Journal of affective disorders
February 1, 2023
Kwonmok Ko, Emma I Kopra, Anthony J Cleare et al.
144 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies (7 randomized controlled trials) examined the effects of classic psychedelics (psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD) on depressive symptoms. The review found significant reductions in depressive symptoms at 1 day, 1 week, and 3-5 weeks after treatment with psychological support. Results at 6-8 weeks were less conclusive. Small sample sizes in most studies and lack of long-term follow-up data limited statistical power and interpretation. The findings suggest an association between psychedelic therapy and short-term symptom reduction, but more rigorous trials with larger, diverse samples are needed.
Journal of Psychopharmacology
June 26, 2021
Emma I Kopra, V. Mondelli, C. Pariante et al.
89 citations
Ketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression, appears to reduce inflammation in at least some depressed patients. A systematic review of 9 human studies and 22 rodent studies found strong evidence in rodents that ketamine lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and also affects tryptophan metabolism by decreasing the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Human studies showed less consistent results but most reported decreases in peripheral inflammation including the same cytokines. Preliminary evidence also suggested reduced activation of the neurotoxic arm of the kynurenine pathway. Future research should investigate markers in the central nervous system and the clinical relevance of these inflammatory changes.
Journal of Psychopharmacology
April 7, 2022
Emma I Kopra, Jason Ferris, Adam Winstock et al.
65 citations
Among 9,233 people who used magic mushrooms in the past year, only 19 (0.2%) sought emergency medical treatment, corresponding to a per-event risk of 0.06%. Younger age was the only factor linked to a higher chance of needing emergency care. The most common symptoms were psychological—anxiety, panic, paranoia, and suspiciousness. Poor mindset, poor setting, and mixing substances were the most frequently cited reasons for the incidents. All but one person returned to normal within 24 hours. The findings confirm that psilocybin mushrooms are relatively safe, with serious adverse reactions being rare and short-lived.
Journal of Psychopharmacology
March 6, 2023
Emma I Kopra, Jason Ferris, Adam Winstock et al.
62 citations
A large international survey of 3364 people who used LSD or psilocybin mushrooms for self-treatment of mental health conditions or life worries found positive changes across all 17 measured outcomes, with the strongest benefits for insight and mood. However, 22.5% of respondents reported negative effects. Higher intensity of the psychedelic experience, seeking advice beforehand, using psilocybin mushrooms, and treating post-traumatic stress disorder were linked to better outcomes. Younger age, high experience intensity, and using LSD were associated with more negative effects. The findings suggest self-treatment outcomes are generally favorable but carry more frequent negative effects than clinical settings.
Journal of Psychopharmacology
June 7, 2022
Emma I Kopra, Jason Ferris, James Rucker et al.
42 citations
Among 10,293 people who used LSD in the past year, 1.0% sought emergency medical treatment, with a per-event risk of 0.2%. Younger age, mental health conditions, and more frequent use increased that risk. Most adverse reactions were psychological—anxiety, panic, confusion—often linked to poor setting or mindset. Symptoms usually resolved within 24 hours, though 11 people had issues lasting beyond 4 weeks. LSD appears relatively safe in recreational settings; adverse effects are typically short-lived and psychological. In clinical contexts, screening, preparation, and supervision should further reduce risks.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry
January 10, 2025
Emma I Kopra, Jenni Penttinen, James J Rucker et al.
9 citations
Between 1997 and 2022, only 28 deaths in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland involved psychedelic drugs, with 75% directly implicated and 25% potentially implicated. Most deaths were accidental (86%), involved multiple drugs (68%), and occurred in people under 30 (82%). The most common psychedelics were LSD (39%), psilocybin (21%), and NBOMes (18%). Polysubstance use was the most frequent contributing factor (82% of cases), followed by unsafe physical environments. While psychedelic-related deaths are very rare compared to other recreational drugs, their unpredictable effects create unique risks, often compounded by polydrug use.
Journal of Affective Disorders
January 5, 2024
Kwonmok Ko, Emma I Kopra, Anthony J. Cleare et al.
1 citation
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