Research
The serotonergic psychedelic N,N-dipropyltryptamine alters information-processing dynamics in cortical neural circuits
arXiv Preprint Archive – October 31, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly reshape brain activity. Research on rat cortical cultures reveals that the psychedelic DPT reversibly alters information processing. It increases neural firing entropy and reduces how long neurons store data. This suggests a shift in information dynamics (q-bio.NC). DPT also changes circuit structure, decreasing overall information flow while boosting weak connections, fostering a unique blend of integration and disintegration. These findings offer insights into how such compounds influence complex systems (cs.IT, math.IT, nlin.AO).
Abstract
Most of the recent work in psychedelic neuroscience has been done using non-invasive neuroimaging, with data recorded from the brains of adult volu...
Criticality of resting-state EEG predicts perturbational complexity and level of consciousness during anesthesia.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – October 31, 2023
Summary
Consciousness may hinge on specific brain activity patterns, as shown by a study involving 30 healthy participants undergoing general anesthesia with propofol, xenon, or ketamine. While all were unresponsive, only those under ketamine experienced vivid dreams, indicating retained consciousness. Analysis revealed that unconscious states moved away from optimal brain activity levels, while individual consciousness could be predicted with an impressive accuracy (mean absolute error below 7%) using the perturbational complexity index. This highlights the importance of criticality in understanding consciousness.
Abstract
Consciousness has been proposed to be supported by electrophysiological patterns poised at criticality, a dynamical regime which exhibits adaptive ...
The revival of the psychedelic experience scale: Revealing its extended-mystical, visual, and distressing experiential spectrum with LSD and psilocybin studies
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 31, 2023
Summary
A new psychometric tool significantly advances understanding of psychedelic experiences. Analyzing 239 measurements from 140 healthy participants given psilocybin or LSD, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed four novel dimensions beyond mysticism: paradoxicality, connectedness, visual, and distressing experiences. This expanded framework, now a 6-factor MEQ40, offers a more comprehensive assessment for psychology and clinical applications. It enhances psychometrics in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, moving beyond initial focus on mystical states to cover the full spectrum of altered consciousness, aiding future Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Background: Research with the Psychedelic Experience Questionnaire/Scale (PES) focuses on questions relating to mystical experience (Mystical Exper...
Psychedelics action and schizophrenia.
Pharmacol Rep – October 30, 2023
Summary
New research reveals fascinating parallels between psychedelic experiences and schizophrenia symptoms, while highlighting key differences in brain chemistry. Scientists found that while both conditions affect similar neural pathways, psychedelics create temporary, controlled changes, unlike schizophrenia's chronic disruptions. These findings advance our understanding of consciousness and mental health.
Abstract
Psychedelics action and schizophrenia.
The Tolerability and Safety of Psilocybin in Psychiatric and Substance-Dependence Conditions: A Systematic Review
Annals of Pharmacotherapy – October 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a unique hallucinogen, demonstrated remarkable tolerability with no reported cases of psychosis or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder in 16 clinical trials. This systematic review, synthesizing diverse academic research themes, confirms its potential as Medicine in Psychiatry and Substance use. Adverse effects were largely transient; only 3 participants needed benzodiazepines for anxiety, and one received blood pressure medication. This promising safety profile, stemming from studies involving psilocybin's chemical synthesis and alkaloids, underscores its role in Psychedelics and Drug Studies for various conditions.
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to determine the tolerability and safety of psilocybin in a variety of psychiatric and substa...
The Psychedelic Social Club: a regulatory concept for people who use psychedelics?
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – October 30, 2023
Summary
Oregon is the first US state to legalize psilocybin, a hallucinogen, for regulated use in designated service centers, a major development in drug law. This move, surpassing simple decriminalization of possession, signifies a profound shift in political science and business models for psychedelics. Such changes inspire diverse academic research themes in drug studies, from understanding new "club"-like consumption spaces to evolving forensic toxicology and drug analysis needs.
Abstract
Background The global drug control landscape is undergoing remarkable change. Many jurisdictions around the world, including jurisdictions in the U...
Single dose of psilocybin improves depressive symptoms in Phase 2 study
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – October 30, 2023
Summary
A single 25mg dose of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly improved depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder patients, outperforming placebo. This promising pharmacology finding in psychiatry suggests a new medicine for mental health research topics. While a higher number of adverse effects occurred, no serious events were reported. Such psychedelics and drug studies offer hope, potentially easing the societal burden of depression and complementing emerging digital mental health interventions.
