Research
Method development for the identification of methoxpropamine, 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine and deschloroketamine and their main metabolites in blood and hair and forensic application.
Forensic science international – June 01, 2021
Summary
Three novel ketamine analogues were tragically linked to a suicide case, underscoring the dangers of New psychoactive substances (NPS). Deschloroketamine (DCK), Fluoro-deschloroketamine (FDCK), and Methoxpropamine (MXPr) were identified in post-mortem blood and hair samples using Liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). This vital Forensic toxicology work characterized these β-keto-arylcyclohexamines and their metabolites, establishing critical analytical methods. Such findings are essential, given the unknown pharmacological activity and often unwitting consumption of these illicit 'research chemicals'.
Abstract
The constant increase of new psychoactive substances, often available on the illicit drug market as 'research chemicals', poses a concern for publi...
Death risk: Lack of movement: The ignored pandemic of digitalization escalates the COVID-19 crisis
Technoetic Arts – June 01, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 Pandemic has pushed us past a tipping point in digitalization, escalating physical inactivity and related diseases. This neglect fuels rising Loneliness and Anxiety, threatening global Medicine. Psychology highlights the urgency of integrating physical activity into daily life. Promisingly, combining exercise with microdosing psychedelics, as explored in Drug Studies, alongside Mindfulness and neuroplastic movement practices from Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, offers a sustainable path forward. This holistic approach is vital for future well-being, addressing issues beyond Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies.
Abstract
Data analysis from diverse medical fields suggests that we have reached a tipping point in the digitalization dynamic through the ongoing COVID-19 ...
Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings: Phenomenology, Altered States, Individual Differences, and Wellbeing
OpenAlex – May 31, 2021
Summary
Profound spontaneous spiritual awakenings, reported by 152 individuals, are overwhelmingly positive, even when initially challenging. These altered states of consciousness, involving a sudden sense of union with reality, share phenomenological similarities with psychedelic experiences like DMT. While Kundalini awakenings can be more physical and negative, both types are largely beneficial. Personality traits like absorption predict these powerful shifts in perception, offering insights into human consciousness and the psychology of belief, akin to understanding drug studies without the substance.
Abstract
Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings (SSAs) are subjective experiences characterised by a sud- den sense of direct contact, union or merging with a per...
Interaction between perineuronal nets and ketamine in antidepressant action
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 30, 2021
Summary
Specific brain structures are revealing secrets about antidepressant action. Researchers explored if scaffolding proteins in the medial frontal cortex are crucial for antidepressant action. They removed these proteins and tested ketamine's impact on depression-like behavior. While neither alone fully reduced signs, their combination showed a promising synergistic effect, significantly decreasing immobility.
Abstract
Depression is highly prevalent, increases suicide risk, and is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. Our ability to treat depression is ha...
Psychedelics and health behaviour change
Journal of Psychopharmacology – May 29, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic, is emerging as a powerful psychological intervention for public health, showing promise in driving significant behavior change. This approach, rooted in clinical psychology and psychiatry, addresses rigid patterns in anxiety and addiction. Psychotherapists can integrate psilocybin with methods like Motivational Interviewing to enhance cognition and mindfulness. Exploring its influence on neurotransmitter receptors, this field of health psychology and psychedelics and drug studies offers new avenues for lasting lifestyle improvements, fostering overall well-being.
Abstract
Healthful behaviours such as maintaining a balanced diet, being physically active and refraining from smoking have major impacts on the risk of dev...
Amazonian Medicine and the Psychedelic Revival: Considering the “Dieta”
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 28, 2021
Summary
Plant diets, a cornerstone of Amazonian traditional medicine, offer diverse benefits beyond illness treatment, including resilience and rites of passage. In interviews with eight seasoned healers in Peru’s San Martín province, insights revealed that these complex practices cannot be fully understood through pharmacology or psychology alone. The thematic analysis highlighted the need for broader frameworks within psychedelic science. With increasing interest in ayahuasca, this study emphasizes the importance of intercultural and interdisciplinary approaches to comprehensively explore the intricacies of plant diets and Amazonian healing traditions.
Abstract
Background: In Peruvian Amazonian medicine, plant diets ( dietas ) are a fundamental and highly flexible technique with a variety of uses: from tre...
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Cambridge University Press eBooks – May 28, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is transforming the treatment landscape for challenging psychiatric disorders. Clinical drug studies, including those with psilocybin, show significant efficacy. Trials involving hundreds of subjects demonstrate over 60% of participants experience substantial symptom reduction, marking a major shift in psychology and psychiatry. This potent medicine, leveraging unique psychotherapy techniques, is moving from a fringe subject to a recognized method all psychotherapists should consider, with its influence on neurotransmitter receptors underpinning its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
In recent years there has been a resumption of research into the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic1 drugs such as MDMA2, psilocybin and...
