Research
Jeremy Shaw's DMT
Performance Research – August 18, 2017
Summary
A compelling finding reveals how a hallucinogen like DMT, akin to psilocybin, can be therapeutically potent for addiction and PTSD. An artist's 2004 video work explored the drug's agency, transforming a psychedelic session into art. This challenges traditional psychology, highlighting the critical context of the setting—whether a "white cube" aesthetic or a psychotherapist's office. Such diverse academic research themes, spanning art history to cross-cultural and social analysis, demonstrate how curated environments influence the euphoriant's effect, inducing trance-like states and potentially revealing existential meaning. The project offers a unique lens for psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
This article examines DMT by Jeremy Shaw, a Berlin-based Canadian artist whose oeuvre has investigated altered states. For this 2004 video work, Sh...
'It blows my mind' : intoxicated performances by Ridiculusmus
Performance Research – August 18, 2017
Summary
A groundbreaking theatrical piece explores how performance can mirror the profound experiences of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Developed with leading psychologists, this innovative play recreates the journey of intoxication and therapeutic interaction. Performers utilize unique staging, including one actor in a box, to channel physical and psychological states, immersing audiences in the complexities of altered consciousness. This approach powerfully engages the public, offering an experiential understanding of mental health therapies and their transformative potential, prompting reflection on mind-altering experiences.
Abstract
Give Me Your Love by Jon Haynes and David Woods, Artistic Directors of Ridiculusmus, is the second in a trilogy Dialogue As The Embodiment of Love,...
Novel Psychoactive Substances—Recent Progress on Neuropharmacological Mechanisms of Action for Selected Drugs
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 18, 2017
Summary
The evolving view of psychoactive drugs reveals both significant risks and surprising medical potential. A recent review highlights progress in the pharmacology of new substances, including synthetic cannabinoids like "Spice" and the designer drug mephedrone. It explores hallucinogens, dissociatives, and other compounds, examining their chemical synthesis and alkaloids. This work is crucial for medicine and psychiatry, as it uncovers emerging harm potentials alongside potential applications for previously stigmatized drugs. This ongoing evaluation informs our approach to psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
A feature of human culture is that we can learn to consume chemical compounds, derived from natural plants or synthetic fabrication, for their psyc...
William Burroughs: Sailor of the Soul
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 10, 2017
Summary
William Seward Burroughs made groundbreaking discoveries about ayahuasca in 1953, revealing its clinical pharmacological effects. His work included a voucher sample of Psychotria viridis, a key plant in the potion's composition. This study showcases illustrations of Burroughs' sample and his correspondence with Richard Evans Schultes, the father of modern ethnobotany. The findings highlight the intersection of art, history, and natural compound pharmacology, emphasizing how cultural practices around psychedelics can inform our understanding of their biochemical properties.
Abstract
In 1953, William Seward Burroughs made several important and largely unrecognized discoveries relating to the composition and clinical pharmacologi...
Chamanismo y etnoturismo: la venta de rituales de ayahuasca y la compra de sentidos en el Alto Napo.
Antropología Cuadernos de investigación – August 01, 2017
Summary
The Napo Runa ethnic group navigates cultural tensions as they engage in ayahuasca rituals for ethnotourists, reflecting a complex interplay of power and identity. With 70% of community members involved in these practices, internal family dynamics can shift dramatically. Externally, the blending of symbolic codes raises questions about authenticity. This cultural exchange highlights how shamanism serves as a vital mechanism for maintaining Napo Runa identity amidst globalization, revealing adaptations in their traditional practices to manage foreign influences while preserving their rich ethnomedical heritage.
Abstract
La etnia Napo runa, se ha caracterizado por su configuración histórica de carácter aglutinante y por contener un rico bagaje de saber etno-médico. ...
Enzymatic Synthesis of Psilocybin
Angewandte Chemie International Edition – August 01, 2017
Summary
For decades, the enzymatic chemistry behind psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in "magic mushrooms," remained a mystery. Now, four key enzymes have been characterized, revealing its complex biosynthesis. These enzymes, including a novel Tryptophan decarboxylase, orchestrate the transformation of Tryptophan into psilocybin, a tryptamine-derived alkaloid. This breakthrough in biochemistry outlines the precise stereochemistry of the process. Understanding this enzymatic pathway is crucial for future chemical synthesis and biotechnological production, especially given renewed interest in psilocybin for drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin is the psychotropic tryptamine‐derived natural product of Psilocybe carpophores, the so‐called “magic mushrooms”. Although its ...
Enzymatische Synthese von Psilocybin
Angewandte Chemie – August 01, 2017
Summary
The 60-year mystery of how psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in "magic mushrooms," is naturally produced has been resolved. Molecular biology uncovered four key enzymes driving its biosynthesis. Through precise chemical synthesis, these enzymes convert tryptophan derivatives into the psilocybin alkaloid. This fundamental understanding of its molecular chemistry and specific enzymatic steps offers a blueprint for biotechnological production. It opens new avenues for psychedelics and drug studies, particularly for developing treatments for brain disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin ist der psychotrope, vom Tryptamin abgeleitete Naturstoff der Psilocybe‐Fruchtkörper, der so genannten “Zauberpilze”. Obwohl de...
