University of Basel, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
8 papers in the library · 2,019 citations · publishing 2008-2024
PLoS ONE August 31, 2010 Erich Studerus, Alex Gamma, Franz X. Vollenweider 693 citations
The original OAV scales measured multidimensional constructs. Eleven new lower-order scales were developed and showed good psychometric properties. These new scales are probably better for assessing altered states of consciousness caused by drugs.
Journal of Psychopharmacology September 20, 2010 Erich Studerus, Michael Kometer, Felix Hasler et al. 529 citations
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound, dose-dependently induced profound changes in mood, perception, thought, and self-experience, but most subjects described the experience as pleasurable, enriching, and non-threatening. Acute adverse drug reactions—strong dysphoria or anxiety—occurred only at the two highest doses in a small proportion of subjects, and were managed with interpersonal support without medication. Follow-up showed no subsequent drug abuse, persisting perception disorders, prolonged psychosis, or long-term impairment. The findings suggest that moderate doses given to healthy, high-functioning, well-prepared subjects in a carefully monitored research setting carry an acceptable level of risk.
PLoS ONE February 17, 2012 Erich Studerus, Alex Gamma, Michael Kometer et al. 372 citations
Dose is the strongest predictor of how people respond to psilocybin, but non-pharmacological factors also matter. Among 409 administrations to 261 healthy volunteers, pleasant and mystical-type experiences were most strongly associated with high Absorption personality trait, emotional excitement and activity just before the drug, and few recent psychological problems. Unpleasant or anxious reactions were most strongly predicted by high Emotional Excitability, younger age, and undergoing a PET scan during the session. The findings confirm that personality, mood, and setting significantly shape psilocybin's effects, though dose remains the dominant factor.
Biological Psychiatry May 9, 2012 Michael Kometer, André Schmidt, Rosilla Bachmann et al. 300 citations
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic, significantly improves mood in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. In a sample of 233 participants, 72% experienced substantial mood enhancements after psilocybin administration. This compound works by influencing serotonergic systems, specifically targeting serotonin receptors that play a crucial role in behavior and emotional regulation. Cognitive psychology insights reveal that these changes can lead to lasting positive effects, highlighting the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings. The chemical synthesis of psilocybin further underscores its importance in drug studies focused on mental health.
Journal of Psychopharmacology July 17, 2008 Felix Hasler, Erich Studerus, Karl‐johan Lindner et al. 53 citations
MDMA primarily works by releasing serotonin in the primate brain, with additional contributions from dopamine release and stimulation of dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. The role of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in MDMA's effects in humans was unclear. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 15 healthy men received placebo, the 5-HT1A antagonist pindolol, MDMA alone, or MDMA after pindolol. MDMA impaired sustained attention and visual-spatial memory but not executive functions. Pre-treatment with pindolol did not significantly alter these cognitive impairments and only slightly affected two psychometric scales. The findings do not support animal studies suggesting MDMA's effects are mediated through 5-HT1A receptors.
Journal of Psychopharmacology March 30, 2021 Erich Studerus, Patrick Vizeli, Samuel Harder et al. 51 citations
The acute response to MDMA (ecstasy) is shaped by both drug concentration in the blood and personal characteristics. Pooling data from 10 placebo-controlled studies with 194 healthy adults, the strongest predictor of effects was MDMA plasma level. After adjusting for dose by body weight, higher activity of the enzyme CYP2D6 predicted lower MDMA concentrations. People scoring high in openness to experience reported more closeness, less general inactivation, and stronger altered states of consciousness. Those with high neuroticism or trait anxiety were more likely to have unpleasant or anxious reactions. These findings highlight that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors influence MDMA's effects, which may inform its therapeutic use.
Translational psychiatry September 4, 2024 Patrick Vizeli, Erich Studerus, Friederike Holze et al. 15 citations
LSD dose is the strongest predictor of the drug's subjective and autonomic effects, but non-pharmacological factors also play a significant role. Pre-drug mood states—such as well-being, emotional excitability, and anxiety—predict subjective effects, heart rate, and body temperature. The personality trait openness to experiences correlates with stronger mystical-type effects and oceanic boundlessness. Prior hallucinogen use is linked to less anxious ego dissolution and a less intense overall altered state. Acute anxiety relates negatively to the functionality of the Cytochrome 2D6 enzyme. Sex and body weight do not significantly influence the drug experience.
Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich) January 1, 2012 Erich Studerus 6 citations
Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug, is generally well tolerated when administered in a controlled clinical or research setting. In pooled data from eight double-blind placebo-controlled studies involving 110 healthy subjects who received 1-4 oral doses (45-315 μg/kg), most described the experience as pleasurable, enriching, and non-threatening. Strong anxiety or dysphoria occurred only at the two highest doses in a small proportion of subjects, resolving with emotional support alone. Mild complaints 24 hours after intake included headache and fatigue. Follow-up interviews 8-16 months later found no flashbacks, prolonged psychosis, or subsequent drug abuse among any subjects.