Psychiatria Danubina
November 17, 2021
Nileswar Das
3 citations
The debate over cannabis decriminalization in India is complicated by the risk of dependence and psychosis, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Endocannabinoids guide neuronal development in the central nervous system, and heavy exposure to external cannabinoids may disrupt this process, increasing the likelihood of pro-psychotic experiences. Animal and human studies show that chronic cannabis use leads to abnormal activation of brain areas involved in psychosis and schizophrenia. This review proposes an 'aberrant neurostimulation model' to explain how cannabis might cause or precipitate psychosis, highlighting individual vulnerabilities and potential therapeutic approaches. Future well-designed placebo-controlled studies are needed for more definitive answers.
Psychiatria Danubina
July 17, 2024
Astrid Kaiserman, Charles Kornreich, Laetitia Vanderijst
1 citation
Psychedelics are being re-evaluated for therapeutic use, with psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) showing positive effects on depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening diseases. PAT appears safe and feasible in clinical settings, with preliminary evidence of immediate and partially sustained improvements in mood symptoms. One trial found no significant difference in efficacy between PAT and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The studies reviewed suggest PAT induces neuroplasticity and may help change inflexible thinking patterns. However, larger, more diverse studies with better controls for expectancy are needed to confirm these promising results.
Psychiatria Danubina
April 1, 2026
Ksenija Popadić
Research on meditation for mental health faces key challenges: meditation covers diverse practices with different techniques, goals, and outcomes, making comparisons difficult. Standardizing protocols and operationalizing the specific type of meditation are proposed solutions. Meditators vary in experience, motivation, and characteristics, so tracking participant traits and stratifying samples in quantitative studies is essential. Repeated measurements often yield inconsistent results due to methodological shortcomings and lack of a theoretical framework. Defining measurable outcomes specific to research goals is necessary, and combining qualitative with quantitative methods helps capture subjective experiences. Interdisciplinary research incorporating psychology, philosophy, anthropology, neuroscience, biology, sociology, and comparative cultural and religious studies is recommended to better understand meditation's impact on mental processes, personality, and behavior, and to improve its application in mental health.
Psychiatria Danubina
August 1, 2025
Tonći Mastelić, Trpimir Glavina
Psychedelics are gaining popularity in psychiatric science and society for therapeutic use. An overview of the literature shows that while some research results are promising, they are not yet solid. The social context is dominantly optimistic, but potential problems and pitfalls lie ahead in legalization and clinical introduction. Current knowledge calls for caution, and maintaining a critical view with wider social discussion is necessary.