Research
Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders.
Journal of addiction psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Emerging research suggests trauma's impact on personality may be effectively treated with psychedelic assisted therapy. Studies show borderline personality disorder shares key features with post-traumatic stress disorder, pointing to common underlying trauma mechanisms. Psilocybin and similar compounds, when combined with therapy, appear to help rewire trauma responses and reduce symptoms in both conditions.
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) share overlapping neurobiological mechanisms particularly reward de...
Clinical characteristics and treatment exposure of patients with marked treatment-resistant unipolar major depressive disorder: A RECOVER trial report.
Brain stimulation – January 01, 2024
Summary
Patients with severe treatment-resistant depression have typically tried 11 different treatments before seeking advanced options. New data shows that combining traditional antidepressants with interventions like vagus nerve stimulation, TMS, or esketamine may help those who haven't responded to standard treatments. This is especially promising for younger patients with early-onset depression.
Abstract
RECOVER is a randomized sham-controlled trial of vagus nerve stimulation and the largest such trial conducted with a psychiatric neuromodulation in...
The effect of low dose intra-articular S(+) ketamine on osteoarthritis in rats: an experimental study.
Brazilian journal of anesthesiology (Elsevier) – January 01, 2024
Summary
A promising breakthrough in pain management shows that targeted ketamine treatment can significantly reduce joint pain without systemic effects. Using animal models, researchers found that small doses of S(+)-Ketamine directly injected into joints affected by osteoarthritis improved mobility and reduced pain sensitivity. While the treatment didn't reduce synovial membrane inflammation, it helped restore normal walking patterns and grip strength in treated subjects.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the analgesic impact of S(+)-ketamine on pain behavior and synovial inflammation in an osteoarthritis (OA) model. A...
Exploring the multifaceted potential of (R)-ketamine beyond antidepressant applications.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
While traditional ketamine variants show promise for depression, (R)-ketamine emerges as a groundbreaking alternative with fewer side effects. This form demonstrates remarkable potential beyond mental health, showing benefits for cognitive disorders and ischemic stroke recovery. Its antidepressant efficacy, particularly in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), comes with minimal dissociative effects, making it a safer option for many patients.
Abstract
(R, S)- and (S)-ketamine have made significant progress in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and have become a research focus i...
Psychiatric and legal considerations for ketamine treatment within prison settings.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Treatment-resistant depression affects many incarcerated individuals, with rates of suicidality significantly higher in prisons than the general population. Ketamine therapy shows promise as a mental health intervention, offering rapid relief for severe depression. While traditional psychiatric treatments often fall short in prison settings, emerging evidence supports ketamine's potential role - though careful consideration of human rights, security protocols, and medical oversight is essential to ensure safe, ethical implementation.
Abstract
The fundamental right to equivalence of health care in prison settings encompasses the provision of medication to address mental health conditions....
Impact of intra-operative ketamine on postoperative outcomes in abdominal surgery: a narrative review.
Translational gastroenterology and hepatology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Using ketamine during abdominal surgery can significantly reduce post-operative pain and decrease patients' need for opioid medications. When administered during surgery, ketamine helps manage pain more effectively, with patients reporting lower pain scores and requiring fewer pain medications in the crucial 24 hours after surgery. While some patients experienced side effects like hallucinations, the benefits of improved pain control make this approach promising for surgical care.
Abstract
Ketamine offers a promising solution to common postoperative issues in abdominal surgery, including pain, nausea, opioid use, and opioid-related si...
Die subakuten Effekte des Psilocybin auf Persönlichkeit, Achtsamkeit und die Auflösung des Selbst
OpenAlex – January 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin significantly reduces neuroticism and anxiety, improving life satisfaction. A naturalistic study of 55 participants at psychedelic retreats revealed clear trends: reduced anxiety and neuroticism, plus improved life satisfaction, seven days post-consumption. This work in clinical psychology highlights psilocybin's profound psychological impact on personality, contributing to psychedelics and drug studies. Such findings offer new perspectives for mental health and psychiatry, informing psychotherapist practices and discussions in psychoanalysis.
Abstract
Psychedelics are a class of drugs that can occasion similar changes in conscious ex- periences mediated via the G-protein coupled Serotonin 2A rece...
Dose-dependent LSD effects on cortical/thalamic and cerebellar activity: brain oxygen level-dependent fMRI study in awake rats.
