Kosmos
August 8, 2024
Agnieszka Bysiek
MDMA, first synthesized in 1912, was rediscovered in the 1970s for its empathogenic and anti-anxiety qualities, leading to its use as a psychotherapy adjunct for anxiety disorders and trauma. Despite being outlawed in 1985 due to recreational overuse, its positive effects and lack of negative side effects kept it in psychiatric underground use. Current research and clinical trials in many countries aim to confirm its efficacy as an adjunct therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with relatively small side effects. As of 2023, only Australia has legalized MDMA for psychotherapy in patients with severe PTSD.
Kosmos
August 8, 2024
Maciej Lorenc
Interest in using psychedelics to treat depression and addiction has grown over the past decade, sparking new research. This work recounts the history of psychedelic experiments in the 1950s and 1960s, their international prohibition in the 1970s, and the revival of medical research in the 21st century. It discusses possible mechanisms behind their therapeutic effects, associated risks, and changing legal status in some countries. The text predicts the emergence of a new medical field based on classic psychedelics and their novel analogs.
Kosmos
August 8, 2024
Izabela Szpręgiel
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic substance, has been studied for years for its potential to treat psychiatric disorders. The pineal gland is the most researched site for endogenous DMT synthesis, but the molecule's role remains unclear, and its association with the pineal gland in humans is debated. Ayahuasca, which contains DMT, has known entheogenic effects and may also have therapeutic potential. Determining DMT's synthesis pathway and brain function requires further research to clarify its controversial action.
Kosmos
August 8, 2024
Marta Wrzosek, Małgorzata Wrzosek
Whether psychedelics enhance creativity is a common but methodologically challenging question. This work examines the difficulties in testing creativity and reviews attempts to measure it by analyzing characteristic changes in visual artworks created under altered states of perception. The authors discuss the complexities of defining and quantifying creativity, highlighting the limitations of existing research approaches.
Kosmos
August 8, 2024
Kataryzna Kamińska
Psychedelics are likely the oldest class of pharmacological compounds used by humans, with archaeological findings revealing their ancient use to enhance mystical and religious experiences. They were used by civilizations such as the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. Today, research into psychedelics for medical conditions is ongoing worldwide, but their form and capabilities are closely tied to national legislation.
Kosmos
August 8, 2024
Krystyna Gołembiowska, K. Kamińska
Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, and LSD alter consciousness, perception, and produce hallucinations through serotonergic pharmacodynamic effects. These compounds profoundly affect neuroplasticity—altering neuronal structure and function. Their psychoplastogenic properties suggest potential for treating depression, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, recovery after stroke, and schizophrenia. The role of microdosing, defined as 10% of the dose that elicits psychedelic effects, requires extensive further investigation.
Kosmos
August 8, 2024
Krystyna Gołembiowska
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