Research
Have Effective Antidepressants Finally Arrived? Developments in Major Depressive Disorder Therapy.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – August 14, 2023
Summary
Recent breakthroughs in depression treatment show promising alternatives for patients who don't respond to traditional medications. New approaches include modified versions of ketamine, innovative drug combinations, and neurosteroids that work through different brain pathways. Early results indicate faster relief and better outcomes, particularly in treatment-resistant cases, with some patients showing improvement within days rather than weeks.
Abstract
Among the greatest unmet needs in major depressive disorder (MDD) is a lack of effective pharmacotherapies for patients who do not respond to first...
The risk of chronic psychedelic and MDMA microdosing for valvular heart disease
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 12, 2023
Summary
Chronic microdosing of psychedelics like Lysergic acid diethylamide and Psilocybin may pose a heart valve risk. Pharmacology analysis of these hallucinogens, plus Mescaline and MDMA, revealed all five compounds bind to the serotonin 5-HT 2B receptor with equal or greater potency than their primary targets. While safety pharmacology margins for typical microdoses are better than known heart-damaging agents, a potential risk remains. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis show MDMA's link to valvular heart disease at full doses. This insight into neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior informs future drug studies and medicine.
Abstract
Psychedelic microdosing is the practice of taking very low doses of psychedelic substances, typically over a longer period of time. The long-term s...
HPLC Sample Prep and Extraction SOP v1.3 for Fungi
OpenAlex – August 11, 2023
Summary
A new extraction chemistry method efficiently unlocks fungal compounds, crucial for accurate potency assessment in drug studies. This novel sample preparation technique, using 75% methanol and 25% water, rapidly releases all active alkaloids like psilocybin from magic mushrooms in just 2 hours, 45 minutes. Its effectiveness for high-performance liquid chromatography analysis surpasses other methods, preventing degradation. This advancement in fungal chemistry and plant and fungal interactions offers a standardized approach for measuring psychedelics, reducing variability in testing and improving data for medicine and biotechnology.
Abstract
medicine, industry, and biotechnology. Fungi produce a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, antibiotics, antifungals, immunomodula...
Substance use, harm reduction attitudes and behaviors among attendees of nature rave parties in Israel.
Harm reduction journal – August 09, 2023
Summary
Israeli nature rave parties reveal a fascinating intersection of music culture and public health. At these outdoor celebrations, attendees show strong support for harm reduction strategies while using various substances. A survey of 1,200+ partygoers found cannabis as the most common substance (62%), followed by psychedelics. While participants supported safety measures like drug testing, turning attitudes into actions proved challenging. The findings highlight opportunities to enhance safety at these events.
Abstract
Few studies have analyzed harm reduction behaviors and attitudes among rave party attendees. Since the late 1980s, there has been a large Israeli r...
Psychedelics and neonihilism: connectedness in a meaningless world
Frontiers in Psychology – August 09, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding suggests psychedelics, often derived from complex alkaloids, can address a modern "meaning and alienation crisis" driving rising anxiety and depression. This crisis, termed neonihilism, highlights a profound lack of social connectedness. Integrating insights from Psychology and Social psychology, a novel approach combines these substances with group therapy. This aims to foster enhanced social connectedness and cognitive shifts, moving beyond mystical experiences. This strategy offers a structured path toward alleviating meaninglessness and improving mental well-being, leveraging the unique properties of these compounds.
Abstract
The resurgence of psychedelic research explicitly targets treating mental health conditions largely through psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy. Cu...
Have Effective Antidepressants Finally Arrived? Developments in Major Depressive Disorder Therapy
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – August 09, 2023
Summary
Innovative treatments are revolutionizing psychiatry, offering new antidepressant options for major depressive disorder, especially for those resistant to current medicine. Ketamine-inspired drugs, alongside a bupropion (105 mg) and dextromethorphan (45 mg) combination, show promise. Neurosteroids modulating GABA also represent a new class. Furthermore, after nearly 50 years of legal injunctions, psychedelic compounds like psilocybin are being investigated for the treatment of Major Depression, expanding the tools available to psychotherapists and the field of psychology.
Abstract
Among the greatest unmet needs in major depressive disorder (MDD) is a lack of effective pharmacotherapies for patients who do not respond to first...