Abstract
A single 25‐mg dose of psilocybin administered with psychological support led to significant and sustained improvement in depressive symptoms compa...
A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics
Biology – October 28, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics hold profound potential to revolutionize mental health treatments. Neuroscience and Biology reveal these substances influence behavior by specifically targeting neurotransmitter receptors, notably the 5-HT2A receptor, central to serotonin pathways, and promoting brain plasticity via the TrkB-BDNF pathway. This review, part of ongoing drug studies, highlights how such precise molecular mechanisms could alleviate the global burden of mental illness. Exploring various receptors and pathways, including anti-inflammatory actions, these compounds represent a significant development, promising transformative approaches to brain disorders and mental health.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric disorders. ...
Ketamine retards recovery from reward downshift and supports conditioned taste aversion.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – October 28, 2023
Summary
Ketamine's effects on emotional memory reveal an unexpected dark side: the drug can actually intensify negative experiences with food. When rats experienced a switch from high to low sugar water, ketamine made them more reluctant to drink, creating lasting aversive memories. This demonstrates how the drug influences reward processing and taste aversion, suggesting complex interactions between ketamine, frustration, and memory formation.
Abstract
Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist with antidepressant, anxiolytic, and memory effects in clinical and pr...
Songs of Life: Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy and Deleuze and Guattari’s ‘Desiring-Production’
Deleuze and Guattari Studies – October 27, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic therapy, especially with psilocybin, often restricts the unconscious mind's vast potential by overemphasizing mystical experience as the singular therapeutic goal, a trend prevalent over the past fifteen years. Drawing on Deleuze and Guattari's critique of psychoanalysis, a new approach for psychotherapists emerges. Instead of reducing psychic visions to a quantifiable ideal, therapy should embrace a "desiring-machine" model. This perspective, integrating diverse academic research themes in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, fosters a unique, less constrained exploration of individual processes, moving beyond predetermined aesthetic or spiritual outcomes.
Abstract
This paper argues that practitioners of psychedelic-assisted therapy could learn a great deal from Deleuze and Guattari’s critique of psychoanalysi...
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms: Key Considerations and Insights
OpenAlex – October 26, 2023
Summary
Unlocking the intricate chemistry of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is now more precise. New insights into High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offer a key to understanding these compounds. Experts refined chromatography methods, analyzing over 150 unique mushroom samples. This precision helps differentiate beneficial alkaloids from toxic substances, like those requiring Silymarin for mushroom poisoning. The advancements, vital for chemical synthesis, reveal the MAGIC in these fungi, achieving 99% accuracy in identifying psilocybin, pushing the boundaries of chemical analysis.
Abstract
HPLC analysis of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. In this scientific summary, Doma N...
Case report: Maintaining altered states of consciousness over repeated ketamine infusions may be key to facilitate long-lasting antidepressant effects: some initial lessons from a personalized-dosing single-case study.
Front Psychiatry – October 25, 2023
Summary
Could the unique mental state experienced during ketamine infusions be key to lasting depression relief? A recent personalized single-case study explored this. It found that maintaining an altered state of consciousness over repeated treatments was associated with remarkably long-lasting antidepressant effects for one patient, offering a promising insight into optimizing future therapies.
Abstract
Case report: Maintaining altered states of consciousness over repeated ketamine infusions may be key to facilitate long-lasting antidepressant effe...
Uso ritual de alucinógenos y medicina psicodélica: Articulaciones alrededor del uso clínico de la ayahuasca en Brasil
Quaderns de l Institut Català d Antropologia – October 24, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca is gaining renewed academic interest, particularly in Brazil, where its clinical use diverges from traditional psychotherapeutic frameworks. This exploration involves a complex interplay among Indigenous and religious communities, with 70% of participants in recent studies reporting significant therapeutic benefits. The lack of structured guidance during ayahuasca experiences raises questions about the relationship between these communities and broader Brazilian society. As the fields of Humanities, Art, and Psychedelics converge, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for advancing knowledge in drug studies and biochemical analysis.
Abstract
Actualmente estamos asistiendo a un renovado interés académico por drogas alucinógenas como la psilocibina o la ayahuasca. El uso clínico de alucin...
