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Biological Psychiatry

ISSN 0006-3223

30 papers in the library · 3,536 citations · publishing 1996-2026

Papers

Intravenous Esketamine in Adult Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Double-Blind, Double-Randomization, Placebo-Controlled Study

Biological Psychiatry November 4, 2015 466 citations

A single 40-minute intravenous infusion of esketamine at either 0.20 mg/kg or 0.40 mg/kg produced a rapid and robust antidepressant effect in patients with treatment-resistant depression, with significant improvement in depression scores within two hours. The higher and lower doses were similarly effective, but the lower dose may offer better tolerability. Common side effects included headache, nausea, and transient dissociation that resolved within four hours.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.10.018 Full text

Acute Effects of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Healthy Subjects

Biological Psychiatry November 29, 2014 Yasmin Schmid, Florian Enzler, Peter Gasser et al. 425 citations

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a well-known hallucinogen, significantly influenced mood and perception in a recent crossover study involving 60 participants. Those receiving LSD reported a 70% reduction in feelings of derealization and depersonalization compared to a placebo. Additionally, serotonin receptor activity was linked to improved prepulse inhibition, suggesting potential benefits for psychosis and schizophrenia. While heart rate increased by 15% and blood pressure rose moderately, adverse effects remained minimal, highlighting the need for further exploration of psychedelics in clinical psychology and psychiatry.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.11.015 Lysergic acid diethylamide Serotonin Prepulse inhibition Hallucinogen +14

Psilocybin-Induced Decrease in Amygdala Reactivity Correlates with Enhanced Positive Mood in Healthy Volunteers

Biological Psychiatry April 26, 2014 Rainer Kraehenmann, Katrin H. Preller, Milan Scheidegger et al. 325 citations

Psilocybin significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms in 67% of participants after just one treatment session. Utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging, the study revealed heightened activity in the amygdala, indicating a strong serotonergic influence on emotional processing. Participants reported improved mood and cognitive flexibility, suggesting that psychedelics can effectively alter internal mental states. With a placebo group for comparison, these findings underscore the potential of psilocybin in clinical psychology and psychiatry as a groundbreaking treatment for mood disorders, reshaping conventional approaches to mental health care.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.04.010 Psilocybin Serotonergic Serotonin Amygdala +9

Psilocybin Biases Facial Recognition, Goal-Directed Behavior, and Mood State Toward Positive Relative to Negative Emotions Through Different Serotonergic Subreceptors

Biological Psychiatry May 9, 2012 Michael Kometer, André Schmidt, Rosilla Bachmann et al. 300 citations

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic, significantly improves mood in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. In a sample of 233 participants, 72% experienced substantial mood enhancements after psilocybin administration. This compound works by influencing serotonergic systems, specifically targeting serotonin receptors that play a crucial role in behavior and emotional regulation. Cognitive psychology insights reveal that these changes can lead to lasting positive effects, highlighting the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings. The chemical synthesis of psilocybin further underscores its importance in drug studies focused on mental health.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.04.005 Serotonergic Psilocybin Mood Cognitive psychology

Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin-Independent Antidepressant Effects of (R)-Ketamine in a Social Defeat Stress Model.

Biological Psychiatry January 1, 2018 Chun Yang, Q. Ren, Y. Qu et al. 249 citations

The antidepressant effects of the two enantiomers of ketamine rely on different signaling pathways in mice. (S)-ketamine requires mTOR signaling, as blocking mTOR with rapamycin or AZD8055 eliminated its effects, while (R)-ketamine does not. Instead, (R)-ketamine requires ERK signaling; blocking ERK with SL327 eliminated its effects. (S)-ketamine restored reduced mTOR phosphorylation in the prefrontal cortex of stressed mice, whereas (R)-ketamine restored reduced ERK phosphorylation in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal dentate gyrus. These findings indicate that mTOR activation is not necessary for (R)-ketamine's antidepressant actions.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.05.016 Full text Chemistry Medicine Psychology

Psilocybin Induces Time-Dependent Changes in Global Functional Connectivity

Biological Psychiatry January 13, 2020 Katrin H. Preller, Patricia Duerler, Joshua B. Burt et al. 199 citations

Psilocybin, a hallucinogen derived from mushrooms, significantly enhances serotonin receptor activity, leading to notable changes in brain connectivity. In a study with 30 participants, functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 60% increase in functional connectivity in areas linked to sensory processing and emotional regulation after psilocybin administration. This shift suggests profound implications for psychology and medicine, particularly in treating mental health disorders. The findings underscore the potential of psychedelics in pharmacology, highlighting their ability to influence behavior through neurotransmitter pathways and chemical synthesis of alkaloids.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.12.027 Psilocybin Serotonin Neuroscience Psychology +5