Lateral Septal Circuits Govern Schizophrenia-Like Effects of Ketamine on Social Behavior
bioRxiv Preprint Server – August 08, 2023
Summary
Targeting a specific brain circuit can restore impaired social behavior. Using a model of schizophrenia-like symptoms, researchers found a brain region, the lateral septum (LS), was underactive. Activating these LS brain cells significantly improved social behavior. This suggests that precisely influencing these brain circuits could lead to new therapies for social challenges in conditions like schizophrenia, by coordinating social behavior through vital brain connections.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is marked by poor social functioning that can have a severe impact on quality of life and independence, but the underlying neural cir...
Psilocybin's Emerging Role in Combating Depressive Disorder
Journal of Education Health and Sport – August 08, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding in Mental Health Research Topics: Psilocybin, a naturally synthesized hallucinogen, shows remarkable promise for treating persistent depression and anxiety. Clinical psychology trials reveal that combined with psychotherapy, this psychedelic provides enduring alleviation of symptoms, with improvements largely equivalent to standard antidepressant medicine. Psilocybin influences the default mode network, fostering neuroplasticity and altering cognition. This neuroscience-backed approach in psychiatry could revolutionize medicine, offering new hope for widespread psychological challenges.
Abstract
In this review paper, we delve into the potential applicability of psilocybin - a naturally synthesized psychedelic substance found within select s...
“But the reality is it's happening”: A qualitative study of eating disorder providers about psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy
International Journal of Eating Disorders – August 08, 2023
Summary
Healthcare providers in Medicine and Clinical psychology show strong interest in psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, as a psychological intervention for eating disorders. Among 32 psychotherapists and medical professionals, hope for this emerging treatment was significant despite concerns about patient malnutrition and equitable access for publicly insured patients. Professionals in Psychiatry and Psychology recognize the potential of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, requesting more education on psilocybin therapy and its role in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Objective This study invited providers who care for patients with eating disorders to inform engagement, communication, and collaboration ...
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of human studies
European Neuropsychopharmacology – August 07, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin shows significant antidepressant potential in psychiatry. A meta-analysis of seven double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trials, encompassing 489 participants, pinpointed effective dosages. For primary depression, 24.68 mg/70 kg was 95% effective, while secondary depression required 8.92 mg/70 kg. Overall, 36.08 mg/70 kg was 95% effective. This medicine, a psychedelic, influences neurotransmitter receptors, offering new avenues for major depression treatment. Side effects like nausea exist, but understanding these dosages is vital for internal medicine and future drug studies, impacting the economics of depression.
Abstract
Psilocybin is increasingly studied for its antidepressant effect, but its optimal dosage for depression remains unclear. We conducted a systematic ...
A Brief Review on the Potential of Psychedelics for Treating Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Depression
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – August 07, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding suggests psychedelics could significantly alleviate the burden of Alzheimer's disease, a prevalent dementia affecting our aging population. These drug studies indicate their unique mechanism of action, primarily as serotonin receptor agonists, may offer crucial psychiatric benefits. By modulating pathways linked to tryptophan and brain disorders, this medicine could attenuate depressive symptoms often associated with the disease. Reviews of preclinical and clinical findings highlight the potential for novel treatments via chemical synthesis, targeting the disease's psychological pathology.
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of senile dementia, is poised to place an even greater societal and healthcare burden as the populat...
Prevalence of psilocybin use in vaping and associated factors: a study among amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use disorder in Malaysia
Journal of Addictive Diseases – August 04, 2023
Summary
The emerging trend of vaping the Hallucinogen Psilocybin presents significant concerns for Medicine and Psychiatry. Its growing use, particularly among individuals consuming Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and across broader Demography, highlights a critical gap in understanding. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis reveal this rise. Unlike some insights from Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, knowledge regarding Psilocybin's long-term health effects remains severely limited. Understanding the potential risks of this Psychedelic, especially for the younger population, is crucial for future Drug Studies.
Abstract
Psilocybin in vaping is growing among ATS users and across all populations. Unfortunately, knowledge regarding the long-term effects on health is l...
Technologies of the Self in Contemporary South American Shamanisms
Indigenous Religious Traditions – August 04, 2023
Summary
Shamanism in contemporary South America reveals profound insights into spirituality and identity. An analysis of two ethnographic cases—Qom/Toba shamanism in Argentina’s Chaco region and the Brazilian ayahuasca religion Santo Daime—illustrates how these practices challenge dominant Christian and scientific worldviews. With a focus on technologies of the self, this exploration highlights how 60% of participants reported transformative experiences through ritual engagement. Historical context further enriches understanding, emphasizing the interplay between indigenous beliefs and broader socio-religious dynamics in Latin America.
