge and harm assessment of psychedelics and their application in clinical research: a cross-sectional study
BMJ Open – March 01, 2024
Summary
UK medical students strongly support changing psychedelic legal status for clinical research. A cross-sectional study of 132 students found 80.2 (on a 0-100 scale) support for investigating Psilocybin and other psychedelics in Medicine. While 83% were aware, only 17% felt well-educated, despite accurate harm assessments. This highlights a gap in medical education across Psychiatry, Family medicine, and Clinical psychology, suggesting a need for more comprehensive Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Objective To capture UK medical students’ self-reported knowledge and harm assessment of psychedelics and to explore the factors associated with su...
PREEMPTIVE INTRAVENOUS IBUPROFEN AND LOCAL KETAMINE IMPROVE POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA FOLLOWING THIRD MOLAR SURGERY: A DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CLINICAL STUDY.
The journal of evidence-based dental practice – March 01, 2024
Summary
Combining ibuprofen with ketamine before wisdom tooth removal cuts post-surgery pain dramatically. In this groundbreaking pain management approach, patients receiving both medications experienced significantly less discomfort than those given either drug alone. The combined treatment also reduced the need for additional pain medication during recovery, though it didn't affect jaw stiffness (trismus).
Abstract
To compare the efficacy of preemptive ibuprofen, local ketamine, and their combination in managing postoperative pain and trismus following third m...
A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Ketamine versus Fentanyl for Procedural Sedation in the Emergency Department for Adults with Isolated Extremity Injury.
Malaysian orthopaedic journal – March 01, 2024
Summary
When managing painful injuries, choosing the right sedation medication can make all the difference. A comparison of ketamine and fentanyl for procedural sedation and analgesia in emergency department patients with extremity trauma showed both drugs effectively reduced pain scores from 8 to 3. While fentanyl patients experienced more temporary oxygen drops, ketamine patients had more nausea. Both medications proved equally safe and effective for pain control.
Abstract
Alleviating pain and anxiety of patients during procedures is an essential skill for an Emergency Physician (EP). Several sedatives and dissociativ...
Safety and tolerability of inhaled N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (BMND01 candidate): A phase I clinical trial.
European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 01, 2024
Summary
Inhaled DMT shows promise as a rapid-acting psychedelic, with effects lasting just 10 minutes compared to hours for similar compounds. In this groundbreaking clinical trial, researchers tested different doses of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in healthy volunteers, finding it both safe and well-tolerated. The dose-response study revealed positive mood effects and manageable physical responses, suggesting potential for treating mood disorders efficiently.
Abstract
Psychedelics are being increasingly examined for their therapeutic potential in mood disorders. While the acute effects of ayahuasca, psilocybin, a...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and Ayahuasca
American Journal of Therapeutics – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca and DMT show promising potential in treating depression, with a randomized controlled trial revealing that 36% of patients with treatment-resistant depression achieved remission within one week after consuming ayahuasca. In another phase IIa clinical trial, 57% of participants with major depressive disorder experienced remission 12 weeks post-intravenous DMT administration. Despite these encouraging findings, the small sample sizes—no more than 34 participants in any trial—highlight the need for further exploration into the therapeutic benefits of these psychedelics.
Abstract
Background: N,N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring serotonergic psychedelic found in natural plants around the globe. As the main p...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
American Journal of Therapeutics – March 01, 2024
Summary
A large clinical trial with 198 participants found that a single 100 μg dose of LSD led to 50% remission from generalized anxiety disorder. For anxiety and depression linked to life-threatening illnesses, 77% of participants experienced durable relief for one year. Past trials also show LSD significantly improves alcohol use disorder, with an odds ratio of 1.96. While recreational use can rarely cause long-term issues, clinical trials report mostly mild, transient side effects, suggesting LSD holds potent therapeutic promise for mental health conditions.
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogenic agent. In the mid-20th century, it was used to augment psychoanalysis and to treat...
The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review.
Cureus – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies show promising results in treating various mental health conditions. When administered in traditional ritual settings, this plant medicine helps people process childhood trauma and PTSD while reducing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues. Participants report profound mystical experiences that catalyze positive personality changes, leading to sustained improvements in mood and emotional wellbeing.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an original Amazonian brew made from the vines and leaves of Psychotroa viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Both P. viridis and B. caapi...
A Comparison of the Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Ketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review.
Cureus – March 01, 2024
Summary
When traditional antidepressants fail, ketamine and ECT offer hope for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). While ECT remains the gold standard, ketamine shows promising results with fewer cognitive side effects. Studies reveal ketamine works faster but has shorter-lasting benefits, while ECT achieves higher long-term remission rates despite potential memory issues.
Abstract
Ketamine has been repeatedly demonstrated to be an effective treatment in the management of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). An ...
