Journal of Psychopharmacology
October 21, 2025
Abdo Uyar, Linda Forbrich, Ulrike Lueken et al.
4 citations
Psychedelic clinical trials have grown exponentially since 2006, with a sharp acceleration after 2019. Psilocybin is the most studied substance and closest to approval, while short-acting psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT have recently entered trials with narrower clinical goals. Industry involvement is rising, but university-led research still dominates. Reporting of psychotherapy components increased after 2023 FDA recommendations, yet descriptions of interventions remain inconsistent. The rapid expansion across diverse indications and substances reflects growing clinical interest, though industry prioritizes scalability and approval. Incomplete reporting of psychotherapeutic elements limits cross-study comparisons and understanding of which therapeutic combinations optimize outcomes.
Psychological Medicine
January 1, 2026
Ricarda Evens, Abdo Uyar, Emily Gosslau et al.
About 31% of people who had a distressing psychedelic experience that lasted beyond the acute phase met diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Avoidance during the acute experience predicted worse PTSD symptoms, while acceptance predicted milder symptoms. Post-traumatic growth was unrelated to the intensity of the challenge or avoidance but was linked to acceptance. Most participants sought help from online resources or friends, though psychotherapy was rated most helpful. The study targeted those with highly challenging experiences, so findings do not reflect prevalence among all psychedelic users.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences
January 1, 2026
Ricarda Evens, Abdo Uyar, Tomislav Majić
The period after using classic psychedelics often includes an 'afterglow' of elevated mood, well-being, and openness, linked to changes in brain connectivity and neuroplasticity. However, responses vary widely; some people experience negative effects like anxiety, mood swings, depression, perceptual changes, or psychosis. These issues can be reduced through psychedelic integration practices, peer support, or professional mental health care when needed. Managing complications involves ensuring safety, mobilizing resources, supporting psychological processing, addressing maladaptive interpretations, monitoring symptoms, and sometimes using pharmacotherapy or disorder-specific treatments. This chapter outlines strategies for a nuanced harm-reduction framework for research, clinical, and non-clinical settings.