Research
Discontinuation of medications classified as reuptake inhibitors affects treatment response of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
Psychopharmacology (Berl) – November 21, 2020
Summary
Optimizing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy hinges on how patients manage existing antidepressant medications. Research explored how the **discontinuation** of specific **medications**, known as **reuptake inhibitors**, impacts therapy. It revealed that patients who properly stopped these medications experienced a significantly enhanced **treatment response** to **MDMA-assisted psychotherapy**. This suggests that a thoughtful approach to medication management can greatly improve therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract
Discontinuation of medications classified as reuptake inhibitors affects treatment response of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
MDMA-induced changes in within-network connectivity contradict the specificity of these alterations for the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens
Neuropsychopharmacology – November 20, 2020
Summary
Serotonergic hallucinogens like LSD significantly alter brain connectivity, but this study reveals that non-hallucinogenic substances such as MDMA can induce similar effects. In a trial with 45 participants, those who took 125 mg of MDMA showed decreased connectivity in key networks, including the default mode network and visual areas. These changes mirrored those observed with hallucinogens, suggesting that monoaminergic stimulation affects brain connectivity broadly. This insight may help explain the antidepressant effects of certain psychoactive substances without requiring hallucinogenic experiences.
Abstract
Abstract It has been reported that serotonergic hallucinogens like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) induce decreases in functional connectivity wit...
Film and Recent Popular Culture
Cambridge University Press eBooks – November 19, 2020
Summary
Gustav Mahler, a 19th-century composer, surprisingly re-emerged as a counter-culture icon in the 1960s, fueled by his birth centenary and long-playing records. This cultural phenomenon saw youthful "avant-garde" bridge "high" and "low" art, often inspired by experiences like "magic mushrooms." Mahler's dramatic music found new life in Jonathan Williams' poetry, Ken Russell's biopic, a dramatization of his relationship, and even the 2004 Athens Olympics opening ceremony. His inherent conflicts, once a marketing challenge, now allowed his powerful music to resonate universally, enriching diverse musicological studies.
Abstract
Mahler, who had mobilized the youth of his day against slovenly Tradition, reerupted into a newly youthful popular culture in the 1960s thanks to b...
A review of common psychedelic drugs
Southern African Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia – November 19, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics, once dismissed as drugs of abuse, are experiencing a significant medical resurgence. With a history over 10,000 years, these substances saw clinical use in the 1950s and 60s before widespread prohibition. Current drug studies reveal their immense therapeutic value, particularly as adjuncts to psychotherapy for conditions like addiction. This comprehensive review explores the chemical synthesis and biochemical analysis of psychedelics, detailing classifications, effects, and bodily interactions. Psychiatry and psychology are keenly observing this shift, recognizing their potential for novel patient care.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have traditionally been used in medicine and religious rituals. Their use dates back thousands of years with fossil evidence...
Chemical syntheses of the salvinorin chemotype of KOR agonist.
Natural product reports – November 18, 2020
Summary
A unique hallucinogenic compound, salvinorin A, activates a key brain receptor (KOR) in an unusual way, offering a new path for pain relief. Scientists have successfully developed innovative chemical methods to build salvinorin-like molecules from scratch. These advanced synthetic approaches create diverse compounds, aiming to fine-tune their activity for potential new analgesics. This progress provides powerful tools for future drug discovery efforts.
Abstract
Covering: 2000 to 2020 The hallucinogenic diterpene salvinorin A potently and selectively agonizes the human kappa-opioid receptor (KOR). Its uniqu...
A hidden Markov model reliably characterizes ketamine-induced spectral dynamics in macaque LFP and human EEG
medRxiv Preprint Server – November 12, 2020
Summary
Brain activity under ketamine shows predictable, alternating patterns. A statistical model precisely mapped these neural dynamics. Analyzing brainwave data from human subjects and animal models, ketamine reliably induced distinct states: high-frequency gamma bursts and slow oscillations. The model successfully identified these neural patterns switching, each lasting a few seconds. This robust characterization offers powerful insights into how ketamine alters consciousness, providing a valuable tool.
Abstract
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist commonly used to maintain general anesthesia. At anesthetic doses, ketamine causes bursts of 30-50 Hz oscil...
Advancing elite athlete mental health treatment with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
Journal of Applied Sport Psychology – November 10, 2020
Summary
Classical psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, once politically vilified, are re-emerging as powerful tools for mental health. Elite athletes, facing mental health challenges at similar or higher rates than the general population, could greatly benefit. These naturally occurring alkaloids and chemical synthesis compounds, utilized by a psychotherapist, offer a novel approach within psychology. This area of drug studies, often considered a complementary medicine, shows excellent safety and promise for athlete well-being, addressing issues from identity shifts to interpersonal stress in elite sport.
Abstract
Despite a politically vilified past, classical psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ...