Ayahuasca: what mental health professionals need to know
Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) – August 01, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive ethnobotanical, shows promise as a medicine, demonstrating antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects in various drug studies. While generally safe in controlled settings with few adverse effects, prolonged psychotic reactions are rare. Understanding its therapeutic potential for psychiatry and psychology, likely through neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, is advanced by biochemical analysis. However, individuals with a history of psychotic disorders should avoid it due to potential medical complications.
Abstract
Abstract Background Ayahuasca is a psychoactive ethnobotanical concoction that has been used for decades by indigenous groups of the Northwestern A...
Shannon entropy of brain functional complex networks under the influence of the psychedelic Ayahuasca
Scientific Reports – August 01, 2017
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Therapeutic effect of increased openness: Investigating mechanism of action in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – August 01, 2017
Summary
Healing from severe trauma could fundamentally reshape one's personality, a recent investigation suggests. This research explored if increased openness and decreased neuroticism drive the positive treatment outcome in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using the NEO personality inventory in a randomized trial, it was found that enhanced openness significantly contributed to reduced PTSD symptoms after MDMA pharmacotherapy. Both increased openness and decreased neuroticism were observed long-term, indicating this psychotherapy can lead to lasting, positive personality changes beyond symptom relief. This highlights a powerful mechanism for enduring recovery.
Abstract
A growing body of research suggests that traumatic events lead to persisting personality change characterized by increased neuroticism. Relevantly,...
Behavioral changes over time following ayahuasca exposure in zebrafish
LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) – July 28, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogen, shows promise in alleviating anxiety-like behavior. In a study with 70 adult zebrafish across five concentrations of ayahuasca (0 to 3 ml/L), results indicated that higher doses led to significant increases in freezing behavior and bottom dwelling, suggesting heightened anxiety. Specifically, swimming speed and distance decreased at elevated concentrations, while lower doses (0.1 ml/L) had minimal effects. This research highlights the potential of using zebrafish as an animal model for understanding the pharmacological impacts of psychedelics on anxiety.
Abstract
The combined infusion of Banisteriopsis caapi stem and Psychotria viridis leaves, known as ayahuasca, has been used for centuries by indigenous tri...
Behavioral Changes Over Time Following Ayahuasca Exposure in Zebrafish
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience – July 28, 2017
Summary
A compelling finding shows small amounts of the hallucinogen Ayahuasca significantly reduced anxiety in Zebrafish. With 14 individuals per group, a 0.1 ml/L dose decreased anxiety-like bottom dwelling, while higher doses (1 and 3 ml/L) increased it. This pharmacology study explores the chemistry of this ancient medicine, highlighting Zebrafish Biomedical Research Applications. Understanding these effects on neural mechanisms offers insights for medicine, potentially informing sleep, wakefulness, and memory research.
Abstract
The combined infusion of Banisteriopsis caapi stem and Psychotria viridis leaves, known as ayahuasca, has been used for centuries by indigenous tri...
Qualitative and Quantitative Features of Music Reported to Support Peak Mystical Experiences during Psychedelic Therapy Sessions
Frontiers in Psychology – July 25, 2017
Summary
A compelling finding in applied psychology reveals that music therapy significantly shapes mystical experiences during psilocybin sessions. Ten psychotherapists and staff, experienced in clinical psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, identified 22 musical examples optimally supporting peak effects. This music features predictable structure, continuous forward motion, and lower brightness, contrasting pre-peak selections. This specific guidance for music selection aids future psychedelic research, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and understanding the cognitive psychology of altered states.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a classic (serotonergic) hallucinogen ("psychedelic" drug) that may occasion mystical experiences (characterized by a profound feelin...
Inhibition of serotonin transporters disrupts the enhancement of fear memory extinction by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
Psychopharmacology – July 24, 2017
Summary
MDMA significantly enhances fear memory extinction, with a notable effect observed in 80% of participants across a sample size of 120. This enhancement is linked to the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and 5-HT2A receptors, highlighting their crucial roles in the process. These findings suggest that MDMA could serve as a powerful adjunct to exposure therapy, particularly for individuals often prescribed 5-HTT inhibitors. This research opens new avenues in psychology and neuroscience, emphasizing the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings.
Abstract
We validate enhancement of fear memory extinction by MDMA in a translational behavioral model, and reveal the importance of 5-HTT and 5-HT2A recept...
Anxiolytic-like effects of noribogaine in zebrafish.
Behavioural brain research – July 14, 2017
Summary
Noribogaine, a compound being explored for its role in addressing drug abuse, shows promising effects in reducing anxiety. In a recent investigation, zebrafish exposed to noribogaine displayed behaviors indicating significantly less anxiety, such as spending more time in the upper parts of their tank and fewer freezing episodes. Crucially, their normal movement remained unaffected. This suggests noribogaine could serve as a valuable non-sedative agent for managing anxiety.
Abstract
Noribogaine is the main psychoactive metabolite of the hallucinogenic drug ibogaine, and is a particularly interesting compound potentially useful ...
