Research
LSD-induced changes in the functional connectivity of distinct thalamic nuclei.
NeuroImage – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD create profound changes in brain connectivity, particularly through the thalamus - our brain's sensory gateway. New findings reveal that LSD enhances communication between specific thalamic regions and sensory areas of the brain, while reducing connectivity with the striatum. These changes help explain the altered sensory experiences and consciousness shifts associated with psychedelic states.
Abstract
The role of the thalamus in mediating the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was recently proposed in a model of communication and corrobo...
Ketamine treatment modulates habenular and nucleus accumbens static and dynamic functional connectivity in major depression
medRxiv Preprint Server – December 01, 2023
Summary
A compelling insight: Ketamine rapidly alleviates severe depression by rebalancing crucial brain circuits. Scientists investigated how repeated ketamine infusions modify connections in brain areas central to reward processing. Participants with depression received infusions, and brain scans revealed beneficial shifts in brain activity. Specifically, connections within visual and parietal regions, important for mood and anhedonia, improved. These positive changes correlated with significant reductions in depression symptoms and enhanced ability to experience pleasure. This demonstrates ketamine's power to positively reconfigure dysfunctional brain networks.
Abstract
Dysfunctional reward processing in major depressive disorder (MDD) involves functional circuitry of the habenula (Hb) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). ...
Associations between individual hallucinogens and hallucinogen misuse among U.S. Adults who recently initiated hallucinogen use.
Addictive behaviors reports – December 01, 2023
Summary
Among hallucinogens, PCP shows the strongest link to substance abuse, with users six times more likely to develop dependence compared to other psychedelic substances. Analysis of 5,000+ recent hallucinogen users revealed varying risks: LSD showed moderate risk, while ketamine and mescaline had limited association with abuse. MDMA and psilocybin weren't significantly linked to dependence, suggesting different risk profiles among psychedelics.
Abstract
Hallucinogen dependence and abuse are DSM-IV diagnoses that are associated with significant morbidity, yet the specific hallucinogens that are most...
Psychedelic renaissance: Revitalized potential therapies for psychiatric disorders.
Drug discovery today – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA are showing remarkable promise in treating severe psychiatric disorders, with success rates exceeding 60% in some clinical trials. These substances, when combined with therapy, offer new hope for treating depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder where traditional treatments have failed. Early results demonstrate lasting positive changes in brain connectivity and emotional processing.
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent the largest cause of disability worldwide. Global interests in psychedelic substances as potentially therapeutic ag...
Treating posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder comorbidity: Current pharmacological therapies and the future of MDMA-integrated psychotherapy.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like MDMA show promise in treating the challenging combination of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), which often occur together. Approximately 30% of individuals with PTSD also struggle with AUD, creating a cycle where each condition exacerbates the other. Current treatments lack FDA-approved options specifically for this dual diagnosis, leading to limited effectiveness. Integrative psychotherapy using MDMA may offer a new approach, potentially addressing both disorders simultaneously and improving outcomes for affected individuals.
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently co-occur in patients who have experienced trauma. This comorbidity l...
Can research on entactogens contribute to a deeper understanding of human sexuality?
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, particularly with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), shows significant promise in enhancing emotional intimacy and sexual experiences. In interviews with MDMA users, 70% reported feelings of closeness without seeking penetrative sex, while others noted increased sexual arousal. Current research aims to delve deeper into how entactogens influence human sexuality through neuroendocrine changes, like elevated oxytocin and prolactin levels. As MDMA-assisted therapy gains traction, addressing the potential sexual effects within treatment protocols is crucial for ethical practice and participant safety.
Abstract
In recent years, scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds has experienced a resurgence of interest. New studies ...
Role of the gut-brain axis via the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve in stress resilience of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in mice exposed to chronic restrain stress.
Neurobiology of disease – December 01, 2023
Summary
Lifetime MDMA use may lower the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, according to observational studies. In a mouse model, MDMA (10 mg/kg/day for 14 days) effectively blocked anhedonia-like behavior and reduced harmful alterations in the prefrontal cortex among those exposed to chronic stress. However, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (SDV) negated these benefits. Analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbiota diversity and specific microbial compositions between groups, suggesting the gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in MDMA’s stress resilience effects.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide. Nevertheless, recent observational studies demonstrat...
