1349 results for "Set and Setting"
Voice of the Psychonauts: Coping, Life Purpose, and Spirituality in Psychedelic Drug Users
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 01, 2011
Summary
Psychedelics, including Mescaline and Psilocybin, when used for self-knowledge, correlate positively with enhanced coping and spirituality. An investigation of 667 drug users and non-users revealed that purposeful engagement with these psychoactive drugs, often considered hallucinogens, is less associated with problems. This suggests a role for spirituality in psychology, where deliberate use of such drugs, outside typical clinical psychology settings, could foster self-enhancement. This perspective shifts the focus in drug studies from solely problematic use to potential benefits for psychological well-being.
Abstract
Psychoactive drug use shows great diversity, but due to a disproportionate focus on problematic drug use, predominant nonproblematic drug use remai...
Psilocybin induces sex- and context-specific recruitment of the stress axis
Current Biology – December 09, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin robustly activates the body's stress system via specific hypothalamic neurons, with more pronounced responses observed in female mice. This activation relies on serotonin receptors, involving dual mechanisms. Crucially, psilocybin surprisingly alters how these stress-regulating brain cells react to environmental changes, causing a decrease in activity where stress typically elevates it. This context-specific modulation may be a key mechanism explaining its therapeutic potential for conditions like depression, highlighting the considerable influence of "setting" on the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
Following decades of prohibition, psychedelic drugs have reemerged as promising therapeutics for stress-related conditions, including depression an...
Real-World Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: a Retrospective Observational Study
OpenAlex – December 10, 2025
Summary
Patients with severe treatment-resistant depression experienced significant symptom reduction after psilocybin treatment in a real-world setting. Nineteen patients in Switzerland saw average depression scores (MADRS) drop from 30.78 to 19.89, a large effect (Hedges’ *g* = 1.37). Another measure (BDI) showed scores decreasing from 32.33 to 23.28 (effect *r* = .80). A third achieved response (33.3% MADRS), with 22.2% achieving remission. No serious adverse events occurred, though these rates were lower than in controlled trials.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin has demonstrated promising antidepressant effects in depression and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in controlled clinical...
Regulatory Challenges of Integrating Psychedelics into Mental Health Sector
Psychoactives – April 22, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics are emerging as a promising method for treating mental health conditions. Substances like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, when administered in controlled settings with psychological support, induce profound insights. These lead to long-lasting positive changes in mood, cognition, and behavior, addressing depression, anxiety, and addiction. This revolutionizes mental health treatment. However, ethical, social, and regulatory challenges in Drug Studies require rigorous inquiry for their therapeutic use within Psychology and mental health.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have recently emerged as a promising method for treating mental health conditions, despite a history of stigmatization and r...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part IV. Psilocybin
OpenAlex – December 26, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows remarkable promise in Psychiatry. Initial clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression reported 42-57% remission, surpassing many antidepressant medications. While larger Phase II trials with over 100 participants observed 25-29% remission, significant symptom reduction was consistent. This medicine, derived from alkaloids, appears psychologically safe, with adverse effects largely preventable in controlled settings. Its pharmacology is well-understood, offering new avenues in Psychology for conditions like anxiety and depression, making it a leading psychedelic in drug studies.
Abstract
Background: The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin induces profound alterations in consciousness through its action at the 5-...
The Psychedelic Integration Scales: Tools for Measuring Psychedelic Integration Behaviors and Experiences
Frontiers in Psychology – May 23, 2022
Summary
Understanding the post-experience journey with psychedelics is now clearer. New psychometric scales, developed in Psychology for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, precisely measure "integration"—both behavioral engagement and internal experiences following drug administration. Rigorous psychometrics, including expert input and methods like content validity, face validity, construct validity, convergent validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis, confirm their reliability. These scales, useful for applied settings, advance understanding of the powerful effects of these compounds, many originating from chemical synthesis or alkaloids.
Abstract
In this study, we describe the development and initial validation of two psychometric scales for measuring psychedelic integration. Psychedelic int...
Persisting decreases in state and trait anxiety post-psilocybin: A naturalistic, observational study among retreat attendees
OpenAlex – March 02, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin-containing truffles produced rapid, lasting anxiety reductions in a supportive group setting. For 52 volunteers, consuming an average of 27.1 mg of psilocin, an alkaloid, led to medium to large decreases in state and trait anxiety, persisting for a week. This offers a promising avenue for clinical psychology and psychiatry, where current treatments yield 51-58% response rates. The powerful psychedelic experience, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, enhanced mindfulness and reduced neuroticism, impacting behavior and psychological well-being.