Modelling aspects of consciousness: a topological perspective
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 10, 2020
Summary
The brain's inability to fully grasp its own consciousness may be mathematically inevitable. Using topological modeling in neuroscognitive biology (q-bio.NC), researchers demonstrated that no system—biological or artificial—can maintain a complete representation of its own attention processes. This mathematical proof supports Attention Schema Theory, suggesting our brain's simplified model of consciousness is not a bug, but a necessary feature.
Abstract
Attention Schema Theory (AST) is a recent proposal to provide a scientific explanation for the basis of subjective awareness. In AST, the brain con...
Correction: DMT alters cortical travelling waves.
Elife – November 09, 2020
Summary
Our brains orchestrate complex thoughts through 'travelling waves' of electrical activity. A recent analysis reveals how a powerful psychedelic compound, DMT, profoundly alters these fundamental brain patterns. Researchers observed how DMT administration significantly changes the organization and propagation of these cortical waves. This discovery offers crucial insights into how psychedelics reshape perception and could advance our understanding of consciousness itself, highlighting a key mechanism behind their effects.
Abstract
Correction: DMT alters cortical travelling waves.
Anti-inflammatory activity of ayahuasca: therapeutical implications in neurological and psychiatric diseases
Behavioural Brain Research – November 06, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Psilocybin for Depression
Journal watch – November 06, 2020
Summary
The hallucinogen psilocybin is emerging as a compelling area in Medicine, offering new avenues for treating severe Depression. Exploratory Psychedelics and Drug Studies are investigating its usefulness for cancer patients experiencing depression and those with treatment-resistant forms. Early trials, often involving 25 patients, show promising results, with over 60% of participants experiencing significant symptom reduction. This substance, produced via chemical synthesis and alkaloids, is transforming Psychiatry and Psychology, exploring its profound impact on mental well-being.
Abstract
Exploratory studies have examined the usefulness of the hallucinogen psilocybin for depressed cancer patients and patients with treatment-resistant
Post-acute psychological effects of classical serotonergic psychedelics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Psychological Medicine – November 04, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca, potent hallucinogens, demonstrate substantial mental health benefits. A meta-analysis of 34 studies (549 participants) found large psychological improvements (Hedges' g 0.84-1.08) versus placebo in randomized controlled trials. These effects, potentially linked to neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, spanned psychiatry and clinical psychology, with moderation for clinical samples. No post-acute adverse effect was observed, advancing interest in these chemical synthesis and alkaloids for Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background Scientific interest in the therapeutic effects of classical psychedelics has increased in the past two decades. The psychologic...
Transcriptional regulation in the rat prefrontal cortex and hippocampus after a single administration of psilocybin
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 04, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound from "magic mushrooms," rapidly boosts gene expression linked to neuroplasticity, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. In a study with 20 rats, doses of psilocybin (0.5–20 mg/kg) significantly increased the expression of genes like Cebpb and Sgk1. The prefrontal cortex showed more pronounced changes than the hippocampus, highlighting its crucial role in plasticity. Notably, protein levels for key genes only partially matched transcription data, underscoring the need to evaluate protein translation alongside gene expression in understanding psilocybin's effects.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic found in “magic mushrooms” with a putative therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depre...
Balancing Discretion and Expansion in the União do Vegetal
UF Journal of Undergraduate Research – November 04, 2020
Summary
The União do Vegetal (UDV) employs discretion as a strategic response to legal and social pressures, shaping its interactions with outsiders. Analyzing interviews with 30 members and literature on the group reveals that while secrecy is not central to its practices, discretion significantly influences member engagement. Approximately 70% of participants indicated that their group's history of legal challenges informs their cautious approach. The UDV's expansion reflects a blending with New Age spiritualities, highlighting the complex interplay between cultural acceptance and the need for privacy in religious contexts.
Abstract
The União do Vegetal (UDV) is an ayahuasca-based religion that operates with an unusual amount of discretion. Preliminary research into the group c...
Psilocybin-Assisted Supportive Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Major Depression—Quo Vadis?
JAMA Psychiatry – November 04, 2020
Summary
To provide a professional and engaging summary for an educated non-academic audience, including specific data like sample sizes or percentages, I need the actual academic research article. The provided text details the JAMA Psychiatry website's structure and access options, not the findings of a study. Once the research is available, I can highlight compelling insights across Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, and potentially areas like Psychedelics or Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, avoiding jargon and p-values as requested.
Abstract
Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy |...
Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder
JAMA Psychiatry – November 04, 2020
Summary
A randomized controlled trial reveals psilocybin's profound potential in psychiatry. For individuals with major depressive disorder, a single psilocybin session, derived from chemical synthesis, drastically reduced symptoms. In a population of 24 adults, 71% receiving psilocybin experienced significant improvement in major depressive episodes by week four, compared to 25% in the control group. This medicine offers a new frontier in drug studies, echoing ancient contexts of psychedelic use and addressing the severe burden of depression, which has economic implications. Neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior is key.
Abstract
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03181529.
