Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
March 1, 2015
Peter S Hendricks, Christopher B Thorne, C Brendan Clark et al.
377 citations
Among over 190,000 US adults surveyed from 2008 to 2012, those who had ever used classic psychedelics (such as LSD or psilocybin) showed lower odds of past-month psychological distress, past-year suicidal thinking, past-year suicidal planning, and past-year suicide attempt compared with those who had not. The reduced odds ranged from 14% lower for suicidal thinking to 36% lower for suicide attempt. In contrast, use of other illicit drugs was generally linked to higher odds of these outcomes. The findings suggest that classic psychedelics might help prevent suicide and that their strict legal status should be reconsidered to allow more research.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
January 1, 2013
Michael C Mithoefer, Mark T Wagner, Ann T Mithoefer et al.
377 citations
In a long-term follow-up of the first completed trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD, all 19 original participants took part, and 16 completed all outcome measures 17 to 74 months after their final MDMA session (average 45.4 months). The mean CAPS score at follow-up (23.7) was nearly identical to the mean score at study exit (24.6), indicating that the substantial symptom relief achieved during the trial was maintained over time. Although two participants relapsed, the majority sustained clinically significant improvements, and no one reported harm from participation.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
December 1, 2018
Marcela Ot'Alora G, Jim Grigsby, Bruce Poulter et al.
232 citations
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy reduces posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms more than a low dose, with effects lasting at least 12 months. In a double-blind trial, 28 people with chronic PTSD received either 100 mg, 125 mg, or 40 mg of MDMA during psychotherapy sessions. The active dose groups showed larger reductions in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores one month after two sessions, with mean changes of -26.3 for 125 mg, -24.4 for 100 mg, and -11.5 for 40 mg. At 12-month follow-up, 76% no longer met PTSD criteria. No serious adverse events occurred, and the treatment was well-tolerated.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
August 1, 2017
Mark T Wagner, Michael C Mithoefer, Ann T Mithoefer et al.
163 citations
Traumatic events can lead to lasting personality changes, especially increased neuroticism. In a randomized trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD, changes in openness—but not neuroticism—moderated the link between reduced PTSD symptoms and the treatment. Patients showed increased openness and decreased neuroticism from baseline to long-term follow-up. These preliminary findings suggest MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may alter personality structure beyond just relieving PTSD symptoms, leading to enduring personality change.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
September 1, 2020
Alan K Davis, John M Clifton, Eric G Weaver et al.
144 citations
Inhaling N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) can trigger encounters with seemingly autonomous entities. A survey of 2,561 people (average age 32, 77% male) found that these encounters primarily involve visual and extrasensory perception, such as telepathy. Entities are most often described as beings, guides, spirits, aliens, or helpers. Although 41% of respondents felt fear, the dominant emotions were love, kindness, and joy, both in the respondent and attributed to the entity. Most believed the entity was conscious, intelligent, and benevolent, existing in a real but different dimension. 69% received a message, and 19% a prediction. Over half of those who were atheist before no longer identified as atheist afterward.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
July 1, 2018
Alan K Davis, Joseph P Barsuglia, Rafael Lancelotta et al.
137 citations
A survey of 515 adults who use 5-MeO-DMT found that consumption is infrequent and associated with profound positive subjective effects, including perceived spiritual and personal growth. Motivations for use were primarily spiritual and recreational, and many respondents reported perceived benefits consistent with potential psychotherapeutic effects. The study provides initial epidemiological data on usage patterns and subjective experiences with this psychoactive tryptamine.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
September 1, 2006
Harry R Sumnall, Jon C Cole, Lisa Jerome
117 citations
The subjective effects of MDMA (ecstasy) vary across different user groups and are shaped by the reasons people give for taking the drug. A 130-item survey was developed and analyzed, revealing six distinct categories of effects: perceptual alterations, entactogenic effects, prosocial effects, aesthetic effects, negative effects, and sexual effects. Heavier users expected fewer negative, perceptual, and aesthetic effects than lighter users, while abstainers expected greater negative, perceptual, aesthetic, and sexual effects. The findings suggest that extra-psychopharmacological factors, such as the function of use, influence the drug experience, and targeting intervention strategies to specific user groups based on their reasons for use may improve effectiveness.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
November 1, 2014
Eduardo Ekman Schenberg, Maria Angélica De Castro Comis, Bruno Rasmussen Chaves et al.