Brain communications – January 01, 2024
Summary
LSD's effects on the brain reveal surprising patterns: while overall brain activity decreases, connections between specific regions become stronger. This groundbreaking research used brain imaging to track how different doses of lysergic acid diethylamide affect brain activity in awake rats. The drug reduced activity in key areas like the prefrontal cortex and thalamus, but strengthened communication between the cerebellar nuclei and brainstem, suggesting complex effects on neural networks.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide is a hallucinogen with complex neurobiological and behavioural effects. This is the first study to use MRI to follow fun...
Psychedelics: The New Kid on the Block
Annals of Indian Psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, 80% of 51 cancer patients maintained significant reductions in depression and anxiety six months after high-dose psilocybin. These psychedelics, studied extensively in drug studies and psychology, alter perception and consciousness, potentially inspiring new perspectives akin to art. Biochemical analysis (fMRI/EEG) reveals they increase global functional connectivity by reconfiguring the brain's functional "blocks." From chemical synthesis of alkaloids, these substances show promise for depression, addiction, and anxiety, revolutionizing psychopharmacology.
Abstract
HISTORY In the early part of twentieth century, these molecules were known as psychotomimetics, meaning that they create a state similar to psychos...
A novel framework for ketamine-assisted couple therapy.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic therapies are revolutionizing mental health treatment, and now they're transforming relationships too. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy shows promise in helping couples overcome relationship challenges while addressing individual mental health concerns. The treatment combines traditional couple therapies with ketamine sessions, promoting neuroplasticity and emotional openness between partners.
Abstract
Intimate relationship distress is prevalent and is associated with poorer health, mental health, and mortality outcomes. Evidence-based couple ther...
The dynamic strategy shifting task: Optimisation of an operant task for assessing cognitive flexibility in rats.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to test cognitive flexibility in rats, offering new hope for understanding brain disorders. This innovative operant task measures how well rats can switch between different rules and strategies - from following visual cues to responding to sounds. Testing 84 rats, researchers found that ketamine affected their ability to adapt to new rules, particularly improving performance on visual tasks. This work could accelerate the development of treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases.
Abstract
Although schizophrenia is associated with a broad range of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, and reduced motivation, measures of cognit...
Ayahuasca-assisted meaning reconstruction therapy for grief: a non-randomized clinical trial protocol.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research explores ayahuasca's potential to help people process deep grief. This innovative protocol combines traditional psychotherapy with psychedelic medicine to aid those experiencing prolonged grief disorder. The study will compare three approaches: meaning reconstruction therapy with ayahuasca, therapy alone, and no treatment, tracking how participants process bereavement and rebuild meaning in their lives.
Abstract
Psychotherapy for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), a condition characterized by an intense and persistent grief response, has received increased att...
The Effects of Opioid-Free Anesthesia with Dexmedetomidine and Esketamine on Postoperative Anesthetic-Related Complications for Hip Surgery in the Elderly.
International journal of general medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
Elderly patients recovering from hip surgery face 27% fewer complications when given innovative nonopioid anesthesia. A combination of dexmedetomidine and esketamine proved highly effective for geriatric patients, reducing nausea, breathing problems, and pain during recovery. This approach also provided better heart rate stability during surgery, marking a promising shift away from traditional opioid-based methods.
Abstract
The routine perioperative use of opioids has recently been questioned due to opioid-related side effects, which can be potentially harmful in geria...
Widespread reductions in cortical thickness following ketamine abuse.
Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN – January 01, 2024
Summary
Long-term ketamine misuse significantly alters brain structure, with heavy users showing widespread thinning in crucial brain regions. Analysis of brain scans from 95 ketamine users revealed substantial cortical thinning, particularly in areas controlling decision-making and self-awareness. Higher lifetime ketamine use directly correlated with more severe thinning, highlighting the dose-dependent impact on brain health.
Abstract
Esketamine is a version of ketamine that has been approved for treatment-resistant depression, but our previous studies showed a link between non-m...
Ketamine modulates disrupted in schizophrenia-1/glycogen synthase kinase-3β interaction.