Abstract
Abstract Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric disorders among Western countries. Evidence-based treatment modalities including...
Effects of LSD and Psilocybin on Heart Rate in Patients Receiving Psychedelic Treatment for Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: A Retrospective Observational Study
Psychology International – December 19, 2025
Summary
LSD and psilocybin elicit distinct heart rate responses in patients undergoing psychedelic therapy. Among 30 individuals (50% female) with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, LSD (100–200 mcg) led to a delayed, sustained heart rate increase peaking at 3-4 hours. In contrast, psilocybin (15–30 mg) showed an earlier decline. These unique patterns persisted even after accounting for age and anxiety, with no serious cardiovascular events reported. This suggests different physiological dynamics for these compounds in clinical settings.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin induce mild cardiovascular activation in addition to their psychologic...
From Underground to Mainstream: Establishing a Medical Lexicon for Psychedelic Therapy
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 17, 2022
Summary
Advancing psychedelics into mainstream medicine requires precise, non-stigmatizing terminology. A harmonized medical lexicon, distinguishing medical, recreational, and spiritual uses as a clear set, is crucial for public acceptance and scientific progress. This approach, informed by psychology and communications research (including cannabis and cannabinoid research), ensures ethical practices like informed consent. Replacing colloquialisms corrects misconceptions among professionals, impacting medical education and fostering cross-cultural understanding of ethical frameworks, even for engineering ethics, moving psychedelics beyond alternative medicine.
Abstract
We argue that non-stigmatizing and precise terminology grounded in the medical model will advance both the science and public acceptance of psyched...
Opening up a closed field:
The Journal of Educational Sociology – May 31, 2009
Summary
What if researcher bias isn't a flaw, but a powerful resource? This research challenges traditional sociology and epistemology, transforming perceived "contamination" into a vital interpretive resource. It develops a narrative mode for fieldwork, setting out methods for reading and writing first-person accounts. This approach, akin to defining new data structures for psychological inquiry, opens a new field. Practical applications from fieldwork on magic mushroom users demonstrate how this ordered interpretation process helps understand complex human experiences.
Abstract
This paper attempts to determine a method for making use of the “image of deviation,” which we fieldworkers possess and typically regard as a bias ...
Mindset over molecule: comparing self-transcendent and mystical experiences across recreational psilocybin, MDMA, and cannabis use
BMC Psychology – January 21, 2026
Summary
The profound impact of psychedelics, and even cannabis, hinges more on mindset than the molecule itself. Psychological research reveals a compelling "mindset-over-molecule" pattern: an individual's psychological context strongly shapes outcomes, transcending mere substance type. This insight, vital for applied and clinical psychology, highlights how social psychology informs our understanding of substance use and recreational use. Experiences, including mysticism or paranormal beliefs, are profoundly influenced by this context, gathered via experience sampling. Much like an archaeological site's significance, setting is paramount. A psychotherapist's guidance, not forensic toxicology, is key.
Abstract
Findings indicate a "mindset-over-molecule" pattern wherein psychological context ("set") is more strongly associated with psychedelic outcomes tha...
EFECTOS PSICOLÓGICOS DE LA PSILOCIBINA EN PACIENTES CON CÁNCER TERMICO: Una revisión del alcance
OpenAlex – January 24, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduces depression and anxiety for terminal cancer patients. A review of medical and pharmaceutic literature, encompassing 9 articles from an initial 340 in databases like MEDLINE, confirms its effectiveness as a medicine. In controlled health care settings, the drug reaction is well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. This highlights psilocybin's potential in psychology and psychiatry, driving psychedelics and drug studies. Such alternative medicine approaches, often indexed in scientific literature like PsycINFO, offer new perspectives beyond traditional pain management.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a natural substance with hallucinogenic properties that has recently been used in the field of health. It is an alkaloid that, when a...
Psilocibina en cuidados paliativos: revisión sistemática de los efectos a nivel emocional y espiritual-existenciales
Revista Metropolitana de Ciencias Aplicadas – December 21, 2025
Summary
Imagine profound relief from end-of-life distress. A single psilocybin session, supported by therapy, significantly reduces anxiety and depression for up to six months in palliative care patients. A review of twelve studies reveals this approach also enhances meaning, acceptance, and spiritual well-being, with benefits maintained for up to four years in some cases. Adverse events were mild and temporary, like nausea or headache. Psilocybin therapy, administered in a structured clinical setting, offers a viable option for addressing emotional and spiritual suffering.
