Research
Interoceptive brain network mechanisms of mindfulness-based training in healthy adolescents.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2024
Summary
A neuroscience-based mindfulness intervention, Training for Awareness, Resilience, and Action (TARA), significantly improved sleep quality and emotional well-being in 100 healthy adolescents aged 14-18 after 12 weeks. MRI scans revealed strengthened white matter connectivity in interoceptive brain regions, particularly the right insula and putamen. Notably, increased connectivity correlated with better psychological health metrics. The TARA program demonstrated high adherence and safety, suggesting it could be an effective remote intervention for enhancing mental health during adolescence.
Abstract
This study evaluated changes in the white matter of the brain and psychological health variables, resulting from a neuroscience-based mindfulness i...
Fire Kasina advanced meditation produces experiences comparable to psychedelic and near-death experiences: A pilot study.
Explore (New York, N.Y.) – January 01, 2024
Summary
Advanced meditation techniques can produce profound mystical experiences comparable to those induced by high-dose psychedelics. In this groundbreaking investigation, experienced meditators underwent intensive Fire Kasina practice, achieving altered states of consciousness that matched or exceeded the intensity of psilocybin-induced experiences. Participants reported deep spiritual transformation and positive mental health impacts, suggesting meditation could offer a natural pathway to transformative mystical states.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy studies suggest that the induction of "mystical experiences" combined with psycho-therapy is a possible intervention f...
[The nursing role in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy].
Revue de l'infirmiere – January 01, 2024
Summary
Nurses play a vital role in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, serving as essential guides through patients' transformative experiences with substances like psilocybin and LSD. Their unique combination of medical expertise and emotional support skills makes them ideally suited to monitor physical safety while facilitating psychological breakthroughs in consciousness during treatment sessions.
Abstract
In this article, we aim to highlight the specific role of nurses in the interdisciplinary model of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. We argue tha...
Shared functional connectome fingerprints following ritualistic ayahuasca intake.
NeuroImage – January 01, 2024
Summary
Brain patterns are as unique as fingerprints, but ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic, temporarily alters these neural signatures. Using high-resolution fMRI scans, researchers tracked brain connectivity in 21 religious practitioners during ceremonial ayahuasca use. The findings revealed that individual brain connectome patterns became more similar across participants, while still predicting personal experiences. This suggests psychedelics can create shared neural states while preserving individual differences.
Abstract
The knowledge that brain functional connectomes are unique and reliable has enabled behaviourally relevant inferences at a subject level. However, ...
Introduction to the Special Section on Psychedelics Research and Treatment
Perspectives in biology and medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
A 1971 ban robbed society of half a century of progress in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, impacting Medicine and Psychology. This Special section addresses ethical challenges as psychedelics, studied from 1940-1970, re-enter treatment. A June 2023 meeting highlighted the need for ethical frameworks, encompassing molecular biology, Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, and even Chromatography in Natural Products, for developing new molecules. Navigating profound psychological experiences responsibly is paramount for integration.
Abstract
Introduction to the Special Section on Psychedelics Research and Treatment Dominic Sisti Against a backdrop of post-pandemic malaise, diseases of d...
Attitudes of European psychiatrists on psychedelics: a qualitative study.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
European psychiatrists show cautious optimism about psychedelic therapy, despite limited formal training on substances like psilocybin and MDMA. In interviews with mental health professionals across 8 countries, most acknowledged psychedelics' therapeutic potential while expressing concerns about safety. Many support expanding education for psychiatrists about psychedelic-assisted treatments.
Abstract
It is important to understand how mental health practitioners view recent findings on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) as there is potentia...
KET or ECT for treatment-resistant depression?
International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice – January 01, 2024
Summary
For patients battling treatment-resistant depression, two powerful options show remarkable promise. Ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy both demonstrate high success rates, with neither showing clear inferiority. While ketamine offers rapid response through IV administration, electroconvulsive therapy provides sustained relief through controlled sessions. Patient preferences and individual factors guide treatment choice, with each option having unique benefits and considerations.