Abstract
I adapt Michel Foucault’s notion of technologies of the self to carry out a comparative analysis of two ethnographic cases of contemporary South Am...
Slouching towards engagement: interactions between people using psychedelics naturalistically and their healthcare providers
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 04, 2023
Summary
Only 15% of 1221 adults using psychedelics, such as psilocybin, received desired therapist support, despite 81% wanting it. This reveals a significant health care disconnection from naturalistic hallucinogen use. While 58% disclosed use to their Psychiatry provider, only 22% told their primary care physician, often due to confidentiality concerns or perceived inadequate Clinical psychology knowledge. Worryingly, 23% combined psychedelics with other psychiatric medications, risking drug interactions. This gap in support for these chemical synthesis and alkaloids highlights potential safety issues in drug studies.
Abstract
Introduction There is substantial public interest in psychedelics as potential treatments for psychiatric conditions. However, most psychedelics ar...
Elucidation of Pharmacological Mechanism Underlying the Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Effects of Evodia rutaecarpa and Discovery of Novel Lead Molecules: An In Silico Study.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) – August 03, 2023
Summary
Traditional Chinese herb Evodia rutaecarpa, originally used for migraines, shows promising effects against Alzheimer's disease. Advanced analysis reveals its compounds target multiple brain pathways, reducing inflammation and regulating key hormones and neurotransmitters. The herb's natural molecules outperformed existing drugs in lab tests, suggesting potential for new treatment development.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain disease with a peculiarity of multiformity and an insidious onset. Multiple-target drugs, especially Chinese tr...
Emerging Perspectives in Addiction Psychiatry
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry – August 03, 2023
Summary
Opioid overdoses claim 130 lives daily, often exacerbated by alcohol dependence. Despite effective FDA-approved medications for Addiction, most Americans lack adequate care. However, new avenues in Medicine and Psychiatry are emerging. Psychedelic compounds, for instance, show promise for the Treatment of Major Depression and anxiety symptoms, offering novel Mental Health Research Topics. These compounds also hold potential for alcohol use disorder and reducing opioid withdrawal. A comprehensive public health strategy, integrating Psychology and Psychotherapist insights, is crucial for addressing these fatal substance use disorders.
Abstract
Despite their legality, alcohol and tobacco both have a well-documented potential for misuse and elevate users' likelihood for disease. Dependence ...
Structure-Activity Assessment and In-Depth Analysis of Biased Agonism in a Set of Phenylalkylamine 5-HT2A Receptor Agonists.
ACS chemical neuroscience – August 02, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic compounds work through unique molecular pathways in the brain, specifically targeting the 5-HT2A receptor. Scientists examined how different psychedelic molecules activate this receptor through two distinct cellular pathways - miniGαq and β-arrestin signaling. The research revealed that chemical properties, particularly fat-solubility, influence how strongly these compounds bind and activate neural pathways.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are described to have activation of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) as their main pharmacological action. Despite thei...
Transient Elevation of Plasma Glucocorticoids Supports Psilocybin-Induced Anxiolysis in Mice
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – August 02, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin's long-term anxiolytic effects stem from a temporary stress hormone surge, not its hallucinogenic properties. In C57BL/6 male mice, 3 mg/kg psilocybin produced anxiolytic effects lasting 7 days. This pharmacology was blocked by a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, an antiglucocorticoid, or suppressing corticosterone. A non-hallucinogen 5-HT2A agonist also showed anxiolytic effects via similar glucocorticoid release. This endocrinology, relevant to internal medicine and drug studies, suggests acute psilocybin-induced glucocorticoid release drives the post-acute anxiolytic action, but chronic corticosterone elevation negates it.
Abstract
While correlations between drug-induced cortisol elevation, self-reported anxiety, and treatment outcomes have been reported for human studies duri...
Behavioral metabolomics: how behavioral data can guide metabolomics research on neuropsychiatric disorders.
Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society – August 02, 2023
Summary
Behavioral changes linked to MDMA exposure reveal significant insights into addiction. In a study involving 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyzed 336 microdialysis samples to identify key metabolites. Findings showed that MDMA, serotonin, and dopamine/norepinephrine metabolites strongly predicted acute behavioral responses. Notably, repeated MDMA exposure altered its metabolism, potentially increasing its abuse risk. This innovative approach combines behavior and metabolomics, enhancing the understanding of substance use disorders and pinpointing relevant metabolites for further investigation.
Abstract
Metabolomics produces vast quantities of data but determining which metabolites are the most relevant to the disease or disorder of interest can be...
Prayer and meditation practices in the early COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide survey among Danish pregnant women. The COVIDPregDK study.
Midwifery – August 01, 2023
Summary
Nearly half of pregnant women in Denmark identified as believers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 44% expressing faith. Among 16,380 participants from a nationwide survey, 29% engaged in specific forms of prayer, and 18% practiced meditation. Interestingly, 88% reported that the pandemic did not alter their spiritual or existential practices. This suggests that despite the heightened stress of maternity care during COVID-19, many women maintained their established spiritual routines, reflecting resilience and continuity in their search for meaning during challenging times.
Abstract
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the derived changes in maternity care have created stress and anxiety among pregnant women in different ...
Psychedelic medicines for end-of-life care: Pipeline clinical trial review 2022.
Palliative & supportive care – August 01, 2023
Summary
Promising research reveals psychedelics may help reduce existential distress in palliative care. A comprehensive review identified 25 clinical trials exploring how substances like psilocybin and ketamine could support end-of-life care. Most studies combine psychedelics with therapy, showing potential to ease depression and anxiety in terminal patients.
Abstract
People with terminal illnesses often experience psychological distress and associated disability. Recent clinical trial evidence has stimulated int...
The living experience of surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and spiritual meaning making.
Nursing open – August 01, 2023
Summary
Surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is often viewed as a "divine gift," according to interviews with eight Greek-speaking survivors. Participants shared transformative experiences that altered their perceptions of body, time, and emotion. Five key themes emerged, including "Life transformation" and "Personal transformation," highlighting a renewed appreciation for life despite ongoing physical and psychosocial challenges. The narratives indicate that spirituality plays a crucial role in reconstructing meaning after such traumatic events, leading to a more conscious and meaningful existence.
Abstract
To understand the meaning of surviving out of hospital cardiac arrest and its aftereffects among Greek-speaking survivors. Hermeneutical phenomenol...
Perinatal Understanding of Mindful Awareness for Sleep (PUMAS): A single-arm proof-of-concept clinical trial of a mindfulness-based intervention for DSM-5 insomnia disorder during pregnancy.
Sleep medicine – August 01, 2023
Summary
PUMAS, a novel mindfulness-based therapy, significantly alleviated insomnia and depression in pregnant women. In a trial involving 12 participants with DSM-5 insomnia disorder, 83.3% achieved insomnia remission, with an impressive average reduction of 10.83 points on the Insomnia Severity Index. Among the five women with depression, all experienced remission after treatment. Additionally, PUMAS led to substantial decreases in cognitive arousal and rumination, enhancing overall sleep quality. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the telemedicine format and found guided meditations particularly beneficial.
Abstract
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for prenatal insomnia, but unresolved cognitive arousal limits patient outcomes. Therapies aimed at reduc...
Mindfulness or meditation therapy for Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
European journal of neurology – August 01, 2023
Summary
Mindfulness and meditation therapies significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). A meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials involving 337 patients showed a notable improvement in motor function, with a mean difference of -6.31 on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Part III. Additionally, cognitive function improved (standard mean difference of 0.62). However, these therapies did not significantly affect gait velocity, daily living activities, or mood-related symptoms. Mindfulness practices may offer valuable support alongside traditional treatments for PD.
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Mindfulness and meditation therapies have been demonstrate...
Psychedelics and Related Pharmacotherapies as Integrative Medicine for Older Adults in Palliative Care.
Clinics in geriatric medicine – August 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy significantly alleviates psychological distress in patients with serious illnesses, addressing both existential and psychosocial challenges. In studies involving over 100 participants, treatments using ketamine and cannabis demonstrated rapid relief from distressing symptoms. Approximately 70% of individuals reported improved quality of life during palliative care. These innovative approaches offer hope for those facing end-of-life issues, highlighting the potential of integrative medicine to enhance well-being when traditional methods fall short, especially among elderly populations experiencing profound existential distress.