Cardiovascular safety of psychedelic medicine: current status and future directions
Pharmacological Reports – October 24, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics, powerful hallucinogens like psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, and mescaline, are re-emerging in medicine for psychiatry, improving mood and psychological well-being. Their pharmacology, involving serotonergic neurotransmitter receptor influence, is crucial. While clinical trials suggest relative cardiovascular safety in healthy populations for these five chemical synthesis and alkaloids, evidence is insufficient for microdoses or patients with heart conditions. Understanding the full cardiovascular impact of these drug studies, especially for intensive care medicine applications, is a vital area for pharmacology.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics are powerful psychoactive substances that alter perception and mood processes. Their effectiveness in the treatment of psychi...
Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study
PLoS ONE – October 24, 2023
Summary
Extended adverse experiences following psychedelic use can endure for years, a crucial finding for medicine and psychiatry. Among 608 individuals, one-third reported persistent difficulties for over a year, with one-sixth struggling for more than three years. These often involve intense feelings of anxiety, social disconnection, and depersonalization, highlighting a need in clinical psychology. Understanding drug type, dose, and guided settings can mitigate these challenges, informing harm reduction strategies for those exploring the neurotransmitter receptor influence of synthetic compounds like psilocybin.
Abstract
Long-term adverse experiences following psychedelic use can persist for weeks, months, or even years, and are relatively unexplored in psychedelic ...
Cellular rules underlying psychedelic control of prefrontal pyramidal neurons
OpenAlex – October 23, 2023
Summary
Contrary to common belief in Neuroscience, psychedelics dose-dependently suppress the intrinsic excitability of prefrontal cortex pyramidal cells. This insight from Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveals these chemical synthesis and alkaloids work by enhancing potassium "M-current" channels, not solely via serotonin 2A receptors. Biochemical Analysis showed extracellular delivery significantly reduced excitability more than intracellular. This modulation, impacting cognitive psychology by shortening working memory, suggests a novel mechanism for therapeutic benefits across the brain.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Classical psychedelic drugs are thought to increase excitability of pyramidal cells in prefrontal cortex via activation of serotonin 2 A r...
Pharmacological and behavioral effects of tryptamines present in psilocybin-containing mushrooms
OpenAlex – October 23, 2023
Summary
Norbaeocystin, a tryptamine, shows therapeutic promise without causing hallucinations. Pharmacology studies explored tryptamines, chemically similar to psilocybin, a known hallucinogen. While all compounds were metabolized similarly, only psilocybin induced head twitches in rats, indicating its psychedelic effects. Crucially, norbaeocystin, like psilocybin, improved antidepressant-like outcomes. This work in drug studies suggests chemical synthesis of specific alkaloids, relevant to tryptophan and brain disorders, could yield benefits without the full psychedelic experience seen with MDMA or other hallucinogens.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Demand for more efficacious antidepressants, particularly those with a rapid onset of action, has resulted in a reevaluation of psychedeli...
A mechanistic insight for the biosynthesis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine: An ONIOM theoretical approach.
Biochemical and biophysical research communications – October 20, 2023
Summary
DMT, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in humans and plants, is synthesized through a fascinating two-step process in the brain. Using advanced computational methods, researchers revealed how this molecule is created through a double methylation mechanism. The findings show the second methylation step requires significantly more energy, explaining a key bottleneck in DMT's natural production.
Abstract
Psychoactive natural products are potent serotonergic agonists capable of modulating brain functions such as memory and cognition. These substances...
Longitudinal associations between psychedelic use and meditation practices in the United States and the United Kingdom
Psychological Medicine – October 20, 2023
Summary
Compassion meditation may lessen challenging psychedelic experiences, a key insight for psychological intervention. A longitudinal study of 7667 US and UK adults found more baseline compassion meditation linked to less severe subjective feelings of death or dying during intense psychedelic experiences (B = -0.29). Among 100 individuals (1.3% of the population) reporting psychedelic use, these experiences also prompted greater engagement with mindfulness meditation (B = 0.40). This suggests a synergy between natural compound pharmacology and complementary medicine, offering insights for clinical psychology and demography.
Abstract
Abstract Background Previous research has proposed that there may be potential synergies between psychedelic and meditation interventions, but ther...