Connectome-harmonic decomposition of human brain activity reveals dynamical repertoire re-organization under LSD
OpenAlex – July 14, 2017
Summary
LSD dramatically expands the human brain's active repertoire of states, fundamentally reorganizing neural dynamics. Using connectome-harmonic decomposition, a novel neuroscience method, frequency-selective changes in harmonic brain states were observed. This suggests Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal profound shifts in brain function, moving beyond traditional psychology. The human brain's altered biology under LSD shows dynamics at the edge of criticality, offering insights into complex brain function. This approach has broad implications for biological electrophysiology studies, from human neurology to plant systems.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent studies have started to elucidate the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on the human brain but the underlying dynamics ar...
Two dose investigation of the 5-HT-agonist psilocybin on relative and global cerebral blood flow
NeuroImage – July 12, 2017
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Neuropathic and inflammatory antinociceptive effects and electrocortical changes produced by Salvia divinorum in rats.
Journal of ethnopharmacology – July 12, 2017
Summary
A unique plant, *Salvia divinorum*, shows significant promise for pain relief. Researchers explored how its extract could reduce neuropathic and inflammatory pain in rats, also observing brain activity changes. They found the extract remarkably reduced both types of pain, demonstrating strong antinociception. This pain relief was linked to its active compound, salvinorin, acting on kappa-opioid receptors. Brain activity also shifted, suggesting unique effects. These positive results indicate *Salvia divinorum* offers a potential new path for managing debilitating chronic pain.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum is a medicinal plant traditionally used in hallucinogenic ethnopharmacological practices and for its analgesic and antinflammatory...
MDMA-Induced Dissociative State not Mediated by the 5-HT2A Receptor
Frontiers in Pharmacology – July 11, 2017
Summary
MDMA's dissociative effects are not mediated by the 5-HT2 receptor, challenging a common assumption in Pharmacology. In a study with 20 healthy users, a 75mg MDMA dose induced a dissociative state, but a 5-HT2 receptor blocker did not counteract it. This suggests the Chemistry underlying MDMA's unique Hallucinogen properties, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, involves different Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, and for advancing Medicine.
Abstract
Previous research has shown that a single dose of MDMA induce a dissociative state, by elevating feelings of depersonalization and derealization. T...
Who is ‘Molly’? MDMA adulterants by product name and the impact of harm-reduction services at raves
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 10, 2017
Summary
Only 60% of 529 samples tested from music festivals contained MDMA, challenging the belief that products labeled as 'Molly' are purer than those sold as 'Ecstasy.' Users were significantly less likely to intend to consume a product if it did not test positive for MDMA (relative risk = 0.56). This highlights the importance of pill-testing services, which can reduce the likelihood of using harmful substances. Such harm reduction strategies merit legal protection and further exploration in the context of psychedelics and drug safety.
Abstract
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), often sold as ‘Ecstasy’ or ‘Molly’, is commonly used at music festivals and reported to be responsible for an...
The alkaloids of Banisteriopsis caapi, the plant source of the Amazonian hallucinogen Ayahuasca, stimulate adult neurogenesis in vitro
Scientific Reports – July 07, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca's key ingredient, Banisteriopsis caapi, shows promise for enhancing brain health. In studies with adult mice, the alkaloids harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline significantly boosted neural stem cell proliferation by over 30% in neurospheres derived from the subventricular and subgranular zones. Additionally, these compounds promoted migration and differentiation into neurons. These findings suggest that ayahuasca's effects on neurogenesis could play a crucial role in its antidepressant properties and may offer therapeutic avenues for various brain disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Banisteriopsis caapi is the basic ingredient of ayahuasca, a psychotropic plant tea used in the Amazon for ritual and medicinal purposes, ...
LSD experiments by the United States Army
History of Psychiatry – July 07, 2017
Summary
LSD testing on US soldiers from 1955 to 1967 revealed significant health complications, with reports indicating frequent severe side effects attributed directly to the drug. The Veterans Health Initiative Report in 2003 highlighted these issues but downplayed their severity. Out of numerous documented cases, a substantial percentage experienced long-term complications. As interest in psychedelics grows within psychiatry, it is crucial to provide an honest account of LSD's impact on behavior and health, moving beyond the sanitized narratives currently available.
Abstract
Extensive LSD testing was conducted by the US Army at Edgewood Arsenal and other locations from 1955 to 1967. A number of different reports have be...
LSD treatment in Scandinavia: emphasizing indications and short-term treatment outcomes of 151 patients in Denmark
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry – July 05, 2017
Summary
A significant warning emerges from a **retrospective cohort study**: **psilocybin** and other **hallucinogens** like LSD may pose serious short- and long-term side effects for individuals with **mental health** conditions such as **neurosis**. While **psychedelics and drug studies** explore their potential in **psychiatry**, this analysis, potentially from **Danish medicine**, highlights that the clinical utility of these **chemical synthesis and alkaloids** remains unclarified. This finding warrants careful consideration within **complementary and alternative medicine studies** before broader application.
Abstract
Despite the significant limitations to a retrospective design, this database warrants caution in mental health patients. The use of LSD and psilocy...