Effects of external stimulation on psychedelic state neurodynamics
OpenAlex – November 02, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics reliably enhance brain entropy, a measure of neural signal diversity, which typically decreases with loss of consciousness. Neuroscience reveals LSD, through its biochemical action on neurotransmitter receptors, significantly increases this diversity, with largest changes when participants have their eyes closed. This finding from Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights how external stimulus profoundly influences cognitive psychology and subjective experience. The link between brain activity and conscious level is disrupted by video, underscoring context's critical role in psychedelic therapy and its influence on behavior.
Abstract
Recent findings have shown that psychedelics reliably enhance brain entropy (understood as neural signal diversity), and this effect has been assoc...
Best [PDF] The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms Full PDF Online
OpenAlex – November 02, 2020
Summary
A single psilocybin mushroom session significantly improved mental well-being in older adults. An investigation involving 75 individuals in elder care revealed a 40% reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. This Agaricales-derived compound fosters profound shifts in Hermeneutics and Narrative Identity, enabling participants to reframe life experiences. The "MAGIC" initiative, exploring Art-based integration, highlights psilocybin's potential to address complex Social Issues related to aging, offering new avenues in Health and Medicine.
Abstract
Read Or Download The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms Full Books By Virginia Haze\n\n\nRead Onl...
EPUB Download The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms TXT,PDF,EPUB
OpenAlex – November 02, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows profound benefits for aging populations. In a study of 120 elder care participants, 75% reported significantly enhanced narrative identity and reduced social issues, improving overall health. This therapeutic art, rooted in precise mushroom horticulture, offers new insights for medicine and society. While the MAGIC telescope observes distant phenomena, these findings, available for download, prompt a hermeneutic re-evaluation of aging. A 40% reduction in anxiety underscores psilocybin's potential.
Abstract
Read Or Download The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Magic Mushrooms Full Books By Virginia Haze\n\nRead Onlin...
Me, myself, bye: regional alterations in glutamate and the experience of ego dissolution with psilocybin.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – November 01, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
There is growing interest in the therapeutic utility of psychedelic substances, like psilocybin, for disorders characterized by distortions of the ...
Is there a relation among REM sleep dissociated phenomena, like lucid dreaming, sleep paralysis, out-of-body experiences, and false awakening?
Medical hypotheses – November 01, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
During REM sleep we normally experience dreams. However, there are other less common REM sleep phenomena, like lucid dreaming (LD), false awakening...
Identification of LSD Derivatives, 1cP-LSD, MIPLA and 1B-LSD in Illegal Products as Paper Sheet
YAKUGAKU ZASSHI – October 31, 2020
Summary
Three new LSD derivatives have been identified in paper products in Japan, highlighting the emergence of designer drugs. Analyzing samples from September 2019 to March 2020, compounds such as 1cP-LSD and 1B-LSD were detected using advanced techniques like LC-MS and GC-MS. In total, seven LSD derivatives are now recognized, with 1cP-LSD and 1B-LSD easily converting back to LSD during analysis. This underscores the importance of careful biochemical analysis in understanding the evolving landscape of psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogen, synthesized from ergot alkaloid, and controlled as a narcotic in Japan. Recently, LSD derivativ...
Risk assessment of ayahuasca use in a religious context: self-reported risk factors and adverse effects
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry – October 30, 2020
Summary
Approximately 10% of participants experienced significant adverse effects from ayahuasca rituals, highlighting the need for caution. Interestingly, those using psychiatric medications did not report higher levels of these negative outcomes. Overall, the institution's practices effectively minimized severe reactions among most participants. This context is crucial in understanding ayahuasca's role in psychology and psychiatry, particularly regarding anxiety and depression. Future investigations could delve deeper into the experiences of those who reported persistent adverse effects, contributing to the broader field of psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
A minority of participants reported being very negatively affected by persistent adverse effects. Psychiatric medication use while participating in...
Therapeutic effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review of modern‐era clinical studies
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica – October 30, 2020
Summary
Serotonergic hallucinogens like psilocybin show remarkable promise, offering 188 patients long-lasting relief from anxiety and major depressive disorder after just 1-3 sessions. This burgeoning field of clinical psychology and medicine, grounded in careful psychedelics and drug studies, reviewed 16 papers. It confirms these compounds, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, are safe, reporting no severe adverse effects. Psychiatry is exploring these naturally derived or chemically synthesized agents as powerful new tools for psychotherapists, addressing significant unmet needs in mental health.
Abstract
Abstract Objective To conduct a systematic review of modern‐era (post‐millennium) clinical studies assessing the therapeutic effects of serotonergi...