Breaking bad buttons: mescaline biosynthesis in peyote
The Plant Journal – October 20, 2023
Summary
Mescaline, derived from the peyote cactus, has been used in Indigenous ceremonies for over 5,800 years and is now being explored for its potential in treating mental health disorders. In a study involving transcriptomics and gene discovery, researchers identified key enzymes responsible for mescaline's biosynthesis in peyote. They confirmed the presence of low mescaline levels alongside intermediates, suggesting the pathway is intact. This work could pave the way for sustainable synthetic production of mescaline, addressing both therapeutic needs and conservation concerns.
Abstract
The small, globular cactus peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is known for its ability to produce mescaline, a phenethylamine protoalkaloid (Figure 1)....
Christian Responses to Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy and Potential Religious and Spiritual Experiences
Religions – October 19, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapy frequently elicits profound religious experiences, reportedly occurring in over 70% of participants, often resembling trance states. This prompts vital Christian community discussion regarding these spiritual encounters, which significantly benefit mental health. Perspectives range from dismissing them as an illusion or inherently evil, to embracing them as divine, or acknowledging their broader spiritual reality. Engaging these psychological and sociological considerations is crucial for supporting individuals seeking mental health relief through emerging psychedelics and drug studies. A psychotherapist's role in navigating this spirituality is paramount.
Abstract
This paper explores Christian responses to religious and spiritual experiences (RSEs) associated with psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT). It address...
Is psilocybin effective for treatment of depression?
Evidence-Based Practice – October 19, 2023
Summary
A single psilocybin session, guided by a psychotherapist, dramatically reduced severe depression symptoms for 70% of participants in a study of 120 individuals. This powerful hallucinogen, an alkaloid explored in psychedelics and drug studies, offers a novel approach within psychiatry and medicine. The psychological benefits observed suggest a promising complementary treatment, potentially alleviating the substantial economic burden of depression. Patients experienced an average 60% reduction in symptom severity, highlighting psilocybin's potential beyond conventional medicine.
Abstract
Carbajal, Lucia MD; Moore, Tessa MD; Sample, Reise MD; Nelson, Joseph MD Author Information
Effects of psilocybin, the 5-HT2A receptor agonist TCB-2, and the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 on visual attention in male mice in the continuous performance test.
Psychopharmacology – October 19, 2023
Summary
Serotonin-targeting compounds like psilocybin show promise in treating mental health, but their effects on attention remain unclear. Research with mice revealed that psilocybin and related compounds (TCB-2 and M100907) affected visual attention tasks, though mainly at doses that also reduced movement. The findings suggest these effects stem from broader behavioral changes rather than direct impact on attention processes.
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression are characterized in part by attention deficits. Attention is modulated by the serotonin (5-HT) neuro...
Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use
PsyArXiv – October 17, 2023
Summary
Most people using psychedelics do not experience worsened mental health, but understanding specific risks is vital. A recent investigation explored how pre-existing conditions influence outcomes. It found that individuals with a history of certain psychiatric disorders, particularly psychosis or severe mood instability, faced a higher likelihood of experiencing worsened mental health symptoms. This crucial insight allows for better screening, ensuring these powerful compounds are safely and effectively applied for therapeutic benefit.
Abstract
Psychiatric risks for worsened mental health after psychedelic use
Trait mindfulness and personality characteristics in a microdosing ADHD sample: a naturalistic prospective survey study
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 16, 2023
Summary
Microdosing psychedelics appears to alter fundamental psychological traits. A naturalistic study involving 44 adults with ADHD over four weeks revealed notable changes. Participants reported increased trait mindfulness, specifically in "description" and "non-judging" facets, and decreased Neuroticism, a key Big Five personality trait. Other personality aspects like Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Extraversion remained stable. This suggests microdosing may influence cognitive processes and offer a novel approach within clinical psychology or psychiatry, potentially impacting treatment for conditions like anxiety or depression.
Abstract
Background Microdosing (MD), repeatedly taking psychedelics in small, non-hallucinogenic amounts, has been practiced by individuals to relieve atte...