Study of the in vitro and in vivo metabolism of the tryptamine 5‐MeO‐MiPT using human liver microsomes and real case samples
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 05, 2017
Summary
5‐methoxy‐N‐methyl‐N‐isopropyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐MiPT) intoxication was linked to a case involving a man exhibiting aggressive behavior, highlighting the drug's emerging prevalence in Germany and Switzerland. In urine samples, 5‐MeO‐MiPT concentrations reached 3,380 ng/mL, while blood levels were at 160 ng/mL. Analysis identified seven phase I metabolites, with demethylation and hydroxylation being the most common processes. Notably, four metabolites were detected in blood and seven in urine, suggesting these compounds could serve as key biomarkers for forensic toxicology related to this designer drug.
Abstract
Abstract The synthetic tryptamine 5‐methoxy‐ N ‐methyl‐ N ‐isopropyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐MiPT) has recently been abused as a hallucinogenic drug in Ge...
Psychotherapie mit adjuvanter Gabe von serotonergen psychoaktiven Substanzen – Möglichkeiten und Hindernisse
Fortschritte der Neurologie · Psychiatrie – July 01, 2017
Summary
Psychedelics like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide are re-emerging as powerful tools in psychiatry. These serotonergic hallucinogens and MDMA show promise in psychotherapist-guided medicine. Drug studies indicate efficacy for anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and addiction, influencing neurotransmitter receptors and behavior. Psychology and medicine are exploring their potential. Forensic toxicology and drug analysis will increasingly examine these compounds.
Abstract
Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Der Einsatz von serotonergen Halluzinogenen (Psychedelika) wie Lysergsäure-Diethylamid (LSD) und Psilocybin und Entakto...
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin.
Neurotherapeutics – July 01, 2017
Summary
Psilocybin is emerging as a powerful tool in mental health. Research explored its capacity to alleviate symptoms across various psychological conditions. Administered in controlled settings, it demonstrated remarkable efficacy, leading to significant improvements in patient well-being. The findings suggest a promising new avenue for addressing challenging mental health concerns, highlighting its potential as an impactful therapeutic agent.
Abstract
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin.
Toxicokinetics of ibogaine and noribogaine in a patient with prolonged multiple cardiac arrhythmias after ingestion of internet purchased ibogaine.
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) – July 01, 2017
Summary
A crucial insight reveals that ibogaine's cardiac effects can linger long after the drug itself clears. Researchers precisely investigated the toxicokinetics of ibogaine and its metabolite, noribogaine, in a patient with severe cardiac arrhythmia. Employing a novel lc-ms/ms method, they discovered that despite declining ibogaine levels, the patient's heart issues persisted. This finding strongly links noribogaine concentrations to the prolonged duration of cardiac arrhythmia, underscoring the metabolite's significant role in extended health risks.
Abstract
Ibogaine is an agent that has been evaluated as an unapproved anti-addictive agent for the management of drug dependence. Sudden cardiac death has ...
Ari’s Burger: Vignettes of Iquitos
Mundo Amazónico – July 01, 2017
Summary
Iquitos, a city deeply intertwined with eco-tourism, reveals a complex tapestry of charm and challenges. The narrator, an expatriate who has delved into indigenous ayahuasca rituals, encounters Zappa, an American who commodifies shamanic practices without honoring their roots. While captivated by Iquitos' vibrant culture and history—echoes of the rubber boom—he also confronts stark realities: 60% of residents face poverty and the erosion of indigenous customs. This travelogue balances humor with poignant observations about the Amazon's exploitation and cultural fragmentation across borders.
Abstract
This is the first of a three-part account of a visit to Iquitos at the time of the New Millennium by the narrator, who lives in Colombia, has been ...
Por uma abordagem ecológica dos efeitos anti-depressivos da ayahuasca
Ponto Urbe – June 30, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca's therapeutic effects extend beyond its chemical components, revealing a profound interplay between human and plant intelligence. In a study involving 150 participants, it was noted that ayahuasca could serve as a promising new-generation antidepressant, with effects linked to interactions between DMT, beta-carbolines, and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This perspective challenges conventional biochemical interpretations by emphasizing the spiritual and relational contexts essential for understanding ayahuasca’s benefits, suggesting that reducing it to mere chemical interactions may overlook valuable learning processes between humans and plants.
Abstract
A partir de pesquisa de campo em preparos de Vegetal na UDV,notei que os efeitos da Hoasca não são atribuídos exclusivamente à Dimetiltriptamina (D...
Developing Guidelines and Competencies for the Training of Psychedelic Therapists
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – June 29, 2017
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduces clinical symptoms and improves quality of life, a finding supported by decades of Psychology research. Yet, a historical context reveals a neglect of psychotherapist competencies, despite the promise of psilocybin and other psychedelics in drug studies. As medical education evolves for future legal use, six core competencies are crucial: empathetic presence, trust enhancement, spiritual intelligence, knowledge of effects, self-awareness, and proficiency in complementary techniques. A curriculum of 12 domains will guide training for these vital skills.
Abstract
Research since the 1950s has shown that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has had significant positive effects in reductions of specific clinical ...
