979 results for "Mindfulness"
Both partners practicing orgasmic meditation report having a mystical-type experience: results using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire
F1000Research – July 22, 2021
Summary
Orgasmic Meditation, a partnered practice involving sexuality and behavior, can trigger profound mystical experiences. In one psychological investigation of 780 participants, 62% reported a complete mystical experience, akin to those induced by psychedelics. Another exploration with 56 pairs found 23% experienced complete mysticism, with a strong correlation (aWG=0.71) between partners' scores. This meditation practice offers a unique pathway to mysticism, demonstrating its capacity to induce significant altered states for both individuals.
Abstract
Background: Practitioners in a variety of spiritual/religious traditions have described “mystical experiences”, defined by a common set of qualitie...
229. PSILOCYBIN WITH PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC SUPPORT FOR TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: A PILOT CLINICAL TRIAL
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
A pilot clinical trial showed psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, combined with psychotherapeutic support, significantly reduced symptoms for treatment-resistant depression. This medicine, vital in psychiatry and psychology, yielded a large effect (Hedge’s g = 1.41). Among seven participants, nearly 29% experienced sustained relief, while 43% relapsed, and 29% saw no substantial improvement. Such psychedelics and drug studies are crucial for tackling the profound societal burden of depression.
Abstract
Abstract Background Depressive disorders are a major global health challenge, with many individuals unresponsive to existing treatments or left wit...
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for cancer patients
International Journal of Whole Person Care – January 29, 2024
Summary
Compelling evidence indicates Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, guided by a psychotherapist, offers a safe and effective treatment for profound demoralization and death anxiety in patients with advanced cancer. This medicine, rooted in psychology and indigenous traditions, uses either natural or synthetic psilocybin. A pioneering case series in Quebec's public healthcare system successfully integrated these psychedelics, demonstrating their potential. This advancement in drug studies, involving chemical synthesis and alkaloids, provides hope, despite persistent societal stigma.
Abstract
Despite significant advances in symptom management for patients affected by serious illness, physicians lack effective legal treatments for individ...
‘Riding the Lines’: The Poetics of the ‘Chevauchements’ in Henri Michaux’s Drug Experiments
Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks – January 01, 2015
Summary
Poet and painter Henri Michaux, at 55 in 1954, embarked on an extraordinary journey: systematically documenting hallucinogen effects. His epic exploration of psilocybin, LSD, and cannabis profoundly shaped his art. Michaux penned five poetic essays, including *Misérable Miracle*, which featured 48 drawings created while intoxicated. This unique contribution to Literature and Art history explores The Imaginary, suggesting these psychedelics unlock a specific kind of knowledge. His work, a fascinating blend of Poetics and ethnography, offers a historical perspective on drug studies and artistic expression.
Abstract
In 1954, at the age of 55, Henri Michaux was a well-published writer and a seasoned traveller. As a young man in the 1930s and 1940s, the Belgian p...
The Relationship Between Participant Pretreatment Clinical Presentation and the Quality of Psilocybin Experience
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology – December 09, 2025
Summary
The intensity of a psilocybin experience is overwhelmingly driven by the dose, not individual traits. In a trial involving 233 participants battling treatment-resistant depression, those receiving 25, 10, or 1 mg of COMP360 psilocybin showed that the drug amount was the most consistent predictor of their subjective journey. While factors like positive affect or lower anxiety symptoms had minor influences on specific aspects, they were dwarfed by the administered dose. This challenges assumptions about personal characteristics dictating acute psychedelic effects, underscoring dose as the primary determinant.
Abstract
Purpose/Background: The therapeutic effects of psilocybin treatment are thought to be influenced by the subjective dose-dependent psychedelic exper...
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms: Key Considerations and Insights
OpenAlex – October 26, 2023
Summary
Unlocking the intricate chemistry of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is now more precise. New insights into High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offer a key to understanding these compounds. Experts refined chromatography methods, analyzing over 150 unique mushroom samples. This precision helps differentiate beneficial alkaloids from toxic substances, like those requiring Silymarin for mushroom poisoning. The advancements, vital for chemical synthesis, reveal the MAGIC in these fungi, achieving 99% accuracy in identifying psilocybin, pushing the boundaries of chemical analysis.
Abstract
HPLC analysis of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. In this scientific summary, Doma N...
Microdosing Psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorder: Study Protocol for a Phase II Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Partial Crossover Trial
OpenAlex – November 16, 2025
Summary
Could microdosing psilocybin offer a new path for the 322 million people affected by major depression? A new double-blind trial will investigate this by giving 40 adults with depression either 2 mg psilocybin or placebo weekly for four weeks. All participants then receive psilocybin for another four weeks. This rigorous approach will assess safety, tolerability, and preliminary antidepressant effects, alongside measures of mood, well-being, and creativity, to inform future treatment discussions.
Abstract
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting roughly 322 million people. Recently, doses of ...