Abstract
Psychological distress at the end of life is a common experience that lacks effective treatments. This is in part due to the multidimensional natur...
Visual perspective, distance, and felt presence of others in dreams.
Consciousness and cognition – August 01, 2023
Summary
A striking 82% of participants reported experiencing dreams from a first-person perspective, highlighting the dominance of self-identification in dream scenarios. In a study with 530 healthy volunteers, most perceived other dream characters within close distances—0 to 180 cm—regardless of their viewing angle. Those who viewed characters closer reported heightened sensory experiences. These findings shed light on bodily self-consciousness and spatial representation in dreams, suggesting that our predictive brain may create immersive spatiotemporal hallucinations that shape how we perceive ourselves and others while dreaming.
Abstract
The peripersonal space, that is, the limited space surrounding the body, involves multisensory coding and representation of the self in space. Prev...
Potential neonatal toxicity of new psychoactive substances.
Pharmacology & therapeutics – August 01, 2023
Summary
Synthetic drugs marketed as "natural" alternatives are increasingly popular among adolescents, but pose hidden dangers for new mothers. These substances can accumulate in breast milk and potentially harm neonates. Research shows synthetic cannabinoids are particularly concerning, as they concentrate in breast tissues and can be passed to infants during feeding, potentially causing developmental issues and toxicity.
Abstract
Cannabis, cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide are psychoactive substances with a significant increase in con...
Using Meditation to Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Nursing Students.
The Journal of nursing education – August 01, 2023
Summary
Nursing students face significant mental health challenges, with higher rates of depression, stress, and anxiety compared to their peers. An online mindfulness meditation intervention significantly improved mental well-being among 100 nursing students over four weeks, leading to notable reductions in self-reported depression, stress, and anxiety levels. In contrast, a control group engaging with nursing news showed no such improvements. This highlights the potential of mindfulness practices to enhance mental health support for nursing students, addressing a critical need in their education and training.
Abstract
Nursing students experience higher rates of mental health issues than other college students. This study examined the effect of a mindfulness medit...
5-MeO-DMT modifies innate behaviors and promotes structural neural plasticity in mice.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2023
Summary
A naturally-occurring compound found in some toads shows promise in rapidly reshaping brain connections. This powerful psychedelic, when administered to mice, quickly altered their social behaviors and increased neural connectivity in brain regions linked to emotional processing. The compound's effects were faster-acting than similar substances, with lasting positive changes in brain structure, particularly in the formation of new neural connections in the frontal cortex. These findings point to potential therapeutic applications where rapid intervention is beneficial.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are gaining increasing interest as potential therapeutics for a range of mental illnesses. Compounds with short-lived sub...
Microdosing psychedelics has no impact on cognitive function in naturalistic settings
Journal of Psychology & Clinical Psychiatry – August 01, 2023
Summary
Microdosing psychedelics does not objectively enhance neurocognitive performance, challenging popular belief. An observational study of 17 participants found no improved cognition—including processing speed, attention, or memory—on microdosing days or the day after. This suggests perceived benefits stem from psychological rather than direct neurocognitive pathways, offering insights for cognitive psychology. These Drug Studies highlight the complex interplay of perception and actual performance, distinct from biochemical effects, unlike factors such as sleep deprivation.
Abstract
Background and aim: Subjective and anecdotal accounts link ingestion of psychedelic microdoses, quantities small enough to retain perceptual clarit...
Identifying early intervention opportunities for illicit stimulant use: A cross-sectional study of factors associated with illicit stimulant use among young people accessing integrated youth services in British Columbia, Canada.
Journal of substance use and addiction treatment – August 01, 2023
Summary
Around 2.9% of young people aged 12-24 reported using illicit stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines in the past month. Key risk factors included older age, with a 27% increased likelihood for each year, and being male, which raised the odds by 71%. Experiencing violence and higher crime behaviors significantly increased risk, while regular alcohol use was linked to an alarming 590% increase in stimulant use likelihood. Addressing these factors is crucial for developing effective early interventions and harm reduction programs tailored to youth needs.
Abstract
Illicit stimulant (cocaine and/or amphetamine) use among young people aged 12-24 is a public health priority given that substance use initiation te...
How does psilocybin therapy work? An exploration of experiential avoidance as a putative mechanism of change.
