Scientific reports
July 30, 2024
J. D. Griffin, K. M. J. Diederen, J. Haarsma et al.
5 citations
People with first episode psychosis and treatment-resistant schizophrenia show reduced ability to stabilize their decision-making strategies in uncertain environments, resembling effects previously seen with the drug ketamine. In two studies, participants completed a probabilistic reversal learning task. Those with first episode psychosis made more errors and shifted strategies too often after misleading feedback. The treatment-resistant schizophrenia group also shifted strategies more, though their overall accuracy was not significantly reduced. Computational modeling revealed that only the treatment-resistant schizophrenia group showed altered confidence-based modulation of responding, similar to ketamine effects, though these modeling results are considered preliminary due to model limitations.
J Psychopharmacol
July 29, 2024
Claire Walker, Timothy Piatkowski, Jason Ferris et al.
4 citations
People who use psychedelics outside of medical guidance to treat their own mental health conditions often report improvements in mental health and self-awareness, which may reduce their need for prescribed medications. An analysis of 2,552 respondents from the Global Drug Survey 2020 identified three key factors from self-reported psychedelic effects: Improved Mental Health, Improved Self-Awareness, and Neuro-Sensory Changes. Most respondents had a history of depression (80%) or anxiety (65.6%). The perceived benefits from psychedelic self-treatment were linked to a lower likelihood of currently using prescribed medication, especially for depression or combined depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that psychedelics could have therapeutic potential for mental health.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
June 1, 2026
Gabrielle Smith, Timothy Piatkowski, Jason Ferris et al.
1 citation
People who self-treat psychiatric conditions with unregulated drugs often use ketamine alongside other psychedelics. Among 5831 respondents to the 2020 Global Drug Survey who self-treated diagnosed psychiatric conditions, over 60% had prior psychiatric diagnoses, most commonly depression and anxiety. Those using both ketamine and other psychedelics attended festivals and clubs more often and used ketamine more frequently. Those using only non-ketamine psychedelics showed a significant reduction in ketamine use. Nearly half sought online advice before starting ketamine self-treatment, suggesting online platforms are key for harm reduction resources.