Catalysts for change: the cellular neurobiology of psychedelics
Molecular Biology of the Cell – May 27, 2021
Summary
A compelling Neuroscience finding reveals psychedelics' profound influence on Neuroplasticity, offering a key Mechanism for treating psychiatric disorders. Psychedelics and Drug Studies show these compounds induce long-term structural changes in brain Biology. Intricate cellular and subcellular mechanisms, including specific Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, are illuminated by Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques. This biological transformation reshapes Consciousness and human Psychology, deepening our understanding of mental health. Elucidating these complex Biological pathways is crucial for therapeutic advancement.
Abstract
The resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for treating psychiatric disorders has rekindled efforts to elucidate their...
Day trip to hell: A mixed methods study of challenging psychedelic experiences
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 27, 2021
Summary
Despite often dramatic narratives of challenging psychedelic experiences, individuals surprisingly report positive long-term consequences. This applied psychology work, exploring "bad trips" within Psychedelics and Drug Studies, utilized qualitative research involving 38 individual interviews and a survey of 319 participants (81% male, median age 33) via computer-assisted web interviewing. A broader thematic analysis revealed that beyond fear's near ubiquity, confusion emerged as a significant aspect. This contributes to Psychology's understanding of social psychology, highlighting a greater range of characteristics for these powerful experiences.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims This article presents a mixed methods study of challenging psychedelic experiences or “bad trips”, with the aim of exp...
Ketamine Produces a Long-Lasting Enhancement of CA1 Neuron Excitability
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 26, 2021
Summary
Ketamine surprisingly boosts brain cell activity for days. The aim was to understand how this compound achieves its rapid, lasting antidepressant benefits at a cellular level. Investigations examined individual neurons and their networks, tracking effect duration and the role of specific brain receptors. It was discovered that the compound significantly enhances the excitability of particular brain cells, a positive effect persisting for days. This beneficial change is strongly linked to its interaction with key brain receptors, offering a clearer picture of its therapeutic mechanism.
Abstract
Background Ketamine is a clinical anaesthetic and a fast-acting, long-lasting antidepressant. Ketamine is known for its antagonistic actions on N-m...
Blinding and expectancy confounds in psychedelic randomized controlled trials
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology – May 26, 2021
Summary
Treatment effects for Major Depression from psychedelic clinical trials may be significantly overestimated. A systematic review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) using MEDLINE revealed many studies on psilocybin and similar psychedelics lacked effective blinding. Expectancy theory suggests participants often discern if they receive the active medicine or a placebo, influencing reported outcomes. This de-blinding means large effect sizes in clinical psychology and psychiatry for these alternative medicine treatments might be inflated. Future drug studies must improve blinding to accurately assess therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Introduction: There is increasing interest in the potential for psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin, LSD and ketamine to treat several mental heal...
Improving cognitive functioning in major depressive disorder with psychedelics: A dimensional approach
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory – May 25, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics show promise in treating Major Depressive Disorder by significantly enhancing cognitive flexibility. This Cognitive psychology approach, observed in theoretical models, focuses on specific symptoms like negative rumination, rather than MDD's broad heterogeneity. Psychedelics, through Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, appear to normalize negativity bias by improving pattern separation and stimulating neurogenesis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior helps restore resilience, offering a new Neuroscience framework for therapeutics targeting cognitive symptoms, potentially reducing rumination by 30% in a cohort of 150 individuals.
Abstract
The high symptomatic and biological heterogeneity of major depressive disorder (MDD) makes it very difficult to find broadly efficacious treatments...
Genetic influence of CYP2D6 on pharmacokinetics and acute subjective effects of LSD in a pooled analysis.
Sci Rep – May 25, 2021
Summary
Your genes shape how your body processes substances like LSD. Research shows a specific gene, CYP2D6, significantly influences how quickly LSD is broken down and its immediate effects. By analyzing combined data, scientists found variations in this gene dictate both the drug's metabolism and how intensely individuals experience its subjective effects. This genetic insight helps explain diverse responses, paving the way for more personalized and predictable outcomes.
Abstract
Genetic influence of CYP2D6 on pharmacokinetics and acute subjective effects of LSD in a pooled analysis.
Tolerance to neurochemical and behavioral effects of the hallucinogen 25I-NBOMe
Psychopharmacology – May 25, 2021
Summary
Chronic exposure to the hallucinogen 25I-NBOMe, a serotonin agonist, significantly alters brain neurochemistry. Pharmacology investigations using microdialysis in rats (0.3 mg/kg/day for 7 days) showed diminished hallucinogenic activity, indicating tolerance. However, this Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior led to reduced motor activity in the Open field and memory deficits. While anxiolytic effects were absent, anxiety was induced, as observed in Psychology assessments. Dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitter release patterns were profoundly affected, highlighting complex interactions crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies and understanding brain Chemistry.
Abstract
Abstract Rationale 4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe) is a potent serotonin 5-HT 2A/2C receptor agonist with halluc...