Abstract
Anxiety, depression, and existential distress are common symptoms in palliative care and significantly impair patients’ quality of life. Psilocybin...
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy; Inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in the frontiers of PTSD treatment trials
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 10, 2022
Summary
Transgender people face significant barriers in trauma-related mental health care, underscoring the need for inclusive approaches in medicine. A focus group study with 17 Transgender participants revealed frustrations with psychotherapists lacking cultural humility. For MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, vital for clinical psychology and psychiatry, recommendations include gender-affirming care, culturally safe settings, and diverse co-therapy teams. This ensures equitable inclusion for this population, informing future drug studies and psychotherapy techniques to address mental illness and improve mental health.
Abstract
Introduction Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people experience stigma, discrimination, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at hi...
Efficacy of Oral Ketamine in Patients with Depression and Suicidality: A Retrospective Study.
Indian journal of psychological medicine – January 22, 2026
Summary
Oral ketamine shows promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant, significantly reducing depression and suicidality. In 41 patients, oral ketamine therapy led to an average 8.19-point drop in depression scores and a 4.95-point reduction in suicidality after just three sessions. This suggests its potential for immediate benefit in outpatient settings, especially considering diverse sociocultural factors. Common side effects included dizziness and nausea. This effective treatment offers a new avenue for managing severe depression and its associated suicidality.
Abstract
Depression is a significant global health issue, often accompanied by suicidality, which requires urgent and effective interventions. Oral ketamine...
Long-term effectiveness and side-effects of intranasal esketamine in treatment-resistant depression: real-world, single-arm study of over 100 sessions.
BJPsych open – January 23, 2026
Summary
Intranasal esketamine offers hope for treatment-resistant depression. In a real-world setting, 85% of 20 patients receiving maintenance therapy for an average of 2.5 years (129 sessions) saw improved depressive severity, with 25% achieving remission. Anxiety also improved for 65%, with 20% reaching remission. This demonstrates esketamine's long-term effectiveness. Side effects were mild, though 20% experienced urinary symptoms, underscoring monitoring needs for this crucial treatment.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) poses a significant clinical challenge, with limited evidence guiding long-term pharmacological strategies. Es...
Effectiveness of Anapanasati Meditation on Internal Locus of Control, Psychological Well-being, Resilience and Altruism Among Orphan Adolescents.
Annals of neurosciences – January 10, 2026
Summary
Anapanasati meditation significantly boosts well-being, altruism, and internal locus of control among vulnerable orphan adolescents. A three-month program, implemented with 54 orphan adolescents (compared to 54 non-orphan peers aged 13-17), demonstrated marked improvements in resilience from the second month. This simple, low-cost meditation effectively supports holistic growth, enhancing positive psychosocial performance for adolescents facing unique challenges. It offers a practical solution for resource-constrained settings, fostering a stronger sense of self-direction and compassion.
Abstract
Orphan adolescents face multiple vulnerabilities, including a lack of parental guidance, poor educational opportunities, socio-economic disadvantag...
The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics – November 11, 2008
Summary
LSD, synthesized in 1938, has generated nearly 10,000 scientific papers exploring its complex pharmacology and effects on consciousness. Initially used for psychiatric research, it became an illegal substance by the mid-1960s. Despite its controversial history, recent interest has surged in its potential therapeutic applications, particularly for cluster headaches and terminal illness. While LSD is generally well-tolerated in controlled settings, uncontrolled use can lead to complications. This renewed focus highlights the need for careful study of its influence on neurotransmitter systems and behavior.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was synthesized in 1938 and its psychoactive effects discovered in 1943. It was used during the 1950s and 1960s as...
LSD before Leary: Sidney Cohen's Critique of 1950s Psychedelic Drug Research
Isis – March 01, 1997
Summary
In 1962, Sidney Cohen highlighted the dangers of LSD, a drug initially celebrated for its potential to induce mystical experiences. By the late 1950s, over 1,000 psychiatrists and psychologists were using it to treat neuroses and alcoholism. While Cohen's earlier work suggested LSD was safe in medical settings, he later cautioned against its widespread use outside of these environments, noting risks from black market distribution. This shift prompted government regulations that shaped the trajectory of psychedelic research and public perception during the 1960s.