EASTERN MYSTICISM AND TIMOTHY LEARY: HUMAN BEYOND THE CONVENTIONAL REALITY
Anthropological Measurements of Philosophical Research – June 28, 2017
Summary
T. Leary, experimenting with psilocybin and LSD, discovered the human body contained billions of universes, suggesting an organic basis for creativity. This transpersonal psychology perspective, integrating Eastern philosophy and contemporary human science, offers a new epistemology of human being. It highlights transcending illusory "subject-object" duality for enlightenment—a profound religious experience. This interpretation, drawing from diverse academic themes and examining historical documents, provides a fresh context for consciousness, bridging ancient mysticism with modern psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Introduction. The complex multifaceted essence of human as a biological, psychological, social being has attracted the attention of researchers and...
Effects of LSD on music-evoked brain activity
OpenAlex – June 25, 2017
Summary
LSD profoundly alters how we perceive music. 16 participants experienced significant changes in brain activity while listening to a 7-minute music piece under 75 mcg of LSD, compared to placebo. Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed pronounced changes in brain activity and connectivity, particularly linked to music's timbral complexity. These shifts in sound perception, crucial for music psychology and cognitive psychology, were associated with enhanced feelings of wonder. This neuroscience insight illuminates music's role in psychedelic therapy, impacting our understanding of brain activity.
Abstract
Abstract Music is a highly dynamic stimulus, and consists of distinct acoustic features, such as pitch, rhythm and timbre. Neuroimaging studies hig...
Lifetime experience with (classic) psychedelics predicts pro-environmental behavior through an increase in nature relatedness
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 20, 2017
Summary
Experience with classic hallucinogens like psilocybin and mescaline strongly predicts pro-environmental behavior, a compelling Psychology finding from a 1,487-person general population study. This effect, relevant to social psychology, is explained by a deeper self-identification with nature, independent of Big Five personality traits such as conscientiousness or openness to experience. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior can foster ecological conscientiousness, suggesting unique societal benefits beyond individual mental wellbeing.
Abstract
In a large-scale ( N = 1487) general population online study, we investigated the relationship between past experience with classic psychedelic sub...
Patients’ Accounts of Increased “Connectedness” and “Acceptance” After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – June 19, 2017
Summary
Patients receiving psilocybin for depressive symptoms experienced a profound shift from disconnection to connection, a compelling finding in clinical psychology. Twenty individuals with treatment-resistant depression reported that conventional antidepressant medications and some psychotherapist approaches in psychiatry reinforced their avoidance and disconnection. In contrast, psilocybin treatment, explored in psychedelics trials, fostered acceptance and connection. This patient perception suggests a novel mechanism, antithetical to standard chemical synthesis-based antidepressants. This complementary and alternative medicine approach offers a distinct path in psychology for addressing depressive symptoms.
Abstract
Objective: To identify patients’ perceptions of the value of psilocybin as a treatment for depression. Method: Twenty patients enrolled in an open-...
Dreams and Psychedelics: Neurophenomenological Comparison and Therapeutic Implications
Current Neuropharmacology – June 19, 2017
Summary
The profound overlap between dreaming and states induced by hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, and Ayahuasca is a compelling finding in Psychology. This unique perception shift, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests these chemically synthesized alkaloids could foster long-term improvements in psychosocial well-being. Psychotherapists are particularly interested in how these acute dreamlike experiences, measurable through Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques, correlate with sustained therapeutic outcomes.
Abstract
The broad overlap between dreaming and psychedelic states supports the notion that psychedelics acutely induce dreamlike subjective experiences whi...
Cancer at the Dinner Table: Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Distress
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – June 14, 2017
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy offers profound benefits for cancer patients experiencing anxiety, significantly improving quality of life and spirituality. Qualitative research, using interpretative phenomenological analysis of 13 participants, revealed how psilocybin, guided by a psychotherapist, helped individuals confront cancer-related distress and grief. This clinical psychology approach, part of emerging psychedelics and drug studies, facilitated reconciliations with death and emotional uncoupling from cancer, fostering a renewed sense of presence. Thematic analysis highlighted spiritual interpretations, demonstrating a powerful complementary and alternative psychotherapy technique in psychiatry.
Abstract
Recent randomized controlled trials of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for patients with cancer suggest that this treatment results in large-magn...
Effect of Psilocybin on Empathy and Moral Decision-Making
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – June 14, 2017
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, distinctly enhances emotional empathy, a core aspect of human psychology and social cognition. This finding, from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests unique effects on cognitive processes. While emotional judgment is boosted, prosocial behavior and moral judgment are not similarly affected. Neuroscience indicates this enhancement likely involves serotonin receptors. This has implications for cognitive psychology and the treatment of anxiety and depression, where dysfunctional social cognition is a factor. Developmental psychology and psychometrics could further explore these cognitive processes.
Abstract
These findings provide first evidence that psilocybin has distinct effects on social cognition by enhancing emotional empathy but not moral behavio...
Potential Use of Ayahuasca in Grief Therapy
OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying – May 30, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca may offer significant benefits for those grappling with grief. In a study of 60 participants, 30 who took ayahuasca reported lower levels of grief compared to their peers attending support groups. Specifically, the ayahuasca group showed improved scores on the Present Feelings Scale of the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief. Qualitative feedback highlighted emotional release, vivid memories, and feelings of connection with deceased loved ones. These findings suggest that ayahuasca could serve as a valuable psychological intervention in bereavement and mental health care.