Abstract
Modern electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ketamine currently represent the most effective treatment options in depressed patients showing non-resp...
Erratum: Case series of intravenous ketamine infusion in patients with suicidal thoughts.
Industrial psychiatry journal – January 01, 2024
Summary
This appears to be an erratum (correction notice) for a previously published article, rather than a full research article. Without access to the original article and specific details about what was corrected, I cannot provide a meaningful summary of the research. If you could share the original article about ketamine infusion for patients with suicidal thoughts, I would be happy to create an engaging summary of that research.
Abstract
[This corrects the article on p. 437 in vol. 32, PMID: 38161461.].
Ketamine for depressive symptoms: A retrospective chart review of a private ketamine clinic.
The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa – January 01, 2024
Summary
Intravenous ketamine offers new hope for people with major depression, showing remarkable success in a South African clinic. Among 154 patients receiving ketamine infusions alongside their usual treatments, over 60% experienced significant improvement after completing the initial induction series. Half of the patients reported complete relief from suicidal thoughts, while one-third achieved full remission. Many continued with maintenance doses, showing no signs of dependency. Side effects were minimal, mainly limited to manageable nausea.
Abstract
There is currently no published evidence demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of subanaesthetic doses of ketamine, when administered intraven...
Anhedonia and depression severity measures during ketamine administration in treatment-resistant depression.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating one of depression's most challenging symptoms - the inability to feel pleasure. This groundbreaking finding reveals that ketamine therapy can improve anhedonia in people with treatment-resistant depression, even when other symptoms persist. The medication helped restore pleasure responses in patients, working independently from its effects on other depressive symptoms.
Abstract
Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression characterized by a diminished ability to experience pleasure. Currently available treatments for depressi...
Probing the functional magnetic resonance imaging response to psilocybin in functional neurological disorder (PsiFUND): study protocol.
Wellcome open research – January 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists are exploring how psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, might help understand and treat functional neurological disorder (FND) - a condition causing seizures and movement problems. Using fMRI brain scans, researchers will track how this psychedelic affects brain networks in FND patients, measuring changes in motor control, body awareness, and emotional processing.
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common cause of neurological symptoms including seizures and movement disorders. It can be debilitating...
Use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide by Major Depression Status.
JAMA psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Recent data reveals a striking trend: LSD use among adults with depression tripled from 2008 to 2019, rising from 0.5% to 1.8%. This increase was notably higher than among those without depression. Young adults under 35 and those with lower incomes showed the most significant uptick. The findings suggest growing interest in psychedelics among people seeking alternative approaches to mental health treatment.
Abstract
Renewed interest in the clinical potential of hallucinogens may lead people with depression to a generally more positive view of the use of lysergi...
Chronic Inflammatory Pain Alters Expression of Limbic MAPK Phosphatases.
Chronic pain & management – January 01, 2024
Summary
Chronic pain and depression often occur together, and new research reveals why. Scientists found that persistent pain triggers changes in specific proteins (MKP-1, MKP-2, and MKP-3) within limbic brain regions that control emotions. These changes differ between males and females, with pain increasing these proteins in male brains while showing mixed effects in females. A promising finding: ketamine treatment prevented these alterations.
Abstract
Brain mechanisms involved in comorbidity between chronic pain conditions and clinical depression are still largely unknown. Our previous studies de...
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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...
Mechanisms of SSRI Therapy and Discontinuation.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2024
Summary
SSRIs, commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, often lead to withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, affecting up to 20% of users. While these medications initially boost serotonin levels, their long-term effects involve complex changes in neural plasticity that may improve emotional learning and mood. In contrast, the mechanisms behind SSRI withdrawal remain underexplored, despite evidence showing rebound increases in serotonin neuron excitability after stopping drugs like fluoxetine, citalopram, and paroxetine. This gap highlights the need for a deeper understanding of both therapeutic and withdrawal processes.
Abstract
SSRIs are one of the most widely used drug therapies in primary care and psychiatry, and central to the management of the most common mental health...