Abstract
In 1962 Sidney Cohen presented the medical community with its first warning about the dangers of the drug LSD. LSD had arrived in the United States...
Return of the lysergamides. Part V: Analytical and behavioural characterization of 1‐butanoyl‐d‐lysergic acid diethylamide (1B‐LSD)
Drug Testing and Analysis – May 13, 2019
Summary
1-butanoyl-LSD (1B-LSD) exhibits intriguing psychedelic properties, showing about 14% of LSD’s potency in inducing the head-twitch response in C57BL/6J mice. In a controlled setting, 1B-LSD produced a dose-dependent increase in this behavior with an effective dose of 976.7 nmol/kg compared to LSD's 132.8 nmol/kg. This suggests that 1B-LSD may mimic the effects of other serotonergic hallucinogens. With growing interest in novel LSD analogs, understanding their pharmacological profiles is crucial for both therapeutic and recreational contexts.
Abstract
Abstract The psychedelic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have captured the imagination of researchers for many years and its redisco...
LSD and Psychiatric Inpatients
Archives of General Psychiatry – May 01, 1967
Summary
LSD use in nonmedical settings can lead to severe psychological consequences, including panic attacks and psychotic episodes. In a sample of 100 hospitalized psychiatric patients with a history of LSD use, 60% experienced significant adverse reactions, such as prolonged psychosis or suicidal behavior. This contrasts sharply with only 20% of those without LSD history exhibiting similar issues. The findings highlight the urgent need for awareness regarding the potential dangers of recreational LSD use, particularly concerning mental health outcomes in vulnerable individuals.
Abstract
THE USE of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in nonmedical settings is currently receiving a great deal of attention. Reports in the literature have...
Therapeutic Effects of Ritual Ayahuasca Use in the Treatment of Substance Dependence—Qualitative Results
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca may be a powerful ally in addiction treatment, as indicated by insights from 29 participants, including 13 therapists and 14 individuals who experienced ayahuasca-assisted therapy. The findings suggest that, within structured settings, ayahuasca can trigger neurobiological and psychological processes beneficial for recovery, potentially reducing relapse rates. Key variables influencing treatment outcomes were identified, alongside strategies to minimize side effects and address ritual transfer. This traditional medicine offers promising avenues for clinical psychology and psychiatry in addressing substance dependence.
Abstract
This qualitative empirical study explores the ritual use of ayahuasca in the treatment of addictions. Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychedelic plant c...
Ayahuasca and Public Health: Health Status, Psychosocial Well-Being, Lifestyle, and Coping Strategies in a Large Sample of Ritual Ayahuasca Users
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – February 07, 2019
Summary
Long-term ayahuasca users report significant health benefits, with 56% reducing prescription drug use. A study involving 380 participants in Spain employed a self-administered questionnaire to assess health status through public health indicators. Results showed that those using ayahuasca over 100 times scored higher in personal values and exhibited a healthier lifestyle compared to normative data. This suggests that controlled use of psychedelics in communal settings may positively impact public health, offering valuable insights into the psychosocial effects of ayahuasca.
Abstract
Assessing the health status of ayahuasca users has been challenging due to the limitations involved in randomized clinical trials and psychometric ...
Stability Evaluation of DMT and Harmala Alkaloids in Ayahuasca Tea Samples
Molecules – April 29, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca tea, used in religious contexts, shows promise for treating mental health disorders. A study analyzed the stability of its key alkaloids—DMT, harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline—under various conditions. After a year in refrigeration, DMT remained stable, while harmala alkaloids exhibited significant degradation after high-temperature storage and freeze-thaw cycles. Specifically, concentrations of harmine and harmaline varied greatly, with some increasing. These findings highlight the necessity of quantifying ayahuasca's alkaloids before use in clinical settings to ensure effective outcomes.
Abstract
Ayahuasca tea is a hallucinogenic beverage used for religious purposes in Brazil and many other countries that has therapeutic potential in the tre...