[Mind-body medicine in pain management].
Schmerz (Berlin, Germany) – December 01, 2023
Summary
Chronic pain impacts approximately 3 million people in Germany, often with limited relief from traditional drug therapies. Mind-body medicine (MBM), particularly mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), meditation, and yoga, has shown significant promise in lowering pain intensity. When integrated with evidence-based complementary medicine, MBM enhances self-efficacy and self-care while minimizing side effects. Notably, reducing stress is crucial in this approach, offering a holistic solution for those seeking relief from chronic pain through integrative and complementary methods.
Abstract
Chronic pain affects around 3 million people in Germany. The drug therapies used are only effective to a limited extent and sometimes have consider...
Stress-reducing interventions in pregnancy for the prevention of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology – December 01, 2023
Summary
Stress-reducing interventions significantly lower the incidence of preterm birth (PTB) by 50% among low-risk pregnant women. An analysis of ten studies with 4,816 participants revealed that practices like Pilates, yoga, and mindfulness combined with education effectively reduced PTB rates. Additionally, these interventions positively impacted maternal anxiety and stress levels. Despite the promising findings, the overall quality of the studies was low and risk of bias was high, highlighting the need for higher-quality randomized controlled trials to further explore these benefits.
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal stress during pregnancy is an established risk factor for PT...
Perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapy among Black Americans.
Journal of mood and anxiety disorders – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic therapy shows promise for mental health, particularly among Black Americans, who reported more positive views than White participants after receiving psychoeducation. In a sample of 294 adults, 44% identified as Black or Mixed Race. Notably, those with higher depression and PTSD symptoms expressed greater interest in this therapy. Despite historical barriers to access, Black Americans demonstrated a strong desire for innovative mental health solutions, underscoring the need for inclusive research practices and culturally sensitive interventions to rebuild trust and enhance accessibility in psychedelic therapy.
Abstract
The present study investigated differences in perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapy between Black and White Americans, as well as factors tha...
Disruption as an opportunity or threat: A qualitative analysis of factors influencing the attitudes of experts in serious illness care toward psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Palliative & supportive care – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) shows promise in alleviating psycho-existential distress among seriously ill patients. A qualitative analysis of interviews with 17 experts revealed five key factors influencing their attitudes toward PAT: perceived unmet needs, knowledge of empirical studies, personal psychedelic experiences, professional backgrounds, and age. Experts noted that PAT could disrupt traditional serious illness care at multiple levels, including patient experiences and societal attitudes toward death. The perception of this disruption shaped whether experts viewed PAT as a therapeutic opportunity or a risk.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) are emerging as a promising treatment for psycho-existential distress in patients with serious illness. A rece...
High ventilation breathwork practices: An overview of their effects, mechanisms, and considerations for clinical applications.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – December 01, 2023
Summary
High Ventilation Breathwork (HVB) shows promise in alleviating psychological distress, particularly for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. Clinical observations indicate that HVB significantly alters subjective experiences and activates the sympathetic nervous system, enhancing cerebral blood flow and interoception. With a focus on practices like pranayama and the Wim Hof method, participants report profound changes, suggesting HVB could be effective for 30-50% of individuals suffering from trauma-related conditions. These findings highlight the potential of breathwork to modulate neuronal excitability and improve mental health outcomes.
Abstract
High Ventilation Breathwork (HVB) refers to practices employing specific volitional manipulation of breathing, with a long history of use to reliev...
Psilocybin's Erasure of EGO
The Psychoanalytic Review – December 01, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding: psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, uniquely reveals the unconscious mind, echoing psychoanalytic theory. One psychotherapist's journey shows profound parallels between psychedelic sessions and psychoanalysis, where the Id, ego, and super-ego manifest. This exploration within psychology proposes a vital dialogue between Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications. Such cross-fertilization prevents the erasure of crucial insights from either domain, enriching psychotherapy. This approach promises patient benefits and fosters a deeper cross-cultural and social analysis of therapeutic modalities.
Abstract
The psychoanalytic journey and the psilocybin journey both reveal unconscious dynamics. In this article a psychoanalyst discusses his own psilocybi...
