Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine
November 7, 2024
Andrew Gribben, Tara Burke, Colm Harrington et al.
5 citations
A survey of 151 psychiatrists in Ireland found that most hold positive attitudes toward psilocybin therapy: 81.5% agreed it shows promise for treating psychiatric disorders, 86.8% supported funding research, 86.8% would refer a patient if licensed, and 78.1% would consider it for themselves. However, only 40.0% felt knowledgeable and just 9.9% felt adequately prepared to participate. A minority expressed concerns: 6.6% thought it unsafe under medical supervision, 21.9% considered it potentially addictive, and 15.9% reported at least one concern about evidence, effectiveness, safety, cost, or impartiality. Consultant psychiatrists were less optimistic than trainees about its role in bipolar depression and emotionally unstable personality disorder.
Acta neuropsychiatrica
July 25, 2025
Guillaume Thuery, Christopher Sheridan, Patricia Iusan et al.
4 citations
This narrative review synthesizes clinical and preclinical research on how 5-HT2A receptor psychedelics interact with the immune system. The evidence shows these compounds have direct immunomodulatory properties, including downregulation of gene regulators like NF-κB and reduced expression of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. These effects are accompanied by modulation of corticotrophin releasing hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and cortisol. The immunomodulation occurs through pathways involving serotonin receptors, the Sigma-1 receptor, and the TrkB receptor, as well as indirectly via the HPA axis. The review identifies that modulation of brain glia and glial-neuronal interactions remains to be determined, representing a promising direction for future research on the therapeutic potential of these psychedelics for mental health and brain disorders.
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology
March 1, 2026
Guillaume Thuery, Frank Crossen, Daniel Mc Loone et al.
1 citation
About 15% of pregnant women experience postpartum depression, and many remain impaired despite available antidepressants. Serotonergic psychedelics may offer a viable therapeutic approach for postpartum depression, though the benefit-risk ratio is unclear. This review summarizes immune, endocrine, and neural pathways underlying postpartum depression and explores how psychedelics interact with these pathways in relation to maternal motivation, bonding, and caregiving. Special considerations for psychedelic therapy in the postpartum period are outlined. Further research, especially longitudinal trials with adaptations for the postpartum context, is needed to determine efficacy and safety.
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine
December 18, 2025
Gurjot Brar, T. R. Jun. Burke, Andrew Gribben et al.
Online news coverage of psilocybin as a depression treatment increased sharply after 2022, with 43.2% of articles published between 2022 and 2024, mostly from US outlets. Although 90.4% of articles cited researchers, only 47.2% addressed risks, 46.4% discussed long-term evidence, and 25% included patient perspectives. Sentiment was very positive, averaging 2.27 on a −5 to +5 scale, and did not change significantly over time. Reporting on psilocybin's onset and duration of effects improved, but coverage remains concentrated in prominent outlets and lacks balance on risks and patient experiences.