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Thomas J. Riedlinger

Harvard University

2 papers in the library · 46 citations · publishing 1993-1994

Papers

Psychedelic and Entactogenic Drugs in the Treatment of Depression

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 1, 1994 Thomas J. Riedlinger, June Riedlinger 39 citations

A deficiency of serotonin in the central nervous system may underlie some forms of depression. Existing antidepressant treatments include serotonergic drugs, and psychedelic substances also affect serotonin systems, suggesting they could play a role in depression therapy. Past attempts using both indoleamine and phenylalkylamine psychedelics have shown encouraging results, warranting further research, especially on phenylisopropylamine compounds that are only peripherally psychedelic. These entactogens or empathogens cause less distortion of normal consciousness than classic psychedelics like LSD or mescaline, making them easier to integrate into psychotherapy. Their value would be at the start of therapy to reduce fear responses, improve communication, and accelerate the therapeutic alliance.

DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1994.10472600 Mescaline Serotonergic Serotonin Psychology +6

Wasson's Alternative Candidates for Soma

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs April 1, 1993 Thomas J. Riedlinger 7 citations

A review of unpublished letters from the Tina and Gordon Wasson Ethnomycological Collection challenges the identification of Vedic soma as the psychoactive mushroom Amanita muscaria. In these letters, Wasson considered and rejected other psychoactive plants as candidates, including the mint Lagochilus inebrians, morning glory seeds, ergot, and the psilocybin mushroom Stropharia cubensis. The letters show that Wasson remained open to refinements of his theory.

DOI: 10.1080/02791072.1993.10472245 Mushroom Traditional medicine Toxicology