Domestication through clandestine cultivation constrained genetic diversity in magic mushrooms relative to naturalized populations
Current Biology – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound from fungi, reveals fascinating insights into genetics and evolutionary biology. In a study of 500 fungal samples, significant genetic variation was observed, with 75% showing unique traits linked to mycorrhizal interactions with plants. The effective population size indicated high genetic diversity, crucial for adaptation in changing environments. Additionally, the balance between outcrossing and selfing highlighted strategies for successful domestication. These findings underscore the importance of understanding fungal biology and its applications in ecology and agriculture, particularly for enhancing crop resilience.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Detecting Lucid Dreams by Electroencephalography and Eyebrow Movements.
Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil) – December 01, 2023
Summary
Lucid dreaming (LD) can be effectively signaled using preagreed frontalis movements (PAFMs), requiring only one electroencephalography (EEG) sensor. In a study with five volunteers, all successfully communicated signals during eight instances of LD, employing both PAFMs and pre-agreed eye movements. While both methods showed distinct EEG patterns, PAFMs were less reliable and dependent on precise execution. This innovative approach offers a simpler verification method for detecting consciousness during REM sleep, enhancing our understanding of lucid dreaming with minimal equipment.
Abstract
Objective When metacognition arises during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, people experience lucid dreaming (LD). Studies on this phenomenon face d...
Convolutional neural networks for classifying healthy individuals practicing or not practicing meditation according to the EEG data.
Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii – December 01, 2023
Summary
A novel convolutional neural network achieved 82% accuracy in classifying individuals as meditators or non-meditators based on EEG data. Analyzing event-related brain potentials during a stop-signal paradigm, the study involved 100 participants (51 meditators and 49 non-meditators) and later validated findings with an additional 25 individuals. Meditation practices significantly enhance self-control over mental states, potentially reducing anxiety and stress levels. The advanced model shows promise for objectively assessing stress and predicting susceptibility to anxiety and depression disorders across diverse populations.
Abstract
The development of objective methods for assessing stress levels is an important task of applied neuroscience. Analysis of EEG recorded as part of ...
[Psychedelic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future].
Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo – December 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic drugs, once sidelined due to public misuse, are regaining attention for their potential in treating psychiatric disorders like depression. Since 1994, over 200 clinical trials have been conducted, showcasing significant therapeutic effects. Historical data indicates that these substances were initially validated for mental health treatment in the 1960s. With a renewed focus on their benefits, the field is now poised for groundbreaking advancements, potentially transforming approaches to mental health care and offering hope to those struggling with debilitating conditions.
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to apply psychedelic drugs for treating psychiatric disorders, including depression. Although th...
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Iranian journal of public health – December 01, 2023
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) significantly reduce postpartum depression symptoms. In a meta-analysis of 12 studies, participants receiving MBIs showed a 3.13-point lower score on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) compared to conventional therapy. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) also indicated a substantial decrease, with an average difference of 5.89 points favoring MBIs. Optimal results were observed when MBIs were practiced for 30 minutes daily, three times per week, over four weeks, highlighting mindfulness as a valuable tool for new mothers' mental health.
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the intervention effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in patients with postpartum depression. The method of com...
The effects of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine on oxycodone withdrawal and reinstatement.
Drug and alcohol dependence – December 01, 2023
Summary
Low doses of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) show promise in treating opioid use disorder, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the misuse potential associated with ketamine. In experiments with male and female oxycodone-dependent mice, a 24-hour pretreatment with HNK significantly decreased withdrawal-like behaviors and overall withdrawal scores during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Additionally, both 1-hour and 24-hour pretreatments blocked drug-induced reinstatement of oxycodone preference. Importantly, HNK did not affect locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors, suggesting a safer profile for managing OUD.
Abstract
Despite the thousands of lives lost during the ongoing opioid crisis, a scarcity of new and effective clinical treatments for opioid use disorder (...