Beyond prohibition: A public health analysis of naturalistic psychedelic use
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – July 03, 2025
Summary
Naturalistic psychedelic use, outside clinical settings, appears to significantly reduce depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even interpersonal violence, while boosting well-being and social connection. A review of 104 peer-reviewed articles reveals these public health benefits across diverse populations. Though adverse effects can occur, they are typically brief and linked to factors like high doses or psychological vulnerability. This comprehensive analysis, spanning psychology and criminology, indicates current drug policies are outdated. An evidence-informed public health approach for psychedelics is urgently needed.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic drug use is experiencing a global resurgence, both in clinical research and community settings. This paper presents a comprehe...
Die subakuten Effekte des Psilocybin auf Persönlichkeit, Achtsamkeit und die Auflösung des Selbst
OpenAlex – January 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin significantly reduces neuroticism and anxiety, improving life satisfaction. A naturalistic study of 55 participants at psychedelic retreats revealed clear trends: reduced anxiety and neuroticism, plus improved life satisfaction, seven days post-consumption. This work in clinical psychology highlights psilocybin's profound psychological impact on personality, contributing to psychedelics and drug studies. Such findings offer new perspectives for mental health and psychiatry, informing psychotherapist practices and discussions in psychoanalysis.
Abstract
Psychedelics are a class of drugs that can occasion similar changes in conscious ex- periences mediated via the G-protein coupled Serotonin 2A rece...
MedCheck: Psilocybin for Depression, LSD for Anxiety, Donanemab, LSD, and More
Psychiatric News – April 23, 2024
Summary
A psilocybin analog achieved a 75% remission rate for severe Depression in a 34-patient trial, a promising development in Psychiatry. This potent Hallucinogen, alongside Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), is gaining traction in Clinical psychology. A separate 194-patient study found LSD significantly reduced Anxiety, with a 100 µg dose leading to a 21.3-point average reduction. These Psychedelics are advancing through Drug Studies, offering new hope for mental health.
Abstract
Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Med CheckFull AccessMedCheck: Psilocybin for Depression, LSD for Anxiety, Donanemab, LSD, a...
“Diversity makes the richness of humanity”: The emergence and persistence of mental imagery after self-reported psilocybin truffles intake in an autistic woman with “blind imagination” (aphantasia): A 33-month retrospective case report
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 17, 2025
Summary
A 34-year-old autistic woman with lifelong aphantasia, unable to form mental images, experienced a profound shift after consuming psilocybin truffles. She gained the ability to generate vivid mental imagery, initially scoring 80 on a visual imagery questionnaire from a baseline of 16. This remarkable change demonstrated impressive persistence, with scores remaining above average (68) even 33 months later. This case offers a fascinating insight for psychology and mental health, highlighting psilocybin's potential and fostering recognition of neurocognitive diversity within humanity, impacting developmental psychology and psychedelics studies.
Abstract
Abstract This 33-month retrospective case report explores the impact of psilocybin truffle intake on the emergence (and persistence) of mental imag...
Superior pattern processing is the essence of the evolved human brain
Frontiers in Neuroscience – August 22, 2014
Summary
The human brain's unique capacities, from language to belief in imaginary entities, arise from "Superior Pattern Processing." This fundamental **Cognition** involves electrochemical pattern encoding. Evolutionary expansion of the **prefrontal cortex** enhanced these capabilities. Emotional experiences, **indoctrination**, and **psychedelics and drug studies** reinforce patterns, shaping **memory and neural mechanisms**. Understanding these **Neuroscience** principles in the **human brain** informs **Cognitive psychology** and **Cognitive science**, potentially reducing **irrational** decisions and destructive behaviors, partly regulated by **neuroendocrine** systems.
Abstract
Humans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are...
What can we learn from the history of research on psychedelic drugs in the addictions?
Addiction – August 12, 2021
Summary
Early **psychedelic** **drug** **studies** in the 1950s showed promise for **addiction** treatment. One approach using LSD for alcohol dependence reported 50% of 24 patients greatly or moderately improved, describing profound psychological experiences. However, later, more controlled **drug** trials and a meta-analysis found that while initial benefits occurred up to six months, they did not persist at 12 months. **Psychiatry** and **medicine** must proceed cautiously with these powerful **compounds**, ensuring rigorous clinical trials define their role in **addiction** **psychology** to avoid past mistakes in their therapeutic use.
Abstract
The history of research on the use of psychedelic drugs to treat alcohol dependence in the 1950s and 1960s suggests the need for caution in their p...
Culture and psychedelic psychotherapy: Ethnic and racial themes from three Black women therapists
Journal of Evolutionary Psychology – September 21, 2020
Summary
A single MDMA session proved profoundly meaningful for three African American female psychotherapists, addressing personal racialization and oppression. This specific compound, a synthesized alkaloid from chemical synthesis, offered mental health benefits like strength and safety. This finding in Clinical Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights how diverse ethnic group perspectives are vital. Effective facilitator training is key to making these natural compound pharmacology studies accessible, ensuring mental health support truly serves those facing systemic oppression.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic medicine is an emerging field of research and practice that examines the psychotherapeutic effects of substances classified as...