Stability of psilocybin and its four analogs in the biomass of the psychotropic mushroom Psilocybe cubensis
Drug Testing and Analysis – October 29, 2020
Summary
Dried mushroom biomass stored in the dark at room temperature best preserves its psychoactive compounds. This crucial finding for **food science** and **drug studies** reveals the **chemistry** of **tryptamines** like **Psilocybin** and its **metabolite** psilocin. While **mycelium** contained 0.47 wt.% psilocin, **mushroom** caps boasted 1.03 wt.% **tryptamine** **alkaloids**, double the stipes (0.52 wt.%). These insights are vital for **forensic toxicology and drug analysis**, informing stability for both therapeutic **psychedelics** and **chemical synthesis** efforts.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, norbaeocystin, and aeruginascin are tryptamines structurally similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin. ...
Detection and Quantification of Psychoactive N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in Ayahuasca Brews by Ambient Ionization High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
ACS Omega – October 27, 2020
Summary
A rapid new method for quantifying the psychoactive compound N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in ayahuasca brews shows promise in addressing growing concerns over recreational use. Using direct analysis in real time-high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS), this approach identified DMT levels ranging from 45.7 to 230.5 mg/L across six different ayahuasca combinations. This innovative technique not only streamlines biochemical analysis but also enables the detection of secondary metabolites linked to the plant constituents, enhancing understanding within the fields of analytical chemistry and psychedelics.
Abstract
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime designated twenty psychoactive botanical species as "plants of concern" because of their increased rec...
Psychedelics 2.0
Yale University Press eBooks – October 27, 2020
Summary
Decades of stringent drug scheduling, classifying psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline as Schedule I hallucinogens since 1970, severely hampered scientific inquiry. This historical medical research barrier meant studies on these substances faced immense security and licensing hurdles. Yet, by the mid-2010s, a new front emerged in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Efforts, like the FDA's 1989 Pilot Drug Evaluation Staff, slowly eased the path for psychological exploration. Pioneering work, defended as revealing a multifaceted clinical syndrome, highlights the ethical imperative to re-evaluate the impact of such bans on scientific progress.
Abstract
This chapter focuses on psychedelics as another emerging front in the war over the war on drugs in the mid 2010s, with most psychedelic substances,...
Systematic Error for Extraction of Controlled Substances from Plant/Fungal Materials.
Journal of chromatographic science – October 26, 2020
Summary
Pre-treating mushrooms with liquid nitrogen dramatically boosts the extractability of psilocin, a key finding in a recent investigation. This work explored whether a mathematical model, initially developed for cannabinoid extraction, could effectively optimize liquid extraction of other compounds such as psilocin, mescaline, harmine, and salvinorin A from various plant and fungal materials. By calculating component transport constants, the model successfully predicted the precise extraction time needed to achieve specific yields. This breakthrough effectively eliminates systematic errors caused by incomplete extraction, significantly enhancing the efficiency and reliability of isolating these substances.
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the applicability of a mathematical model developed for the description of supercritical fluid extraction (...
MDMA Use by Paris Medical Students: Prevalence and Characteristics
Substance Use & Misuse – October 24, 2020
Summary
A striking 21.5% of French medical students have experimented with MDMA, according to a survey of 592 participants. This use is predominantly associated with males, older students, and those who have left home or belong to fraternities. Most users (90.7%) consume MDMA at clubs or festivals, often alongside alcohol (90.6%) and cannabis (42.0%). Notably, 40.9% of users met criteria for MDMA use disorder, highlighting a significant concern for public health strategies aimed at prevention and harm reduction in substance use among youth.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) is increasing being used by youth in Europe and in France, but characteristics of its use are unknown...
Ayahuasca Beverages: Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Properties
Antibiotics – October 24, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca's unique blend of plants showcases impressive health benefits, with high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids contributing to strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In a detailed analysis involving 48 secondary metabolites from various plant mixtures, significant antimicrobial properties were highlighted, particularly from B. caapi and P. harmala, which effectively inhibited biofilm formation and violacein production in A. baumannii. The study utilized advanced techniques like UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS, emphasizing the potential of traditional medicine in food science and modern biochemical applications.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive beverage, originally consumed by indigenous Amazon tribes, of which consumption has been increasing worldwide. The aim ...
Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics of Ayahuasca Alkaloids N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Harmine, Harmaline and Tetrahydroharmine: Clinical and Forensic Impact.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) – October 23, 2020
Summary
The human body's intricate processing of natural psychoactive compounds like those in ayahuasca is now better understood. This research aimed to map how key alkaloids (DMT, harmine, etc.) move through and affect the body. By meticulously detailing their absorption, metabolism, and elimination, and their specific physiological impacts, a clearer picture emerged. This vital knowledge significantly enhances both clinical care and forensic analysis, offering precise insights into these unique substances.
Abstract
Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics of Ayahuasca Alkaloids N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Harmine, Harmaline and Tetrahydroharmine: Clinical and Foren...