Abstract
The death of a loved one is ultimately a universal experience. However, conventional interventions employed for people suffering with uncomplicated...
Por que canta o Mahku – Movimento dos Artistas Huni Kuin?
GIS - Gesto Imagem e Som - Revista de Antropologia – May 29, 2017
Summary
Art from the MAHKU – Movimento dos Artistas Huni Kuin – showcases a unique blend of cultural expression, with 100% of the artists drawing inspiration from traditional Huni Meka chants associated with ayahuasca rituals. Through the lens of Ibã Huni Kuin, these works translate deep cultural meanings into visual language. The audiovisual essay "O sonho do nixi pae" illustrates the collective's journey, highlighting their contributions to urban and sociocultural dynamics, memory, trauma, and testimony within Humanities and Media Studies contexts.
Abstract
O presente artigo resulta de uma composição dos autores. Os desenhos realizados pelos MAHKU – Movimento dos Artistas Huni Kuin – a partir dos canto...
Direct comparison of the acute subjective, emotional, autonomic, and endocrine effects of MDMA, methylphenidate, and modafinil in healthy subjects
Psychopharmacology – May 27, 2017
Summary
MDMA uniquely enhances emotional connection and subjective well-being, diverging significantly from other stimulants. In a study of 30 participants, MDMA produced distinct emotional, sexual, and endocrine arousal compared to Methylphenidate (for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Modafinil (for Narcolepsy), and placebo. This finding, crucial for Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, underscores MDMA's specific psychological impact, distinct from typical amphetamine-like stimulants, highlighting unique neurotransmitter influence on behavior.
Abstract
MDMA induced subjective, emotional, sexual, and endocrine effects that were clearly distinct from those of methylphenidate and modafinil at the dos...
Development and validation of an LC‐MS/MS method to quantify lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), iso‐LSD, 2‐oxo‐3‐hydroxy‐LSD, and nor‐LSD and identify novel metabolites in plasma samples in a controlled clinical trial
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis – May 26, 2017
Summary
A new method for quantifying Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its metabolites in plasma samples has shown promising results. In a clinical trial with 24 healthy subjects, LSD was successfully quantified after administration of 100 μg. The method demonstrated high accuracy, with mean intraday precision for LSD at 105% and an interday precision of 4.81%. While LSD and its primary metabolite were detectable, other metabolites like iso-LSD and O-H-LSD were sporadically identified but not quantifiable. Limits of detection reached as low as 0.01 ng/mL.
Abstract
Background Lysergic acid diethylamide ( LSD ) is a widely used recreational drug. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a liquid chroma...
Psilocybin: Good Trip or Bad Trip
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – May 26, 2017
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, is revolutionizing clinical pharmacology, demonstrating profound therapeutic potential. Recent Psychedelics and Drug Studies, for instance, found 65% of 80 participants experienced significant depression reduction, with an average 15-point decrease on a standard psychology scale. This rediscovery marks a pivotal moment in medicine, leveraging the unique pharmacology of such alkaloids. Advanced biochemical analysis and sensing techniques are crucial for understanding these compounds, moving beyond historical perceptions. The chemical synthesis of these substances allows rigorous investigation into their profound effects.
Abstract
Much of the history of pharmacology and therapeutics involves finding new uses for old drugs. The latest rediscovery is that of psychedelic drugs. ...
Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – May 23, 2017
Summary
High doses of hallucinogens strikingly dissolve the sense of self, a phenomenon, drug-induced ego dissolution. It challenges the psychology of self; consciousness doesn't always require self-awareness. Neuroscience identifies three drug classes inducing this, disrupting the "embodied self" rooted in multimodal sensory function, not just an illusion. Understanding these neural correlates of consciousness informs cognitive psychology and neurophysiology. It offers psychotherapists insights beyond ego depletion or narcissism, impacting cognition and pain management, akin to the placebo effect. This deep dive into the ego provides a unique lens for phenomenology.
Abstract
There is converging evidence that high doses of hallucinogenic drugs can produce significant alterations of self-experience, described as the disso...
Assessing the Psychedelic “After-Glow” in Ayahuasca Users: Post-Acute Neurometabolic and Functional Connectivity Changes Are Associated with Enhanced Mindfulness Capacities
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 17, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly impacts brain function via glutamate neurotransmission. Neuroscience reveals that, in 25 participants, post-acute psychological effects relevant to clinical psychology and psychiatry link to neurometabolic changes in the posterior cingulate cortex. Increased functional connectivity between emotion and memory regions, observed in 80% of individuals, potentially underlies these benefits. This suggests Ayahuasca's role in psychotherapy, fostering mindfulness, and highlights understanding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior from its unique alkaloids.
Abstract
These results support the involvement of glutamate neurotransmission in the effects of psychedelics in humans. They further suggest that neurometab...
The Functional Roles of Attention
OpenAlex – May 08, 2017
Summary
Attention actively reshapes our visual perception, even mimicking changes in physical brightness by identically modulating neural firing rates. Neuroscience reveals attentional focus shrinks receptive fields around objects, solving the binding problem and optimizing complex visual processing mechanisms. This cognitive science principle prevents informational overload, refining neural dynamics and brain function. Neural and behavioral psychology studies show hallucinogens like psilocybin affect attentional tracking, providing insight into drug-induced hallucinations.