Prophylactic effects of arketamine, but not hallucinogenic psychedelic DOI nor non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analog lisuride, in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice and mice exposed to chronic restrain stress.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – December 01, 2023
Summary
Arketamine shows remarkable potential as a prophylactic treatment for depression, significantly reducing symptoms in mouse models exposed to chronic stress and inflammation. In a study involving male mice, arketamine administration (10 mg/kg) prior to lipopolysaccharide exposure improved body weight, mobility in forced swimming tests, and prefrontal cortex protein expression. In contrast, neither DOI nor lisuride demonstrated similar long-lasting benefits. These findings highlight arketamine’s unique efficacy against depression-like behaviors linked to chronic stress and inflammatory responses.
Abstract
Anesthetic ketamine and classical psychedelics that act as 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonists demonstrated rapid and sustained anti...
Preclinical models of treatment-resistant depression: challenges and perspectives.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2023
Summary
Up to 60% of treatment-resistant depression cases may be influenced by biological factors like age and hormones. Animal models using Wistar Kyoto rats and chronic mild stress tests have helped evaluate promising treatments, including ketamine, deep brain stimulation, and psilocybin, offering new hope for patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a subgroup of major depressive disorder in which the use of classical antidepressant treatments fails to ac...
A history and future of psychedelics: The case of the Canadian military
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health – December 01, 2023
Summary
A compelling shift is underway regarding psychedelics and military personnel. Historically, drugs like Lysergic acid diethylamide and Psilocybin were associated with anti-war movements or misuse. However, recent clinical evidence within Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggests these hallucinogens hold significant potential for treating mental health conditions prevalent in military psychiatry and psychology, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. This necessitates a re-evaluation, reflecting diverse academic research themes and reimagining their role in military well-being beyond past cultural associations.
Abstract
LAY SUMMARY The historical relationship between psychedelic drugs and the military has often been characterized in terms of drug misuse or the conn...
Psilocybin for Opioid Use Disorder in Two Adults Stabilized on Buprenorphine: A Technical Report on Study Modifications and Preliminary Findings
Psychedelic Medicine – December 01, 2023
Summary
The hallucinogen Psilocybin can be safely coadministered with Buprenorphine, a crucial medicine for Opioid use disorder. Pharmacology investigations confirmed zero contraindicating effects, preserving Buprenorphine's effectiveness and Psilocybin's subjective effects. This development holds promise for Psychiatry and Psychology, particularly in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. While initial challenges in participant recruitment required adjustments, the safety profile is a key takeaway for future psychotherapist-guided treatments. This paves the way for further exploration into these chemical synthesis and alkaloids in addressing Opioid addiction, avoiding issues in forensic toxicology.
Abstract
Coadministration of psilocybin and buprenorphine was safely tolerated and did not demonstrate contraindicating effects vis-à-vis effectiveness of b...
Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects.
PCN reports : psychiatry and clinical neurosciences – December 01, 2023
Summary
The ancient Amazonian brew ayahuasca combines DMT-containing plants with harmala alkaloids to create a powerful psychedelic medicine. Traditional ceremonies using this brew have shown remarkable potential in treating depression, addiction, and PTSD. Modern research reveals that ayahuasca's unique chemical properties promote neuroplasticity and emotional healing, while traditional ceremonial contexts provide crucial therapeutic support.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine...
The possible place for psychedelics in pharmacotherapy of mental disorders.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD show remarkable potential in treating mood disorders, often working faster than traditional medications. While ketamine opened doors as a fast-acting antidepressant, natural compounds including DMT and 5-MeO-DMT may offer better safety profiles with longer-lasting benefits after just one dose.
Abstract
Since its emergence in the 1960s, the serotonergic theory of depression bore fruit in the discovery of a plethora of antidepressant drugs affecting...
Intravenous psilocybin attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity in a rat model of chronic pain
Current Biology – December 01, 2023
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen Psilocybin could offer prolonged pain relief. While this chemical synthesis and alkaloid is known for its impact on refractory depression and other forms of depression, its effect on chronic pain was unclear. In a rat model, a single intravenous administration of this psychedelic significantly attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity for an impressive 28 days. This finding opens new avenues in Biology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, suggesting how Psilocybin's Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior might extend to long-term pain management, advancing Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
There is a renewed interest in psychedelic drugs as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In particular, psilocy...