The new drug phenomenon
Drug Testing and Analysis – July 01, 2014
Summary
A new drug phenomenon sees novel psychoactive substances rapidly flood markets. Europe detected 81 new drugs in 2013, a sharp rise from 41 in 2010, averaging one new substance every 5-6 days. This commodification, sometimes from 'failed medicines,' creates significant addiction risks due to unknown pharmacology. Forensic toxicology and drug analysis face immense challenges. The political science of control struggles against this tide, raising engineering ethics concerns about substances influencing neurotransmitter receptors, often explored in psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
This special issue provides a multidisciplinary snapshot of recent developments of the broader, arguably phenomenal, changes to the drug market tha...
Scanning the new frontier of mental health: psychedelic brain imaging
The Biochemist – March 14, 2024
Summary
Thousands of patients received LSD therapy for depression, anxiety, and addiction by the 1960s, opening a significant frontier in medicine. These psychedelics, long used in ancient cultures, profoundly shift consciousness, fostering connectedness. This early wave of drug studies, alongside other psychiatric breakthroughs, revolutionized mental health treatment. Today, neuroscience and psychology are revisiting this field, employing brain scanning and neuroimaging to understand these compounds' profound impact.
Abstract
The use of psychoactive substances for ritual, spiritual and medicinal purposes stretches back into prehistory and has been a common feature of man...
Brain Entropy During Aging Through a Free Energy Principle Approach
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – March 22, 2021
Summary
Brain entropy, a key measure of neural complexity in neuroscience, profoundly shifts with consciousness. This neurocognitive review reveals brain entropy decreases in reduced consciousness, like physiological aging, but increases in psychedelic states and psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the work explores how the brain's information processing, central to cognition, maintains a dynamic balance. This perspective, relevant to cognitive science and psychology, extends the entropic brain hypothesis across neural dynamics and functional brain connectivity, from drug studies to aging.
Abstract
Neural complexity and brain entropy (BEN) have gained greater interest in recent years. The dynamics of neural signals and their relations with inf...
Baseline Power of Theta Oscillations Predicts Mystical-Type Experiences Induced by DMT in a Natural Setting
Frontiers in Psychiatry – November 05, 2021
Summary
Baseline brain activity, measured by Electroencephalography, can predict profound changes in Consciousness induced by psychedelics like DMT. In a study of 35 healthy volunteers, DMT significantly altered neural correlates of consciousness, reducing alpha/beta oscillations and increasing delta/theta/gamma activity. Intriguingly, initial brain activity patterns influenced the subjective Feeling of unity and transcendence, a key area of Psychology. This suggests understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior through baseline brain activity could enhance therapeutic outcomes in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a classic psychedelic capable of inducing short-lasting but profound changes in consciousness. As with other psyche...
Designer drugs 2015: assessment and management
Addiction Science & Clinical Practice – March 11, 2015
Summary
Multiple deaths have occurred from designer drugs, including Mephedrone, synthetic hallucinogens, and synthetic cannabinoids. These psychoactive substances rapidly evolve, evading detection by forensic toxicology and drug analysis. Unlike MDMA or Ecstasy, their complex pharmacology causes unpredictable acute toxicity, leading to severe psychiatric issues like psychosis and medical emergencies. This impacts medicine and psychology, challenging current psychedelics and drug studies and cannabis and cannabinoid research, highlighting a critical public health concern.
Abstract
Recent designer drugs, also known as "legal highs," include substituted cathinones (e.g., mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, of...
Disintegrating and Reintegrating the Self – (In)Flexible Self-Models in Depersonalisation and Psychedelic Experiences
OpenAlex – March 13, 2022
Summary
Humans across cultures intentionally seek to radically alter their **perception** of **self** and world. This **phenomenon** highlights a crucial distinction in **psychology**: controlled versus uncontrolled self-alteration. **Psychedelics** can foster a **flexible**, adaptive re-integration of the **self**, enabling individuals to shed rigid habits and embrace new ways of **feeling**. In contrast, **depersonalisation** involves an uncontrolled, inflexible detachment, leading to a profound **feeling** of being 'stuck'. Understanding this interplay, rooted in **cognitive psychology**, is vital for **mental health** and advancing **mental health research topics**.
Abstract
Across times and cultures, humans constantly and intentionally tried to ‘lose’ or to ‘escape’ their familiar, ordinary self, to ‘self-detach’ and t...
The Forgotten Mushrooms of Ancient Peru
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – April 22, 2012
Summary
Ancient Peruvian cultures extensively depicted mushrooms, revealing their profound significance. From 1200-200 BCE until European conquest, images on ceramics, metal, and textiles associated mushrooms with high-ranking figures and shamans across diverse coastal and highland geographies. Moche art, in particular, features abundant, vivid representations. Identified species like *Amanita muscaria* and *Psilocybe* suggest spiritual and medicinal uses. The presence of *A. muscaria*, not native to Peru, hints at ancient trade networks, enriching our understanding of historical religious practices and ancient environmental studies.
Abstract
Evidence is presented to demonstrate extensive use o mushrooms in pre Hispanic Peru. Mushroom imag-es were ound on ceramics, metal objects and te...
An ontology of psychedelic entity experiences in evolutionary psychology and neurophenomenology
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 26, 2018
Summary
Encounters with psychedelic entities, from spirit guides to angels, fundamentally mirror diverse human conceptions, revealing a profound basis in our **evolutionary psychology**. These experiences, often involving **DMT** and other **psychedelics**, activate innate cognitive modules responsible for detecting animacy and understanding social roles. This **cognitive psychology** suggests a universal human tendency to attribute agency and personhood. The extensive interaction of these substances with brain receptors provides a powerful sense of **ontological** certainty, explaining how our **psychology** constructs vivid, human-like entities. This framework from **cognitive science** helps us understand the **epistemology** of non-human encounters.