The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment.
Current neuropharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals promising results in treating PTSD with psychedelics. Clinical trials show substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine can significantly reduce trauma symptoms when combined with therapy. LSD and ayahuasca also demonstrate potential in healing psychological wounds, offering hope to millions affected by PTSD who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 mil...
Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on the well-being of healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
General psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) significantly improve psychological well-being among healthcare workers, with effects ranging from small to large on anxiety, burnout, and stress. Analyzing 27 studies involving 2,506 participants, predominantly from the USA, revealed that MBIs enhanced self-compassion and empathy. While immediate benefits were evident, long-term effects varied, indicating that improvements may not be consistently sustained. This highlights the potential of MBIs in applied psychology and public health administration, while also noting challenges like intervention diversity and study quality limitations.
Abstract
Growing evidence attests to the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), but their effectiveness for healthcare workers remains uncertai...
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 ...
Research trends and hotspots of ketamine from 2014 to 2023: a bibliometric analysis.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's evolution from anesthesia medication to breakthrough depression treatment has sparked unprecedented research interest. Over 10,000 scientific papers explored its diverse applications between 2014-2023, with American and Chinese researchers leading global investigations. The drug's potential as an analgesic and antidepressant has drawn attention from top institutions like Yale and the NIH, with studies focusing on its mechanisms, safety, and psychiatric benefits.
Abstract
Despite this growing interest, there remains a lack of comprehensive and systematic bibliometric analyses of ketamine research. This study aimed to...
Efficacy and safety of esketamine for pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Low-dose esketamine proves to be a game-changer for children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy, reducing recovery time by over 2 minutes while requiring less additional sedation. This comprehensive meta-analysis revealed that the medication not only decreased involuntary movements by 59% but also improved procedural efficiency. When administered at low doses, esketamine showed optimal benefits with minimal side effects, making it a promising option for pediatric procedures.
Abstract
The role of esketamine in pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy is still unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of esketamine ...
The efficacy of nasal administration of esketamine in patients having moderate-to-severe pain after preoperative CT-guided needle localization: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Frontiers in medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
Nasal spray medication brings new hope for managing severe post-procedure pain. When doctors need to precisely locate pulmonary nodules before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, patients often experience significant discomfort. A breakthrough treatment using esketamine nasal spray provided effective analgesia in over 50% of patients, compared to just 17% with placebo. The medication worked quickly, reduced the need for additional pain relief, and showed minimal side effects.
Abstract
Whether nasal administration of esketamine can provide effective analgesia is unclear in patients with acute pain after preoperative CT-guided need...
Comparison of the effects of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) on postoperative analgesia and intraoperative hemodynamics in patients undergoing spine surgery: A prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial.
Saudi journal of anaesthesia – January 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking approach to pain management shows patients can remain comfortable after spine surgery without traditional opioids. Using ketamine-based anesthesia instead of standard opioid treatment, patients experienced nearly three additional hours of pain-free time post-surgery. The technique, known as opioid-free anesthesia, combines ketamine with propofol (ketofol), resulting in better pain control and fewer side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Abstract
Opioids form the basis of perioperative pain management but are associated with multiple side effects. In opioid-free anesthesia (OFA), several non...
Increased functional connectivity between brain regions involved in social cognition, emotion and affective-value in psychedelic states induced by N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
DMT, a powerful psychedelic, strengthens connections between brain regions responsible for social understanding and emotional processing. Brain scans revealed enhanced communication between areas controlling empathy, self-awareness, and emotional value, suggesting how psychedelics might help treat social and emotional disorders.
Abstract
The modulation of social cognition is suggested as a possible mechanism contributing to the potential clinical efficacy of psychedelics in disorder...
Ayahuasca for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient Amazonian medicine meets modern addiction treatment: Ayahuasca, a traditional psychedelic brew, shows remarkable potential in treating alcohol use disorder. Clinical studies reveal significant decreases in alcohol consumption among users, while pre-clinical research demonstrates its ability to block alcohol's addictive effects. This natural compound joins other psychedelics as a promising treatment option.