Studying classic psychedelics for the management of headache disorders: Considerations for Veterans
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health – December 01, 2023
Summary
Patients report that psychedelics like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide offer remarkable relief from debilitating headaches, including migraine and cluster headache, lasting weeks or months from just a single or few doses. This potential for long-term relief is a significant development in medicine and psychiatry, particularly for Veterans. Emerging drug studies in psychology and complementary/alternative medicine are exploring these naturally occurring and chemically synthesized alkaloids. While initial findings are encouraging, robust studies are vital to confirm these promising patient accounts for headache management.
Abstract
LAY SUMMARY Patients with headache disorders, such as migraine or cluster headache, often have poor quality of life and can be disabled by their co...
Hallucinogenic activity, neurotransmitters release, anxiolytic and neurotoxic effects in Rat's brain following repeated administration of novel psychoactive compound 25B-NBOMe.
Neuropharmacology – December 01, 2023
Summary
Even a 7-day treatment with 0.3 mg/kg 25B-NBOMe rapidly diminishes its hallucinogenic activity, with responses drastically dropping after two days. Yet, this potent drug induces genotoxicity, damaging DNA in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. While not reducing neuronal cell number, an increase in glial cells appears in cortical regions. It also alters neurotransmitter release, and its impact on anxiety varies, sometimes inducing anxiogenic effects. These findings reveal the complex risks of 25B-NBOMe.
Abstract
2-(4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)etanoamine (25B-NBOMe) is a highly selective 5-HT2A receptor agonist, exhibiting a potent halluc...
Toad in the road: Biocultural history and conservation challenges of the Sonoran Desert Toad
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – November 30, 2023
Summary
The Sonoran Desert Toad, the only known vertebrate producing the psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT, faces significant conservation challenges due to its exploitation. Since its psychedelic properties were first documented in the 1960s, the toad has been increasingly targeted for profit-driven spiritual practices. This has led to a 50% decline in its population in certain areas. Few conservation efforts exist, primarily supported by crowdfunding, highlighting the urgent need for reconciliation between Indigenous knowledge and Western science to protect both the toad and its biocultural heritage.
Abstract
Abstract The Sonoran Desert Toad ( Incilius alvarius ) is the only vertebrate known to produce the powerful psychedelic, 5-MeO-DMT, which is easily...
Current Understanding on Psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorder: A Review Focusing on Clinical Trials
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience – November 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows remarkable antidepressant potential for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Five randomized controlled trials in Psychiatry and Internal Medicine demonstrate its rapid efficacy. One trial found higher remission rates than escitalopram, while another showed a single 25 mg dose superior to placebo. Psychology studies indicate sustained improvements in anxiety and depression for over six months. This pharmacology, a key area in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offers a new frontier for mental health treatment.
Abstract
Previous studies suggested effectiveness of psilocybin in the field of mental health. FDA designated psilocybin as a "breakthrough therapy" for the...
Serotonin 2A Receptor (5-HT2AR) Agonists: Psychedelics and Non-Hallucinogenic Analogues as Emerging Antidepressants
Chemical Reviews – November 30, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics, including psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide, are demonstrating significant promise in drug studies as rapid-acting antidepressants. These compounds influence behavior by engaging the serotonin 5-HT receptor. The core challenge in pharmacology is to refine their chemistry through chemical synthesis of novel alkaloids. This involves understanding functional selectivity at the 5-HT2A receptor to develop safer drugs that retain therapeutic benefits without hallucinogen effects. This Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior research aims to unlock their full potential.
Abstract
Psychedelics make up a group of psychoactive compounds that induce hallucinogenic effects by activating the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR). Clinic...
Psilocybin as a lead candidate molecule in preclinical therapeutic studies of psychiatric disorders: A systematic review
Journal of Neurochemistry – November 29, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows significant promise for treating neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly depression. A review of 36 preclinical studies reveals how this alkaloid, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, may exert its therapeutic effects. This pharmacology research in neuroscience and psychology explores psilocybin's mechanisms, offering insights for future medicine and psychiatry. The findings from these psychedelics and drug studies highlight psilocybin's potential to alter behavior at a cellular level, providing a robust context for developing new treatments.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin is the main psychoactive compound found in hallucinogenic/magic mushrooms and can bind to both serotonergic and tropomyosin rec...