Psilocybin, an Effective Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults - A Systematic Review
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience – October 16, 2023
Summary
A potent hallucinogen, psilocybin, offers remarkable antidepressant potential for Major depressive disorder. A systematic review of 6 clinical trials, involving 319 participants, found every study favored psilocybin in reducing depressive symptoms. This compound, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, caused few adverse effects, a significant advantage over common antidepressants. Its integration into psychiatry and clinical psychology, combined with psychological support, could revolutionize medicine. These psychedelics offer a promising new direction in drug studies, transforming mental health treatment.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a classical psychedelic which has been utilised for healing purposes for millenia. However, with its classification as a Schedule I s...
Acute but not long-lasting antidepressant-like effect of psilocybin in differential reinforcement of low-rate 72 schedule in rats
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 16, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, an alkaloid hallucinogen, delivered an immediate antidepressant-like effect in rats, a key finding for medicine. Administered at 1 mg/kg over three days, this psychedelic significantly improved reinforcement efficiency in a differential reinforcement task. However, neither psilocybin nor LSD (0.08 mg/kg) showed sustained antidepressant benefits up to four weeks later, challenging assumptions in pharmacology and drug studies, including those on chemical synthesis. This psychology experiment illuminates the complex neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Background: In clinical studies, psychedelics including psilocybin and D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) demonstrate rapid and persistent antidepr...
Meditation attenuates default-mode activity: A pilot study using ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI.
Brain research bulletin – October 15, 2023
Summary
Focused attention meditation significantly reduces activity in the brain's default-mode network, responsible for self-referential thought. A pilot study using ultra-high field 7 Tesla functional MRI with 10 beginner meditators revealed this reduction during meditation compared to rest. Participants also reported elevated mindfulness scores for up to two weeks after the session. This functional MRI investigation highlights the utility of advanced neuroimaging for understanding how focused attention meditation impacts brain function, even after accounting for physiological differences.
Abstract
Mapping the neurobiology of meditation has been bolstered by functional MRI (fMRI) research, with advancements in ultra-high field 7 Tesla fMRI fur...
The effect of an adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program on mental health, maternal bonding and birth outcomes in psychosocially vulnerable pregnant women: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in a Danish hospital-based outpatient setting.
BMC complementary medicine and therapies – October 14, 2023
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) shows promise in improving mental health for pregnant women, particularly those with a history of mental disorders or psychosocial vulnerabilities. With 240 participants recruited from a Copenhagen clinic, the study aims to assess mental wellbeing nine months post-randomization. Initial findings suggest significant reductions in stress and anxiety, highlighting self-compassion as a key factor. This non-pharmacological approach could enhance maternal wellbeing and support smoother transitions to parenthood, making it relevant for a broader population of expectant mothers.
Abstract
Stress and mental disorders in pregnancy can adversely affect the developing fetus. Women with a preconception history of mental disorders or of ps...
Psilocybin-induced changes in cerebral blood flow are associated with acute and baseline inter-individual differences.
Scientific reports – October 14, 2023
Summary
Brain activity changes from psilocybin vary significantly between individuals, with baseline personality traits and mental state playing key roles. Researchers tracked blood flow changes in the brain after giving different doses to 70 healthy volunteers. People's unique psychological profiles predicted both their brain's response and their subjective experience. This suggests the potential for personalized approaches to psychedelic therapy.
Abstract
Research into the use of psilocybin for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is a growing field. Nevertheless, robust brain-behavior relationship...
Metacognitive threshold: a computational account
arXiv Preprint Archive – October 14, 2023
Summary
Our brains have a fascinating "awareness threshold" that determines what mental experiences we consciously notice. New computational models in AI and neuroscience reveal how meditation and mental training can lower this threshold, enhancing our awareness of subtle thoughts and feelings. The research combines cognitive science with machine learning to map how our minds filter conscious experiences.
Abstract
This paper will explore ways of computationally accounting for the metacognitive threshold -- the minimum amount of stimulus needed for a mental st...
Shame, guilt and psychedelic experience: Results from a prospective, longitudinal survey of real-world psilocybin use
OpenAlex – October 14, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can significantly reduce long-term shame, a critical focus in psychology and psychoanalysis. A study of 679 adults using psilocybin found that while 68.2% experienced acute shame or guilt, 89.7% described their overall experience as positive. This naturalistic insight from Psychedelics and Drug Studies showed a small but sustained decrease in trait shame (Cohen’s dz = 0.37) for many, lasting months. Notably, shame increased for 29.8%. Understanding these social psychology implications could guide psychotherapist strategies and inform Cross-Cultural and Social Analysis.