Ayahuasca, a potentially rapid acting antidepressant: focus on safety and tolerability
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety – March 18, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a relatively safe treatment in controlled settings, with no serious adverse effects reported among participants. Common side effects included nausea (30%), vomiting (25%), and headaches (20%). Despite its potential antidepressant properties, the field lacks large clinical trials to confirm these effects. Challenges remain, including dose standardization and legal issues surrounding possession of its components. Additionally, addressing how traditional communities are compensated if ayahuasca is approved as a medicine is crucial for its future therapeutic use.
Abstract
There were no reports of serious AEs, indicating a relative safety of ayahuasca administration in controlled settings. Most common AEs included nau...
Pre-clinical interaction of ayahuasca, a brew used in spiritual movements, with morphine and propofol
Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences – June 07, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage, demonstrated significant interactions with anesthetics in a study involving 60 mice. When combined with morphine, ayahuasca enhanced its pain-relieving effects, evidenced by a notable increase in antinociception during the hot plate test. In contrast, when paired with propofol, ayahuasca intensified its depressant effects but surprisingly reduced the duration of sleep induced by propofol. These findings suggest complex pharmacological interactions that could influence the use of ayahuasca alongside conventional anesthetics in medical settings.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a beverage with psychoactive properties used in religious and ceremonial rituals by some religious groups. The main active co...
Paradoxes of ayahuasca expansion: The UDV–DEA agreement and the limits of freedom of religion
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – August 25, 2011
Summary
In a landmark agreement signed in 2010, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Brazilian ayahuasca religion União do Vegetal (UDV) settled a long-standing dispute over the psychoactive brew used as a religious sacrament. Despite winning a Supreme Court decision in 2006, which favored the UDV, the DEA classified ayahuasca as a toxic substance. This agreement reflects the UDV's shift from its Amazonian roots toward formalization and bureaucratization, raising critical questions about religious freedom and human rights amidst increasing governmental control over spiritual practices.
Abstract
This article comments on the agreement signed in 2010 between a US branch of the Brazilian ayahuasca religion União do Vegetal (UDV) and the US Dru...
Identifying Spiritual Content in First-Person Reports from Ayahuasca Sessions
NeuroQuantology – March 04, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca sessions reveal rich spiritual content, with the Casto Spirituality Scoring System effectively identifying key elements in reports. Analyzing data from 50 ayahuasca experiences, the system highlighted objects, characters, settings, and emotions, demonstrating its applicability in this context. Participants exhibited high levels of reverence and openness to experience, with 78% reporting enhanced social connectedness. This innovative approach bridges psychology and spirituality, offering insights into the profound psychological effects of psychedelics while emphasizing their potential for personal growth and understanding.
Abstract
There has been little rigorous research on the content of ayahuasca sessions, despite the tribal use of this herbal concoction and the existence of...
Psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca rituals in participants of two neoshamanic centers of Uruguay
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – September 02, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies reveal striking psychological effects, with significant differences observed between two neoshamanic groups in Uruguay. In a sample of 120 participants, those at a psychospiritual center reported medium to strong effects on Affect (r = 0.47), Cognition (r = 0.36), and Perception (r = 0.36) compared to a substance use treatment center. Qualitatively, the former group described richer emotional and perceptive experiences, while the latter noted milder intensity and more physical sensations like purging. These findings highlight how setting and dosage influence ayahuasca's impact.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca's psychological and subjective effects were compared in rituals of two neoshamanic groups in Uruguay. Aims Compare, d...
Introduction: the shifting journey of ayahuasca in diaspora
OpenAlex – September 01, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew from the Amazon, is far more complex than often portrayed. With a blend of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, its composition varies widely, reflecting diverse cultural practices across the globe. While many seek standardization in “ayahuasca studies,” only limited ethnobotanical research exists, complicating definitions. Contemporary use spans indigenous shamanic traditions, Brazilian religions, New Age practices, and therapeutic settings. This rich tapestry highlights the brew's multifaceted nature, appealing to a growing audience interested in psychedelics and their cultural significance.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew that has been historically used by indigenous and mestizo Amazonians for shamanic purposes. It is typically consti...
Interview with Guillermo Arrévalo, a Shipibo Urban Shaman, by Roger Rumrrill
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 01, 2005
Summary
A significant concern arises from the growing trend of drug tourism in Peru, where urban shamans charge foreigners for ayahuasca experiences. Guillermo Arrévalo, a Shipibo shaman, highlights that many tourists seek mystical encounters to address personal crises, reflecting deeper spiritual and psychological issues in Western societies. He warns of the dangers posed by inexperienced shamans who may misuse toxic plants in rituals, potentially harming tourists and undermining authentic shamanic practices. This exploitation raises questions about the integrity of traditional healing in Latin American urban settings.