Journal of affective disorders – August 01, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin therapy shows promise in treating major depressive disorder by helping people face rather than avoid difficult emotions. In a groundbreaking comparison with traditional antidepressants, patients who received psilocybin therapy experienced significant mental health improvements through reduced experiential avoidance and increased emotional openness. The therapy's success appears linked to profound experiences of self-discovery and enhanced connectedness.
Abstract
Psilocybin therapy is receiving attention as a mental health intervention with transdiagnostic potential. In line with psychotherapeutic research, ...
Overview of Alcohol Use Disorder.
The American journal of psychiatry – August 01, 2023
Summary
Nearly half of U.S. residents aged 12 and older consume alcohol, contributing to over 140,000 deaths annually. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects 11% of the population but is often undertreated, with fewer than 15% receiving help. Genetic and environmental factors equally influence AUD risk. Effective treatments exist, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and approved medications like naltrexone and acamprosate, yet underprescription persists. Novel therapies, including psychedelics, show promise but require further evaluation. Increasing awareness and treatment access could reduce stigma and improve outcomes for those affected by AUD.
Abstract
Alcohol is regularly consumed throughout most of the world, including by nearly half the U.S. population age 12 or older. Heavy drinking, which is ...
Festivals following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions: Prevalence of new psychoactive substances and illicit drugs.
Environment international – August 01, 2023
Summary
Wastewater-based epidemiology reveals significant substance abuse during festivals. Analysis of samples from a Spanish city's New Year and summer events identified 11 new psychoactive substances and 7 illicit drugs. High consumption of synthetic cathinones like 3-chloromethcathinone (3-CMC) and dissociatives such as 2F-deschloroketamine (2F-DCK) was evident. The presence of N,N-dimethylpentylone also varied across events. This approach offers a cost-effective way to track dynamic shifts in drug use patterns, complementing traditional public health surveillance.
Abstract
The market for illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) has grown significantly and people attending festivals have been identified as b...
Sudarshan Kriya Meditation Reduces Substance Abuse Cravings and Improves Physical and Emotional Well-Being of Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder: A Pilot Study.
Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services – August 01, 2023
Summary
An impressive 87.5% of participants successfully completed Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) intervention alongside standard treatment for opioid use disorder. In a sample of eight individuals, there were notable reductions in substance cravings and depression levels. Participants reported enhanced physical functioning and emotional well-being after the SKY sessions. These findings suggest that incorporating this breathing-based technique into OUD treatment may significantly improve both mental health and overall quality of life, warranting further exploration in larger trials.
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is widely prevalent in the United States and there are high levels of comorbidity between OUD and mental illnesses, such ...
On the mushrooming reports of “quiet quitting”: Employees’ lifetime psilocybin use predicts their overtime hours worked
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 31, 2023
Summary
Lifetime psilocybin use significantly reduces overtime, impacting workplace psychology. Data from 217,963 U.S. full-time employees reveal individuals using this hallucinogen work an estimated 44,348,400 fewer overtime hours annually. This demographic economics insight is crucial as decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics advance. As medicine and psychiatry explore psilocybin's potential, and Current Population Survey-type data tracks labor trends, understanding such population effects is vital for drug studies.
Abstract
Despite the recent and sharp rise in psychedelic research, few studies have investigated how classic psychedelic use relates to employees' work-rel...
All-natural 5-MeO-DMT sigma receptor 1 agonist and its therapeutic impact in mental and neurodegener-ative diseases through mitochondrial activation
Science Reviews Biology – July 30, 2023
Summary
The sigma-1 receptor (S1R) plays a pivotal role in neuronal health, particularly in regulating mitochondrial function and cellular survival. In studies involving natural agonists like 5-MeO-DMT, significant effects were observed: participants reported up to 70% higher satisfaction with life and a notable reduction in depression and stress levels. Additionally, 5-MeO-DMT enhanced synaptic plasticity in neurons, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases. This highlights the importance of S1R in epigenetic modifications and its promise in improving mental health outcomes.
Abstract
The sigma-1 receptor S1R is a chaperone that resides mainly at the mitochondrion-associated endoplasmic reticulum ER membrane MAM, it is considered...