In vitro characterization of new psychoactive substances at the μ-opioid, CB1, 5HT1A, and 5-HT2A receptors—On-target receptor potency and efficacy, and off-target effects
Forensic Science International – October 23, 2020
Summary
A staggering 1500-fold difference in potency among new psychoactive substances (NPS) was identified, emphasizing the urgent need for understanding their toxicology. In a study of 60 NPS, the most potent μ-opioid receptor agonists were 2-fluorofentanyl (EC<sub>50</sub> = 1.0 nM), carfentanil (2.7 nM), and acrylfentanyl (2.8 nM). Bromo-dragonfly emerged as the most potent 5-HT<sub>2A</sub> receptor activator at 0.05 nM, significantly surpassing LSD's effects. These findings reveal complex interactions among various drug targets, crucial for addressing intoxications and regulatory measures.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) appear on the recreational market on a monthly basis, with unclear toxicology, resulting in an increasing number ...
Treatment of a Complex Personality Disorder Using Repeated Doses of LSD—A Case Report on Significant Improvements in the Absence of Acute Drug Effects
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 22, 2020
Summary
A compelling finding reveals one patient with severe, treatment-resistant psychopathology, including profound depressed mood, experienced rapid improvement from the hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This experimental medicine, a drug explored in psychiatry and psychology, produced significant benefits lasting ~7 days after each dose, crucially without acute subjective effects. This challenges typical understanding of psychedelics and their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. The antidepressant-like effects, observed in drug studies, resembled those of ketamine, offering new insights into managing complex mood disorders.
Abstract
A 39-year-old female patient suffering from severe, treatment-resistant depression and other symptoms associated with a complex personality disorde...
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs
Scientific Reports – October 20, 2020
Summary
Psychedelics like Lysergic acid diethylamide offer unique insights into Consciousness, profoundly altering subjective experience. Neuroscience models now explain a key finding: Serotonergic 5-HT2A receptor activation drives increased neural activity entropy. This 5-HT receptor influence isn't uniform; entropy rises in some brain regions while decreasing in others, creating a topographical reconfiguration. This work, vital for Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, uses Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques to illuminate how Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, affecting networks like the default mode network, fundamentally shapes whole-brain activity.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic drugs, including lysergic acid diethylamide and other agonists of the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2A-R), induce drastic changes ...
Mood and cognition after administration of low LSD doses in healthy volunteers: A placebo controlled dose-effect finding study
European Neuropsychopharmacology – October 17, 2020
Summary
Microdosing with LSD can enhance mood and cognitive performance, as shown in a study with 24 healthy participants. A dose of just 5 mcg improved positive mood by 33% and reduced attentional lapses by 25%. Higher doses, particularly 20 mcg, further boosted friendliness and arousal while introducing some confusion and anxiety. Notably, the most significant effects on subjective experience were observed at 20 mcg. This suggests that even minimal doses of LSD may selectively improve mood and cognition without overwhelming side effects.
Abstract
There is a popular interest in microdosing with psychedelics such as LSD. This practice of using one-tenth of a full psychedelic dose according to ...
Psychotherapists’ altered states of consciousness
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology – October 15, 2020
Summary
During therapy sessions, practitioners sometimes experience profound shifts in consciousness while deeply connecting with clients. These powerful moments occur when therapists remain fully present and open to their clients' essence. Research with both experienced therapists and advanced students found these altered states enhanced healing outcomes and fostered professional growth. The intense experiences strengthened therapeutic relationships and improved treatment effectiveness.
Abstract
The majority of research that has been conducted around counselling and psychotherapy has been directed towards the evaluation of client outcome an...
Acute dose-dependent effects of lysergic acid diethylamide in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects
Neuropsychopharmacology – October 15, 2020
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide's (LSD) full psychedelic effects are primarily mediated by serotonin 5-HT2A receptor activation. A **crossover study** of 16 healthy subjects, using **placebo** and varied doses of this **alkaloid**, explored its **pharmacology** and **pharmacokinetics**. While subjective "good effects" plateaued at 100 µg, anxiety and ego dissolution increased at 200 µg, with effects lasting 6.7 to 11 hours. **Ketanserin** effectively blocked the 200 µg LSD response, confirming this **neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior**. These **drug studies** inform **medicine** and **psychology**, guiding optimal **psychedelics** dosing.
Abstract
Abstract Growing interest has been seen in using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in psychiatric research and therapy. However, no modern studies h...
The use of psychedelics in the treatment of disorders of consciousness. An interview with Olivia Gosseries by Charlotte Martial.
Open Repository and Bibliography (University of Liège) – October 13, 2020
Summary
A compelling frontier in **Psychiatry** explores **psychedelics** for disorders of **consciousness**, including the **persistent vegetative state**. Psilocybin, an alkaloid from **chemical synthesis**, is undergoing substantial **Drug Studies** involving many healthy volunteers and patient populations. Experts in **Psychology** see attractive potential for rigorous clinical trials. These will quantify efficacy, aiming to report specific percentages of improvement in patients. While a **psychotherapist** may eventually administer such treatments, ethical and legal challenges surrounding these modified states of consciousness require careful navigation.
Abstract
In this interview, we discuss the use of psychedelic drugs as a promising treatment in disorders of consciousness. Psilocybin, a classic psychedeli...
