Neuroscience of consciousness
January 1, 2025
Adam Safron, Arthur Juliani, Nicco Reggente et al.
13 citations
Psychedelics profoundly impact brain and mind by altering belief systems. The REBUS model proposes that 5-HT2a receptor agonism relaxes prior expectations, enabling new perspectives. An alternative but compatible view, ALBUS (Altered Beliefs Under Psychedelics), suggests that at very high levels of 5-HT2a agonism, opposite effects may occur—synchronous neural activity becomes more powerful, leading to strengthened beliefs (SEBUS). These strengthened beliefs align with enhanced meaning-making in psychedelic therapy, hallucinations, and delusional thinking. ALBUS proposes that the balance between REBUS and SEBUS effects varies across the dose-response curve. Psychedelic experiences are described as waking dream states with varying lucidity, involving mechanisms of conscious perceptual synthesis, dreaming, and episodic memory.
Analytical methods : advancing methods and applications
December 21, 2013
Michael J Caspers, Todd D Williams, Kimberly M Lovell et al.
6 citations
A method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measures the hallucinogen salvinorin A in non-human primate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and human plasma. For CSF, simple dilution with acetonitrile and formic acid replaces solid phase extraction. Human plasma requires centrifugation, then loading onto a C18 SPE column. A shallow acetonitrile/water gradient elutes the compound. Limits of quantification are 0.0125 ng/mL for CSF and 0.05 ng/mL for plasma. Interday precision and accuracy are below 1.7% and 9.42% for CSF and 3.47% and 12.37% for plasma. The method determined salvinorin A concentrations in a Rhesus monkey study and a human trial using behaviorally active doses.
Matthew Johnson
6 citations
preprint
A viewpoint article identifies three pitfalls in psychedelic research that could hinder their medical use: imprecise use of the term 'consciousness,' inappropriate introduction of investigators' or clinicians' religious or spiritual beliefs, and ethical challenges including clinical boundaries in psychedelic treatments. The authors argue these issues pose challenges for the potential use of psychedelics as medicines.
September 8, 2022
Adam Safron, Matthew Johnson
5 citations
preprint
Classic psychedelics, which act on the serotonin 2A receptor, show potential for treating depression and addictive disorders with surprising efficacy. The review covers mechanisms of action, clinical and non-clinical uses, and mediators like mystical experiences and psychological flexibility. It also discusses how these compounds challenge current understandings of brain and mind, noting a renaissance in scientific and public interest. The authors split the review between established knowledge and theoretical speculation to help readers navigate a rapidly changing field.
Research square
April 8, 2026
Oliver C Robinson, David Luke, Jules Evans et al.
1 citation
In a large global online survey of 6,476 people who have used psychedelics, nearly half (48.3%) reported at least one difficulty lasting 24 hours or more, and 9.9% experienced difficulties for over a year. The most common difficulties were existential struggle (36.6%), depression (34%), and derealization (29.4%). Existential struggle was rated as the most severe difficulty but also the one most linked to healing. Clinically relevant disruptive difficulties lasting at least a month and disrupting daily life were reported by 8% of participants and were associated with younger age, lower income, lack of family support, lower emotional stability, higher pre-existing anxiety or depression, and using psychedelics to treat mental health conditions. The findings highlight the need for education on risks and benefits, safety guidelines, and support services.
Mendeley Data
February 2, 2026
Matthew Johnson
A single psilocybin session combined with cognitive behavioral therapy produced substantially higher long-term tobacco abstinence rates than the FDA-approved nicotine patch with the same therapy. Among 82 treatment-resistant smokers, biochemically verified prolonged abstinence at six months was 40.5% for psilocybin versus 10% for the nicotine patch, a sixfold increase in odds. Point-prevalence abstinence was 52.4% for psilocybin versus 25.0% for the patch. No serious adverse events were attributed to either treatment. These results suggest psilocybin holds robust promise for smoking cessation, with abstinence rates considerably exceeding those of typical treatments.
Journal of Health Psychology
December 31, 2025
Laura C. Carvalho, Jorge Encantado, Arlen C. Moller et al.
Psychedelic experiences may help people adopt healthier behaviors, according to a survey of 271 adults. Participants reported changes across 74 behaviors after their most impactful psychedelic experience. The most common changes were increases in contemplative practices (63%), time spent in nature (55%), and personally meaningful social activities (54%). Most changes were in a healthy direction. Higher perceived meaningfulness of the experience and having a set intention beforehand were significantly associated with overall healthy change. The study cannot establish causality but suggests that intention and meaningfulness are candidate mechanisms for how psychedelics might facilitate positive behavior change.
Philosophy and the Mind Sciences
April 19, 2022
Matthew Johnson
A review of Chris Letheby's 2021 book 'Philosophy of Psychedelics' highlights its role as a foundational work for understanding the modern therapeutic science of psychedelics. The book explores key philosophical topics that are likely to shape the future of psychedelic therapy, including how philosophical inquiry can deepen insights into therapeutic mechanisms and ethical considerations. The review emphasizes that philosophy will become increasingly important in the psychedelic therapy renaissance, and Letheby's work is positioned to influence responsible development and treatment advancement. The text recommends the book to both the public and academics seeking a deeper understanding of psychedelic medicine.