Human psychopharmacology
September 1, 2016
José Carlos Bouso, Eduardo José Pedrero-Pérez, Sam Gandy et al.
48 citations
Three widely used questionnaires for assessing the subjective effects of hallucinogens—the Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS), the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), and the Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI)—were administered to 158 subjects (100 men) after they took ayahuasca, a hallucinogen whose main active component is N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses showed that the results only sparsely matched the theoretical proposals of the original authors, possibly because previous studies did not always use psychometric methods appropriate to the data. The authors consider these findings preliminary, pending larger samples to confirm or reject the proposed structures.
Human psychopharmacology
February 18, 2022
A. P. Jesus-Nunes, G. C. Leal, F. S. Correia-Melo et al.
39 citations
Most people with major depressive disorder do not achieve symptom remission, and treatment-resistant depression is defined by the failure of at least one adequate antidepressant trial. This study investigated clinical predictors of depressive symptom remission and response 24 hours and 7 days after infusions of racemic ketamine and esketamine.
Human psychopharmacology
July 1, 2013
Débora González, Mireia Ventura, Fernando Caudevilla et al.
39 citations
A survey of 230 research chemical users in Spain found that hallucinogenic phenethylamines like 2C-B and 2C-I, along with cathinones such as methylone and mephedrone, were the most commonly used substances. Cannabis was the most frequent drug combined with research chemicals, followed by 2C-B with MDMA. Users who consulted online forums used more research chemicals, obtained them via the Internet, and more often employed risk-reduction strategies. In this forum-consulting group, all sought information before use, 72.3% used precision scales for dosing, and 68.8% analyzed contents before consumption. The findings indicate a distinct user profile characterized by extensive knowledge and proactive risk-reduction behaviors.
Human psychopharmacology
May 1, 2017
Sulaf Assi, Nargilya Gulyamova, Paul Kneller et al.
35 citations
An analysis of 303 internet discussion forum threads reveals three main themes about cathinone use, effects, and toxicity. Users reported various intake methods depending on the derivative (mephedrone, 3-methylmethcathinone, methylenedioxypyrovalerone) and routes (eyeballing, insufflation, smoking, intravenous, oral, rectal, sublingual), along with multidrug use and purity concerns. Positive effects included increased energy, euphoria, and empathogenic feelings. Toxic effects affected the nervous system (anxiety, hallucinations, nervousness, paranoia), cardiovascular system (angina, myocardial infarction, tachycardia), skin (discolouration, itching, allergy), and renal system (difficulty urinating). Drug-drug interactions with stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens were also reported. Forums offer useful safety information.
Human psychopharmacology
September 1, 2013
Jolanta B Zawilska, Jakub Wojcieszak
34 citations
Salvia divinorum, a sage traditionally used by Mazatec Indians for divination and spiritual healing, has gained popularity as a recreational drug among adolescents and young adults, often as an alternative to marijuana and LSD. Its major active ingredient, salvinorin A, is the most potent known hallucinogen of natural origin. The plant induces intense but short-lived psychedelic changes in mood and perception, with hallucinations and disorientation. Despite some websites misinterpreting limited research as evidence of safety, accumulated data indicate potential health risks, especially for teenagers, users of other substances, and those with underlying psychotic disturbances. Further basic and clinical studies are needed to develop prevention and treatment strategies.
Human psychopharmacology
May 1, 2020
Laura Orsolini, Stefania Chiappini, Duccio Papanti et al.
27 citations
Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic plant preparation used in sacred ceremonies by indigenous Amazonian groups, may offer therapeutic benefits for mental health. Evidence from preclinical, observational, and experimental studies suggests it acts as a fast-acting and enduring antidepressant, emotional regulator, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive drug. It appears safe and well tolerated, with nausea and vomiting as the most common transient side effects. However, findings indicate it should not be used in bipolar or psychotic patients due to increased risk of manic switch or psychotic onset. Further research with randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and neuroimaging is needed to better evaluate its therapeutic potential in mental disorders.
Human psychopharmacology
May 1, 2022
Jason B Luoma, Ben Shahar, M Kati Lear et al.
26 citations
Adding MDMA to psychotherapy may help treat social anxiety disorder by triggering three key processes of change. MDMA can enhance memory reconsolidation, allowing patients to reprocess painful social memories. It can also induce self-transcendent emotions like compassion, love, and awe, which counteract shame and social disconnection. Finally, MDMA may strengthen the therapeutic relationship, a robust predictor of positive outcomes. These effects likely extend beyond the drug sessions themselves.
Human psychopharmacology
July 1, 2015
Lynn T. Singer, Derek G. Moore, Meeyoung O. Min et al.
16 citations
A longitudinal study tracked infants whose mothers used MDMA (ecstasy) during pregnancy to assess developmental effects. The review of findings suggests that prenatal MDMA exposure may be associated with delays in motor development and increased risk of fine motor deficits during infancy. The authors indicate that the observed effects appear to be dose-dependent, with heavier use linked to more pronounced developmental differences. The findings point to potential neurodevelopmental consequences of prenatal MDMA exposure, though the authors note that confounding factors such as other substance use and socioeconomic conditions complicate interpretation.
Human psychopharmacology
November 5, 2021
Hang Li, Yi Zhong, Siyuan Yang et al.
7 citations
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) produces pronounced subjective drug effects, increases blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, and causes side effects in healthy individuals, according to a meta-analysis of existing studies. The analysis quantifies the magnitude of these physiological and psychological responses, supporting the renewed interest in using LSD in psychiatric research and therapy.
Human psychopharmacology
July 1, 2025
Maurizio Pompili, Maria Anna Trocchia, Ludovica Longhini et al.
3 citations
In a real-world outpatient setting, 21 patients with treatment-resistant depression received intranasal esketamine. Depressive symptoms, measured by clinician and self-report scales, decreased at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Suicidal ideation significantly declined between baseline and 6 months, and patients also reported reduced hopelessness over time. The findings suggest intranasal esketamine is associated with improvements in depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation in treatment-resistant depression.
Human psychopharmacology
September 1, 2025
Renée Martin-Willett, Carillon J Skrzynski, Angela D Bryan et al.
In a randomized trial, people using cannabis with cannabidiol (CBD) experienced greater decreases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over four weeks compared to those using cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This benefit was most pronounced among participants who reported average or high levels of perceived discrimination. No significant changes in drinking behaviors were observed. The findings suggest that CBD may help reduce negative emotional symptoms in the short term without increasing risk for alcohol misuse, and that perceived discrimination plays an important role in this relationship.