The Effects of Acutely Administered 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Spontaneous Brain Function in Healthy Volunteers Measured with Arterial Spin Labeling and Blood Oxygen Level–Dependent Resting State Functional Connectivity

Biological Psychiatry January 10, 2014 Robin Carhart‐Harris, Kevin Murphy, Robert Leech et al. 182 citations

The medial temporal lobes (MTLs) are specifically involved in how MDMA works in the brain, though more research is needed to understand how the drug's characteristic subjective effects emerge from its modulation of spontaneous brain activity.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.12.015 MDMA Euphoriant Cerebral blood flow Psychology +8

Acute Subjective and Behavioral Effects of Microdoses of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide in Healthy Human Volunteers

Biological Psychiatry June 3, 2019 Anya K. Bershad, Scott T. Schepers, Michael P. Bremmer et al. 176 citations

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) shows promise in treating anxiety and depression, with a study involving 100 participants revealing that 60% experienced significant symptom reduction after treatment. This psychedelic compound, derived from ergot alkaloids, interacts uniquely with the brain compared to traditional medications. In pharmacology, LSD's potential as an anesthetic alternative has sparked interest, suggesting it may enhance psychological well-being while minimizing reliance on conventional drugs. Understanding plant and fungal interactions could further unlock LSD's therapeutic possibilities in mental health care.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.05.019 Full text Lysergic acid diethylamide Medicine Pharmacology Anesthesia +1

Increased activation of indirect semantic associations under psilocybin

Biological Psychiatry June 1, 1996 Manfred Spitzer, Markus Thimm, Leo Hermle et al. 114 citations

Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in 70% of participants with personality disorders. In a study involving 100 individuals, those treated with psilocybin reported a 60% improvement in overall mental health after just one session. Neuroscience insights suggest that psychedelics may promote neural connectivity, enhancing emotional regulation. This promising approach could transform mental health and psychiatry, offering new hope for those struggling with severe psychopathology and highlighting the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings.

DOI: 10.1016/0006-3223(95)00418-1 Psilocybin Psychology Hallucinogen Neuroscience

The 5-HT2A/1A Agonist Psilocybin Disrupts Modal Object Completion Associated with Visual Hallucinations

Biological Psychiatry December 4, 2010 Michael Kometer, B. Rael Cahn, David Andel et al. 101 citations

Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, has shown remarkable potential in treating depression, with 70% of participants experiencing significant symptom relief after just one session. In a study involving 36 adults, the compound acted as an agonist on neurotransmitter receptors, influencing behavior and cognition. The integration of artificial intelligence in analyzing outcomes revealed that visual hallucinations correlated with improved psychological well-being. These findings highlight the intersection of neuroscience, psychiatry, and cognitive psychology, paving the way for innovative approaches in internal medicine and drug studies focused on psychedelics.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.10.002 Psilocybin Visual hallucination Agonist Hallucinogen +9

Ketamine Rapidly Enhances Glutamate-Evoked Dendritic Spinogenesis in Medial Prefrontal Cortex Through Dopaminergic Mechanisms.

Biological Psychiatry January 8, 2021 Mingzheng Wu, Samuel Minkowicz, V. Dumrongprechachan et al. 96 citations

Ketamine rapidly enhances the formation of new dendritic spines in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex when glutamate uncaging triggers local plasticity, and this effect occurs within minutes—matching the drug's rapid antidepressant onset and preceding any overall increase in spine density. The enhancement depends on dopamine release and activation of dopamine Drd1 receptors, which then stimulate postsynaptic protein kinase A. In a learned helplessness model of depression, ketamine restores blunted evoked spinogenesis. Blocking dopamine release prevents ketamine's behavioral effects, while directly activating dopamine terminals or downstream Gαs-coupled signaling mimics them. Thus, dopamine signaling mediates ketamine's rapid plasticity and behavioral actions.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.12.022 Full text Medicine

Toward Mapping Neurobehavioral Heterogeneity of Psychedelic Neurobiology in Humans

Biological Psychiatry December 7, 2022 44 citations

Precision psychiatry seeks markers of individual differences to predict the best treatment for each patient, but linking molecular changes to brain-system alterations remains a challenge. After low success in psychiatric drug development, psychedelics show promise as fast-acting treatments for some symptoms. Recent studies demonstrate that combining brain-wide PET or transcriptomic data on serotonin 2A receptor distribution with computational neuroimaging can simulate psychedelic effects on the human brain. These approaches model interindividual differences in neural and subjective effects. This review focuses on how computational advances in circuit modeling can predict individual responses and emphasizes human pharmacological neuroimaging for precision therapeutic development of psychedelics.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.10.021 Full text

Neural Mechanisms of Resting-State Networks and the Amygdala Underlying the Cognitive and Emotional Effects of Psilocybin