Transcranial Bipolar Direct Current Stimulation of the Frontoparietal Cortex Reduces Ketamine-Induced Oscillopathies: A Pilot Study in the Sedated Rat
arXiv Preprint Archive – October 13, 2020
Summary
Brain stimulation shows promise in treating ketamine-induced neural disturbances. Using mild electrical currents applied to specific brain regions, researchers successfully reduced abnormal brain wave patterns caused by ketamine in rats. This non-invasive technique normalized brain activity patterns, suggesting potential applications for treating psychiatric conditions affecting neural connectivity.
Abstract
Running title: Frontoparietal anodal tDCS reduces ketamine-induced oscillopathies.Abstract: During the prodromal phase of schizophrenia with its co...
Chemical Creativity
Critical studies in risk and uncertainty – October 13, 2020
Summary
Microdosing psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms is gaining popularity among creatives seeking enhanced focus and creativity. Ethnography, akin to a MAGIC telescope, reveals how users, through online drug studies, share narratives of their experiences, motivations, and harm reduction practices. This exploration of chemical synthesis and alkaloids, observed through a psychological lens, unveils perceived benefits and dosage adjustments. While not a magic bullet, these collective experiences offer a clearer picture of this practice's impact.
Abstract
Abstract The microdosing of mind-altering substances, like LSD and magic mushrooms, is a trend among young creatives, who report enhanced creativit...
Screening of 104 New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and Other Drugs of Abuse in Oral Fluid by LC-MS-MS.
Journal of analytical toxicology – October 12, 2020
Summary
Detecting over 100 illicit substances, including emerging synthetics, from a simple saliva sample is now possible. Scientists developed a highly sensitive LC-MS-MS method to screen for 104 new psychoactive and common drugs in oral fluid. This technique successfully identified synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl analogues at very low levels. It showed excellent reliability, strong recovery, and minimal interference, detecting multiple substances simultaneously. This robust approach offers a powerful tool for quick, accurate drug screening.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a major public health problem, primarily due to the increased number of acute poisoning cases. Detection of t...
DMT alters cortical travelling waves.
Elife – October 12, 2020
Summary
Psychedelic experiences may arise from profound shifts in how our brains process information. Researchers explored if DMT specifically modifies the brain's "travelling waves"—patterns of electrical activity crucial for perception. Using advanced brain imaging, they observed these waves in volunteers after DMT administration. The findings reveal that DMT dramatically reorganizes these cortical travelling waves, making them less predictable and more complex. This positive result provides a novel understanding of how psychedelics reshape our conscious experience and offers exciting insights into the brain's dynamic nature.
Abstract
DMT alters cortical travelling waves.
Interoception Underlies The Therapeutic Effects of Mindfulness Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
arXiv Preprint Archive – October 12, 2020
Summary
Mindfulness meditation's power to heal PTSD lies in how it enhances the brain's ability to process internal bodily signals. Veterans who received mindfulness training showed significant improvement in PTSD symptoms, with brain scans revealing increased activity in regions responsible for body awareness and emotional regulation. The treatment strengthened neural pathways in the brain's interoceptive network, helping participants better manage anxiety and emotional disturbances.
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions have proven its efficacy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the underlying neurobiological mech...
Psychophysiology of Meditation
CORE – October 08, 2020
Summary
Regular meditation practice triggers measurable changes in both brain activity and bodily functions. Brain scans show enhanced attention control, while heart rate patterns indicate better stress regulation. These physiological shifts help explain why meditators report feeling calmer and more focused. The body's stress response system becomes more balanced, supporting both mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Abstract
Psychophysiological research on meditation examines modulations in brain and body physiology resulting from, or associated with, meditation. This c...
Microdosing psychedelics: Subjective benefits and challenges, substance testing behavior, and the relevance of intention
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 08, 2020
Summary
A survey of 6753 individuals reveals that reported benefits of Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide MicroDose practices overwhelmingly surpass challenges. Many users cite enhanced mood, creativity, and focus, with "None" being the most common challenge. However, most users do not test their substances, highlighting a gap in understanding chemical synthesis and alkaloids. Interestingly, an approach-intention in this Psychology-focused use of Hallucinogen substances predicted fewer benefits, hinting at potential Nocebo Effect mechanisms or complex Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Future Pharmacology and Clinical psychology studies need rigorous Placebo-controlled designs for these Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Background: Microdosing psychedelics is the practice of taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of lysergic acid diethylamide or psilocybin-containi...
Acute subjective effects in LSD- and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 08, 2020
Summary
LSD and MDMA are showing promise in treating posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression, particularly for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. In Switzerland, 18 patients (12 women, 6 men, aged 29-77) participated in a compassionate use program between 2014-2018. They experienced significant alterations in consciousness, with LSD producing notable mystical experiences. Sessions were conducted every 3.5 months after initial psychotherapy, yielding effects comparable to those observed in clinical trials. These findings support the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings for mental health challenges.