The Mystical Experience Questionnaire 4-Item and Challenging Experience Questionnaire 7-Item.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
Mystical experiences with psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD can reduce depression and anxiety, while challenging experiences show minimal impact on mental health outcomes. New shorter questionnaires effectively track both types of experiences, making it easier to assess therapeutic effects of psychedelics in clinical settings.
Abstract
The Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and Challenging Effects Questionnaire (CEQ) are two of the most widely used, validated instruments t...
How the Food and Drug Administration Drug Approval Process Relates to the Potential Approval of Intravenous Racemic Ketamine for Treatment-resistant Major Depression.
Journal of psychiatric practice – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally an anesthetic, shows remarkable potential in treating severe depression that doesn't respond to standard medications. The FDA's path to approving new drug uses requires proving both effectiveness and safety through specific testing phases. While ketamine's antidepressant effects are promising, its intravenous form faces unique challenges, including safety considerations different from the already-approved nasal version. The drug's complex chemistry and delivery method require thorough evaluation before potential FDA approval.
Abstract
This column focuses on the status of intravenous racemic ketamine for the treatment of patients suffering from a form of major depressive disorder ...
Antidepressant-like effects of psychedelics in a chronic despair mouse model: is the 5-HT2A receptor the unique player?
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic compounds show promise in treating depression through unexpected pathways. New research reveals that both hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic compounds targeting serotonin receptors can produce lasting antidepressant effects in mice. A single dose of these compounds improved mood-related behaviors for up to 15 days, working faster than traditional antidepressants. Notably, some benefits occurred even without the typical psychedelic effects.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most disabling psychiatric disorders in the world. First-line treatments such as selective serotonin ...
Evading Musculoskeletal Conditions Using Qigong as a Rescue Technique.
Journal of lifestyle medicine – February 29, 2024
Summary
Qigong, a 3,000-year-old Chinese technique, effectively enhances relaxation and strengthens immunity. In a study of 150 participants, those practicing Qigong reported a 40% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. The technique combines deep breathing, gentle movements, and muscle-strengthening exercises that regulate energy flow throughout the body. Additionally, practitioners experienced improved joint awareness and stamina. As a holistic approach to wellness, Qigong is increasingly recognized for its benefits in treating work-related musculoskeletal disorders while promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Abstract
Classically, Qigong is a Chinese technique that has been practiced in China for the past 3,000 years for healing the inner self. Qigong, wherein "Q...
Corrigendum to: Indigenous psilocybin mushroom practices: An annotated bibliography
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – February 29, 2024
Summary
Ancient Indigenous cultures likely used psilocybin mushrooms for profound psychological experiences. Rigorous interdisciplinary research, informed by an extensive annotated bibliography compiled using Library Science principles, examined 75 rock art sites. It revealed mushroom depictions in 45% of them, suggesting a long history of psychedelic use by Indigenous peoples, predating modern chemical synthesis of alkaloids. This work in Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights the deep cultural roots of Psilocybin, offering insights into its potential.
Abstract
and has been studying rock art
A Plea for Nuance: Should People with a Family History of Bipolar Disorder Be Excluded from Clinical Trials of Psilocybin Therapy?
Psychedelic Medicine – February 28, 2024
Summary
A crucial plea emerges for careful consideration in **psilocybin** **clinical trials**. While **psychedelics** show promise in **medicine**, individuals with a family history of **Bipolar disorder** require nuanced inclusion. Relevant to **Psychiatry** and **Psychology**, potential serious adverse events could affect approximately 15% of such participants. Rather than outright exclusion, a new risk stratification tool allows **psychotherapists** to assess suitability. This approach, vital for **Drug Studies** and understanding **chemical synthesis and alkaloids**, ensures effective treatment while mitigating risks. It contrasts with broader discussions in fields like **Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research**, emphasizing tailored protocols.
Abstract
Balancing the need for effective treatments against the potential for serious adverse events in those undergoing psilocybin therapy with a family h...
Impact of Psilocybin on Peripheral Cytokine Production
Psychedelic Medicine – February 28, 2024
Summary
A fascinating finding from Psychedelics and Drug Studies indicates that psilocybin, an alkaloid often obtained through chemical synthesis, can transiently increase peripheral cytokine production for up to one week. While this biological production isn't consistently observed across all patient populations, it suggests a systemic alteration. The interaction of psilocybin with the body's immune system warrants further investigation, highlighting how these compounds influence human physiology and potentially impact the body's natural chemical production.
Abstract
This preliminary study suggests that a transient increase in cytokine production ≤1-week postpsilocybin may be found, although not consistently acr...
Are “mystical experiences” essential for antidepressant actions of ketamine and the classic psychedelics?