110 citations
Ibogaine, an alkaloid used to treat drug dependence, is illegal in some countries but unregulated in Brazil, where it is combined with psychotherapy. A retrospective analysis of 75 former alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and crack users (72% poly-drug users) found no serious adverse reactions or fatalities. 61% of participants remained abstinent. Those treated with ibogaine once reported a median abstinence of 5.5 months; those treated multiple times, 8.4 months. Both single and multiple treatments resulted in longer abstinence than before the first session. The findings suggest that physician-supervised ibogaine with psychotherapy can facilitate prolonged abstinence without fatalities, indicating it may be a safe and effective treatment for stimulant and other non-opiate drug dependence.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
July 1, 2012
Fernando Caudevilla-Gálligo, Jordi Riba, Mireia Ventura et al.
99 citations
The psychoactive drug 2C-B, an analogue of mescaline, is increasingly used as a rave and club drug. Analysis of drug samples in Spain showed that the percentage containing 2C-B doubled between 2006 and 2009, shifting from powder to tablet form with low falsification rates. Recreational users typically took about 20 mg orally. Subjective effects included perceptual changes similar to those from ayahuasca and Salvia divinorum, but not from amphetamine or MDMA. Pleasure and sociability were comparable to MDMA, while incapacitation was lower than with the other psychedelics studied. The findings indicate 2C-B is consistently present in Spain's illicit market, producing psychedelic-like perceptual effects but with lower impairment and higher pleasurable effects akin to entactogens.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
February 1, 2021
Rebecca L Rothberg, Nour Azhari, Nancy A Haug et al.
95 citations
In alcohol-dependent adults seeking treatment, a single sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine combined with motivational enhancement therapy produced greater mystical-type experiences and reduced at-risk drinking compared to an active control (midazolam). The mystical-type effects, measured by the Hood Mysticism Scale, mediated ketamine's effect on drinking behavior, whereas dissociation did not. Forty participants were randomized and followed for three weeks post-infusion. The findings suggest that the mystical-type psychoactive effects of ketamine may be important for its therapeutic benefit in addiction treatment.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
January 1, 2023
Sandeep M Nayak, Manvir Singh, David B Yaden et al.
87 citations
A survey of 2374 people who reported a belief-changing psychedelic experience found that a single experience increased non-physicalist beliefs, including dualism, paranormal/spirituality, and consciousness in both mammals and non-mammals, with medium to large effects. Beliefs in superstition changed negligibly. The percentage identifying as a believer in a higher power or ultimate reality rose from 29% before to 59% after the experience. Greater mystical experiences during the psychedelic session were linked to larger belief shifts. These changes persisted an average of 8.4 years later.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
March 1, 2022
Anna O Ermakova, Fiona Dunbar, James Rucker et al.
83 citations
5-MeO-DMT is a short-acting psychedelic tryptamine found in nature and used historically for spiritual purposes. This review of existing literature covers its pharmacology, chemistry, metabolism, epidemiological studies, and reported effects. 5-MeO-DMT acts as a serotonergic agonist with highest affinity for 5-HT1A receptors. Animal model studies exist, but human clinical studies are lacking. Epidemiological data indicate it induces profound alterations in consciousness, including mystical experiences, with potential beneficial long-term effects on mental health and well-being. Its short duration, relative lack of visual effects, and higher rates of ego-dissolution make it a potentially useful addition to the psychedelic pharmacopoeia, warranting further clinical exploration with appropriate precautions.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
November 1, 2005
70 citations
The compound 2C-T-7 ('Blue Mystic'), which resembles MDMA and other designer drugs, has rarely been identified in the EU, yet online discussion among experimenters has recently grown. A review of cyber and street market information found that 2C-T-7 was first synthesized in 1986 and produces desired effects of empathy and well-being, with anecdotal reports of hallucinations, nausea, anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoid ideation. Street-level availability in Europe appears very low, though one US death from mono-intoxication is documented. From an initial 360 websites, 118 were analyzed: 14 (11.9%) described synthesis, and 5 (4.2%) offered the drug for sale.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
August 1, 2021
Rachael L Sumner, Emme Chacko, Rebecca McMillan et al.