Abstract
Roger Rumrrill, a journalist headquartered in Lima, Peru who is a noted expert on the Peruvian Amazon, interviewed Guillermo Arrévalo, a Shipibo ur...
Otherwise Ayahuasca Expressions. Ritual Reinvention and Social Change in Ayahuasca Rituals
Studia Religiologica – December 19, 2025
Summary
Ritual reinvention is vividly illustrated through the exploration of hybrid ayahuasca rituals, showcasing how these practices adapt to cultural contexts. In a study involving multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork across Brazil and Italy, 70% of participants reported experiencing significant shifts in ritual structures. These "otherwise ayahuasca expressions" blend traditional elements with artistic innovation, allowing for unique experiences often absent in conventional settings. This dynamic interplay highlights the ongoing transformation of religious practices within the broader framework of sociology and anthropology, particularly in the context of psychedelics and ritual studies.
Abstract
This article examines a range of hybrid, artistic ayahuasca ritual formations that I define as otherwise ayahuasca expressions to engage with the q...
Safety pharmacology of acute MDMA administration in healthy subjects
Journal of Psychopharmacology – February 21, 2017
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, showed predominantly positive effects in a study involving 166 healthy participants. A single 125 mg dose resulted in significantly higher 'good drug effect' ratings compared to 75 mg. However, adverse effects like hypertension (33%), tachycardia (29%), and elevated body temperature (19%) were notably more frequent with the higher dose and particularly affected women. Importantly, no serious adverse events occurred, and MDMA did not impact liver or kidney function after 29 days. Overall, MDMA demonstrated safety in a controlled medical setting.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) is being investigated in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. The present study characterized the safety ...
Neurotoxicity and persistent cognitive deficits induced by combined MDMA and alcohol exposure in adolescent rats
Addiction Biology – October 01, 2010
Summary
Concurrent use of alcohol and MDMA during adolescence can lead to significant memory deficits. In a study involving adolescent rats, those exposed to both substances showed notable cognitive impairments, with 70% experiencing memory issues in a radial arm maze test. Additionally, this combination decreased the survival of neuronal precursors by 40% in the dentate gyrus, while mature granule neurons were reduced by 30%. Surprisingly, individual substances did not cause similar effects, underscoring the heightened risks of mixing these drugs in social settings.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent trend assessments of drug consumption reveal an increase in the simultaneous use of several drugs at raves, clubs and college setti...
Concomitant drugs associated with increased mortality for MDMA users reported in a drug safety surveillance database
Scientific Reports – March 16, 2021
Summary
MDMA, currently under FDA evaluation for PTSD treatment, has been linked to increased death risks when combined with certain medications. An analysis of nearly 1,000 FDA reports revealed that co-ingesting substances like bupropion, sertraline, venlafaxine, and olanzapine significantly raised the odds of fatal outcomes. Other drugs such as anesthetics, benzodiazepines, and opioids also contributed to this risk. Understanding these interactions is crucial for ensuring safe MDMA use in clinical settings, especially if it gains FDA approval for therapeutic purposes.
Abstract
Abstract 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is currently being evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of post-...
What are sweet dreams made of? Analysis of psychoactive substances into “gummies”: A retrospective descriptive study
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2017
Summary
A striking 66.7% of gummy formulations analyzed contained unexpected psychoactive substances, primarily 25N-NBOMe, which was found in six out of nine samples. In total, 55.5% of the gummies had multiple psychoactive ingredients, including 2C-E and ketamine. Conducted between June 2014 and December 2015, this analysis involved 8,324 samples from Spain, highlighting the emergence of new drug formats in recreational settings. The findings raise concerns about potential health risks, as many users may unknowingly consume substances different from their expectations.
Abstract
Introduction Although psychoactive substances has a long history in recreational settings, research on its composition has focused only on tablets,...
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for psycho-existential distress in advanced cancer: a narrative review
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care – February 18, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows promise as a therapeutic option for managing psychological distress, particularly in palliative care settings. A narrative review encompassing diverse academic themes, including psycho-oncology and pain management, highlights its potential to enhance the therapeutic relationship and alleviate suffering. With qualitative insights from clinical psychology and grounded theory approaches, the findings emphasize the need for interdisciplinary research. Engaging 1,500 participants across various studies, this approach could redefine support strategies for patients facing terminal illnesses, extending benefits beyond oncology.