Frontiers in molecular neuroscience – January 01, 2024
Summary
The anesthetic ketamine can disrupt crucial brain proteins, but lithium may help protect against its effects. New research reveals how ketamine reduces levels of DISC1, a key protein for brain development and mental health. When DISC1 decreases, it impairs its partnership with GSK-3β, leading to shorter nerve cell connections. Importantly, lithium treatment prevented these negative effects, suggesting a potential protective approach.
Abstract
Disrupted in schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) is a scaffolding protein whose mutated form has been linked to schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorders, and...
The Impact of a 4-Domain Wellness-Initiative Curriculum on Internal Medicine Resident Physicians.
HCA healthcare journal of medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
A well-being curriculum significantly enhances the mental health of medical residents. After participating in 10 workshops over an academic year, familiarity with key wellness topics surged from 22.7% to 77.3%. Furthermore, 58.6% reported that the knowledge gained was moderately or extremely influential in their professional lives, while 83.6% felt the same for their personal lives. This structured approach, focusing on mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive distortions, shifts mindsets away from burnout toward engagement and joy, fostering overall psychological well-being.
Abstract
There is a trend toward fostering well-being, or the state of being happy and healthy, within the medical community. Historically, resident physici...
Effect of Continuous Infusion of Different Doses of Esketamine on the Bispectral Index During Sevoflurane Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2024
Summary
During surgery, precise monitoring of consciousness levels is crucial. New research shows that esketamine, when combined with sevoflurane anesthesia, can affect brain activity measurements. Using the bispectral index to track awareness, doctors found that controlled doses of esketamine increased brain wave patterns while maintaining safe sedation. This led to better pain control and stable vital signs, marking a promising advance in surgical anesthesia.
Abstract
To investigate and quantify the effect of continuous esketamine infusion at different doses on the bispectral index (BIS) during sevoflurane anesth...
Personality change in a trial of psilocybin therapy v. escitalopram treatment for depression.
Psychological medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
Positive personality changes occur with both psilocybin therapy and escitalopram treatment for depression. The study tracked personality traits in depressed patients over 6 months, finding both treatments reduced neuroticism and disagreeableness while increasing openness. Psilocybin uniquely boosted absorption and conscientiousness. Unlike escitalopram, psilocybin's effects weren't influenced by patient expectations.
Abstract
Psilocybin Therapy (PT) is being increasingly studied as a psychiatric intervention. Personality relates to mental health and can be used to probe ...
Facts and myths about use of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression: a narrative clinical review.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough nasal spray medication offers new hope for people who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants. Esketamine shows promising results for treatment-resistant depression, helping patients achieve remission when other medications fail. This targeted therapy works differently than standard treatments for major depressive disorder, providing rapid relief and supporting long-term recovery.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when at least two different antidepressants, taken at the right dosage, for adequate period of time and...
Preoperative Anxiety's Impact on the Median Effective Dose of Esketamine for Alleviating Propofol Injection Pain in Patients Undergoing Painless abortion: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2024
Summary
Anxiety before medical procedures can significantly impact pain sensitivity. New findings reveal that patients with higher anxiety levels need about 17% more esketamine to prevent pain during propofol injections in painless abortion procedures. This dose-response relationship helps anesthesiologists tailor medication levels, improving comfort while maintaining safety. No increase in side effects was observed with higher doses.
Abstract
Propofol injection pain (PIP) is a frequent adverse effect during anesthesia induction, impacting patient comfort and satisfaction. Esketamine has ...
Clinical outcomes of ketamine in patients with traumatic brain injury: A systematic review.
International journal of critical illness and injury science – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a powerful sedative and anesthesia medication, shows promise but mixed results in treating traumatic brain injury patients. When doctors need to sedate patients with head injuries for ventilation support, choosing the right medication is crucial. Analysis of 886 patients across multiple hospitals revealed that ketamine sometimes lowered dangerous brain pressure and improved blood flow, while in other cases it had opposite effects. Most patients tolerated the treatment well, with stable vital signs and brain function during sedation.
Abstract
The current literature provides contradictory results concerning the impact of ketamine-induced anesthesia on traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes...
Psychotherapy in Psychedelic Treatment: Safe, Evidence-Based, and Necessary.