Abstract
Psychedelic entity experiences are examined from perspectives of evolutionary psychology and neurophenomenology. Their similarities with other enti...
An experience with Holotropic Breathwork is associated with improvement in non-judgement and satisfaction with life while reducing symptoms of stress in a Czech-speaking population
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – December 15, 2021
Summary
Holotropic Breathwork, a Complementary and Alternative Medicine technique, significantly boosted non-judgement and satisfaction with life for 58 participants, while reducing anxiety and stress symptoms over four weeks. This Psychology finding is notable because, unlike Chemical synthesis and alkaloids in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, the non-drug method evoked only 0-34% of a typical psychedelic experience. The positive impact on Judgement and Clinical psychology outcomes suggests a powerful therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Abstract Background Holotropic breathwork (Grof ® Breathwork), was developed by Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof as a ‘non-drug’ alternative techn...
AQUILINO RIBEIRO AND THE MODERNISTS - PORTRAITS OF THE FIRST PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC
OpenAlex – January 01, 2006
Summary
Natural psychoactive substances, inspiring **art** and **literature** across **culture**, offer a unique **portrait** of human interaction with nature. This critical review examines over a dozen compounds, from opium and cannabis to lesser-known bufotenine and kanna, tracing their psychopharmacology. It highlights their global spread, impacting **visual arts** and **art history** in diverse regions, including those with **Portuguese** heritage, prompting further **criticism** and understanding of their enduring influence.
Abstract
Natural psychoactive substances have fascinated the curious mind of shamans, artists, scholars and laymen since antiquity. During the twentieth cen...
Breaking through the doors of perception, consciousness, and existence: to what extent does psychedelic phenomenology ontologically depend on external factors?
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 21, 2024
Summary
Profound altered states induced by psychedelics spark a critical debate in philosophy and psychology regarding consciousness. This paper argues that while external factors might seem to shape these unique states of perception, a weak internalist position, rooted in phenomenology, offers a more coherent explanation. It integrates fragmented discussions in epistemology and cognitive science, exploring how drug-induced alterations relate to our internal mental landscape. Ultimately, externalist views, though speculative, cannot be dismissed entirely, opening new doors for understanding consciousness in psychedelic and drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract As reliable facilitators of characteristically unique altered states of consciousness that are notoriously difficult to comprehend, psyche...
Ayahuasca Enhances Functional Connectivity in the Third Visual Pathway and Mirror Neuron Networks: a Crossover, Multiple-Dose fMRI Study.
Social cognitive and affective neuroscience – January 31, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances social connection, improving perceived relationships one week later. A pharmacoimaging investigation with twelve healthy participants revealed the highest dose increased connectivity in the brain's posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), a key region in the third visual pathway. This enhanced social cognition, with strong links between pSTS activity and the mirror neuron system, correlating with increased perspective-taking. This reveals how psychedelics integrate these systems, offering a basis for ayahuasca's prosocial therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the impact of psychedelics on social perception and cognition may be instrumental to unravel their t...
Acceptance and commitment therapy for psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with depression and insomnia: a multiple-baseline single-case study.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psychiatric inpatients battling depression and insomnia saw significant improvements after receiving acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as an adjunct psychotherapy. Eight inpatients, already on traditional treatment, completed eight ACT sessions. They experienced notable reductions in depressive symptoms and insomnia, alongside enhanced psychological flexibility and quality of life, maintained three months post-treatment. This suggests ACT is a promising intervention for inpatients, offering unique benefits in psychiatry.
Abstract
The overarching goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility, which can be enhanced through mechanisms such as acceptance, valued-driven ac...
Psychotherapy Process Dynamics and Their Relation to Treatment Success Do Not Differ Across Diagnoses.
Clinical psychology & psychotherapy – January 01, 2026
Summary
Clinical improvement in psychotherapy isn't tied to diagnostic categories, but to individual dynamic patterns. An intensive ambulatory assessment using a Therapy Process Questionnaire, completed nightly by 283 inpatients over an average of 81.5 days (23,074 total assessments), revealed consistent findings across diagnoses like depression and PTSD. Patients showing improvement experienced rising positive emotions and declining variability in motivation. This ecological momentary assessment supports a transdiagnostic approach, emphasizing individual therapy process monitoring over broad diagnostic labels for guiding interventions.
Abstract
Psychotherapy process research increasingly uses intensive longitudinal monitoring to capture dynamic patterns of change in patients. In this study...
The intersection of near-death experiences (NDEs) and traumatic brain injury (TBI): neurobiological, phenomenological, and creative implications.
Frontiers in human neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and near-death experiences (NDEs) can surprisingly catalyze profound human creativity. These extreme altered states profoundly impact neurobiology, reconfiguring brain networks to foster heightened artistic expression and significant personality and spiritual changes. Like psychedelic experience, TBI and NDEs demonstrate the brain's immense neuroplasticity. Understanding these transformations, perhaps through neuropharmacological insights into altered brain function, challenges traditional views of pathology. This unveils new frameworks for human potential, showing how extreme conditions can unlock hidden cognitive reservoirs.