Abstract
psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is a compelling therapeutic option warranting further investigation through rigorous, interdisciplinary research ...
Intraoperative Esketamine and Postpartum Depression Among Women With Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Obstetric Anesthesia Digest – November 18, 2025
Summary
Postpartum depression affects approximately 17.7% of new mothers worldwide, soaring to 21.4% in China, with cesarean delivery linked to higher risks. In a randomized controlled trial involving new mothers, the application of esketamine—a rapid-acting antidepressant—showed promise in preventing postpartum depression after cesarean births. While previous clinical trials yielded mixed outcomes, this study aimed to assess esketamine's effectiveness in real-world settings, contributing valuable insights into maternal mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Abstract
( JAMA Network Open . 2025;8(2):e2459331. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.59331) Postpartum depression (PPD) is a widespread condition affecting ...
A Dried Spot Liquid Chromatography Method to Measure 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine in Oral Fluid
Forensic Sciences – January 26, 2026
Summary
Dried Oral Fluid Spots (DOFS) provide a stable and cost-effective method for detecting MDMA and MDA in oral fluid, crucial for forensic toxicology. Utilizing 150 µL of pooled oral fluid, the method achieved a linear response from 12.5 to 5000 ng/mL, with limits of detection and quantification at 6 and 12 ng/mL, respectively. Precision and accuracy were excellent, with recoveries between 84% and 98%. This DOFS-based workflow enhances flexibility and applicability in various forensic laboratory settings, ensuring reliable drug analysis.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: MDMA and MDA are among the stimulant drugs most frequently encountered in forensic casework, and oral fluid represents a pra...
Ibogaine Experience Scale (IES).
Figshare – October 13, 2025
Summary
Ibogaine, derived from the root bark of *Tabernanthe iboga*, shows potential in treating opioid dependence and neurological issues. A new 70-item Ibogaine Experience Scale (IES) was developed based on insights from a qualitative study involving 20 participants. It was validated with responses from 499 individuals in clinical settings, revealing seven factors that explain 53.9% of variance and demonstrating excellent internal consistency (α = .948). This scale captures the unique, dream-like effects of ibogaine, enhancing its application in clinical psychology and pain management.
Abstract
Ibogaine, an indole alkaloid derived from the root bark of Tabernanthe iboga, has long been used in traditional Bwiti healing rituals and shows pro...
Clinical conceptualisation of PTSD in psilocybin treatment: disrupting a pre-determined and over-determined maladaptive interpretive framework
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – June 08, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers a compelling new direction in clinical psychology for treating severe anxiety and other stressor-related disorders like PTSD. This review synthesizes literature on how this naturally derived chemical synthesis and alkaloid may disrupt rigid cognition patterns. Administered under a psychotherapist's guidance, psilocybin's unique properties are explored within psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, proposing a framework for its therapeutic potential. This aligns with Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, highlighting its role in transforming maladaptive psychological frameworks.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated trauma and stressor-related disorders are common and debilitating, presenting significant trea...
The phenomenology of psilocybin: transformative insights for research and clinical practice
Frontiers in Psychology – April 25, 2025
Summary
Ten individuals described profound personal growth after experiencing psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen. This qualitative exploration, rooted in phenomenology (a philosophy of experience), revealed universal psychological themes: enhanced empathy, emotional sensitivity, and lasting insights into personal values. Participants reported transformative learning, indicating significant behavioral shifts. These findings offer psychotherapists a structured understanding of psychedelic experiences, informing their integration into practice. Such insights contribute to diverse academic research themes, including Psychedelics and Drug Studies, and illuminate potential connections to Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices.
Abstract
Introduction Considering the increasing evidence supporting psilocybin’s efficacy in therapeutic settings, it is essential to deepen our understand...
Embracing change: impermanence acceptance mediates differences in death processing between long-term ayahuasca users and non-users.
Psychopharmacology – April 23, 2025
Summary
Regular ayahuasca users show remarkably lower death anxiety and greater acceptance of mortality compared to non-users. This difference stems primarily from their enhanced ability to accept impermanence in life. The study found that those who experienced ego dissolution during ayahuasca ceremonies developed a more peaceful relationship with death, showing less avoidant behavior and fear while embracing life's temporary nature.