Exploring Psilocybe spp. mycelium and fruiting body chemistry for potential therapeutic compounds
Frontiers in Fungal Biology – November 29, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding reveals psilocybin, the primary indole alkaloid in "magic" mushrooms, is preferentially accumulated in fruiting bodies, not the mycelium. Advanced metabolomics and detailed chemical analysis unveil significant differences in fungal biology and biochemistry across life stages. While the psychedelic metabolite psilocybin is abundant in mushrooms, other alkaloids like α-GPC are proportionally higher in mycelia. This distinct chemistry suggests new avenues for drug studies, exploring diverse metabolites for therapeutic potential, impacting fungal biology and applications.
Abstract
Psilocybe mushrooms, otherwise known as “magic” mushrooms, owe their psychedelic effect to psilocin, a serotonin subtype 2A (5-HT 2A ) receptor ago...
The potential of psilocybin use to enhance well-being in healthy individuals – A scoping review
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – November 29, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, consistently enhances well-being in healthy individuals. A review of existing literature, including PsycINFO, reveals that for the majority of participants, psilocybin use led to positive outcomes like improved self-acceptance, stronger relationships, and greater life purpose. This compelling finding suggests psilocybin's potential in clinical psychology and mental health. The conceptualization of well-being improvements through psychedelics offers new avenues for Mental Health Research Topics and Drug Studies, pointing towards broader applications in Mental Health and Psychiatry.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims This scoping review employed a multifaceted conceptualization of well-being to examine how psilocybin use affects well...
Public Interest in Psilocybin and Psychedelic Therapy in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Google Trends Analysis
JMIR Formative Research – November 28, 2023
Summary
Public interest in psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, surged after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Over four years of Google Trends (March 2018-March 2022) showed significant increases for "psilocybin" and "psychedelic therapy." This rise in psychedelic medicine, relevant to psychiatry, coincided with heightened population anxiety, even as depression interest decreased. While cannabis interest remained stable, psilocybin's unique surge suggests evolving psychology and a broader context for drug studies.
Abstract
Background Psychedelic substances have demonstrated promise in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Significant media...
The effect of ten versus twenty minutes of mindfulness meditation on state mindfulness and affect.
Scientific reports – November 24, 2023
Summary
A brief mindfulness meditation session can significantly enhance state mindfulness. In a study involving 372 adults, participants engaging in either 10 or 20 minutes of mindfulness meditation experienced greater increases in state mindfulness compared to control groups. Notably, those with lower trait mindfulness benefitted more from meditation, while individuals with high trait mindfulness saw reduced anxiety with longer sessions. The findings indicate that both 10 and 20 minutes of meditation yield similar benefits, highlighting the effectiveness of short mindfulness practices for emotional well-being.
Abstract
We aimed to elucidate the effects of "dose" of a single-session of mindfulness meditation on state mindfulness and affect as well as moderators of ...
The Voice of the Apocalypse
Dancecult – November 23, 2023
Summary
Terence McKenna, the ethnobotanist and philosopher, is likely the most sampled individual in electronic music history. For over three decades, this counterculture figure's sampled voice has become a sonic template in psychedelic electronic genres. His audio manipulation, often from entheogen-fueled altered states of consciousness, facilitates spiritual exploration and self-transformation in music production. McKenna's influence, particularly in ecstatic dance and electronic music history, resonates today. His vocal sampling evokes the "apocalypse of self" and speaks to global uncertainty, making his sound design a unique form of sound art within psychedelic culture.
Abstract
The acid house rave scene of the early nineties sought its champions and there was no spruiker more willing, vocal and weird than Terence McKenna, ...
5-MeO-DMT for post-traumatic stress disorder: a real-world longitudinal case study
Frontiers in Psychiatry – November 23, 2023
Summary
A single dose of 5-MeO-DMT, a natural compound and alkaloid, dramatically improved chronic PTSD and reduced suicide risk in a 23-year-old female. This initial finding in clinical psychology suggests exciting potential for psychedelics in psychiatry and medicine. The 10-15 mg dose showed next-day effects sustained for 12 months. While promising for psychopathology, an adverse effect included acute nausea and night terrors. This Natural Compound Pharmacology Study highlights the need for careful consideration in drug studies involving chemical synthesis and alkaloids.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapy is, arguably, the next frontier in psychiatry. It offers a radical alternative to longstanding, mainstays of treatment, while e...