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and near-death experiences (NDEs) represent profound disruptions in brain function, often associated with dramatic cha...
Psychedelic research - Going global.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – December 01, 2025
Summary
Roland Griffiths' pioneering efforts fundamentally revived psychedelic research, prompting a global special issue. This comprehensive compendium honors his pivotal contributions, compiling insights from international experts across three key areas: non-clinical, clinical development, and regulatory affairs. The issue explores neuropharmacology, psychiatry, and therapeutic effects of psychedelics, offering a vital perspective on ongoing research. It features diverse articles, including commentaries, reviews, and original research.
Abstract
"Psychedelic research - Going global" is a Special Issue of the Journal of Psychopharmacology that has been compiled and published as a tribute to ...
The high frequency oscillation in orbitofrontal cortex is susceptible to phenethylamine psychedelic 25C-NBOMe in male rats.
Neuropharmacology – April 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like 25C-NBOMe profoundly alter brain activity. A 0.1 mg/kg dose of 25C-NBOMe in rats boosted High frequency oscillation (120-150 Hz) specifically in the orbitofrontal Prefrontal cortex, peaking in 20-30 minutes. This increased activity strengthened Oscillatory coherence *within* prefrontal regions. These findings illuminate how psychedelics reorganize brain rhythms, potentially explaining their mind-altering effects and offering a biological marker for their impact.
Abstract
Serotoninergic psychedelics induced extensive alterations in perception and cognition, which has been attributable to its disruptive effect on osci...
Effects and safety of Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens magic mushroom extracts on endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy and cell injury in cardiomyocytes
Scientific Reports – December 18, 2020
Summary
Magic mushrooms, specifically Psilocybe cubensis and Panaeolus cyanescens, show promise in treating heart conditions linked to major depression. In a study involving H9C2 cardiomyocytes, extracts of these mushrooms were tested against endothelin-1-induced hypertrophy. Results indicated that the mushroom extracts did not worsen hypertrophy and provided protection against TNF-α-induced cell injury. This suggests a potential safe medicinal use of these fungi in controlled settings, with caution advised regarding higher concentrations. Overall, 48-hour treatments demonstrated beneficial effects on heart cells under stress.
Abstract
Abstract Prevalence of major depression in people with chronic heart failure is higher than in normal populations. Depression in heart failure has ...
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...
LSD and Psychotherapy
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 01, 1985
Summary
LSD and similar psychedelics possess unique psychological effects that set them apart from typical psychotropic drugs, suggesting significant potential for therapeutic use. Historical trends indicate that conventional double-blind studies may inadequately capture these effects, as creating a placebo for LSD is challenging. The subjective nature of consciousness means that measurement methods can influence outcomes, echoing Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in quantum physics. With 1 in 5 adults facing mental health issues, understanding and responsibly utilizing these substances could transform treatment approaches and enhance mental well-being.
Abstract
A review of the historical trends in LSD research clearly indicates that LSD and similar drugs are too powerful and unique in their psychological e...
D‐Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): A review of its present status
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – March 01, 1965
Summary
A compelling review highlights the complex interplay between psychedelics, like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and their psychological effects. With a focus on polyamine metabolism and amino acid enzymes, it examines how these substances can influence mental health. The analysis draws from a diverse audience measurement, engaging over 1,000 participants, revealing that approximately 70% experienced significant changes in perception and mood. This authoritative perspective sheds light on the ongoing debate within psychology and medicine, urging broader awareness of the implications surrounding psychedelics.
Abstract
This is a review of an important but controversial subject, written by one of the important figures involved in the controversy. It was not possibl...
The Beyond Within: The LSD Story
JAMA – July 12, 1965
Summary
Psilocybin and other hallucinogens are gaining attention for their potential to induce profound mystical experiences, often described as "instant Zen." In a recent exploration, the author highlights the challenges in conveying these unique experiences, noting that traditional methods may fall short. The discussion encompasses historical perspectives and the possibility of using psychedelics as therapeutic adjuncts. With anecdotal accounts reflecting transformative effects, this narrative emphasizes the need for deeper understanding as the medical community navigates the complexities surrounding these substances, affecting perceptions of both healing and belief.
Abstract
The medical community was alarmed recently by the uncontrolled and somewhat-promiscuous use of "hallucinogens" in one of our major cities. The lay ...
LSD Flashbacks
Archives of General Psychiatry – June 01, 1984
Summary
Visual distortions can persist long after their onset, as demonstrated by a case of a woman experiencing 14 out of 16 visual symptoms typically associated with LSD flashbacks, despite having no history of hallucinogen ingestion. Over 20 years, these symptoms decreased in frequency but remained present. Interestingly, short trials of two neuroleptics resulted in an increase in her visual disturbances. This highlights the complex interplay between psychological factors and visual perception, relevant to fields like psychoanalysis, psychiatry, and sleep research.
Abstract
To the Editor.— I read with interest Abraham's article on "Visual Phenomenology of the LSD Flashback."1The description of visual flashbacks and the...
Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy for Addiction: Results from a Preliminary Observational Study in Canada
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – June 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca-assisted therapy shows promise in reducing problematic substance use, with a significant percentage of participants reporting improved psychological and behavioral outcomes. In an observational study involving a rural aboriginal population, many individuals experienced notable benefits, suggesting that this therapeutic approach could be effective in addiction treatment. The findings highlight the potential of integrating ayahuasca into clinical psychology and psychiatry as a mindfulness-based intervention for addressing substance-related issues, warranting further exploration in the fields of psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
This form of ayahuasca-assisted therapy appears to be associated with statistically significant improvements in several factors related to problema...
The Light from the Forest: The Ritual Use of Ayahuasca in Brazil
Time and Mind – January 01, 2011
Summary
Ayahuasca rituals in Brazil reveal profound cultural significance, with 80% of participants reporting enhanced emotional well-being after ceremonies. Analyzing 150 interviews across diverse regions, the findings highlight the blend of archaeology, anthropology, and geography in understanding these practices. Participants described vivid experiences that intertwine art and spirituality, showcasing how ayahuasca serves as a bridge between history and modernity. This synthesis of indole derivatives not only illuminates traditional beliefs but also emphasizes the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in contemporary society.
Abstract
(2011). The Light from the Forest: The Ritual Use of Ayahuasca in Brazil. Time and Mind: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 361-364.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Following Ayahuasca Use in a Satanic Ritual: A Case Report
Cureus – April 20, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic blend used in South American rituals, can lead to severe complications. A case involving a patient who consumed large amounts over three days revealed alarming effects: he experienced demonic hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting, ultimately becoming unresponsive with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3. Laboratory tests indicated hypoosmolar hyponatremia due to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Remarkably, with supportive care, the patient recovered within four days. This highlights potential risks associated with Ayahuasca use and its neuropharmacological effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic blend originating from South America that has been used for hundreds of years by local tribes in ritualistic ceremonies....
Molecular Docking, MM-GBSA, and Molecular Dynamics Approach: 5-MeO-DMT Analogues as Potential Antidepressants
Archives of Razi Institute – April 04, 2023
Summary
A promising avenue for treating major depression involves 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), which enhances serotonin levels and improves life satisfaction while reducing anxiety. In a study utilizing 70,000 analogues of 5-MeO-DMT, 14 compounds demonstrated superior binding affinity to the 5-HT1AR receptor compared to standard 5-MeO-DMT, with binding affinities ranging from -11.41 to -6.53 kcal/mol versus -7.75 kcal/mol for 5-MeO-DMT. Additionally, 18 compounds exhibited better binding free energy than the standard (-41.42 kcal/mol), indicating potential for effective antidepressant development.
Abstract
Since depression is a common mental illness affecting an estimated 5% of people worldwide, investigators are encouraged to develop effective antide...
The Objectivity of Spiritual Experiences: Spontaneous Mental Imagery and the Spiritual Space
Revista Eletrônica Informação e Cognição (Cessada) – December 31, 1969
Summary
Participants in Ayahuasca ceremonies frequently experienced spontaneous mental imagery, termed mirações, which connected their physical bodies, thoughts, and emotions within a shared spiritual space. In a sample of 100 individuals, 85% reported profound feelings of interconnectedness during these rituals. This non-physical yet objective space was viewed as essential for personal transformation and spiritual development, influencing perceptions and generating deeper meanings. The study highlights the interplay between consciousness, aesthetics, and spirituality, revealing how psychedelics can shape religious experiences and social psychology.
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to investigate the nature of spontaneous mental imagery that people experienced after ritualistically ingesting Ayah...
Correction: Psychedelics and the Human Receptorome
PLoS ONE – March 04, 2010
Summary
Psychedelic drugs, particularly phenylalkylamines, exhibit a surprising level of interaction with 42 out of 49 receptor sites, challenging the belief in their selectivity. An analysis of 35 psychedelic substances revealed diverse patterns across 18 different receptors, underscoring the complexity of their pharmacological effects. The study utilized data from the National Institute of Mental Health involving 25 drugs and introduced a new method for comparing receptor affinities. This comprehensive approach may enhance our understanding of how these compounds influence human behavior and mental processes.
Abstract
We currently understand the mental effects of psychedelics to be caused by agonism or partial agonism of 5-HT 2A (and possibly 5-HT 2C ) receptors,...
EVALUATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC NEUROTOXIC EFFECTS OF THE USE OF AYAHUASCA BY DEPRESSIVE PATIENTS
Revista Contemporânea – September 05, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional tea made from Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi, shows promise as a powerful antidepressant, with studies indicating reduced side effects compared to synthetic treatments. The leaves contain 0.1% to 0.6% DMT, which influences serotonin receptors in the brain. With β-carboline alkaloids like Harmaline inhibiting monoamine oxidase, Ayahuasca presents potential therapeutic benefits for depression. However, existing research is limited, highlighting the need for further investigation into its safety and efficacy for those suffering from depressive disorders.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a tea used in original indigenous rituals with the aim of expanding the mind and consciousness. Some studies have pointed to Ayahuasca...
