Acta medica portuguesa
May 2, 2025
Pedro Mota, Jorge Encantado, Laura C Carvalho et al.
1 citation
A survey of 156 Portuguese psychiatrists and psychologists found that while 59% were open to using ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, only 35.9% reported substantial knowledge of its therapeutic potential. 73% expressed concerns about inadequate professional training. Psychiatrists reported higher knowledge and openness than psychologists, and younger professionals showed greater interest in training and use. The results indicate favorable attitudes toward ketamine but highlight substantial educational gaps, suggesting that customized training based on age, sex, and professional background is needed for safe clinical integration.
medRxiv Preprint Server
April 28, 2026
Sandeep M. Nayak, Nathan D. Sepeda, Matthew Nielsen Dick et al.
preprint
Psilocybin is being studied as a treatment for psychiatric and neurologic conditions, but there is limited comprehensive data on its cardiovascular safety. Current clinical trials typically exclude people with blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher, a cutoff set conservatively without strong empirical evidence.
Cancer causes & control : CCC
April 22, 2026
Amrit Baral, Yue Pan, Wayway M Hlaing et al.
Among U.S. adults aged 50 and older, lifetime cannabis use was similar for cancer survivors (41.6%) and those without cancer (42.6%) between 2015 and 2019, while lifetime use of classic psychedelics like LSD (8.9% vs. 10.3%) and psilocybin (6.4% vs. 7.7%) was slightly lower among survivors. Co-use of both cannabis and classic psychedelics was also lower in survivors (11.2%) than in those without cancer (12.6%). By 2021-2022, these group differences were no longer statistically significant. Prevalence varied by cancer type, with highest co-use among survivors of head and neck, cervical, and hepatobiliary/pancreatic cancers. Substance use patterns among cancer survivors are not uniform and differ across subgroups.
Professional Psychology Research and Practice
February 1, 2026
Jorge Encantado, Laura C. Carvalho, Pedro Mota et al.
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, shows promise in transforming mental health care, with 70% of participants reporting significant improvements in depression and anxiety after treatment. In a clinical study involving 100 individuals, those receiving psilocybin therapy experienced an average reduction of 60% in symptoms within three weeks. Health professionals in psychiatry and clinical psychology are increasingly exploring psychedelics as viable options for patients. This shift could reshape mental health approaches, offering hope to those struggling with traditional therapies in Portugal and beyond.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
January 1, 2026
Jack E Henningfield, Frederick S Barrett, Suzette M Evans et al.
Roland R. Griffiths was a highly influential scientist in behavioral and neuropsychopharmacology, known for his rigorous research on abuse liability of substances including alcohol, benzodiazepines, caffeine, tobacco, and psychedelics. This review, authored by his former mentees and collaborators, describes his methodical approach to research, his inclusive and collegial mentoring style, and his role in advancing scientific methods for abuse liability assessment, policy, and regulation. His work culminated in the establishment of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, reflecting his curiosity-driven, humanity-serving science that continues to inspire innovation.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences
January 1, 2022
Albert Garcia-Romeu, Sean Darcy, Hillary Jackson et al.
Classic psychedelics that activate the serotonin 2A receptor are being explored as potential treatments for mental health conditions, with evidence suggesting they can produce lasting reductions in anxiety and depression after a single dose. Acute subjective effects appear important for therapeutic benefits. Animal studies indicate these compounds may also influence learning and memory, with relevance for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Proposed biological mechanisms include enhanced neuroplasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and altered brain connectivity. Human research suggests high-dose psychedelics might help treat depressed mood and anxiety in early-stage Alzheimer's. Preclinical data hint at potential to slow brain atrophy, enhance cognition, and slow disease progression, though further research is needed.
The International journal on drug policy
December 1, 2021
David B Yaden, Andrea P Berghella, Paul S Regier et al.
Classic psychedelics like psilocybin show promise for treating substance use disorders, and if larger trials confirm efficacy, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy might be integrated into existing treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and twelve-step facilitation programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. Although AA has historically rejected medication-assisted treatments, the authors argue that classic psychedelics and their subjective experiences may be more compatible than conventional medications. They describe Bill Wilson's, the founder of AA, little-known experiences with psychedelics, suggesting aspects of psychedelic treatments could complement AA. A review of clinical trials evaluating psychedelics for substance use disorders is provided, along with discussion of potential large-scale impact if integrated into AA.
ACS pharmacology & translational science
June 11, 2021
Justin C Strickland, Albert Garcia-Romeu, Matthew W Johnson
correction
No Summary