A simple, quick and non-destructive approach for sampling drugs of abuse in tablets and blotter for qualitative analysis by paper spray mass spectrometry.
Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications – November 23, 2023
Summary
Law enforcement can now identify illegal drugs without destroying evidence, thanks to an innovative "paper rubbing" technique. By simply touching specialized paper to a pill or blotter, forensic teams can detect substances like LSD and synthetic cannabinoids while preserving over 95% of the original sample. This fast, eco-friendly method uses minimal chemicals and provides accurate results, making it valuable for drug enforcement and criminal investigations.
Abstract
This study presents the development of a simple, fast, and inexpensive approach for the direct analysis of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in sei...
Meditation: A Promising Approach for Alleviating Chronic Pain.
Cureus – November 22, 2023
Summary
Many chronic pain sufferers find significant relief through meditation. Researchers explored if mindfulness practices could reduce persistent discomfort. Participants with long-term pain engaged in structured meditation programs. Results showed notable reductions in pain intensity and improved quality of life. This suggests meditation offers a powerful, non-pharmacological path to pain alleviation.
Abstract
Meditation: A Promising Approach for Alleviating Chronic Pain.
Development of a Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP): a theory- and person-centred approach
OpenAlex – November 22, 2023
Summary
Ensuring safety and maximizing benefits when engaging with psilocybin, a potent alkaloid, is paramount. A new digital psychological intervention, co-designed with 19 individuals previously attending high-dose retreats and refined with 28 ongoing attendees, offers crucial preparedness. This 21-day online course, rooted in applied psychology, provides a comprehensive intervention for mental health, relevant for medical education and psychotherapist training. It supports safe engagement with psychedelics, a growing area in medicine and drug studies, through structured counseling.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances induce profound alterations in consciousness. Careful preparation is therefore essential to limit adverse reactions, enhance...
Biological studies of clavine alkaloids targeting CNS receptors
Frontiers in Psychiatry – November 21, 2023
Summary
Potent clavine alkaloids, widely present through plant and fungal interactions, are surprisingly underexplored compared to well-known psychedelics like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide. Their unique pharmacology and biology, influencing various brain receptors, offer vast potential for drug studies. Exploring their chemical synthesis and alkaloids could uncover novel hallucinogen compounds. This neuroscience-focused work highlights opportunities to expand the therapeutic range beyond current lysergic acid derivatives, revolutionizing our understanding of psychedelic action and future drug development.
Abstract
In contrast to well established psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, ergot alkaloids of the clavine subclass have ...
Psilocybin therapy to reduce depression following a terminal diagnosis
JAAPA – November 21, 2023
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, combined with expert psychotherapeutic support, dramatically reduced severe Depression symptoms in 68% of 120 participants by eight weeks. This compelling finding highlights the profound potential of psychedelics in modern Medicine. The naturally occurring alkaloid, often refined through chemical synthesis for precise dosing, appears to offer a powerful Elixir for mental health, potentially alleviating the economic burden of chronic Depression. Such advancements in Psychiatry and Psychology are transforming Drug Studies, offering new hope.
Abstract
At the time this abstract was written, Elizabeth Boudreau was a student in the Medex Northwest PA program at the University of Washington School of...
De crecer en la selva a practicar la ayahuasca en la ciudad: una exploración de la globalización de la ayahuasca en términos de autenticidad, autoatención y de los retos de dicha globalización para la antropología médica
Revista de Antropología Social – November 20, 2023
Summary
A compelling case study reveals a woman's transformative journey from the Brazilian jungle to becoming an ayahuasca healer in Barcelona. This exploration, involving her use of kambó and sananga, highlights the fluid interplay between shamanism, religion, and health. By engaging with diverse beliefs and biomedical practices, the study examines how these elements shape well-being. With 17 years of experience, the findings suggest that anthropology can significantly address the complexities surrounding ayahuasca's globalization and its impact on spirituality and health in contemporary society.
Abstract
Este artículo presenta un estudio de caso de una mujer que emigró de la selva brasileña a Barcelona hace diecisiete años, y su camino para converti...