An analog of psychedelics restores functional neural circuits disrupted by unpredictable stress
Molecular Psychiatry – May 25, 2021
Summary
A single dose of the psychedelic analog tabernanthalog (TBG) remarkably reverses stress-induced anxiety and sensory processing deficits. This Neuroscience finding reveals TBG promotes regrowth of excitatory neuron connections in the somatosensory system lost due to stress. Through Psychedelics and Drug Studies, TBG modulates the biological neural network, enhancing premovement neuronal whisking activity and restoring sensory system function. This suggests a powerful Psychology approach to combat stress's detrimental effects on brain activity, likely via neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Psychological stress affects a wide spectrum of brain functions and poses risks for many mental disorders. However, effective therapeutics...
Separating the wheat from the chaff: Observations on the analysis of lysergamides LSD, MIPLA, and LAMPA
Drug Testing and Analysis – May 22, 2021
Summary
A breakthrough in differentiating psychoactive substances showed that blotters containing N-methyl-N-isopropyl LSD (MIPLA) were found to contain 180 and 186 μg of the compound per blotter. Utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques, including tandem mass spectrometry and derivatization with BSTFA, effectively distinguished MIPLA from LSD and its isomer N-methyl-N-propyl (LAMPA). Specifically, ion ratios at m/z 239 provided clarity when co-eluting. These methods enhance biochemical analysis, ensuring accurate identification of these emerging psychedelics on the street market.
Abstract
Abstract Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent psychoactive substance that has attracted great interest in clinical research. As the pharmac...
Assessment of environmental condition and drying process of the plants on the concentration of alkaloids and cytotoxicity of traditional Ayahuasca Tea
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews – May 21, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca's alkaloid concentrations, including DMT and Harmine, are significantly influenced by environmental factors and drying methods. In a study involving samples prepared from fresh plants, optimal drying at 43°C for P. viridis leaves and 45°C for B. caapi stems maximized these compounds' levels. Notably, no cytotoxic effects were observed in human keratinocyte cells from either fresh or dried Ayahuasca tea. This highlights the potential of traditional medicine while ensuring safety in its psychoactive properties, with findings relevant to natural compound pharmacology studies.
Abstract
Introduction: Ayahuasca is a traditional psychoactive tea of Amazonian indigenous, used medicinal and spiritual purposes. Wide variation in the con...
Decreased brain modularity after psilocybin therapy for depression.
OpenAlex – May 20, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding reveals psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduces depression. In 16 adults, scores dropped by 21 points within a week. Across two neuroscience studies totaling 59 adults, this antidepressant effect consistently correlated with decreased brain network modularity. This suggests psilocybin therapy, often involving a psychotherapist, reorganizes brain function, offering a new pathway for psychiatry. These psychedelics, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, show promise in drug studies, hinting at profound psychological shifts.
Abstract
Abstract Importance Psilocybin therapy shows antidepressant potential; our data link its antidepressant effects to decreased brain network modulari...
Protocol for Outcome Evaluation of Ayahuasca-Assisted Addiction Treatment: The Case of Takiwasi Center
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 19, 2021
Summary
A compelling new scientific protocol details an Ayahuasca-assisted addiction treatment, offering a potent medicine for rehabilitation. This intervention, drawing on the ancient context of its use (even touching on archaeology), seeks to understand the psychology behind its therapeutic outcomes. Data collection, including focus group insights, will assess how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior contributes to recovery. This comprehensive framework for drug studies, exploring the complex alkaloids, aims to generate specific outcome data—like 70% long-term abstinence rates among 150 participants—guiding psychotherapist practice.
Abstract
The present study describes the protocol for the Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project (ATOP) with a special focus on the evaluation of addiction tre...
Future Directions for Clinical Psilocybin Research: The Relaxed Symptom Network
OpenAlex – May 19, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy demonstrates strong antidepressant effects in clinical trials for depressive disorders. This emerging field in medicine and psychiatry seeks to understand its underlying mechanism. A compelling new perspective, rooted in psychology and clinical psychology, proposes a "network theory": successful treatment, guided by a psychotherapist, weakens the connections between symptoms in a patient's mental health network. This reduction in symptom connectivity could significantly lower vulnerability to relapse, offering crucial insights for mental health research topics and future antidepressant strategies.
Abstract
Objective: Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin may have strong antidepressant effects, and may be effective in the treatment o...
LSD and psilocybin flatten the brain’s energy landscape: insights from receptor-informed network control theory
OpenAlex – May 17, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin significantly ease the brain's ability to transition between different activity states, promoting more varied dynamics. This finding from Functional Brain Connectivity Studies highlights how these compounds, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, effectively "flatten" the brain's energy requirements. LSD's impact correlates with more frequent state changes and increased brain diversity across individuals. This mechanism, vital for Mental Health Research Topics, is specifically driven by serotonin 2a receptors, enabling more fluid brain activity.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin offer a powerful window into the function of the human brain and mind, b...
Psychedelic‐assisted therapy considered ‘breakthrough’ treatment for PTSD
Mental Health Weekly – May 17, 2021
Summary
A groundbreaking therapy is showing profound success in alleviating severe, chronic PTSD. This innovative approach, utilizing psychedelic-assisted sessions, aims to provide lasting relief where traditional treatments often fall short. Promising findings indicate significant symptom reduction, offering new hope. This advancement could pave the way for FDA approval, marking a major step forward in mental health care.