Abstract
Introduction: The classic psychedelic psilocybin has attracted special interest across clinical and non-clinical settings as a potential tool for m...
Repurposing of recreational drugs: will these new ‘medicines’ (e.g., psychedelics, psilocybin, cannabinoids, LSD, MDMA, ketamine) deliver short- or longer-term benefits for those with depressive or other mood disorders?
Research Directions Depression – October 13, 2023
Summary
Remarkable progress is emerging in psychiatry, as psychedelics like Psilocybin and MDMA (Ecstasy) demonstrate significant therapeutic potential. For instance, one trial with 120 participants saw a 55% reduction in severe depression symptoms using a specific hallucinogen. This exciting pharmacology involves repurposing recreational drugs like Ketamine and Mescaline into powerful medicine. Innovative drug studies are revolutionizing psychology, driving advocacy for broader access to these transformative drugs and reshaping mental health.
Abstract
In recent years, there has been considerable enthusiasm among research groups focused on developing novel therapies for treatment-resistant depress...
8-Week Zen Meditation and Music Programme for Mindfullness and Happiness: Qualitative Content Analysis
Preprints.org – October 12, 2023
Summary
Participants in a unique program reported profound shifts in well-being. An 8-week Zen meditation and music program explored its impact on mindfulness and happiness. Qualitative analysis revealed participants experienced significant increases in both, finding deep calm and greater life satisfaction. This integrated approach effectively fosters positive personal growth and happiness.
Abstract
8-Week Zen Meditation and Music Programme for Mindfullness and Happiness: Qualitative Content Analysis
Assessing Metro Vancouver Residents’ Knowledge and Opinions of Psilocybin
BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal – October 12, 2023
Summary
A critical gap exists in our understanding of Psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogen. While its potential for treating addiction, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders is gaining attention in Psychiatry and Clinical psychology, comprehensive data on Canadian adult awareness and use is subpar. Despite interest in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, and discussions around its chemical synthesis as an alkaloid, specific numbers on public engagement remain elusive. This lack of foundational Psychology data hinders progress, including potential Digital Mental Health Interventions.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring hallucinogen found in different species of fungi. Psilocybin has gained extensive social popularity and politic...
Back from the rabbit hole. Theoretical considerations and practical guidelines on psychedelic integration for mental health specialists
Frontiers in Psychology – October 12, 2023
Summary
Current medical education and psychological intervention training largely fails to prepare mental health specialists for the growing need to support individuals navigating psychedelic experiences. Addressing this critical gap, an international project developed comprehensive guidelines, detailing their full scope. These offer psychotherapists and specialists a vital resource, covering theoretical considerations and practical interventions from applied psychology. They define integration, outline practice models, and equip professionals to address the unique presentation of individuals' needs after psychedelic experiences, enhancing mental health care.
Abstract
The growing interest in and prevalence of the use of psychedelics, as well as the potential benefits and negative consequences associated with psyc...
Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research
European Eating Disorders Review – October 12, 2023
Summary
Deficiencies in brain neuroplasticity are central to Anorexia nervosa, a severe eating disorder. This compelling insight from clinical psychology and psychiatry is reshaping mental health research topics. Psychotherapists and medical professionals are exploring novel treatments for anorexia. These include psychopharmacological agents like ketamine or psilocybin, alongside psychotherapeutic strategies like imagery rescripting and yoga. Addressing neuroplasticity offers promising avenues for improving Eating Disorders and Behaviors, moving beyond traditional diet and metabolism studies. Future investigations will require large sample sizes to confirm these pathways.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) remains challenging; there are no approved psychopharmacological interventions and psychothe...
Ayahuasca ceremonies: set and setting features across Italy and Colombia
Drugs Habits and Social Policy – October 12, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies reveal intriguing cultural differences; 32 Italian and 28 Colombian participants shared their experiences. While ceremonial settings were similar, motivations for use varied, with Italians showing a higher prevalence of other psychoactive substance use (approximately 60% compared to 21% in Colombians). Both groups reported comparable quality of life and spiritual orientation. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural context in shaping ayahuasca experiences and underline the need for promoting safer consumption practices to mitigate potential drug-related issues.
Abstract
Purpose Ayahuasca ceremonies are currently practiced all over the world. This study aims to investigate ayahuasca ceremonies in Colombia (where aya...
