Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental
February 17, 2022
Edward James, Joachim Keppler, Ben Sessa et al.
41 citations
Ayahuasca and its active compound DMT show potential for treating depression, addictions, PTSD, anxiety, and certain immune system conditions. These substances bind to multiple brain receptors, including serotonergic, glutaminergic, and sigma-1 receptors, and affect BDNF expression and the dopamine system. Subjective effects correspond to increased delta and theta brain waves in the amygdala and hippocampus, decreased alpha waves in the default mode network, and activation of visual brain regions. Although biological and consciousness-based models attempt to explain these effects, evidence remains insufficient for firm conclusions. More research is needed to clarify mechanisms and develop accessible treatments, with recommended collaboration between healthcare researchers and Amazonian practitioners.
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental
June 23, 2020
Edward James, Thomas L Robertshaw, Mathew Hoskins et al.
29 citations
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for treating specific psychiatric conditions, with mystical-type experiences linked to therapeutic benefits and long-term improvements in mental outlook. This narrative review summarizes current research on quantifying such experiences and their subjective effects. Recent studies clarify some pharmacological actions of psychedelics, but neurological similarities and differences between spontaneous and drug-induced mystical experiences remain poorly understood. Applicability to modern clinical settings is assessed, and potential novel uses include positive psychology interventions in healthy individuals. Since 2006, significant progress has been made, but more work is needed on neuromechanistic processes and clinical applicability. Funding issues, legal concerns, and socio-cultural resistance counterbalance experimental evidence.
Drug Science Policy and Law
January 1, 2018
Edward James, Thomas L Robertshaw, Andrew D. Westwell et al.
4 citations
A survey of 105 UK nationals found that participants viewed pharmacists, supported by general practitioners and mental health workers, as the most suitable vendors for cannabis, MDMA, and psilocybin, compared to regulated shops or the black market. Support for selling cannabis in pharmacies for therapeutic and harm reduction purposes averaged 7.0 out of 10. Participants with a university education were more in favor of pharmacy sales for alcohol (5.6), tobacco (6.7), cannabis (7.6), MDMA (6.5), and psilocybin (6.5) than those without a university qualification (alcohol 5.0, tobacco 4.8, cannabis 6.3, MDMA 5.0, psilocybin 5.1). The findings suggest that university-educated participants support treating recreational drug use as a health issue.
Drug Science Policy and Law
January 1, 2019
Edward James, Thomas L Robertshaw, Michael Pascoe et al.
3 citations
A survey of 105 UK nationals found that perceptions of relative harm for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, MDMA, and psilocybin did not match the harm rankings reported in scientific literature. Participants ranked tobacco as most harmful, followed by MDMA, psilocybin, alcohol, and cannabis, whereas the literature ranks alcohol as most harmful, then tobacco, cannabis, MDMA, and psilocybin. Objections to legal pharmacy sales included concerns about sending the wrong message, danger, and disapproval of psychoactive drug use for entertainment or mystical experiences. Most male participants considered legal access to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and psilocybin a human right, while most female participants considered only alcohol a human right. Misperceptions and biases likely sustain policies misaligned with research.
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental
March 17, 2022
Edward James, Joachim Keppler, Thomas L. Robertshaw et al.
No Summary