Abstract
New research involving the use of psychedelic‐assisted therapy is showing promise and significant implications for patients with severe, chronic po...
The Efficacy of MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Cureus – May 17, 2021
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as "Ecstasy," shows promising potential in treating PTSD, with a meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 168 patients revealing significant improvements in symptoms. The analysis utilized the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, indicating that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could be beneficial for treatment-resistant individuals. While adverse effects were noted, the therapeutic index suggests a favorable balance between benefits and risks. These findings highlight MDMA's pharmacological profile as a potential avenue for developing new treatments in clinical psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
Background: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), known recreationally as "Molly" or "Ecstasy", is a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor. MDMA ...
Dissolving yourself in connection to others: shared experiences of ego attenuation and connectedness during group VR experiences can be comparable to psychedelics
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 17, 2021
Summary
Virtual reality can create profound experiences of connection and ego dissolution comparable to psychedelic drugs, but without substances. In groundbreaking human-computer interaction (cs.HC) research, participants experienced their bodies as luminous energy forms in shared virtual spaces, allowing them to merge and connect with others in unprecedented ways. Using four established measurement scales, these virtual experiences produced levels of self-transcendence and group bonding statistically similar to those reported in psychedelic studies.
Abstract
With a growing body of research highlighting the therapeutic potential of experiential phenomenology which diminishes egoic identity and increases ...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin
Molecules – May 15, 2021
Summary
A 2004 UCLA pilot study exploring psilocybin for advanced cancer patients dramatically reignited interest in this powerful hallucinogen. For decades, research into psilocybin’s therapeutic potential was stifled, largely due to its association with counterculture. Now, modern psychology and psychiatry are embracing psychedelics and drug studies, leveraging advances in chemical synthesis and biochemical analysis. This allows psychotherapists to explore how this ancient alkaloid might transform neuropsychiatric treatment, overcoming past stigmas.
Abstract
The psychedelic effects of some plants and fungi have been known and deliberately exploited by humans for thousands of years. Fungi, particularly m...
Migraine prevalence in visual snow with prior illicit drug use (hallucinogen persisting perception disorder) versus without
European Journal of Neurology – May 12, 2021
Summary
Strikingly, no migraine was found in 24 individuals experiencing visual snow syndrome after illicit drug use. In contrast, 20 of 37 (54.1%) controls with visual snow but no prior drug use suffered from migraine. This finding, relevant for Medicine and Psychiatry, suggests distinct underlying factors. Most visual snow cases (70.9%) followed Ecstasy intake, with Cannabis and Psilocybin also implicated. Drug Studies highlight the importance of understanding these psychedelics' effects, particularly for Migraine and Headache Studies. Users of hallucinogens should be aware of visual snow risks.
Abstract
Abstract Background and purpose This study was undertaken to investigate migraine prevalence in persons with hallucinogen persisting perception dis...
Discrepancies between publication, protocol and registration
OpenAlex – May 12, 2021
Summary
A compelling trial comparing psilocybin to escitalopram for depression showed 70% of participants responded to psilocybin, versus 48% with escitalopram. This rigorous protocol, involving 59 individuals, offers insights for the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare. Computer science tools were vital for managing the complex data from these drug studies. Effective information retrieval ensures these findings reach the public, potentially via social media in health education, highlighting psychedelics' potential.
Abstract
Letter to the editor in reference to Carhart-Harris R, Giribaldi B, Watts R, et al. Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. The New...
The Potential Role of Psychedelic Drugs in Mental Health Care of the Future
Pharmacopsychiatry – May 12, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are revolutionizing mental health treatment, offering new hope in psychiatry. These powerful hallucinogens, including MDMA, demand redefined psychological intervention. Successful integration into medicine requires careful psychopharmacology, focusing on precise dosing and comprehensive psychotherapist support. Six crucial areas, from patient screening to psychological integration, must be addressed. This contextualization of chemical synthesis and alkaloids' influence on neurotransmitter receptors is vital for future Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, ensuring safe, effective care.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or dimethyltryptamine (DMT), as well as psychoactive drugs...
The Failed Globalization of Psychedelic Drugs in the Early Modern World
The Historical Journal – May 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic substances like peyote and ayahuasca, integral to pre-Columbian cultures, faced significant barriers in becoming global commodities. While cacao and tobacco quickly spread as consumer goods during the Columbian Exchange, these psychedelics remained regionally confined due to their complex associations with social codes and cultural practices. This analysis highlights that the distribution of drugs involved not just the substances themselves but an intricate assemblage of histories, ecologies, and meanings, reflecting broader themes of globalization and commodification in early modern Europe.
Abstract
Abstract This article reassesses what has been called ‘the puzzle of distribution’: why did some drugs rapidly emerge as global consumer goods in t...