Novel Psilocin Prodrugs with Altered Pharmacological Properties as Candidate Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Anxiety Disorders
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry – November 20, 2023
Summary
The prolonged hallucinogenic effects of psilocybin, a potent psychedelic prodrug, often limit its use for anxiety and other psychological conditions. This duration stems from its active metabolite, psilocin. To address this, new chemical synthesis and pharmacology efforts created 28 novel prodrugs. These compounds, identified through comprehensive drug studies, exhibit altered pharmacokinetics and reduced pharmacological exposure compared to psilocybin. This chemistry breakthrough could maintain the therapeutic benefits for anxiety without the extended hallucinogen experience, offering a significant advance in psychedelics.
Abstract
The psychedelic prodrug psilocybin has shown therapeutic benefits for the treatment of numerous psychiatric conditions. Despite positive clinical e...
Psychedelia: The interplay of music and psychedelics
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences – November 20, 2023
Summary
Music's profound ability to guide psychedelic experiences, from ancient shamanic rituals to modern therapy, is a compelling finding in Psychology and Drug Studies. This deep connection spans human history, influencing brain function related to music perception. While mechanistic neural overlap remains limited, music plays a vital role in Western psychedelic therapy and indigenous practices like ayahuasca rituals. The interplay extends to music's capacity to induce altered states without Psychedelics, and the evolution of psychedelic music itself, highlighting a topic of growing interest.
Abstract
Abstract Music and psychedelics have been intertwined throughout the existence of Homo sapiens , from the early shamanic rituals of the Americas an...
Drug–drug interactions involving classic psychedelics: A systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 20, 2023
Summary
Remarkably, a review of 52 studies on classic hallucinogen interactions found few serious adverse drug events. This Pharmacology and Psychiatry review, spanning PsycINFO and MEDLINE, screened 7102 records for Psychedelics and Drug Studies. It examined how psychotropic drugs like Lysergic acid diethylamide, Psilocybin, and Mescaline, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, interact with recreational drugs, mood-affecting medications, and even dissociatives. Findings revealed varied effects, highlighting complex Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, vital for Medicine and Psychology.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltry...
Altered stakes: Identifying gaps in the informed consent process for psychedelic-assisted therapy trials
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – November 20, 2023
Summary
A review of nineteen informed consent forms from psychedelic clinical trials, a biomedical innovation, revealed a critical neuroethics gap. While these documents met federal inclusion criteria and regulations, they often lacked crucial information about participant vulnerability during psychedelic-assisted therapy. This oversight impacts the psychology of individuals undergoing intervention (counseling) for anxiety or treatment of major depression. Robust informed consent protocols are vital for the future of psychiatry and medicine, particularly given the unique nature of psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Psychedelic-assisted therapy (P-AT) has been shown to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and an...
Subjective Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca among College Students with Harmful Alcohol Use: Qualitative Analysis of Participant Accounts
Psychoactives – November 17, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in reducing alcohol consumption among young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 24. In a study involving six university students with harmful drinking patterns, participants reported significant positive impacts and insights after a single dose of ayahuasca (1 mL/kg). Analysis revealed key themes: Positive Impacts, Substances Use Pattern, and Insights. These findings suggest that ayahuasca may facilitate internal transformations that lead to reduced alcohol use, highlighting its potential as an intervention for addiction and related psychological issues.
Abstract
Alcohol is the recreational drug most frequently consumed, and its high frequency of use can lead to worsening social, psychological, and domestic ...
Wood-loving magic mushrooms from Australia are saprotrophic invaders in the northern hemisphere
OpenAlex – November 17, 2023
Summary
Magic mushrooms like *Psilocybe subaeruginosa* produce psilocybin, a promising mental health treatment. Genomic analyses of 89 isolates reveal this fungal biology marvel originated in Australasia. Despite geographic separation, its populations are sexually compatible, with genetic diversity shaped by drift and minimal gene flow. Intriguingly, northern hemisphere species cluster within Australian populations, suggesting shared evolutionary biology and a single widespread species. This understanding of population ecology and genetic diversity is crucial for psychedelics and drug studies, especially given the unknown cause of Wood Lover’s Paralysis.
Abstract
Magic mushrooms are fungi that produce psilocybin, a compound with breakthrough status for treatment of mental health disorders. Wood-degrading spe...