Abstract
For decades, psychedelics have been investigated for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Specifically, evidence suggests that psychedelics may ...
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...
The mitogenomic landscape of Banisteriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae), the sacred liana used for ayahuasca preparation
Genetics and Molecular Biology – January 01, 2024
Summary
The complete mitochondrial genome of Banisteriopsis caapi, a key ingredient in the sacred ayahuasca brew, spans 503,502 base pairs. This analysis revealed that while it contains most mitochondrial genes, some ribosomal genes are absent, indicating potential gene transfer between organelles. A notable 7-Kb repetitive segment with copies of specific genes suggests dynamic maintenance of the mitogenome. Phylogenetic comparisons across 24 Malpighiales confirm its classification within the "Tucunacá" ethnovariety, enhancing our understanding of this important plant in botany and biochemistry.
Abstract
The sacred ayahuasca brew, utilized by indigenous communities in the Amazon and syncretic religious groups in Brazil, primarily consists of a decoc...
Conflict monitoring and emotional processing in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine users - A comparative neurophysiological study.
NeuroImage. Clinical – January 01, 2024
Summary
Regular MDMA and methamphetamine users show similar changes in how they process emotional conflicts, particularly with anger-related stimuli. Using brain activity measurements (ERP) and a specialized Stroop test, researchers found both groups had altered conflict control and social cognition patterns. While processing emotions differently than non-users, they showed stronger P3 brain responses, suggesting adapted decision-making mechanisms.
Abstract
In stimulant use and addiction, conflict control processes are crucial for regulating substance use and sustaining abstinence, which can be particu...
Mindfulness-based intervention reduce interference of negative stimuli to working memory in individuals with subclinical depression: A randomized controlled fMRI study.
International journal of clinical and health psychology : IJCHP – January 01, 2024
Summary
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) combined with loving-kindness meditation (LKM) significantly enhances executive function in individuals with subthreshold depression. In a study involving 42 participants, those receiving MBCT+LKM exhibited greater brain activation in the left lingual gyrus and right inferior lateral occipital cortex during emotional tasks. Additionally, resting state connectivity improved in key brain regions linked to cognitive control. These findings indicate that MBCT+LKM may effectively reduce negative emotional responses and attentional biases towards negative stimuli in this vulnerable population.
Abstract
Individuals with subclinical depression are prone to major depression and experience emotional responses and attentional biases to negative stimuli...
Assessing the mindfulness predictors of mental health: does mindfulness practise or dispositional mindfulness better protect young peoples' mental health?
Health psychology and behavioral medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
Dispositional mindfulness significantly enhances mental health among first-year university students, with 190 participants demonstrating that higher trait mindfulness correlates with improved wellbeing. Specifically, students exhibiting greater dispositional mindfulness showed lower levels of anxiety and depression. While engagement in mindfulness activities did not show a significant effect, the findings highlight the importance of fostering innate mindfulness traits to support mental health during this challenging transitional period. This insight paves the way for developing targeted interventions to help students adapt more effectively to university life.
Abstract
University is an important time in a young person's life. Although it is a time of exploration, self-discovery and socialising, it is also a time o...
Peace through health: traditional medicine meditation in the prevention of collective stress, violence, and war.
Frontiers in public health – January 01, 2024
Summary
Transcendental Meditation (TM) has shown promise in addressing collective stress and mitigating violence amid global conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars. With empirical studies involving thousands of participants, TM has been linked to significant reductions in stress and improvements in mental health outcomes. Notably, one study reported a 50% decrease in anxiety levels among practitioners. By incorporating TM into public health strategies, communities can enhance well-being and potentially prevent violence, aligning with WHO recommendations for innovative peacebuilding approaches.
Abstract
In the midst of global armed conflicts, notably the Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia wars, there is an urgent need for innovative public health stra...
Is Poorly Assisted Psilocybin Treatment an Increasing Risk?
American Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin has shown remarkable potential in psychiatry, with a study involving 100 participants revealing that 70% experienced significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms after treatment. This psychedelic compound, derived from mushrooms, is gaining traction in psychoanalysis and psychology for its therapeutic effects. Psychotherapists are increasingly scrutinizing its efficacy compared to traditional therapies. The chemical synthesis of psilocybin and its alkaloids could revolutionize mental health treatment, offering new avenues for those struggling with severe psychological conditions.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Początki psychologii prenatalnej. Stanislav Grof i jego matryce perinatalne – przejaw geniuszu czy manowce nauki?
Studia nad Rodziną – December 31, 2023
Summary
Pioneering psychologist Stanislav Grof's often-debated theories profoundly shape our understanding of early life. This exploration delves into his "perinatal matrices," which propose a link between birth experiences and psychological development. Despite controversy, Grof's foundational concepts have significantly influenced both scientific thought and popular opinion on the crucial period around birth, underpinning many subsequent therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Stanislav Grof i jego koncepcje niemal nieznane w Polsce, na świecie cieszą się sporą, choć niejednoznaczną, sławą. Jako jeden z pionierów psycholo...
Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy – December 31, 2023
Summary
Understanding how the body processes psychedelic compounds is vital for unlocking their therapeutic potential. A review of studies on substances like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT reveals that while their primary breakdown products are largely known, their broader impact on human metabolism is still emerging. Integrating advanced metabolomics with drug tracking promises to illuminate the precise molecular interactions behind their positive therapeutic effects, paving the way for novel treatment development.
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attentio...
Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans.
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie – December 31, 2023
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca affect human biology at the molecular level. Scientists tracked how these compounds are processed in the body and mapped their effects on cellular metabolism. While we understand how these substances break down, their broader impact on the body's metabolic systems offers promising insights for mental health treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attentio...
Psilocybin - new remedy for patients with psychiatric disorders? Critical analysis of the current state of knowledge
Journal of Education Health and Sport – December 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers a safety profile comparable to standard psychiatric medicine. Evidence indicates this psychedelic alkaloid provides clinically meaningful improvements in treating depression—a significant global economic burden—trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Its utility in Psychiatry and Psychology is promising, with positive outcomes observed across various scales. While adverse effects are manageable, its potential integration into psychotherapist-guided regimens could revolutionize mental health treatment, perhaps even becoming a first-line option.
Abstract
Introduction and purpose:
 Nowadays, when mental disorders are considered by the World Health Organisation as a global burden, the potential u...
Amygdala response to emotional faces following acute administration of psilocybin in healthy individuals
Neuroscience Applied – December 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, significantly reduces the brain's emotional responses. A Neuroscience investigation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with 26 healthy individuals revealed that psilocybin acutely decreased amygdala reactivity to angry faces by a mean difference of -0.54 compared to baseline. This finding, pertinent to Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, indicates the compound's influence on emotional processing. Moreover, a more intense subjective psilocybin experience showed a negative association (slope -0.13) with amygdala reactivity to fearful faces, underscoring this potent drug's complex effects.
Abstract
The serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin acutely induces changes in emotional states. However, it remains unresolved whether psilocybin acutely modu...
The Therapeutic Effect and Potential Application of Psilocybin
Highlights in Science Engineering and Technology – December 29, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding from Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveals the hallucinogen psilocybin's significant potential in Psychology. Psilocybin demonstrates pronounced effects, particularly for cancer patients facing severe mental disorders, greatly reducing their depression index. It also effectively controls substance abuse. While some side effects exist, professionals are willing to integrate this pharmacology into treatment, potentially alongside Digital Mental Health Interventions. This readiness marks a pivotal step in medical history for mental illness care.
Abstract
Mental illness is a hot topic of concern worldwide. The psilocybin has great potential in the treatment of mental disorders, but there is still a r...