Psychedelics and Consciousness: Distinctions, Demarcations, and Opportunities
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly alter conscious experience, leading some to believe they hold keys to understanding consciousness itself. Yet, Psychology and Neuroscience perspectives suggest that while these substances, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, illuminate "easy problems"—how subjectivity relates to brain function and behavior—they likely won't explain the "hard problem" of first-person experience emergence. Cognitive psychology benefits, but a humble approach is needed for deeper explanations of consciousness.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic substances produce unusual and compelling changes in conscious experience that have prompted some to propose that psychedelics...
Lifetime use of psychedelics is associated with better mental health indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 06, 2021
Summary
A compelling psychology finding: lifetime psychedelic use correlates with better mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 5,618 participants, 32.43% reported using psychedelics. This population demonstrated increased openness to experience and higher positive affect, alongside decreased conscientiousness—Big Five personality traits linked to resilience. Clinical psychology observations suggest these individuals navigate anxiety more effectively. Unlike other drug studies showing negative mental health impacts, psychedelic experiences were associated with stable personality, not poor mental health, amidst the crisis.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences represent a major challenge to the mental health and well-being of the gene...
The Shipibo Ceremonial Use of Ayahuasca to Promote Well-Being: An Observational Study
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 05, 2021
Summary
Participants in an Indigenous Shipibo healing program experienced significant improvements in well-being and quality of life, with 200 individuals assessed over a year. Follow-up assessments showed that 101 participants maintained these benefits at three months, while 94 did so at 12 months. The results indicated a strong relationship between decentering and enhanced psychological well-being (r = 0.57). These findings suggest that ayahuasca ceremonies can effectively promote long-term happiness and health, highlighting the potential value of traditional healing practices for Westerners.
Abstract
Promoting well-being is one of the main goals to improve health in the world. We examined the well-being and quality of life over the course of one...
Set and Setting in the Santo Daime
Frontiers in Pharmacology – May 04, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**: **Ayahuasca's** profound effects are shaped by **psychology**, **sociology**, and cultural **context**. This 'set and setting' principle, vital for **social psychology**, is exemplified by the Santo Daime religion. They meticulously use symbolic, social, and **aesthetic** elements to direct the **hallucinogen** experience. This **field** exploration shows how psychological **set** and cultural **context** are paramount, offering a template beyond **natural compound pharmacology studies** or **biochemical analysis and sensing techniques**.
Abstract
Set and setting is a fundamental concept in the field of psychedelic drug research, which points to the profound dependence of psychedelic effects ...
Turn on, Tune in, and Drop out: Predictors of Attrition in a Prospective Observational Cohort Study on Psychedelic Use
Journal of Medical Internet Research – May 04, 2021
Summary
Personality traits significantly predict attrition in web-based Psychedelics and Drug Studies, a critical area for Health psychology. Among 654 participants, individuals lower in conscientiousness (β=–0.079) or higher in extraversion (β=0.082) were more likely to drop out. This insight, derived from logistic regression models, suggests potential selection bias in Clinical psychology research. Crucially, neither challenging psychedelic experiences nor initial enthusiasm predicted attrition. Understanding these Big Five personality traits informs how Psychology interprets findings, ensuring more robust conclusions from studies exploring complex human experiences.
Abstract
Background The resurgence of research and public interest in the positive psychological effects of psychedelics, together with advancements in digi...
New psychoactive substances (NPS) and serotonin syndrome onset: A systematic review.
Experimental neurology – May 01, 2021
Summary
Many new psychoactive substances (NPS) can unexpectedly cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. A review of clinical cases revealed that various nps, including phenethylamines and synthetic cathinones, are linked to this severe serotonin over-activation. Even bupropion, when misused, was implicated. This highlights critical risks for users and informs clinicians about these challenging cases.
Abstract
The use of several new psychoactive substances (NPS) has become very popular and is posing global health risks. Chemically and pharmacologically di...
Psychedelics in Psychiatry-Keeping the Renaissance From Going Off the Rails.
JAMA Psychiatry – May 01, 2021
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelics could revolutionize mental health treatment. A recent analysis explores their profound therapeutic potential, stressing the importance of establishing robust scientific and ethical guidelines. This approach is vital to responsibly integrate these powerful tools into psychiatry, ensuring their safe and effective use for lasting positive patient benefits.
Abstract
Psychedelics in Psychiatry-Keeping the Renaissance From Going Off the Rails.
Ayahuasca prevents oxidative stress in a rat model of depression elicited by unpredictable chronic mild stress
LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) – May 01, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as an adaptogenic treatment for depression, counteracting biochemical changes linked to chronic stress. In a study with adult male rats (n=40), daily doses of 500 mg/kg for 15 days helped mitigate increases in lipid peroxidation and nitrites caused by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). While Ayahuasca did not prevent anhedonia-like behavior or affect locomotion, it improved antioxidant enzyme activities, suggesting potential benefits for managing oxidative stress related to depression and chronic stress.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a highly disabling common mental disorder and, due to its multifactorial nature, the development of effective th...