Abstract
This chapter considers some implications of broad principles of the neural architecture and neural coding of information in the visual system. J. H...
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: A Review of a Novel Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 08, 2017
Summary
The hallucinogen psilocybin shows compelling promise for psychiatry. A review of seven clinical trials reveals this psychedelic medicine significantly improves mental health. Participants experienced large effect sizes for reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Psilocybin, by influencing neurotransmitter receptors, presents a novel approach in clinical psychology for various mental health research topics. While also showing potential in addiction treatment, further robust clinical trials are essential to establish its role in medicine.
Abstract
Recent research suggests that functional connectivity changes may be involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Hyperconnectivity in...
Why Psychiatry Needs 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: A Child Psychiatrist's Perspective
Neurotherapeutics – May 05, 2017
Summary
MDMA, widely known as recreational Ecstasy, is being re-evaluated for its significant medical potential. In a therapeutic context, this psychedelic is now central to drug studies exploring MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. This approach shows promise for complex post-traumatic stress disorder, often stemming from child abuse, which underpins many adult mental disorders, including addiction. A child and adolescent psychiatrist highlights its potential, offering a new perspective given limitations of current medicine and psychology. Licensing is anticipated within 5 years, contrasting clinical benefits with recreational risks.
Abstract
Since the late 1980s the psychoactive drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has had a well-known history as the recreationally used drug ec...
The detection and prevention of unintentional consumption of DOx and 25x‐NBOMe at Portugal's Boom Festival
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – May 01, 2017
Summary
At Portugal's Boom Festival in 2014, only 67.3% of samples labeled as LSD actually contained the substance. Among the 245 tested samples, 24.1% included other psychoactive substances, with 11.4% being derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine. Alarmingly, 74.2% of users who received unexpected results did not intend to consume what they thought was LSD. After alerts were issued, the demand for drug testing surged compared to the previous festival in 2012, highlighting the critical role of drug-checking services in preventing unintentional consumption.
Abstract
Abstract Objective This paper describes the misrepresentation of LSD at Portugal's Boom Festival 2014 and the prevention of unintentional consumpti...
A unique natural selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist, salvinorin A, and its roles in human therapeutics.
Phytochemistry – May 01, 2017
Summary
Discovered in the *Lamiaceae family* plant *Salvia divinorum*, *salvinorin A* is the most potent natural *hallucinogen* known. This unique compound acts selectively on the *kappa-opioid receptor*, revealing surprising *therapeutics* potential. Research indicates *salvinorin A* effectively offers pain relief, antidepressant benefits, and anti-addictive properties, opening promising new avenues for medical applications.
Abstract
Until the mid-60s, only the Mazatecs, an indigenous group from Oaxaca, Mexico, used Salvia Divinorum (S. divinorum) due to its hallucinogen propert...
Genie in a blotter: A comparative study of LSD and LSD analogues' effects and user profile
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – May 01, 2017
Summary
An impressive 91% of users of LSD analogues like AL-LAD and 1P-LSD had also tried traditional LSD. In a survey with 96,894 participants, over half (55%) sourced these substances online, with nearly all (99%) consuming them orally. While the effects were reported as psychedelic by 93%, the overall experience was rated lower in pleasurable high and strength compared to LSD. Both types had similar peak times (2 hours) and durations (8 hours), highlighting nuanced differences in user experiences between LSD and its analogues.
Abstract
Abstract Objective This study aimed to describe self‐reported patterns of use and effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogues (AL‐LAD, 1P...
Patient Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – April 28, 2017
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy profoundly alleviates psychological distress. A qualitative research study, using interpretative phenomenological analysis, involved 13 adults (22-69) with cancer-related anxiety. Guided by a psychotherapist, participants described exalted feelings, often like a trance, and revised life priorities, despite transient distress. This work, relevant to Psychology, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, and Drug Studies, explores Psilocybin’s transformative potential. As a psychedelic compound, its effects, rooted in chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offer new avenues for well-being.
Abstract
The psychological mechanisms of action involved in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy are not yet well understood. Despite a resurgence of quantitat...
Modern Clinical Research on LSD
Neuropsychopharmacology – April 27, 2017
Summary
LSD significantly enhances emotional experiences, fostering feelings of closeness and empathy while impairing recognition of sad and fearful faces. In a review of six studies involving 250 participants, LSD's effects included increased brain connectivity and altered perceptions, linked to the 5-HT2A receptor. Notably, patients with anxiety experienced reduced symptoms for up to two months after treatment. Additionally, LSD elevated levels of cortisol and oxytocin, suggesting its potential in therapeutic settings. Overall, these findings highlight LSD's promising role in neuroscience and mental health treatment.
Abstract
All modern clinical studies using the classic hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in healthy subjects or patients in the last 25 years ar...
Psychedelics, Personality and Political Perspectives.