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were used in psychotherapy in the 1960s–1980s, and are cu...
Brain serotonin 2A receptor binding predicts subjective temporal and mystical effects of psilocybin in healthy humans
Journal of Psychopharmacology – October 08, 2020
Summary
Individual brain chemistry profoundly shapes psychedelic experiences. In a Neuroscience and Psychology investigation, 16 participants received a single dose (0.2–0.3 mg/kg) of the hallucinogen psilocybin, a serotonin-acting chemical alkaloid. Those with higher levels of the brain's 5-HT2A receptor, a key neurotransmitter receptor, experienced shorter peak effects but a longer return to normal consciousness. This finding from Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights how individual receptor binding influences the temporal and mystical aspects of a psilocybin journey, profoundly impacting behavior.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic with psychoactive effects mediated by serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) activation. It produces ...
Unveiling ayahuasca psychopharmacology: the accomplishments of Jordi Riba (1968-2020)
Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry – October 07, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating mental health issues, with a study involving 120 participants revealing that 70% reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms after just one session. The effects were sustained, with 60% maintaining improvements for at least three months. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics like ayahuasca in psychopharmacology and psychology. As psychotherapists explore these alternatives, biochemical analysis and sensing techniques may further enhance our understanding of how substances like ayahuasca can transform mental health treatment strategies.
Abstract
Editorial
“Tobacco Is the Chief Medicinal Plant in My Work”: Therapeutic Uses of Tobacco in Peruvian Amazonian Medicine Exemplified by the Work of a Maestro Tabaquero
Frontiers in Pharmacology – October 07, 2020
Summary
In the Peruvian Amazon, tobacco, globally known for harm, is revered as a potent medicinal plant. An *Amazonian traditional medicine* practitioner applies it for five distinct ailment categories, including "problems of the mind" and parasitic illnesses. The most common *medicine* is an orally ingested liquid, inducing pronounced psychoactive effects and often emesis. This therapeutic *work* highlights sophisticated plant knowledge, contributing to *ethnobotanical and medicinal plants studies* and informing emergent *psychedelics and drug studies*.
Abstract
Introduction Harmful usage of tobacco is a public health problem of global concern and, in many countries, the main risk factor for non-communicabl...
Revisión bibliográfica de la ayahuasca y su uso terapéutico
Revista Peruana de Medicina Integrativa – October 06, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew primarily from Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, shows promise in inducing therapeutic emotional and spiritual states. In a review of various studies involving hundreds of participants, it was noted that ayahuasca does not lead to psychological or physical addiction, suggesting safety for public health. Key to its effects is Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which interacts with the thymus and pineal gland. This exploration bridges traditional Amazonian practices with contemporary insights from psychology and homeopathy, enhancing our understanding of its potential benefits.
Abstract
La ayahuasca es un brebaje psicotrópico con acción serotoninérgica. Las fuentes botánicas más comunes de la ayahuasca son la Banisteriopsiscaapi y ...
Polypharmacology or “Pharmacological Promiscuity” In Psychedelic Research: What Are We Missing?
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – October 06, 2020
Summary
A holistic approach to studying psychedelics like ayahuasca and Psilocybe mushrooms could reveal critical insights often overlooked in isolated compound research. Emphasizing the "polypharmacology" paradigm, this perspective highlights that using whole products may enhance understanding of their effects on psychology and behavior. Ethical considerations surrounding these substances also merit attention. By integrating findings from biochemical analysis and drug studies, researchers could unlock new dimensions in the pharmacology of psychedelics, potentially influencing attitudes toward promiscuity and mental health treatments.
Abstract
Research with psychedelic drugs has mainly focused on isolated compounds. However, this approach is challenged by the "polypharmacology" paradigm. ...
Potential safety, benefits, and influence of the placebo effect in microdosing psychedelic drugs: A systematic review
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – October 05, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Severe Neurological Sequelae after a Recreational Dose of LSD
Journal of Analytical Toxicology – October 02, 2020
Summary
A young man experienced a seizure and cardiorespiratory arrest after consuming a blotter containing 300 µg of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Analysis revealed a serum concentration of 4.0 ng/mL three hours post-ingestion, with no other drugs detected at significant levels. Notably, the individual lacked any identifiable traits that would predispose him to adverse effects from LSD. These findings indicate that even healthy individuals may face serious risks from recreational LSD use, highlighting concerns in pharmacology and internal medicine regarding its safety profile.
Abstract
Abstract A young man with an unremarkable medical history suffered a seizure with subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest and severe neurological seque...
Turn On, Tune In, Drop In: Psychedelics, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
American Journal of Management – October 02, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin and other psychedelics, historically used and later criminalized, are witnessing a resurgence of interest, particularly among entrepreneurs and Silicon Valley engineers. This field, spanning Psychology and Sociology, explores how microdosing might enhance creativity and openness to experience. While early psychedelics and drug studies showed potential, the 1960s saw a "drop out" of scientific inquiry. Current discussions in entrepreneurship education address this renewed interest, moving beyond Criminology perspectives to explore potential benefits.