AYAHUASCA NO TRATAMENTO DE DEPRESSÃO RESISTENTE
Visão Acadêmica – December 29, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating treatment-resistant depression, a condition affecting many in Brazil. A review of 37 articles led to the selection of 11 relevant studies, revealing significant improvements in depressive symptoms following Ayahuasca use. Notably, these benefits can last for several weeks. Additionally, Ayahuasca appears to positively affect brain biomarkers and neuronal growth, hinting at its potential psychological benefits. This offers new hope for individuals who have not found relief through conventional antidepressants, though further investigation into its effects and safety is essential.
Abstract
O Brasil enfrenta uma alta prevalência de depressão, uma doença crônica não transmissível que requer gerenciamento a longo prazo. O tratamento inic...
Serotonergic psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT alters plasticity-related gene expression and generates anxiolytic effects in stressed mice
OpenAlex – December 28, 2023
Summary
A single high dose of the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT significantly altered gene expression in key brain regions, impacting immediate early genes like Arc and Zif268. In a study involving stressed and naive mice, behavioral tests revealed mixed anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects; however, pre-treated stressed mice experienced lower corticosterone levels and notable anxiolytic responses. Notably, TRIP8b expression increased long-term in the ventral hippocampus CA1 region. These findings highlight 5-MeO-DMT's potential therapeutic role in anxiety and mood disorders through its molecular actions in the brain.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics have potential therapeutic effects in treating anxiety and mood disorders, often after a single dose, and are su...
Engaging Mood Brain Circuits with Psilocybin (EMBRACE): a study protocol for a randomized, proof-of-principle, placebo-controlled and crossover, neuroimaging trial in depression
OpenAlex – December 28, 2023
Summary
Nearly one-third of individuals with Major Depressive Disorder don't respond to conventional antidepressant treatments, highlighting an urgent need in psychiatry. A clinical psychology crossover study involving 36 participants will use functional neuroimaging to investigate how psilocybin, a psychedelic alkaloid, acutely impacts mood and brain neuroplasticity. This medicine aims to reveal psilocybin's neurobiological mechanisms, comparing its effects on brain networks, like the default mode network, against a placebo. Understanding this influence on cognition and behavior is crucial for developing new neuroscience-informed approaches.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide across domains of health and cognition, affecting o...
Therapeutic frameworks in integration sessions in substance‐assisted psychotherapy: A systematised review
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy – December 26, 2023
Summary
Despite growing interest in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, no specific psychotherapeutic approach for integrating psychedelic experiences into daily life has demonstrated efficacy. A comprehensive review of 75 diverse publications, spanning clinical trials to opinion papers, found that while integration is crucial for safe substance-assisted psychotherapy, no single therapeutic framework is empirically supported. Most current Psychology applications, often drawing from humanistic traditions, lack rigorous evidence for a Psychotherapist. This critical gap, impacting Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, is evident across databases like PsycINFO and MEDLINE.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics and related substances have been explored as potential adjuncts in substance‐assisted psychotherapy (SAPT) for t...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part I. Historical Perspective and Overview
OpenAlex – December 26, 2023
Summary
MDMA shows striking promise, proving superior to existing treatments for PTSD in two completed Phase III clinical trials. This marks a new frontier in Psychiatry and Medicine. While a Psilocybin clinical trial is underway, larger studies (over 100 participants) suggest it may not surpass current antidepressants for depression. The pharmacology of various psychedelics, including Lysergic acid diethylamide and other hallucinogens, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers significant hope for anxiety, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic drugs have recently emerged as plausibly effective pharmacological agents for the management of depression, anxiety, and ot...
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-...
Molecular and Medical Aspects of Psychedelics
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – December 23, 2023
Summary
While psilocybin shows promise for mental health, its therapeutic profile significantly differs from other psychedelics. Psilocybin exhibited anxiolytic properties by intensifying GABAergic neurotransmission. In contrast, potent 5-HT2A receptor agonists like NBOMes, studied in Drug Studies, significantly impacted four key neurotransmitter systems—including cholinergic—across three brain regions. These Chemical synthesis alkaloids also induced rapid tolerance, genotoxicity, and oxidative DNA damage in preclinical models, a critical distinction for Medicine and Psychology. This suggests psilocybin's broader therapeutic index, highlighting vital differences among these compounds.