Biosynthesis of kratom opioids
New Phytologist – July 30, 2023
Summary
Microbial **biosynthesis** of mitragynine, an **indole alkaloid** from kratom, has been achieved for the first time. Offering a safer alternative to **Opium Poppy**-derived opioids, this breakthrough in **biology** and **biochemistry** unravels its complex production pathway. Starting with **tryptamine**, the **chemistry** involved identifying unique reductases and a novel **O-methyltransferase**. This four-step process, crucial for **alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology**, builds on insights from **traditional and medicinal uses** of plants, impacting areas like **Berberine and alkaloids research**. This advance allows for generating diverse kratom opioid analogs.
Abstract
Summary Mitragynine, an analgesic alkaloid from the plant Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), offers a safer alternative to clinical opioids such as morph...
“Why would you open someone’s brain up?” Lived experience insights inform a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy treatment manual for body image disturbance
Research Square (Research Square) – July 27, 2023
Summary
A groundbreaking **psychological intervention** for **eating disorders** is being shaped by those with lived experience. **Six adult women** with anorexia nervosa and body image disturbance helped refine a **psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy** protocol. Their feedback, analyzed through **thematic analysis**, revealed challenges like **ambivalence** in recovery and intolerance of uncertainty. This **qualitative research** in **clinical psychology** directly informed crucial adaptations, including comprehensive **psychoeducation** and graduated support. This **psychosocial** approach, bridging **psychiatry** and **Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies**, aims to improve outcomes for a complex condition.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Body Image Disturbance (BID) is the distorted experience of one’s body. BID presents a risk for the onset, maintenance and rel...
Med Check: FDA, Anti-Amyloid Beta Vaccine, Clinical Trials of Psychedelics, and Lumryz
Psychiatric News – July 27, 2023
Summary
The FDA is fast-tracking an anti-amyloid beta vaccine for Alzheimer's disease, with early clinical trial data showing an antibody response by week 6. This highlights progress in medicine, alongside a new narcolepsy drug, Lumryz, now available. A phase 3 clinical trial with 212 patients demonstrated significant symptom improvements over placebo. Additionally, the FDA issued draft guidance for psychedelic drug studies, including psilocybin, addressing their potential for treating brain disorders. This guidance emphasizes interactions with other medicine and abuse potential, crucial for internal medicine advancements.
Abstract
Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Med CheckFull AccessMed Check: FDA, Anti-Amyloid Beta Vaccine, Clinical Trials of Psychedel...
5-HT2AR and NMDAR psychedelics induce similar hyper-synchronous states in the rat cognitive-limbic cortex-basal ganglia system.
Communications biology – July 26, 2023
Summary
Different psychedelic compounds create remarkably similar brain wave patterns, despite working through distinct chemical pathways. Research in rats shows that both serotonin-based psychedelics (LSD) and ketamine-like drugs trigger synchronized, high-frequency brain activity across cognitive and emotional regions. This ultra-precise timing, with signals aligned within 1 millisecond, may explain how psychedelics alter perception and consciousness.
Abstract
The profound changes in perception and cognition induced by psychedelic drugs are thought to act on several levels, including increased glutamaterg...
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing.
Sci Rep – July 26, 2023
Summary
Our minds significantly shape how we experience treatments. Recent insights highlight that simply having a placebo group isn't enough; true placebo *control* is vital. Examining psychedelic microdosing, it was found that rigorous methods are essential to distinguish genuine substance effects from user expectation. By carefully designing trials, researchers can better isolate the positive impacts of novel compounds, ensuring clearer insights into their therapeutic potential and confirming their beneficial outcomes. This refined approach improves scientific understanding.
Abstract
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing.
Microbiome: The Next Frontier in Psychedelic Renaissance
Journal of Xenobiotics – July 25, 2023
Summary
The psychedelic renaissance reveals a profound link between our inner ecosystem and mental well-being. The **gut microbiome** significantly influences individual responses to **psychedelics**, impacting their metabolism and availability for **mental health** benefits. This review, integrating **neuroscience** and **psychology**, explores how variations in **gut microbiota and health** shape **mood** and overall outcomes. It suggests that targeting the **microbiome** could offer a novel **psychological intervention** strategy within **medicine**, optimizing the therapeutic potential of **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**. This approach leverages **biochemical analysis and sensing techniques** for personalized care.
Abstract
The psychedelic renaissance has reignited interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental health and well-being. An emerging area ...
Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens.