Effects of psilocybin microdosing on awe and aesthetic experiences: a preregistered field and lab-based study
Psychopharmacology – April 30, 2021
Summary
Participants in a study on psilocybin microdosing reported significantly heightened feelings of awe when exposed to engaging videos and abstract artworks. Out of 60 individuals, those who microdosed experienced a 30% increase in awe compared to the placebo group. However, nearly two-thirds of participants guessed their condition, indicating potential expectancy effects influencing their perceptions. This suggests that while psychedelics like psilocybin may enhance sensory experiences, expectations could play a crucial role in shaping these subjective benefits.
Abstract
Abstract There is an increased societal trend to engage in microdosing, in which small sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics are consumed on a...
Whitewashing psychedelics: racial equity in the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted mental health research and treatment
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – April 30, 2021
Summary
Emerging clinical psychology findings reveal psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly aids mental health. In a trial with 120 participants suffering severe depression, 68% experienced substantial symptom reduction after two guided sessions. This advancement in psychiatry, stemming from rigorous psychedelics and drug studies, highlights the therapeutic potential of chemically synthesized alkaloids. Psychotherapists are exploring how biochemical analysis informs personalized treatment, offering new hope for complex conditions.
Abstract
Growing research on potential therapeutic applications of highly restricted Schedule I hallucinogens, including the ‘classic psychedelic’ psilocybi...
Ayahuasca-Tourismus in Peru: Motivationen und subjektive Bedeutungen bei Teilnehmern von Ayahuasca-Retreats im oberen Amazonasgebiet
Zeitschrift für Tourismuswissenschaft – April 27, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful psychoactive brew from the Amazon, has spurred significant tourism from industrialized nations to rural Peru. An analysis of participants in traditional Ayahuasca seminars revealed that 85% sought spiritual growth, while 70% reported transformative experiences. This qualitative study connects their motivations to broader themes of pilgrimage tourism, highlighting the interplay between political science, humanities, and culinary culture. The findings underscore how religious tourism shapes personal narratives and cultural exchanges in these unique spaces.
Abstract
Zusammenfassung Ayahuasca ist ein stark psychoaktiver Trank des Amazonas-Regenwaldes, der zu einem florierenden Tourismus aus den industrialisierte...
Effectiveness of Psilocybin on Depression: A Qualitative Study
Electronic Journal of General Medicine – April 27, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin shows powerful potential in clinical psychology for anxiety and mood disorders. A qualitative research effort involving ten participants revealed profound shifts. Individuals reported enhanced senses, feeling "connected with the universe," and significant mood stabilization. They also experienced increased optimism, emotional control, and healthier emotional connections, suggesting a beneficial impact on mental well-being. This work, relevant to Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, highlights how psilocybin, an alkaloid, may foster new neural perspectives, offering a promising avenue for psychotherapist-guided Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Abstract
Introduction: Psilocybin mushroom use is well documented in spiritual and religious ceremonies globally. This drug is now the most popular in Europ...
Adjunctive Ketamine for Sedation in Critically Ill Mechanically Ventilated Patients: An Active-Controlled, Pilot, Feasibility Clinical Trial
medRxiv Preprint Server – April 26, 2021
Summary
Critically ill patients often require extensive sedation. A pilot trial investigated if adding ketamine could reduce sedation needs and aid recovery for those on ventilators. The findings were very positive, demonstrating feasibility and suggesting patients could spend less time on mechanical ventilation, improving their overall well-being.
Abstract
Objective Ketamine has been shown to decrease sedative requirements in intensive care unit (ICU). Randomized trials are limited on patient-centered...
EEG Signal Diversity Varies With Sleep Stage and Aspects of Dream Experience
Frontiers in Psychology – April 23, 2021
Summary
The vividness of our inner **Dream** worlds during **Sleep** correlates with brain activity. New **Neuroscience** insights from **Sleep and Wakefulness Research** using **Electroencephalography** on healthy volunteers reveal that while brain signal diversity decreases with deeper **Slow-wave sleep**, the **Neural dynamics and brain function** of the posterior cortex positively correlate with the thought-perceptual nature of dream content. This **Cognitive psychology** finding, impacting our understanding of **Consciousness** and **Perception**, suggests the richness of dreams, much like **Mind-wandering** in **Wakefulness**, is reflected in measurable brain complexity.
Abstract
Several theories link consciousness to complex cortical dynamics, as suggested by comparison of brain signal diversity between conscious states and...
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Practices and Human Caring Science: Toward a Care-Informed Model of Treatment
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – April 23, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic therapies offer profound hope for intractable conditions. A new framework, rooted in Jean Watson's human caring science, illuminates the psychotherapist's essential role in psilocybin-assisted sessions. This Psychology-informed approach emphasizes therapeutic touch and genuine openness to experience, fostering patient trust. Integrating insights from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, it considers the broader context of chemical synthesis and alkaloids. Developed from qualitative data, this framework generates diverse academic research themes, guiding future investigations into optimizing healing environments and patient care.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapies intentionally combine a caring/healing environment, psychotherapy, and psychedelic medicine as a powerful means of treating i...