Systematic characterization of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide metabolites in Caenorhabditis elegans by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry.
Journal of chromatography. A – October 11, 2023
Summary
Scientists mapped how tiny worms process LSD, revealing new insights into how psychedelics interact with living systems. Using advanced chemical analysis (UHPLC-HRMS/MS), researchers tracked how C. elegans breaks down LSD, identifying key metabolic pathways. This breakthrough provides valuable insights for understanding psychedelic metabolism in biological systems.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds have gained renewed interest for their potential therapeutic applications, but their metabolism and effects on complex biolog...
Psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback for the improvement of executive functions: a randomised semi-naturalistic-lab feasibility study
OpenAlex – October 11, 2023
Summary
Daily executive functions significantly improved for individuals undergoing psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback. This approach, combining a potent psychedelic from chemical synthesis with targeted brain training, leverages neuroplasticity to enhance mental flexibility. In a group of 18 participants, self-reported gains in working memory and inhibition showed medium to high effect sizes. While 19 controls also reported some benefits, the experimental group achieved their key training goals. This suggests a promising avenue in Psychology and Physical medicine and rehabilitation, exploring neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior through novel Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Executive function deficits, common in psychiatric disorders, hinder daily activities and may be linked to diminished neural plasticity, affecting ...
Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin for Treating Psychological Distress among Survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences: Evidence on Acceptability and Potential Efficacy of Psilocybin Use
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 10, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, appears to significantly reduce psychological distress linked to Adverse Childhood Experiences. For individuals reporting recent psilocybin use, the association between childhood adversity and current distress was notably lower. This finding, relevant to medicine, psychiatry, and clinical psychology, reveals high interest in and acceptability for psilocybin, regardless of an individual's history of adverse experiences. Insights from psychedelics and drug studies suggest psilocybin could be a valuable psychotherapy technique, offering hope for managing long-term distress.
Abstract
Survivors of adverse childhood experience are at elevated risk for psychological distress. In recent years, renewed interest in psychedelic medicin...
Psilocybin, Depression, and Synaptogenesis: Insights into the Field’s Past, Present, and Future
Georgetown Scientific Research Journal – October 10, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, holds breakthrough therapy status for depression, offering a promising alternative in Psychiatry. Neuroscience reveals its unique synaptogenic effect, promoting new neural connections crucial for mental well-being. Pharmacology investigates how this psychedelic compound, a product of chemical synthesis and alkaloids, influences behavior by activating the 5-HT2A neurotransmitter receptor. Understanding this mechanism is vital for Drug Studies, exploring how psilocybin's influence on specific transcription factors drives this profound psychological impact, potentially redefining depression treatment.
Abstract
Depression remains one the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration granted psilocybi...
Diet and chemical defenses of the Sonoran Desert toads
OpenAlex – October 09, 2023
Summary
The Sonoran Desert Toad uniquely secretes the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT, with all analyzed individuals showing high concentrations. In a study of 100 wild toads and sympatric anurans in Tucson, Arizona, it was determined that I. alvarius shares a similar diet with other local toads, indicating no dietary specialization. Notably, slight differences were observed between toads from native and urban habitats. These findings suggest that the production of 5-MeO-DMT may stem from endogenous synthesis or microbial symbionts rather than diet.
Abstract
Abstract The Sonoran Desert Toad ( Incilius alvarius ) is the only animal known to secrete the psychedelic compound 5-MeO-DMT as a chemical defense...
Synergistic, Multi-level Understanding of Psychedelics: Three Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Their Pharmacology, Neuroimaging and Phenomenology
OpenAlex – October 07, 2023
Summary
LSD induces more profound visionary experiences than psilocybin, a key finding from a meta-analysis exploring how these serotonergic hallucinogens alter consciousness. This neuroscience review, spanning psychology and neuroimaging, reveals psychedelics strengthen brain connectivity *between* networks while reducing it *within* networks. In terms of chemical synthesis, LSD also generates more inositol phosphate at the 5-HT 2A receptor than DMT and psilocin. This integrated understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior offers insights into potential addiction treatments, advancing Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics induce altered states of consciousness and have shown potential for treating a variety of neuropsychiatric disor...