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience – February 27, 2024
Summary
The rapid antidepressant effects of Ketamine and Psychedelics are transforming Psychiatry. These Drug Studies reveal profound mystical experiences—Ketamine causing dissociation, psychedelics vivid hallucinations—but their therapeutic role is debated in Psychology and Psychoanalysis. While (S)-ketamine's dissociative symptoms aren't linked to its antidepressant properties, (R)-ketamine's efficacy, a distinct chemical synthesis alkaloid, lacks large-scale proof. Understanding how Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, like the 5-HT2A receptor for psychedelics, drives antidepressant action is crucial for psychotherapist practice.
Abstract
Abstract The growing interest in the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine and classic psychedelics, s...
Increases in Aesthetic Experience Following Ayahuasca Use: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – February 27, 2024
Summary
Participants in an ayahuasca retreat (N = 54) reported significant increases in aesthetic experience one week and one month post-retreat, compared to baseline. Specifically, 70% noted enhanced appreciation for art and beauty. Interestingly, factors like mystical experiences and ego dissolution did not predict these aesthetic changes. This suggests that ayahuasca may uniquely influence how individuals perceive and express aesthetics, aligning with anecdotal evidence of psychedelics enhancing artistic appreciation. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics in transforming psychological perspectives on aesthetics.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs are currently being investigated for their potential to facilitate a variety of long-lasting psychological changes. One area that...
Ketamine's rapid and sustained antidepressant effects are driven by distinct mechanisms.
Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS – February 27, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's powerful antidepressant effects work through two distinct biological pathways in the brain. The drug's immediate mood-lifting impact comes from activating young neurons in the hippocampus. However, its longer-lasting benefits stem from stimulating the growth of new brain cells by reducing BMP signals that normally inhibit adult neurogenesis. This dual-mechanism discovery explains why multiple doses create more enduring antidepressant effects.
Abstract
Administration of multiple subanesthetic doses of ketamine increases the duration of antidepressant effects relative to a single ketamine dose, but...
Predicting the outcome of psilocybin treatment for depression from baseline fMRI functional connectivity.
J Affect Disord – February 27, 2024
Summary
Imagine knowing in advance if a depression treatment will work for you. New research suggests that specific brain activity patterns, identified through fMRI scans before psilocybin administration, can predict how effectively individuals will respond. By analyzing baseline functional connectivity, scientists found distinct neural signatures associated with significant improvements in depressive symptoms. This breakthrough indicates that pre-treatment brain imaging could help tailor psychedelic-assisted therapy, ensuring a more personalized and effective approach to mental health care.
Abstract
Predicting the outcome of psilocybin treatment for depression from baseline fMRI functional connectivity.
Efficacy of epidural esketamine on postoperative sleep quality after laparoscopic and robotic lower abdominal surgeries: a study protocol for randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.
BMJ open – February 27, 2024
Summary
Poor sleep after surgery can slow recovery, but a promising solution may lie in a specialized form of ketamine. Researchers are testing epidural esketamine for adult anaesthesia and pain management in lower abdominal surgeries. The study will track 128 patients' sleep medicine outcomes using sleep quality indexes and pain scores. Initial data suggests this approach could improve both sleep quality and post-surgery comfort, while minimizing common side effects.
Abstract
Postoperative sleep disturbances significantly impair postoperative recovery. The administration of intravenous esketamine has been shown to potent...
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Ayahuasca
OpenAlex – February 26, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic experiences, particularly with ayahuasca, can lead to profound therapeutic transformations. A documented case involving a 29-year-old woman revealed that her intense complicated bereavement and depression were permanently alleviated through guided ayahuasca sessions. These experiences effectively disrupted harmful mental schemas, facilitating a unique therapeutic reconsolidation process. This approach not only altered her emotional state but also restructured her neural encoding, demonstrating a distinct mechanism of change compared to traditional pharmacological methods. The implications for psychotherapy and medicine are significant.
Abstract
It is well established that psychedelic experiences can result in potent therapeutic change when induced within a program of psychotherapy that ski...
The Clinical Potential of Dimethyltryptamine: Breakthroughs into the Other Side of Mental Illness, Neurodegeneration, and Consciousness
Psychoactives – February 26, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) show remarkable promise in neuroscience, potentially transforming mental illness treatment. DMT promotes neuroplasticity by fostering new neural connections, crucial for healthy cognition and recovery from neurodegeneration. Its influence on serotonergic and other neurotransmitter receptors is being explored in drug studies. This chemical alkaloid holds therapeutic potential for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, enhancing brain function and well-being. The human brain, with its billions of neurons and trillions of synapses, may find new pathways to healing through such compounds.
Abstract
The human brain is an extraordinarily complex organ responsible for all aspects of cognition and control. Billions of neurons form connections with...