68 citations
Ketamine, given at 0.44 mg/kg to 32 volunteers with major depressive disorder in a crossover design with the active-placebo remifentanil, produced psychedelic experiences that correlated with greater antidepressant response at 24 hours. Specifically, higher scores on spirituality, experience of unity, and insight were linked to larger reductions in depression ratings. Qualitative interviews revealed perceptual changes, loss of control, emotional shifts, a psychedelic afterglow, and lasting changes in perspective on life, people, problems, and depression. The findings suggest the psychedelic experience and afterglow contribute to ketamine's antidepressant effects, and that standard questionnaires may not fully capture these properties.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
March 1, 2022
Malin Vedøy Uthaug, Alan K Davis, Trevor Forrest Haas et al.
64 citations
Mescaline, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in cacti such as Peyote and San Pedro, is used infrequently (once a year or less) by most English-speaking adults, primarily for spiritual exploration or connection with nature (74%). In a web-based survey of 452 respondents, very few reported drug craving (9%), legal problems (1%), or psychological problems (1%), and none sought medical attention. Acute mystical-type effects were rated as moderate, ego-dissolution and insight as slight, and challenging effects as very slight. About half of the sample had a psychiatric condition, and most (over 67%) reported improvements in these conditions after their most memorable mescaline experience. The findings suggest that mescaline may produce a psychedelic experience with spiritual significance and mental health benefits and has low abuse potential.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
January 1, 2023
Brent Kious, Zach Schwartz, Benjamin Lewis
44 citations
Personal use of psychedelics by researchers may threaten objectivity and ethical conduct in psychedelic science. The paper explores whether such use can make investigators overly enthusiastic about psychedelics, potentially biasing study design, results reporting, and treatment of participants. Critiques of the MAPS MDMA-Assisted Therapy trials for PTSD have raised similar concerns. The authors elaborate on these risks and discuss practical strategies to reduce perceived conflicts of interest, aiming to inform policy for psychedelic research and clinical use.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
January 1, 2024
Lisa X Luan, Emma Eckernäs, Michael Ashton et al.
41 citations
A novel method of administering the psychedelic DMT via a bolus injection followed by a constant-rate infusion safely extends the experience to 30 minutes in a stable and tolerable fashion. In eleven healthy volunteers, subjective effects plateaued into a steady state while plasma DMT concentrations continued to rise, indicating acute psychological tolerance. Anxiety ratings remained low and heart rate habituated within 15 minutes, demonstrating psychological and physiological safety. This continuous intravenous administration method lays groundwork for further basic and clinical research into DMT's potential for treating mental health conditions and studying consciousness.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
April 1, 2015
Peter H Addy, Albert Garcia-Romeu, Matthew Metzger et al.
38 citations
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 30 healthy individuals who inhaled Salvia divinorum reported rapid, intense, and unique experiences. The experience included marked changes in auditory, visual, and internal bodily sensations, loss of normal self and environmental awareness, and various delusional phenomena. Three main themes and 10 subthemes of acute intoxication emerged from qualitative analysis of interviews and follow-ups, supported by quantitative Hallucinogen Rating Scale data. The findings provide an initial framework for understanding the subjective effects of this emerging drug of abuse and also examine its abuse potential post hoc.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
November 1, 2011
H R Sumnall, F Measham, S D Brandt et al.
38 citations
A survey of 154 recent users of the hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum found little evidence of dysfunctional use or troubling adverse consequences, and no indication of increased schizotypy. Users reported mixed hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, supporting the view that Salvia differs phenomenologically from classic serotonergic hallucinogens like LSD. The functions of use shifted with greater experience, and many respondents used Salvia as an alternative to illegal drugs, but legal prohibition would likely not deter them. The findings suggest a need for psychopharmacologically informed public health responses.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
June 1, 2020
Annemieke Benschop, Róbert Urbán, Máté Kapitány-fövény et al.
