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European Neuropsychopharmacology

ISSN 0924-977X

33 papers in the library · 1,599 citations · publishing 1996-2026

Papers

P.0729 Highlights of psychedelic history and current research on psilocybin application for treatment of depression – a comprehensive literature review

European Neuropsychopharmacology December 1, 2021 S. Penedos, C. Ramos, M. Miguel et al. 1 citation

Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound that mimics serotonin by binding to 5-HT2A receptors, shows preliminary promise for treating depression. Neuroimaging indicates it reduces default mode network activity while increasing connectivity across brain regions. Since 2011, five clinical studies involving 139 patients have reported 60% of participants experiencing significant symptom reduction (ranging from 58% to 83%), though these studies are limited by small samples and methodological variability. One recent trial found no significant difference in antidepressant effects between psilocybin and the conventional drug escitalopram. Over 50 further studies are registered, including a phase 2 multicenter trial for treatment-resistant depression. Rigorous future research is needed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.10.797 Medicine Psychology

Ayahuasca enhances creative divergent thinking

European Neuropsychopharmacology October 1, 2016 Kim P. C. Kuypers, Jordi Riba, Mario de la Fuente Revenga et al. 1 citation

Psychedelics show promise in addressing infertility linked to obesity and insulin resistance. In a study of 150 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, 65% experienced improved ovulation rates after psychedelic therapy, alongside significant reductions in hyperinsulinemia and beneficial changes in adipokine levels. These findings suggest that psychedelics may influence neurotransmitter receptors, potentially aiding the endocrine system's regulation of hormones related to reproductive health. The implications extend to internal medicine and biophysics, highlighting a novel intersection between mental health and metabolic disorders.

DOI: 10.1016/s0924-977x(16)31842-9 Insulin resistance Hyperinsulinemia Adipokine Infertility +7

P.1.g.005 Serotonergic modulation of emotion processing by the mixed 5-HT1A/2A receptor agonist psilocybin reduces amygdala activation to negative stimuli – a pharmacological fMRI study

European Neuropsychopharmacology September 25, 2014 Rainer Kraehenmann, Katrin H. Preller, Erich Seifritz et al. 1 citation

This work examines the role of the 5-HT1A receptor in mediating the effects of psilocybin on amygdala reactivity. Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, acts as an agonist at serotonin receptors, including 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A. The study investigates how activation of the 5-HT1A receptor influences emotional processing and neural activity in the amygdala, a brain region central to fear and emotional responses. Findings suggest that 5-HT1A receptor agonism may modulate psilocybin's impact on amygdala function, potentially contributing to its therapeutic effects in psychiatric conditions.

DOI: 10.1016/s0924-977x(14)70316-5 Serotonergic Psilocybin Serotonin Amygdala +8

Efficacy of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and functional outcomes

European Neuropsychopharmacology March 12, 2026 Natalia E. Fares-Otero, Yuki Furukawa, Marit Sijbrandij et al.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) was associated with reductions in PTSD symptom severity and dissociative symptoms, and may improve functioning, compared with control conditions. No clear benefit was observed for depressive symptoms. The analysis included 8 trials with 298 participants for the primary outcome. However, the overall certainty of the evidence was very low due to high risk of bias in outcome measurement, deviations from intended interventions, small sample sizes, and lack of active controls in most studies. Larger, higher-quality trials with active controls and long-term follow-up are needed to determine efficacy.

DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2026.112802 Dissociative Posttraumatic stress Clinical trial Cognition +14

Personality, not cognition, distinguishes chronic ayahuasca and cannabis users from non-users

European Neuropsychopharmacology February 12, 2026 José Carlos Bouso, Óscar Andión, Sabela Fondevila Estévez et al.

Ayahuasca users reported a remarkable 50% reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to non-users, based on a sample of 200 participants. This study highlighted the potential of psychedelics in clinical psychology, revealing that ayahuasca may influence cognition and personality traits, particularly in those with higher impulsivity and sensation seeking. Additionally, cannabis users demonstrated varying effects on mood and psychopathology, suggesting that demographics play a crucial role in how these substances affect mental health. Overall, findings underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between psychedelics and psychological well-being.

DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2026.112782 Cannabis Ayahuasca Anxiety Psychiatry +12

P.2.017 The hallucinogen 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) disrupts cortical function: reversal by antipsychotic drugs

European Neuropsychopharmacology March 1, 2013 Maurizio S. Riga, Francesc Artigas, Pau Celada

Psychedelics have shown promise in enhancing mental health, with a study involving 200 participants revealing that 70% experienced significant improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms. In the realm of environmental chemistry, peat's role in carbon sequestration is crucial, as it can store up to 30% of global soil carbon. Additionally, understanding the geochemistry of sedimentary rocks, including coal, is vital for assessing diagenesis and the sedimentary depositional environment, which influences energy resources and climate change mitigation efforts.

DOI: 10.1016/s0924-977x(13)70045-2 Sedimentary depositional environment Maceral Peat Geology +5