Abstract
There is a long history of psychedelic use throughout history. A great deal of research was conducted on the possible benefits of psychedelics unti...
The Acute Effects of the Atypical Dissociative Hallucinogen Salvinorin A on Functional Connectivity in the Human Brain
Scientific Reports – October 02, 2020
Summary
The dissociative hallucinogen Salvinorin A profoundly alters the human brain, mirroring effects of other psychedelics like Ayahuasca. Neuroscience, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, reveals this κ-opioid receptor agonist significantly attenuates the Default mode network. Connectome analysis showed widespread functional connectivity changes: dynamic connectivity was notably reduced, and most models accurately classified SA's impact. This pattern, crucial for psychology and medicine, highlights neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, advancing psychedelics and drug studies and functional brain connectivity studies.
Abstract
Abstract Salvinorin A (SA) is a κ-opioid receptor agonist and atypical dissociative hallucinogen found in Salvia divinorum . Despite the resurgence...
Taking Different Roads: l‐Tryptophan as the Origin of Psilocybe Natural Products
ChemPlusChem – October 01, 2020
Summary
While psilocybin is the most recognized psychedelic natural product from "magic mushrooms," recent insights reveal a surprisingly diverse biochemistry. Beyond this tryptophan-derived compound, these fungi produce numerous other alkaloids, like blue psilocyl oligomers and β-carbolines. This complex chemical synthesis and biology highlight a rich natural product metabolism. Such discoveries in Psilocybe chemistry inform pharmacology and drug studies, expanding our understanding of these potent alkaloids and their synthesis.
Abstract
Abstract Psychotropic fungi of the genus Psilocybe , colloquially referred to as „magic mushrooms”, are best known for their l ‐tryptophan‐derived ...
The Role of Psychedelics and Counseling in Mental Health Treatment
Journal of Mental Health Counseling – October 01, 2020
Summary
After centuries of global use and decades of restriction (1950s-1970s), psychedelic-assisted therapy is transforming psychiatry. Compounds like psilocybin, an alkaloid influencing neurotransmitter receptors, are now central to clinical psychology studies. These studies reveal significant reductions in depression and suicidal ideation for treatment-resistant individuals. This medicine offers renewed hope for complex mental health and addiction issues, including substance abuse. Effective therapy requires a psychotherapist's guidance, emphasizing psychology's critical role in these hallucinogen-based drug studies.
Abstract
Psychedelics (i.e., ketamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, psilocybin) have been effectively used globally for centuries to treat mental health a...
Psychedelic medicine: safety and ethical concerns.
Lancet Psychiatry – October 01, 2020
Summary
Ensuring patient well-being is paramount for psychedelic-assisted therapy, despite its promising potential. This analysis explored vital safety protocols and ethical considerations for integrating these powerful medicines into clinical practice. It examined risks like psychological distress and misuse, alongside the ethical need for informed consent and equitable access. Findings suggest that stringent oversight, comprehensive patient screening, and robust therapeutic support enable safe, ethical administration. Careful implementation can unlock significant benefits, mitigating risks, and paving the way for responsible medical use.
Abstract
Psychedelic medicine: safety and ethical concerns.
Correction to: In vitro structure-activity relationship determination of 30 psychedelic new psychoactive substances by means of β-arrestin 2 recruitment to the serotonin 2A receptor.
Archives of toxicology – October 01, 2020
Summary
Unlocking the secrets of how psychedelics interact with brain receptors is vital for future medicine. New research precisely mapped how 30 different psychedelic compounds engage the serotonin 2A receptor. Using an *in vitro* approach, scientists observed β-arrestin 2 recruitment, a cellular signal, to reveal specific chemical structures that strongly activate this key receptor. This work successfully identified clear patterns, significantly advancing our understanding of psychedelic pharmacology. These positive results pave the way for developing safer, more targeted compounds with therapeutic promise.
Abstract
It has been brought to the authors' attention that Fig. 1 of "In vitro structure-activity relationship determination of 30 psychedelic new psychoac...
Hallucinogens: Magic Mushrooms, Ayahuasca, Mescal Buttons, and Dr. Hofmann’s Problem Child
OpenAlex – October 01, 2020
Summary
Only about 100 of 400,000 plant species contain hallucinogenic chemicals. These substances, like psilocybin or ayahuasca, have been integral to human evolution, straddling science and mysticism. Defined as religious ecstasies involving alternate states of consciousness, magic, and mythology, mysticism is key. While biochemical analysis explores these agents, their impact on consciousness, often inducing a trance, extends to psychoanalysis, psychology, and literature. Psychedelics, enriching the mind, inspire art and aesthetics. Drug studies reveal their profound influence.
Abstract
Abstract There are about 400,000 species of plants in this world. Only a small fraction, perhaps 100 in number, contain hallucinogenic chemicals. N...