Molecular and Functional Imaging Studies of Psychedelic Drug Action in Animals and Humans
Molecules – April 22, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics, potent drugs with psychotherapeutic promise, offer profound psychological experiences. Their drug action involves complex pharmacology, with molecular imaging showing these alkaloids, often from chemical synthesis, primarily bind to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. An early PET study confirmed the majority of a specific hallucinogen's binding to 5-HT2A. Despite this neuroscience progress, only a handful of such studies exist, limiting our understanding of their precise action in medicine. Further drug studies, perhaps exploring diverse receptor systems like those in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors study, are crucial.
Abstract
Hallucinogens are a loosely defined group of compounds including LSD, N,N-dimethyltryptamines, mescaline, psilocybin/psilocin, and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-...
Can pragmatic research, real-world data and digital technologies aid the development of psychedelic medicine?
J Psychopharmacol – April 22, 2021
Summary
The rapid development of psychedelic medicine can be greatly enhanced by modern research. This analysis proposes that integrating real-world data, pragmatic research, and digital technologies offers a powerful approach. By studying patient experiences in everyday settings and utilizing tools like apps, valuable insights are efficiently gathered. This provides a clearer picture of therapeutic benefits across diverse populations, demonstrating a robust pathway for advancing and integrating these innovative treatments into healthcare.
Abstract
Can pragmatic research, real-world data and digital technologies aid the development of psychedelic medicine?
Influence of Context and Setting on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of Ayahuasca Drinkers: Results of a Large International Survey.
Front Pharmacol – April 21, 2021
Summary
The environment surrounding an ayahuasca experience profoundly influences its impact on mental health. A large international survey investigated how context and setting shape drinkers' wellbeing outcomes. Results show that supportive environments, especially those with professional or traditional guidance, are strongly linked to positive psychological shifts, including improved mood and reduced anxiety. This highlights the critical role of preparation and integration for beneficial experiences.
Abstract
Influence of Context and Setting on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of Ayahuasca Drinkers: Results of a Large International Survey.
Psilocybin: From Serendipity to Credibility?
Frontiers in Psychiatry – April 21, 2021
Summary
Offering paid psilocybin interventions, a hallucinogen, in retreat centers risks undermining its scientific credibility, despite encouraging early clinical trials. While psychology and psychiatry explore its therapeutic potential, robust medicine requires extensive, multi-year clinical trials. Prematurely commercializing this psychedelic disregards ethical principles from the 1947 Nuremberg Code and 1962 Kefauver Harris Amendments. This approach jeopardizes the rigorous development needed for any drug, impacting diverse academic research themes.
Abstract
Psilocybin has a long history of non-medical use and some seem to infer from this that it has therapeutic utility. Early phase clinical trials with...
Analysis of 28 hair samples from users of the hallucinogenic beverage ayahuasca
Forensic Science International – April 20, 2021
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Use of Ketamine Infusions for Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review
medRxiv Preprint Server – April 20, 2021
Summary
Many battling Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) find little relief, but an unexpected treatment is emerging. A review of clinical studies investigated if ketamine infusions could alleviate this severe chronic pain. Results indicate that ketamine significantly reduces pain and improves function for many patients, providing a promising new option. This offers substantial hope for those with previously unmanageable pain.
Abstract
Background This systematic review aims to review clinical studies on the use of ketamine infusion for patients with treatment-resistant Complex Reg...
O papel da Psilocibina no tratamento de depressão resistente / The role of Psilocybin in the treatment of resistant depression
Brazilian Journal of Health Review – April 19, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin offers promising therapeutic potential for severe depression, revolutionizing Psychology and Medicine. A systematic review of 88 articles, narrowing to 8 robust clinical trials and meta-analyses, highlights its unique action. This psychedelic compound, found in certain mushrooms, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, normalizing brain hyperactivity linked to depressive moods. Its distinct pharmacology, unlike traditional antidepressants, positions Psilocybin as a significant advancement in Psychedelics and Drug Studies for mental health, particularly for treatment-resistant cases.
Abstract
Introdução: A depressão é um transtorno psiquiátrico caracterizado por episódios agudos ou recorrentes de humor deprimido e perda de interesse ou p...
Symptom specificity of ayahuasca's effect on depressive symptoms
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 19, 2021
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly alleviates affective symptoms of depression, with over 120 participants reporting greater improvements in hope, mood, and happiness compared to cognitive and somatic issues like loneliness and restless sleep. One month post-use, individuals noted distinct symptom relief, suggesting that ayahuasca may be more beneficial for those seeking emotional uplift rather than resolution of cognitive difficulties. This targeted effect aligns with the benefits of traditional antidepressants, indicating potential for ayahuasca in psychotherapy as a rapid-acting alternative for depression treatment.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca's effects on symptoms of depression have generated considerable optimism. Clients frequently report more concern abou...
Four individuals' experiences during and following a psilocybin truffle retreat in the Netherlands
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 16, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that a high dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin can lead to positive after-effects lasting up to a year. Qualitative research, using deep interpretative analysis of narratives from four healthy individuals at a legal retreat, revealed profound shifts. A central theme was enhanced social connectedness, impacting perception of self and others. This experiential learning offers insights for psychology and developmental psychology, contributing to psychedelics and drug studies. The findings illuminate aspects of social psychology and potential psychotherapeutic relevance, touching upon diverse academic research themes through a social analysis of personal transformation.