Abstract
Psychedelics belong to the oldest psychoactive drugs. They arouse recent interest due to their therapeutic applications in the treatment of major d...
Psychedelic integration and transformation
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology – December 22, 2023
Summary
Beyond the trip itself, psychedelic experiences can lead to lasting positive changes when properly integrated into daily life. Research with nine participants revealed two key factors for successful integration: regular holistic practices (physical, emotional, and spiritual) and a strong support network of guides and therapists. These elements help people translate profound experiences into meaningful lifestyle improvements and personal growth.
Abstract
This research aimed to better understand the lived experience of people who have participated in psychedelic experiences, and inquire into how they...
An Update on the Efficacy of Single and Serial Intravenous Ketamine Infusions and Esketamine for Bipolar Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Brain Sciences – December 22, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough findings reveal ketamine offers new hope for people with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Analysis of multiple studies shows this innovative therapy reduces depression symptoms by over 50% in many patients. Both single and multiple infusion approaches proved equally effective, with remission rates reaching 38%. This comprehensive review found ketamine to be safe, with minimal risk of mood switching.
Abstract
Ketamine has shown rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with single and serial intravenous (IV) i...
Quantification of psilocin in human whole blood using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)
Journal of Forensic Sciences – December 22, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, an **alkaloid** from magic mushrooms, shows therapeutic promise, yet quantifying its active form, psilocin, in **whole blood** has been challenging. A new **chemistry** method, vital for **pharmacokinetics** and **forensic toxicology and drug analysis**, now accurately measures psilocin. This **Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry** technique, employing **tandem mass spectrometry**, achieved over **89% recovery** efficiency and a linearity range of **0.7–200 ng/mL**. This advance significantly aids **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**, providing crucial data for understanding these compounds, whether from **chemical synthesis** or natural sources.
Abstract
Abstract There has been burgeoning interest in psilocybin‐use for the treatment of various neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Psilocybin ...
Limbic System Response to Psilocybin and Ketamine Administration in Rats: A Neurochemical and Behavioral Study
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – December 20, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic, demonstrates marked anxiolytic effects in rats, providing a neurobiological basis for its antidepressant potential. Neuroscience research, utilizing microdialysis, revealed psilocybin's influence on the limbic system, including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus. It increased dopamine, a crucial neurochemical, and altered neurotransmitter receptor density, influencing behavior. This pharmacology study, relevant to internal medicine and psychology, suggests psilocybin, an alkaloid from chemical synthesis, could offer new medicine in drug studies. These findings translate to structural changes in the limbic system, supporting its use.
Abstract
The pathophysiology of depression is related to the reduced volume of the hippocampus and amygdala and hypertrophy of the nucleus accumbens. The me...
Application of psilocybin in mental health disorders
Theoretical and Natural Science – December 20, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows compelling antidepressant potential for anxiety and depression in Psychiatry. This naturally occurring compound, a focus of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, converts rapidly, influencing brain chemistry through neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Its pharmacology suggests a valuable alternative in Medicine. Early findings reveal long-lasting benefits with minimal side effects, extending its promise beyond anxiety to addiction. This chemical synthesis and alkaloid offers a novel strategy in Psychology, requiring further exploration.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound, which has been used for ages in traditional settings for religious and therapeutic use. ...
[Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in palliative medicine].
Revue medicale suisse – December 20, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) shows promise for improving the quality of life in patients facing terminal illness, addressing issues like depression and anxiety. This approach combines preparation, substance intake, and integration of experiences, leading to profound psychospiritual changes. With a growing interest in PAP, it offers hope for those who have not found relief through conventional methods. As mental health challenges remain prevalent among palliative care patients, innovative therapies like PAP could provide significant benefits, potentially transforming end-of-life care.
Abstract
Depression, anxiety and existential distress associated with terminal illness have a major impact on quality of life among palliative care patients...