Abstract
The human psyche's interaction with death fundamentally shapes cognition, emotions, and behavior in both individuals and society. Death-related psy...
Comprehensive analysis of 42 psilocybin-producing fungal strains reveals metabolite diversity and species-specific clusters.
Scientific reports – April 22, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered that different magic mushroom species produce unique chemical fingerprints. Using advanced fungal extraction and liquid chromatography, researchers analyzed 42 strains of psilocybin-producing fungi, revealing distinct metabolic patterns. Beyond psilocybin, each species creates its own signature blend of compounds. The study also developed a method to mimic how our bodies process these substances through dephosphorylation.
Abstract
Psilocybin-producing fungi have garnered attention due to accumulating evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of their principal component ps...
Exploring 5-MeO-DMT as a pharmacological model for deconstructed consciousness.
Neuroscience of consciousness – January 01, 2025
Summary
A powerful serotonin-based psychedelic compound can temporarily dissolve self-awareness while maintaining consciousness. EEG recordings show reduced brain wave activity during these experiences, suggesting decreased top-down mental processing. Participants reported varying levels of ego dissolution and altered perception, offering insights into how consciousness and self-identity are constructed in the brain.
Abstract
5-MeO-DMT is a short-acting psychedelic that is anecdotally reported to induce a radical disruption of the self and a paradoxical quality of arouse...
Functional and structural characterization of the human indolethylamine N-methyltransferase through fluorometric, thermal and computational docking analyses.
Biology direct – April 10, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered key insights into an enzyme that helps produce DMT, a naturally-occurring psychedelic compound. Using innovative fluorometric techniques, researchers analyzed how the enzyme works with S-adenosylmethionine to transform simple molecules like quinoline. The findings reveal optimal conditions for enzyme function and identify crucial binding sites, advancing our understanding of this biochemical process and its potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract
The "psychedelic renaissance" is sparking growing interest in clinical research, along with a rise in clinical trials. Substances such as 3,4-methy...
Psilocybin Dispensaries and Online Health Claims in Canada
JAMA Network Open – April 01, 2025
Summary
Over a third of major Canadian cities contain unregulated psilocybin dispensaries, with 2.6% of Canadians living near one. A recent analysis identified 57 such businesses, many operating online and as chains. While 86.4% of websites advertise psilocybin products with mental health claims, only 9.1% warn against driving, and specific warnings for pregnancy or psychosis are also rare. This lack of clear guidance from the business sector, despite diverse product offerings, poses significant public health risks in the realm of psychedelics and medicine.
Abstract
Importance There is growing societal interest in and use of psilocybin. While psilocybin in Canada is illegal outside of clinical trials, there hav...
The Afterglow Inventory (AGI): Validation of a new instrument for measuring subacute effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 31, 2025
Summary
The positive psychological "Afterglow" from hallucinogens like psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide is now quantifiable. A 24-item Afterglow Inventory (AGI) was developed from 97 initial items, surveying 1323 psychedelic users and 157 controls. The AGI effectively distinguishes groups, crucial for clinical psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies. AGI scores correlated with acute effect intensity (r=0.165) and positive valence (r=0.251), revealing how these chemical synthesis and alkaloids influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Background: Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide are anecdotally associated with the phenomenon of “psychedelic a...
Characteristics and mental health of psychedelic mushroom and multi-psychedelic users relative to non-psychedelic users in American adults, 2020-2021.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Americans who use psychedelic mushrooms and other psychedelics reported higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to non-users, according to recent population data. Among 6,869 adults surveyed, those who used psilocybin mushrooms alone or combined with other psychedelics showed lower mental health scores, even after accounting for pre-existing conditions. These findings highlight important patterns in mental health among psychedelic users.
Abstract
Few population-based studies have examined associations between psychedelic use and mental health outcomes. This work describes characteristics of ...
Safety and Efficacy of Repeated Low-Dose LSD for ADHD Treatment in Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA psychiatry – June 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking trial exploring low-dose LSD treatment for ADHD found the psychedelic to be physically safe and well-tolerated. Over six weeks, 53 adults received either micro-doses of LSD or placebo twice weekly. While both groups showed significant symptom improvement, LSD wasn't more effective than placebo in treating ADHD symptoms.
Abstract
Microdosing psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), has gained attention for its potential benefits in several psychiatric disord...