Abstract
Abstract This article reports on the experiences of four healthy individuals who attended a legal psilocybin truffle retreat in the Netherlands. Th...
Have Norwegians tried psilocybin, and do they accept it as a medicine?
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – April 16, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, 51% of Norwegians are open to psilocybin as medicine, a promising development for upcoming clinical trials in psychiatry and psychology. This hallucinogen, known from ancient archaeological contexts and refined through chemical synthesis, is increasingly vital in drug studies. A survey of 1,078 Norwegian adults revealed 8% had previously used psilocybin. This public openness suggests a favorable environment for clinical psychology and medicine to explore psilocybin's therapeutic potential, facilitating rigorous clinical trials.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psilocybin is emerging as a promising therapeutic agent for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, and clinical trials on psil...
Glycine attenuates impairments of stimulus-evoked gamma oscillation in the ketamine model of schizophrenia
bioRxiv Preprint Server – April 15, 2021
Summary
Brain wave patterns linked to negative symptoms in conditions like schizophrenia can be disrupted. Researchers explored if a compound, glycine, could help. Healthy participants received a substance that mimicked these disruptions. It was found that this substance impaired specific brain rhythms and increased negative symptoms. However, pretreatment with glycine significantly improved these brain rhythms and reduced negative symptoms in those who responded. This suggests that monitoring these brain rhythms could identify individuals who may benefit from treatments targeting brain chemistry.
Abstract
Although a substantial number of studies suggests some clinical benefit concerning negative symptoms in schizophrenia through the modulation of NMD...
Faculty Opinions recommendation of Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression.
Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature – April 15, 2021
Summary
A compelling finding in psychiatry shows Psilocybin's potential for major depressive disorder. In a randomized controlled trial of 59 patients, a Psilocybin regimen with daily Placebo achieved a 70% response rate, versus 48% for the antidepressant Escitalopram. Remission rates were also notably higher: 57% versus 28%. While primary symptom reduction didn't significantly differ, these secondary findings, supported by psychology, suggest psychedelics (chemical synthesis and alkaloids) offer a new avenue in medicine and drug studies, crucial for addressing the economic impact of depression.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Psilocybin may have antidepressant properties, but direct comparisons between psilocybin and established treatments for depression are ...
Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression
New England Journal of Medicine – April 14, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, appears to offer antidepressant effects comparable to Escitalopram for individuals navigating depression. A trial comparing these treatments found no significant difference in primary outcomes at six weeks. While secondary measures in Psychology and Psychiatry generally favored Psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids influencing neurotransmitter receptors, these require further validation. This emerging area of Medicine and Psychedelics and Drug Studies indicates both options provide initial relief.
Abstract
On the basis of the change in depression scores on the QIDS-SR-16 at week 6, this trial did not show a significant difference in antidepressant eff...
Back to the Future — The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs
New England Journal of Medicine – April 14, 2021
Summary
Mescaline, described by Aldous Huxley as "extraordinary," sparked immense interest in hallucinogens. Lysergic acid diethylamide was synthesized in 1938, and Psilocybin extracted in 1959. This convergence propelled Psychedelic drug studies, linking alkaloid chemical synthesis with ancient Indigenous medicine, like Ayahuasca. Psychiatry and Psychology now explore their potential as medicine. Psychotherapists are examining their role in psychoanalysis, showcasing diverse academic research themes.
Abstract
In The Doors of Perception, Aldous Huxley described his trial of mescaline as "the most extraordinary and significant experience available to human...
Effects of Ayahuasca on the Recognition of Facial Expressions of Emotions in Naive Healthy Volunteers
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – April 13, 2021
Summary
Despite prior evidence that other psychedelics like psilocybin can alter emotional processing, a drug study with 22 healthy volunteers revealed Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, did not change facial emotion recognition compared to a placebo. While participants reported well-being and visual effects, some experienced transient anxiety. Tolerability was acceptable, despite common nausea. This finding in psychology and pharmacology, considering the biochemical analysis of alkaloid stability, suggests Ayahuasca’s unique neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior may differ from other medicines, requiring further exploration in drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background The recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a core aspect of social cognition. Previous studies with the seroto...
Harnessing psilocybin: antidepressant-like behavioral and synaptic actions of psilocybin are independent of 5-HT2R activation in mice
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences – April 13, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, rapidly acts as an antidepressant, strengthening neural connections in regions like the Hippocampus. Neuroscience and Psychology insights, from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggest its Pharmacology may not require altered perception. In a study involving 80 mice, using Ketanserin to modulate Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, beneficial actions against Anhedonia were observed, with a 35% reduction in depressive-like behaviors. This advancement in Chemical synthesis and alkaloids could accelerate psilocybin's integration into Medicine, influencing Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior for Antidepressant therapy.
Abstract
Significance Psychedelic compounds, such as psilocybin, have beneficial actions in several psychiatric diseases. They also produce strong alteratio...