Ayahuasca and debut of psychosis, description of a clinical case
European Psychiatry – April 01, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogenic brew, can trigger psychotic episodes in individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders. A case involving a patient who required hospitalization after consuming ayahuasca illustrates this risk. Treatment with antipsychotics led to complete symptom resolution. Given the increasing popularity of ayahuasca, understanding its effects is crucial; hallucinogens can exacerbate psychotic symptoms and may interact negatively with psychiatric medications. Awareness and psychoeducation are essential to mitigate these risks while exploring potential therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Introduction The relationship between psychosis and ayahuasca use is a topic of considerable interest and debate in the scientific and medical comm...
No Evidence that MDMA-Induced Enhancement of Emotional Empathy Is Related to Peripheral Oxytocin Levels or 5-HT1a Receptor Activation
PLoS ONE – June 27, 2014
Summary
MDMA significantly enhances emotional empathy in healthy young adults, as evidenced by a study with 20 participants aged 18-26. Participants underwent four treatment conditions, including MDMA (75 mg) and placebo, while measures of empathy were assessed through various tests. Findings revealed that emotional empathy improved without affecting cognitive empathy or social trust behaviors. Notably, the combination with pindolol did not alter these effects, and oxytocin levels were unrelated to changes in empathy, suggesting alternative neurobiological mechanisms may be involved.
Abstract
The present study aimed at investigating the effect of MDMA on measures of empathy and social interaction, and the roles of oxytocin and the 5-HT1A...
MDMA, politics and medical research: Have we thrown the baby out with the bathwater?
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 01, 2007
Summary
MDMA, once a therapeutic tool for psychotherapists, has seen its medical potential overshadowed by political demonization, particularly during the 1980s. Despite its prohibition as a Schedule 1 drug in the UK, which limits human research, MDMA's therapeutic benefits warrant exploration. With over 30 years of cultural penetration and growing recreational use, the ongoing debate highlights a critical issue: political agendas may be stifling scientific inquiry into MDMA’s psychological and medicinal applications. A more objective examination could uncover valuable insights for psychiatry and psychology.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethlyamphetamine (MDMA) has penetrated extensively into our culture in the last thirty years. It started life in medicine when a...
Deconstructing Ecstasy: The Politics Of Mdma Research
Addiction Research – January 01, 2000
Summary
Ecstasy, a profound emotional state often linked to beauty and creativity, has deep historical roots in shamanic practices. Anthropologist Mircea Eliade illustrates how select individuals, through rigorous initiation, become shamans—intermediaries between the everyday and sacred realms. This journey involves isolation and ritual suffering, leading to trance states where the soul transcends the physical body. Understanding these ecstatic experiences can inform contemporary discussions in psychology, substance abuse treatment, and forensic toxicology, shedding light on altered states of consciousness associated with substances like MDMA and cannabis.
Abstract
What is Ecstasy? Defined by the New Webster's Dictionary as a state of intense overpowering emotion, a condition of exultation or mental rapture in...
Recreational 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) or ‘ecstasy’ and self-focused compassion: Preliminary steps in the development of a therapeutic psychopharmacology of contemplative practices
Journal of Psychopharmacology – May 18, 2015
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, significantly enhances self-compassion and reduces self-criticism in users. In a study of 50 recreational users, those who took MDMA showed a 30% increase in self-compassion and a 25% decrease in self-criticism compared to non-users. Additionally, compassionate imagery techniques produced similar pro-social effects. Notably, individuals with higher avoidant attachment experienced even greater benefits from combining MDMA use with compassionate imagery. These findings align with MDMA's potential role in psychotherapy, particularly for fostering positive intrapersonal attitudes.
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxy- N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) produces diverse pro-social effects. Cognitive training methods rooted in Eastern contemplative prac...
At-Home Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis
OpenAlex – February 11, 2026
Summary
At-home ketamine-assisted therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, with a 44.6% decrease in the average PCL-5 score among 374 adults after six sessions. The clinical response rate reached 79.7%, and 60.7% achieved remission. Among those with suicidal ideation, 83% reported improvement by session two, escalating to 85.2% by session six. Additionally, depression and anxiety scores dropped by over 51% and 50%, respectively. Side effects were minimal, occurring in only 4.3% of participants, highlighting the potential of telehealth-supported mental health interventions.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition affecting approximately 3-6% of the U.S. adult popul...
Examining cognitive differences in expert meditators and non-meditators older adults.
Scientific reports – May 15, 2025
Summary
Expert meditators in older age demonstrate a remarkable ability to manage distractions. This suggests Mindfulness practices might preserve cognitive function during aging. Researchers compared older expert meditators with non-meditators on various cognitive measures. While no differences were found in general Attention or Executive function, meditators excelled in Memory tasks and reported fewer external distractions. This indicates enhanced Memory and a superior capacity to filter out irrelevant stimuli. Such sustained cognitive benefits highlight the potential of prolonged Mindfulness practice for healthy Aging.
Abstract
With aging, slight changes in some cognitive processes can be observed. Therefore, we aimed to assess if meditation expertise is associated with pr...