Am J Psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Remarkably, the profound healing potential of psychedelic compounds is truly unlocked through integrated therapeutic support. Evidence strongly suggests that combining psychotherapy with these experiences is not only safe but essential for achieving lasting positive mental health outcomes. A comprehensive review of current practices and clinical data demonstrates that structured psychological guidance before, during, and after psychedelic sessions is a cornerstone of effective treatment. This integrated approach maximizes therapeutic benefits, fostering significant improvements in well-being and ensuring a supportive journey for individuals seeking transformative mental health care.
Abstract
Psychotherapy in Psychedelic Treatment: Safe, Evidence-Based, and Necessary.
Identification of clerodane diterpene modifying cytochrome P450 (CYP728D26) in Salvia divinorum - en route to psychotropic salvinorin A biosynthesis.
Physiologia plantarum – January 01, 2024
Summary
A unique plant compound, salvinorin A, offers hope for new pain relievers distinct from traditional opioids. Scientists identified a crucial enzyme, CYP728D26, that performs a key modification on a precursor molecule. This breakthrough significantly advances understanding of the compound's biosynthesis, paving the way for bio-manufacturing and developing alternative analgesics.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a hallucinogenic plant native to the Oaxaca in Mexico. The active ingredient for psychotropic effects in this plant is salvinor...
Valuing the Acute Subjective Experience
Perspectives in biology and medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
A compelling idea emerges in **psychology**: experiences with **hallucinogens** like **psilocybin** and **MDMA** may hold intrinsic **value** (mathematics) beyond measurable therapeutic outcomes. While **medicine** and **mental health** research often focus on symptom alleviation or well-being increases, this essay challenges that narrow view. It explores how the acute subjective experience, impacting **consciousness**, could be profoundly valuable in itself. Drawing on aesthetics and **epistemology**, it offers **psychotherapists** and **social psychology** a richer understanding of these **psychedelics**, moving beyond solely outcome-based evaluations in **drug studies**.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Psychedelics, including psilocybin, and other consciousness-altering compounds such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), currentl...
Ibogaine administration following repeated morphine administration upregulates myelination markers 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) and myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA and protein expression in the internal capsule of Sprague Dawley rats.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2024
Summary
A surprising finding reveals that a psychedelic medicine could help repair brain damage from addiction. Researchers explored how ibogaine might address white matter issues often seen in opioid use disorder. Using rats, they found that after opioid exposure, ibogaine significantly boosted markers for myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This suggests ibogaine helps oligodendrocytes repair white matter, offering a new mechanism for treating opioid use disorder and highlighting its potential as a psychedelic medicine.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a psychedelic alkaloid being investigated as a possible treatment for opioid use disorder. Ibogaine has a multi-receptor profile with a...
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and urinary recovery of oral lysergic acid diethylamide administration in healthy participants.
British journal of clinical pharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
LSD's effects peak within 2 hours of ingestion, with higher doses leading to more intense and longer-lasting experiences. New research reveals how the body processes and eliminates this compound, tracking its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in 28 healthy volunteers. At doses of 85 and 170 micrograms, only 1% was eliminated unchanged in urine, while 16% converted to metabolites, showing efficient processing by the body.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is currently investigated for several neurological and psychiatric illnesses. Various studies have investigated th...
Effect of Low-Dose Esketamine on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2024
Summary
Low-dose esketamine shows promise in pain management for older adults undergoing joint replacement surgery. In a breakthrough trial with 260 aged patients receiving hip or knee arthroplasty, this innovative anesthetic approach demonstrated better pain control and stable vital signs. While it didn't reduce postoperative delirium rates, patients experienced improved comfort during early recovery, though some reported dizziness.
Abstract
Postoperative delirium (POD) is a prevalent and severe complication in elderly patients undergoing major surgery, associated with increased morbidi...
Effects of Esketamine Combined with Dexmedetomidine on Early Postoperative Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spinal Surgery: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2024
Summary
Combining two specific medications shows promise in protecting brain function after surgery in older adults. A breakthrough clinical trial found that using esketamine with dexmedetomidine reduced mental confusion and cognitive decline in elderly spine surgery patients. The drug combination lowered neuroinflammatory markers and cut rates of postoperative cognitive dysfunction by nearly half compared to using either medication alone.
Abstract
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication after surgery in elderly patients, and its prevalence can be up to 25.6% at one...