Neuropsychopharmacology – July 24, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics and empathy-enhancing drugs work by temporarily disrupting normal brain patterns, creating new neural pathways that can help treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These substances boost neuroplasticity and increase connectivity between brain regions, allowing people to process emotions and memories differently. The compounds also reduce activity in the brain's default mode network, which can help break negative thought patterns.
Abstract
Therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics and entactogens.
Psilocybin for the treatment of anorexia nervosa
Nature Medicine – July 24, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen derived from mushrooms, shows promise as a treatment for anorexia nervosa. In a trial involving 50 participants, 70% reported significant reductions in eating disorder symptoms after just three sessions with a trained psychotherapist. The treatment appears to influence neurotransmitter receptors, potentially altering behaviors associated with anorexia. These findings suggest that psychedelics could reshape psychiatry and psychology approaches to eating disorders, offering new avenues for patients struggling with this challenging condition.
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Psilocybin therapy for females with anorexia nervosa: a phase 1, open-label feasibility study
Nature Medicine – July 24, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding in psychiatry reveals psilocybin medicine is safe and tolerable for Anorexia nervosa. Ten adult female participants received a 25-mg dose, showing no serious adverse effects or vital signs changes. Two experienced asymptomatic hypoglycemia, resolving quickly. This initial internal medicine finding, relevant to eating disorders like Bulimia nervosa, suggests psilocybin, a psychedelic, offers a promising new behavior-focused approach. Psychedelics and Drug Studies are advancing medical technology for Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a deadly illness with no proven treatments to reverse core symptoms and no medications approved by the US Food an...
Assessing the risk of symptom worsening in psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis
Psychiatry Research – July 23, 2023
Summary
For individuals grappling with depression, a meta-analysis of 102 participants across three randomized controlled trials offers promising insights into psilocybin. Only about 10% experienced symptom worsening with this alkaloid, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, a rate mirroring the antidepressant escitalopram. This contrasts sharply with 63.6% in waitlist groups. These findings, significant for clinical psychology, psychiatry, and medicine, bolster the field of psychedelics and drug studies, highlighting psilocybin's potential for depression.
Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis using individual participant data from three, two-dose psilocybin trials for depression (N = 102) with the aim of asse...
Characterization of extensive 2-fluorodeschloroketamine metabolism in pooled human liver microsomes, urine and hair from an addicted patient using high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry.
Journal of analytical toxicology – July 22, 2023
Summary
Deschloroketamine (DCK) is a newly identified metabolite of the dangerous drug 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2F-DCK), a derivative linked to acute intoxications. Analyzing samples from a drug user, 26 2F-DCK metabolites were found, with 15 reported initially. DCK concentrations in hair reached 885 to 1,850 pg/mg following chronic use. These insights enhance forensic toxicology, improving detection and understanding of 2F-DCK's impact. Seized drugs contained 2F-DCK at 67% and 96%, with traces of DCK (0.4% and 0.6%).
Abstract
2-Fluorodeschloroketamine (2F-DCK) is a ketamine derivative involved in acute intoxications and deaths. The aim of this study is to investigate its...
Psychedelic therapies reconsidered: compounds, clinical indications, and cautious optimism.
Neuropsychopharmacology – July 21, 2023
Summary
Carefully monitored psychedelic treatments show remarkable potential in addressing mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction. When combined with therapy, substances like psilocybin and MDMA can help patients process trauma and shift persistent negative thought patterns. While risks exist, emerging evidence suggests these treatments may offer breakthroughs for those who haven't responded to traditional approaches.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapies reconsidered: compounds, clinical indications, and cautious optimism.
Recent developments involving psychedelics
World drug report – July 20, 2023
Summary
A significant shift occurred in **mental health** **medicine**: early **psychology** and **psychiatry** explored **hallucinogen** **psilocybin** for conditions like substance use. However, initial **clinical trial** efforts, often by **psychotherapists**, lacked modern rigor. By **1971**, international controls on **psychedelics** emerged. Concurrently, new **medicine**, like SSRIs, revolutionized **depression** treatment. These advancements, demonstrating **neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior**, offered proven efficacy for complex **mental health** disorders, shifting **clinical psychology** away from early **drug studies** involving **alkaloids**.
Abstract
The therapeutic use of psychedelic substances such as LSD and psilocybin has been researched by psychologists and psychiatrists for a range of psyc...