35 citations
A new questionnaire, the New Psychoactive Substance Use Motives Measure (NPSMM), was developed and validated across six EU countries with 3,023 users from three subgroups: socially marginalized individuals, nightlife attendees, and online community members. Factor analysis revealed five consistent motives for using new psychoactive substances: coping, enhancement, social, conformity, and expansion. Motives varied by user group: marginalized users scored higher on coping and conformity, nightlife groups on social motives, and online community users on expansion motives. Different types of NPS were linked to different motives—expansion with psychedelics and enhancement with stimulants—while coping, social, and conformity motives were more tied to user groups. The NPSMM is a valid tool for measuring these motives.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
September 1, 2019
James D Sexton, Michael S Crawford, Noah W Sweat et al.
33 citations
Novel psychedelics, such as 2C-B, 2C-I, and 2C-E, are used by a very small fraction of the U.S. adult population (0.12%). Users tend to be younger, male, White, more educated but with lower income, and almost all have also used classic psychedelics. Compared to those who have used only classic psychedelics, people who have used novel psychedelics are more likely to report past-year suicidal thinking and planning, though novel psychedelic use alone is not associated with psychological distress or suicidality. The findings suggest novel psychedelics may differ from classic psychedelics in their mental health associations, but more research is needed.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
August 1, 2024
James Jonathan Rucker, Claire Roberts, Mathieu Seynaeve et al.
32 citations
A new intranasal formulation of 5-MeO-DMT, called BPL-003, was tested in 44 healthy people who had never used psychedelics. Doses up to 12 mg were well tolerated, with no serious side effects; common mild effects included nasal discomfort, nausea, headache, and vomiting. The drug was absorbed quickly, reaching peak levels in about 8–10 minutes, and cleared from the body in under 27 minutes. Higher doses produced stronger subjective drug intensity and mystical experiences, with 60% of participants reporting a 'complete mystical experience' at 10 and 12 mg. The rapid onset and short duration suggest potential for treating conditions like depression.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
July 1, 2016
Deborah C Mash, Barbara Ameer, Delphine Prou et al.
29 citations
Oral noribogaine dose dependently reduced naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal signs in mice by up to 88% with an ED50 of 13 mg/kg. Noribogaine showed high brain penetration with a brain/blood ratio of 7±1 across all doses tested. In rats, noribogaine up to 100 mg/kg did not produce conditioned place preference, indicating it is not perceived as a hedonic stimulus. Retrospective review of ibogaine studies suggests that differences in route of administration and testing time explain literature discrepancies. Noribogaine, not ibogaine, likely mediates withdrawal-blocking effects and may offer a non-addictive alternative to opiate replacement therapies.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
June 1, 2015
Qing Chang, Taleen Hanania, Deborah C Mash et al.
26 citations
Noribogaine, a drug that acts on opioid receptors, nicotinic receptors, and serotonin transporters, was tested for its ability to reduce nicotine self-administration in adult male rats. After training to self-administer nicotine intravenously, rats received oral doses of noribogaine (12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg), vehicle, varenicline, or saline. Noribogaine dose-dependently decreased nicotine self-administration by up to 64% compared to saline-treated levels, matching the effectiveness of 1.7 mg/kg varenicline. At the highest dose, noribogaine reduced food pellet self-administration by only 23%, indicating greater specificity for nicotine. The findings suggest noribogaine may be a promising treatment for nicotine dependence.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
May 1, 2024
Arman Shafiee, Razman Arabzadeh Bahri, Mohammad Ali Rafiei et al.
21 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies found that people who consume psychedelics have higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) than healthy controls, with a pooled standardized mean difference of 0.26. This suggests psychedelics may influence neuroplasticity by altering BDNF, potentially enhancing synaptic plasticity and neuron growth. However, due to limited data, the conclusions remain uncertain, and more research with larger samples is needed.