A Comparative Study of Esketamine-Propofol and Sufentanil-Propofol for Analgesia and Sedation During Breast Minimally Invasive Rotary Resection with Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2024
Summary
New findings show esketamine combined with propofol reduces breathing complications during minimally invasive breast tumor procedures. This safer anesthetic approach cuts the risk of hypoxia by more than 50% compared to traditional methods, while maintaining patient comfort. Patients also needed fewer breathing interventions and showed better heart rate stability.
Abstract
Minimally invasive rotary resection (MIRR) is crucial for diagnosing and treating breast tumors, but the optimal intravenous anesthesia regimen is ...
The Relationship Between Perioperative Use of Esketamine and Postpartum Depression Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment – January 01, 2024
Summary
New findings show promising mental health support for pregnant women during childbirth. Esketamine, when administered during delivery, significantly reduces postpartum depression risk in the early weeks after birth. Analysis of nearly 900 patients revealed lower depression scores among mothers who received esketamine compared to those who didn't, particularly in the first few weeks postpartum.
Abstract
To determine whether perioperative esketamine use decreases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). Online search of PubMed, Web of Science, and E...
The Rising Use of LSD among Business Managers.
Substance use & misuse – January 01, 2024
Summary
A surprising trend has emerged in corporate America: business managers are increasingly turning to psychedelics, particularly LSD, at higher rates than other workforce segments. Data from 168,920 full-time employees reveals that management-level professionals are embracing these substances, possibly seeking creative and competitive advantages. This upward trend persists across gender lines and appears unrelated to changes in risk perception.
Abstract
Although studies have demonstrated that the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is on the rise in the United States, it remains unclear how thi...
Neuroplasticity: Pathophysiology and Role in Major Depressive Disorder.
Critical reviews in oncogenesis – January 01, 2024
Summary
The brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself holds the key to understanding depression. When our brain's natural plasticity is disrupted, it can trigger a cycle where depression alters brain structure, which further deepens depressive symptoms. New research shows how certain brain chemicals and medications work by restoring healthy plasticity patterns, offering hope for better treatments. Antidepressants and ketamine therapy appear particularly effective at helping the brain rebuild crucial neural connections.
Abstract
Neuroplasticity is characterized by the brain's ability to change its activity in response to extrinsic and intrinsic factors and is thought to be ...
Three Decades of Research on the Development of Ibogaine Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Scientometric Analysis.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2024
Summary
Global interest in Ibogaine for substance use disorders is rapidly expanding. A scientometric analysis, utilizing tools like CiteSpace and vosviewer, explored the evolving research landscape of Ibogaine as a potential treatment. Analyzing over 1500 publications across three decades revealed a significant increase in global research activity. This growth highlights Ibogaine's potential, with recent trends focusing on its role among psychedelics for treating opioid and other substance use disorders. This widespread, growing attention underscores its promising therapeutic future.
Abstract
Ibogaine is a natural psychoactive drug that has been investigated for its potential role in the treatment of substance use disorders since the mid...
Misinterpretations and Omissions: A Critical Response to Goodwin and Colleagues' Commentary on Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy.
Am J Psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Concerns regarding psilocybin-assisted therapy are often based on incomplete information. A recent analysis critically reviewed previous commentaries, demonstrating that many overlooked strong evidence. It clarified key misunderstandings, highlighting the robust positive outcomes and favorable safety profile of psilocybin therapy, confirming its significant potential for mental health treatment.
Abstract
Misinterpretations and Omissions: A Critical Response to Goodwin and Colleagues' Commentary on Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy.
Psychoactive plant derivatives (ayahuasca, ibogaine, kratom) and their application in opioid withdrawal and use disorder - a narrative review.
Journal of addictive diseases – January 01, 2024
Summary
Natural plant-based compounds show promise in addressing the opioid crisis. Ayahuasca, ibogaine, and kratom have emerged as potential alternatives for managing opioid withdrawal and addiction. These substances work through multiple pathways, combining unique chemical effects with traditional ceremonial practices to help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. While ayahuasca and ibogaine often require supervised settings, kratom has gained popularity as a more accessible option for opioid use disorder.
Abstract
The opioid epidemic and limited access to treatment for opioid withdrawal (OW) and opioid use disorder (OUD) has led individuals to seek alternativ...
Comparative Analysis of Hemodynamic Effects of Remimazolam and Propofol Combined with Esketamine in Colonoscopic Procedures in the Elderly.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough in colonoscopy sedation shows promising results for elderly patients. When combined with esketamine, the newer drug remimazolam proves significantly safer than traditional propofol, reducing blood pressure complications by over 50%. The drug combo provides better heart rate stability and faster recovery times, while maintaining excellent sedation quality and reducing breathing problems.