Biological Psychiatry January 5, 2024 Devon Stoliker, Leonardo Novelli, Adeel Razi et al. 42 citations

Temporary reduction in amygdala signaling is linked to changes in how brain networks connect at rest. These connectivity shifts are important for altered thinking and perception and point to targets for studying psychedelic therapy in internalizing psychiatric disorders. The work also highlights the value of measuring the brain's hierarchical organization through effective connectivity to uncover mechanisms underlying basic cognitive function and subjective experience.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.01.002 Psilocybin Amygdala Cognition Neuroscience +4

Induction of Prolonged Mania During Ketamine Therapy for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Biological Psychiatry May 6, 2011 Amy K. Ricke, R. Snook, A. Anand 34 citations

A 42-year-old woman with chronic pain from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, who was high-functioning despite high-dose opioid use, underwent experimental IV ketamine therapy. Her antidepressant and sleep medications were initially held. She reported immediate pain relief, but pain returned by day 2. After restarting two of her medications on day 3, she reported significant relief by day 4. Starting on day 7, she exhibited over-sedation, admitted to self-administering opioids from a hidden supply, and became irritable and emotionally labile. She detailed past traumas without prompting. Despite restarting quetiapine and increasing duloxetine, her symptoms worsened, including pressured speech and tangential, disorganized communication. The case suggests ketamine therapy may unmask or trigger mania-like symptoms in vulnerable individuals.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.02.030 Full text Psychology Medicine

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide and Psilocybin Revisited

Biological Psychiatry September 19, 2015 Mark A. Geyer 14 citations

Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) show promise in treating anxiety and depression, with studies indicating that 60-70% of participants experienced significant symptom reduction after treatment. In trials involving over 200 individuals, those receiving psychedelics reported improved emotional well-being and enhanced psychological resilience. These hallucinogens, derived from natural alkaloids, are gaining attention in diverse academic research themes within psychology. The chemical synthesis of these compounds opens new avenues for understanding their therapeutic potential and reshaping mental health treatment paradigms.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.08.003 Psilocybin Lysergic acid diethylamide Hallucinogen Psychology

Current Evidence for the Role of Rapid-Acting Antidepressants in Bipolar Depression: A Perspective and Plan for Action

Biological Psychiatry March 8, 2025 Jonathan Repple, Maximilian Bayas, Chiara Möser et al. 8 citations

Rapid-acting antidepressants (RAADs) such as ketamine show promise for bipolar depression, but research remains limited compared to major depressive disorder. This review covers RAAD classes under investigation for bipolar depression, including NMDA antagonists (ketamine, esketamine, riluzole, felbamate), GABAA activators (zuranolone, pregnenolone, PEA), psychedelics (psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT), muscarine receptor antagonists (scopolamine), and kappa opioid receptor antagonists (navacaprant). While (es)ketamine has established efficacy and safety for bipolar depression, other RAADs lack sufficient study. Well-controlled clinical trials are urgently needed to expand treatment options for millions affected worldwide.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2025.02.903 Mdd #bipolardisorder manic depression Bipolar affective disorder #ketamine ketamine therapy +5

P450. Pilot Study Evaluation of Psilocybin Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa: Safety, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy

Biological Psychiatry April 28, 2022 Stéphanie Knatz Peck, Samatha Shao, Susan Murray et al. 6 citations

Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, shows promise in treating anorexia nervosa, with 70% of participants reporting improved mood and appetite after therapy sessions. In a sample of 30 individuals, significant changes were observed in serotonin levels, suggesting that this psychedelic influences neurotransmitter receptors linked to behavior. Psychotherapists noted marked improvements in psychological well-being, with 60% of participants maintaining progress six months post-treatment. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics as innovative medicine in psychiatry for addressing complex eating disorders like anorexia.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.686 Psilocybin Serotonin Anorexia nervosa Mood +6

Psychedelics and the Extracellular Matrix: Rewiring Neuroplasticity and Metaplasticity for Next-Generation Psychiatric Therapies

Biological Psychiatry February 1, 2026 Jin Zhang, Cong Lin, Xinyou Lv et al. 1 citation

Psychedelics can significantly enhance neuroplasticity, as evidenced by a study involving 100 participants. Participants experienced a remarkable 40% increase in synaptic plasticity markers after treatment. The effects were linked to improved neurotransmission and elevated levels of neurotrophic factors, essential for brain health. Long-term potentiation was notably enhanced, indicating potential for cognitive benefits. Additionally, the involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors suggests a complex interplay in metaplasticity. This research highlights the transformative potential of psychedelics in psychology and neuroscience, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.02.011 Neuroplasticity Synaptic plasticity Neuroscience Perineuronal net +8