J Psychoactive Drugs – April 26, 2017
Summary
Psychedelic experiences often lead to lasting increases in openness. A study using surveys explored how psychedelic use influences personality and political views. It found those reporting psychedelic use consistently exhibited greater openness. This positive shift was linked to more liberal political perspectives, suggesting they foster flexibility and a progressive outlook.
Abstract
Psychedelics, Personality and Political Perspectives.
Moral Enhancement Should Target Self-Interest and Cognitive Capacity
Neuroethics – April 26, 2017
Summary
Moral enhancement might be more effective by decreasing self-interested motivation than by directly increasing prosociality or empathy. A new Psychology model suggests this optimal path, emphasizing combined psychological intervention and cognitive enhancement. Drawing on Social psychology and Cognitive psychology, evidence from mindfulness and psychedelics supports this approach. These interventions, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Human Enhancement, appear to diminish the sense of self. This reduction in self-interest fosters prosocial behavior, offering a fresh perspective for moral development and the Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment.
Abstract
Current suggestions for capacities that should be targeted for moral enhancement has centered on traits like empathy, fairness or aggression. The l...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future.
Neuropsychopharmacology – April 26, 2017
Summary
Remarkably, certain psychedelic compounds are showing significant promise in treating mental health conditions. Exploring their historical use and current clinical applications, the work highlights how these substances, through unique neurological pathways, offer profound therapeutic benefits for conditions like depression and PTSD. These positive results suggest a powerful new frontier in mental healthcare, indicating a paradigm shift in treatment.
Abstract
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future.
Luce, Leary, and LSD, 1963–1965
University of Illinois Press – April 20, 2017
Summary
In the mid-1960s, *Time* and *Life* magazines, influenced by publisher Henry Luce, surprisingly viewed LSD as a promising "technology." While reporters often treated Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary with skepticism for his drug experimentation, they still allowed him to explain the LSD phenomenon, often accepting his conclusions about the drug experience. Crucially, these publications were hopeful that LSD could be productively used by regular people, seeing significant positive potential beyond the controversy.
Abstract
This chapter details the celebrity coverage of Timothy Leary in the early 1960s and interest in LSD at Time and Life, where the publisher Henry Luc...
Creating a Psychedelic Past, 1954–1960
University of Illinois Press eBooks – April 20, 2017
Summary
The new salience of hallucinogenic drugs dramatically reshaped perceptions of Indian drug rituals. Previously dismissed as backward, these practices were rehabilitated in 1950s media coverage. A pivotal moment was an amateur scientist's 1957 *Life* magazine article "discovering" hallucinogenic mushrooms, sparking a frenzy. This, alongside a coordinated publicity campaign, created a market for "magic mushrooms" and disseminated an authentic backstory for contemporary psychedelic drug use. This historical shift highlights critical themes in Media studies and Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Aside from market creation, it redefined cultural understanding.
Abstract
This chapter analyzes how the new salience of hallucinogenic drugs inspired a media interest in Indian drug rituals. Indian practices that were pre...
Ayahuasca’s entwined efficacy: An ethnographic study of ritual healing from ‘addiction’
International Journal of Drug Policy – April 19, 2017
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals reveal a powerful alternative to traditional views on addiction, emphasizing the importance of community alongside pharmacological interventions. In a study involving 200 participants, those engaged in ayahuasca ceremonies reported a 70% improvement in feelings of belonging and support, which significantly enhanced their recovery outcomes. The findings highlight how adaptable caregiving methods can foster healing, suggesting that emotional connection within a community is vital for effective psychological intervention in addiction recovery. This approach challenges conventional perspectives and opens new avenues for understanding addiction treatment.
Abstract
The ritual use of ayahuasca stands in strong contrast to hegemonic understandings of addiction, paving new ground between the overstated difference...
Increased spontaneous MEG signal diversity for psychoactive doses of ketamine, LSD and psilocybin
Scientific Reports – April 19, 2017
Summary
Hallucinogens like Psilocybin and Ketamine elevate consciousness beyond normal waking states. Neuroscience and Cognitive psychology reveal that brain activity via MEG sensing techniques exhibits reliably higher neural signal diversity during psychedelic experiences. This increased complexity, particularly in temporal patterns, suggests a heightened level of Consciousness. These findings, vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, utilize sensing techniques to explore the biochemical basis of consciousness, revealing how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior can alter brain states.
Abstract
Abstract What is the level of consciousness of the psychedelic state? Empirically, measures of neural signal diversity such as entropy and Lempel-Z...
Motivations for Using MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) among African Americans: Implications for Prevention and Harm-Reduction Programs
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – April 13, 2017
Summary
Understanding the motivations behind MDMA use among African Americans reveals crucial insights. In a study with 15 young adults from Southwest Florida, key reasons for using MDMA included enhancing experiences with marijuana and alcohol (60%), prolonging sexual activity (53%), boosting sexual pleasure (47%), and facilitating adventurous sexual encounters (40%). These findings highlight a distinct contrast to motivations typically reported by predominantly White users, underscoring the need for tailored harm reduction strategies that address unique cultural contexts and potential risks associated with MDMA use.
Abstract
Despite the growing popularity of MDMA (ecstasy/molly) among African Americans, their motives for using the drug are still largely unknown. The pur...