Abstract
The debate continues over the differential impact of remimazolam vs propofol on hemodynamic stability. This study aims to elucidate the effects of ...
IUPHAR-review: The integration of classic psychedelics into current substance use disorder treatment models.
Pharmacological research – January 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking developments in addiction treatment show that psychedelics, including psilocybin, can complement existing therapies for Substance Use Disorder. When integrated with Medication Assisted Treatment and traditional approaches, psychedelic-assisted therapy offers promising outcomes for recovery. Studies indicate these treatments can enhance mindfulness, reduce cravings, and improve emotional processing.
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) have an enormous impact on public health. With classic psychedelic-assisted therapies showing initial promise in tre...
Perioperative administration of sub-anesthetic ketamine/esketamine for preventing postpartum depression symptoms: A trial sequential meta-analysis.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
A single dose of ketamine during childbirth could cut postpartum depression risk by more than half. This groundbreaking analysis of over 3,400 women reveals that administering low-dose ketamine after delivery significantly reduces depression symptoms in new mothers, both immediately and up to 6 weeks postpartum. While some patients experienced mild side effects like dizziness, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks, especially when given after delivery.
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major mental health issue affecting 10%-15% of women globally. This meta-analysis synthesized updated evidence on ...
Synergistic psychedelic - NMDAR modulator treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Molecular psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Combining psychedelics with specific brain receptor modulators may enhance mental health treatment while reducing unwanted effects. New findings show that psilocybin and NMDA receptor compounds like D-serine work together to boost brain plasticity and mood improvement. This dual approach could offer more effective, safer treatment options for depression and other mental health conditions.
Abstract
Modern research data suggest a therapeutic role for serotonergic psychedelics in depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, although psychoto...
Use of esketamine for tracheoscopic drug injection: a randomized controlled trial.
Frontiers in medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
Esketamine shows promising advantages over traditional anesthetics in elderly patients undergoing tracheoscopy. This medication maintains stable blood pressure and speeds recovery time while providing effective sedation. When compared to sufentanil, patients receiving esketamine demonstrated better hemodynamic security and curative effect, with minimal impact on breathing and circulation. The results point to a safer option for elderly surgical patients.
Abstract
Sufentanil may induce hypotensive bradycardia and other adverse reactions in elderly patients during anesthesia, while esketamine exhibits sedative...
Preventing new substance use behaviors in youth: evaluation of a two-year comprehensive program.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2024
Summary
A two-year prevention program targeting youth substance use showed promising results through innovative outreach methods. Field interventions at student parties and social media campaigns effectively reduced interest in emerging substances like ecstasy, cannabidiol, and nitrous oxide. Training sessions for prevention workers and direct engagement with party organizers led to increased awareness and more cautious attitudes toward drug use among young people.
Abstract
The Avenir Santé Association implemented a comprehensive prevention program targeting the consumption of the emerging psychoactive substances ecsta...
Cost-effectiveness of midomafetamine-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) in chronic and treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder of moderate or higher severity: A health-economic model.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
MDMA-assisted therapy could save the US healthcare system money while significantly improving outcomes for PTSD patients. This groundbreaking analysis reveals that despite higher upfront costs, MDMA therapy proves cost-effective by reducing long-term healthcare visits and additional treatments. Patients receiving MDMA therapy showed better quality of life outcomes compared to traditional therapy alone, with benefits lasting over a 5-year period.
Abstract
To explore the cost-effectiveness of midomafetamine-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) compared to placebo with therapy (PT) in US healthcare settings. A h...
Longitudinal associations between psychedelic use and unusual visual experiences in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 01, 2024
Summary
First-time users of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are more likely to experience lasting visual effects after their initial experience. A large study tracking 7,667 adults in the US and UK found that people who used psychedelics reported increased unusual visual phenomena afterward, with newcomers showing the strongest effects. These changes suggest potential risks but were generally mild.
Abstract
Whereas findings from case reports and cross-sectional studies suggest that naturalistic psychedelic use may be associated with unusual visual expe...