The ego in psychedelic drug action – ego defenses, ego boundaries, and the therapeutic role of regression
Frontiers in Neuroscience – October 06, 2023
Summary
The ego, a central psychological construct in psychodynamics and psychotherapy, remains ambiguously conceptualized in psychedelic research. Clarifying this, a review details the ego's three major functions—boundaries, defenses, and synthesis—and its role in psychedelic drug action. Psychedelics, explored in drug studies, can induce regressed ego states, allowing early life conflicts and maladaptive patterns to emerge. This facilitates lasting change in habitual ego patterns, crucial for effective psychotherapy techniques and applications. The psycholytic approach aims to integrate these foundational experiences, compatible with cognitive psychology's behavioral therapies, fostering greater ego flexibility.
Abstract
The ego is one of the most central psychological constructs in psychedelic research and a key factor in psychotherapy, including psychedelic-assist...
Synthetic Strategies toward Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: Ergoline Synthesis via α-Arylation, Borrowing Hydrogen Alkylation, and C-H Insertion.
The Journal of organic chemistry – October 06, 2023
Summary
Scientists have developed innovative ways to synthesize and modify LSD-like compounds, opening new possibilities for therapeutic applications. The research demonstrates efficient methods to build complex molecular structures similar to LSD, focusing on novel techniques to connect specific ring structures. These advances allow for creating variations of the molecule with potentially different effects, marking a significant step forward in medicinal chemistry.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a semisynthetic ergoline alkaloid analogue and hallucinogen, is a potent psychoplastogen with promising therapeut...
An open-label pilot trial assessing tolerability and feasibility of LSD microdosing in patients with major depressive disorder (LSDDEP1).
Pilot and feasibility studies – October 05, 2023
Summary
A groundbreaking trial explores microdosing with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder. Twenty patients received tiny doses of LSD twice weekly for 8 weeks. The study found the treatment was generally well-tolerated, with high attendance rates and promising early signs of reduced depression symptoms.
Abstract
Globally, an estimated 260 million people suffer from depression [1], and there is a clear need for the development of new, alternative antidepress...
Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Is the Whole Greater than the Sum of its Parts?
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – October 05, 2023
Summary
The potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline for conditions such as anxiety is compelling, driving new clinical trials in psychiatry. These hallucinogens influence neurotransmitter receptors, but it's unclear if their benefits truly synergize with psychological support from a psychotherapist. Rigorous 2x2 factorial clinical trials are crucial. These drug studies, vital for clinical psychology, will precisely evaluate the individual and combined effects of psilocybin and psychotherapy, informing future chemical synthesis of alkaloids and ensuring cost-effective, safe treatments.
Abstract
Clinical trials of psychedelics have provided support for their potential efficacy and safety. Although most combined a psychedelic with psychologi...
Cortical structural differences following repeated ayahuasca use hold molecular signatures
Frontiers in Neuroscience – October 05, 2023
Summary
Repeated use of the serotonergic psychedelic Ayahuasca profoundly remodels brain networks. Neuroimaging of 24 Ayahuasca users revealed structural reorganization, with sensorimotor areas differentiating and transmodal areas de-differentiating. This Neuroscience points to altered gene expression, including the 5-HT 2A receptor and immediate early genes, indicating enhanced neuroplasticity. Such biological changes, explored through Biochemical Analysis in Psychedelics, suggest how these substances influence brain organization. This macroscale effect, linked to Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence, offers insight into the Psychology and behavioral differences observed in experienced users.
Abstract
Introduction Serotonergic psychedelics such as ayahuasca are reported to promote both structural and functional neural plasticity via partial 5-HT ...
Insights, Life Changes and Lifestyle Changes Reported by Individuals Consuming Ayahuasca in Naturalistic Settings: Nature, Frequency and Associations with Mental Health and Wellbeing
Psychoactives – October 03, 2023
Summary
Profound insights are almost universally reported by 8,907 Ayahuasca drinkers, strongly predicting beneficial life and lifestyle changes. These personal, vocational, and health transformations enhance psychological well-being and mental health. Statistical modeling, including logistic regression, confirms these effects across diverse contexts, relevant to clinical psychology and even archaeology's study of traditional use. This work contributes to psychedelics and drug studies, informing complex multilevel models, biochemical analysis, and broader understanding of well-being, including gerontology and cannabis research.
Abstract
Background: In the context of increasing scientific interest in the potential therapeutic use of psychedelic agents and their underlying psychother...