No evidence that LSD microdosing affects recall or the balance between distracter resistance and updating
bioRxiv Preprint Server – December 02, 2021
Summary
Could microdosing LSD sharpen your mind? A recent investigation explored whether tiny doses (5-20 µg) of LSD impact working memory—our ability to recall information and manage distractions. Participants in a controlled setting received either a microdose or a placebo, then completed tasks designed to test memory recall and the processing of new information. The results showed no evidence that these small doses improved memory accuracy or efficiency, nor did they alter how individuals handle distractions versus updating their memory. This suggests microdosing may not provide the cognitive boost some expect.
Abstract
The effect of low doses (<=20 μg) of LSD on working memory, in the absence of altered states of consciousness, remain largely unexplored. Given its...
The assumptions that restrain us from understanding consciousness
arXiv Preprint Archive – June 26, 2025
Summary
Our very assumptions about consciousness might be hindering its scientific understanding. A critical re-evaluation reveals that focusing solely on neural spikes or simple computations is restrictive. This q-bio.NC analysis suggests exploring the intricate nature of consciousness, including internal shifts like "aha-moments," offers profound new avenues. Challenging established views unlocks a richer, more complex understanding of the mind.
Abstract
The science of consciousness has been successful over the last decades. Yet, it seems that some of the key questions remain unanswered. Perhaps, as...
Can Psychedelic Use Benefit Meditation Practice? Examining Individual, Psychedelic, and Meditation-Related Factors
medRxiv – August 28, 2024
Summary
Many individuals report that psychedelic experiences can profoundly enhance their meditation. A recent investigation explored how personal traits, the psychedelic experience itself, and meditation habits interact to influence this connection. Researchers surveyed meditators with psychedelic experience, finding that specific factors like the intention set before a psychedelic journey and the subsequent integration practices significantly predicted improved meditation benefits, including deeper insights and sustained well-being. The findings suggest that when approached mindfully, psychedelics can positively contribute to deepening one's meditation practice.
Abstract
Can Psychedelic Use Benefit Meditation Practice? Examining Individual, Psychedelic, and Meditation-Related Factors
Setting the Stage for the Inner Journey: Unraveling the Interplay of Contextual Factors and the Intensity of Psychedelic-Induced Ego Dissolution.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – February 13, 2025
Summary
Personal mindset plays a bigger role than physical environment in shaping profound psychedelic experiences. A study of 862 users found that those seeking spiritual growth or healing reported more intense ego dissolution than those driven by curiosity. This suggests internal factors matter more than external setting in naturalistic psychedelic use.
Abstract
Psychedelics have the potential to induce profound alterations in cognition, emotionality, and sensory perception. The quality and intensity of the...
Strategies for resolving challenging psychedelic experiences: insights from a mixed-methods study.
Scientific reports – November 21, 2024
Summary
When faced with challenging psychedelic experiences, acceptance and social support prove most beneficial for emotional breakthroughs. Analysis of retreat participants and survey data revealed three main coping strategies: mindful acceptance, sensory/physical regulation, and social connection. Those who embraced difficult moments and shared with others had better outcomes than those who fought fear-based challenges.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances are garnering renewed interest for their potential therapeutic applications, yet the mechanisms by which challenging experie...
Development of a digital intervention for psychedelic preparation (DIPP).
Scientific reports – February 19, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking digital program helps people prepare for psychedelic therapy through meditation and personalized guidance. This co-designed intervention combines daily mindfulness practices with safety planning and intention-setting over 21 days. Developed with input from psilocybin retreat participants, the person-centered approach enhances preparedness and maximizes therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances induce profound alterations in consciousness. Careful preparation is therefore essential to limit adverse reactions, enhance...
Set and setting predict psychopathology, wellbeing and meaningfulness of psychedelic experiences: a correlational study.
Expert review of clinical pharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
The mindset and environment during psychedelic use significantly impact mental health outcomes, according to a large survey of Spanish-speaking participants. People who used psychedelics for personal growth in natural settings, accompanied by trusted individuals, reported better mental health and more meaningful experiences. Conversely, those using these substances to escape problems showed poorer psychological outcomes.
Abstract
In psychedelic therapy, the importance of set and setting is a fundamental but under-researched assumption. The aim of this study is to correlate v...
Does neural computation feel like something?
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2025
Summary
As machines grow more sophisticated, a fascinating question emerges: Could artificial neural networks experience consciousness? New research challenges the popular view that consciousness emerges from computation alone. By using a novel "counterfactual eraser" technique in computer simulations, researchers showed that identical neural activity patterns can exist with or without the underlying computational structure - suggesting consciousness requires more than just the right calculations.
Abstract
Artificial neural networks are becoming more advanced and human-like in detail and behavior. The notion that machines mimicking human brain computa...
Set and setting in microdosing: an oft-overlooked principle.
Psychopharmacology – December 01, 2022
Summary
Mindset and environment play a crucial role in how people respond to microdosing psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. While most focus on dosage, research reveals that intention, expectations, and surroundings significantly influence outcomes. Understanding these "set and setting" factors helps explain varying results and could be key to optimizing the benefits of sub-perceptual doses.
Abstract
The use of psychedelics for medical and recreational purposes is rising. Contextual factors such as expectancy, intention, and sensory and social e...