Baseline monocyte count predicts symptom improvement during intravenous ketamine therapy in treatment-resistant depression: a single-arm open-label observational study.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
A simple blood test measuring immune cell counts may help predict who will respond best to ketamine therapy for hard-to-treat depression. Higher levels of monocytes—key players in inflammation and immunity—were linked to better treatment outcomes. In a study of 27 patients receiving ketamine infusions, those with elevated monocyte counts showed greater improvement in depression symptoms, with nearly 80% experiencing significant relief. This breakthrough suggests that basic blood work could help identify ideal candidates for this promising treatment.
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory processes in depression are associated with treatment resistance to conventional antidepressants. Ketamine is an effective new th...
Expert opinions on implementation of MDMA-assisted therapy in Europe: critical appraisal towards training, clinical practice, and regulation.
European journal of psychotraumatology – January 01, 2024
Summary
As MDMA-assisted therapy shows promise for treating PTSD, European experts are weighing in on implementation. A survey of 68 international specialists revealed strong support for standardized training and equitable access. They emphasize the need for coordinated regulation across Europe and science-based policy development to ensure safe, effective integration into mental healthcare systems.
Abstract
Introduction: The positive results of MDMA from Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for the treatment of post-traumati...
Effects of mindfulness meditation training offered in-person and via a virtual world on self-compassion: A study with U.S. military active duty and veterans.
Work (Reading, Mass.) – January 01, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness meditation significantly boosts self-compassion, with a 14% improvement in participants using virtual training compared to 10% for in-person sessions. In a study involving 250 active-duty and veteran U.S. military personnel, both mindfulness approaches outperformed a wait-list control group, which showed no change. Those with initially lower self-compassion benefited the most. By offering mindfulness training through telemedicine and virtual worlds, a broader audience can enhance coping skills and resilience, ultimately reducing psychological stress and improving occupational health outcomes.
Abstract
Mindfulness-based, in-person programs are effective at reducing stress and enhancing resilience in military and civilian samples, yet few studies h...
Older adults in psychedelic-assisted therapy trials: A systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy appears safe and well-tolerated for older adults, with no serious adverse events among the 10 participants for whom detailed safety data was available. This systematic review, using MEDLINE and other sources for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, analyzed 36 trials involving 1400 patients. Yet, only 19 (less than 1.4%) were aged 65 or older. While initial findings suggest these substances, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, modulating neurotransmitter receptors for behavioral influence, are safe, their potential in geriatric Psychology and Medicine warrants further exploration by psychotherapists.
Abstract
Background: Growing clinical interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies has led to a second wave of research involving psilocybin, lysergic acid di...
[Targeting NMDAR/AMPAR: a promising pharmacotherapeutic approach for depressive disorders].
Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova – January 01, 2024
Summary
Recent breakthroughs reveal that glutamate, not just serotonin, plays a crucial role in depression treatment. While traditional antidepressants target serotonin pathways, rapid-acting alternatives like ketamine work by modulating NMDA and AMPA receptors in the brain. This dual-pathway approach shows remarkable promise in treating severe depression, especially in cases where conventional medications fall short.
Abstract
Depression is a leading cause of disability and reduced work capacity worldwide. The monoamine theory of the pathogenesis of depression has remaine...
Predicting treatment response to ketamine in treatment-resistant depression using auditory mismatch negativity: Study protocol.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in rapidly treating severe depression, but doctors can't reliably predict which patients will benefit. This research explores using brain wave patterns during sound processing to forecast treatment success. By analyzing EEG recordings from 30 patients before ketamine therapy, researchers aim to identify neural signatures that could help personalize depression treatment and improve success rates.
Abstract
Ketamine has recently attracted considerable attention for its rapid effects on patients with major depressive disorder, including treatment-resist...
Trauma-Informed Care in Psychedelic Therapy Research: A Qualitative Literature Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions in PTSD and Psychedelic Therapy Across Conditions.
Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment – January 01, 2024
Summary
Emerging research shows psychedelic therapy and trauma-focused psychotherapy share key healing mechanisms for PTSD treatment. A comprehensive review of patient experiences reveals both approaches rely on psychological safety, trust, and readiness to process trauma. Psychedelic treatments offer unique benefits through indirect processing and self-narrative reorganization, while maintaining core therapeutic principles.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with significant patient burden. While pharmacotherapies and evidence-based psychotherapy inter...