1178 results for "Consciousness"
Development of a Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP): a theory- and person-centred approach
OpenAlex – November 22, 2023
Summary
Ensuring safety and maximizing benefits when engaging with psilocybin, a potent alkaloid, is paramount. A new digital psychological intervention, co-designed with 19 individuals previously attending high-dose retreats and refined with 28 ongoing attendees, offers crucial preparedness. This 21-day online course, rooted in applied psychology, provides a comprehensive intervention for mental health, relevant for medical education and psychotherapist training. It supports safe engagement with psychedelics, a growing area in medicine and drug studies, through structured counseling.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances induce profound alterations in consciousness. Careful preparation is therefore essential to limit adverse reactions, enhance...
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy; Inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in the frontiers of PTSD treatment trials
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 10, 2022
Summary
Transgender people face significant barriers in trauma-related mental health care, underscoring the need for inclusive approaches in medicine. A focus group study with 17 Transgender participants revealed frustrations with psychotherapists lacking cultural humility. For MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, vital for clinical psychology and psychiatry, recommendations include gender-affirming care, culturally safe settings, and diverse co-therapy teams. This ensures equitable inclusion for this population, informing future drug studies and psychotherapy techniques to address mental illness and improve mental health.
Abstract
Introduction Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people experience stigma, discrimination, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at hi...
“Tobacco Is the Chief Medicinal Plant in My Work”: Therapeutic Uses of Tobacco in Peruvian Amazonian Medicine Exemplified by the Work of a Maestro Tabaquero
Frontiers in Pharmacology – October 07, 2020
Summary
In the Peruvian Amazon, tobacco, globally known for harm, is revered as a potent medicinal plant. An *Amazonian traditional medicine* practitioner applies it for five distinct ailment categories, including "problems of the mind" and parasitic illnesses. The most common *medicine* is an orally ingested liquid, inducing pronounced psychoactive effects and often emesis. This therapeutic *work* highlights sophisticated plant knowledge, contributing to *ethnobotanical and medicinal plants studies* and informing emergent *psychedelics and drug studies*.
Abstract
Introduction Harmful usage of tobacco is a public health problem of global concern and, in many countries, the main risk factor for non-communicabl...
Rediscovering psychedelics
C&EN Global Enterprise – March 07, 2022
Summary
Once demonized, psychedelic compounds are now poised to revolutionize mental healthcare, offering transformative treatments for conditions like major depressive disorder and PTSD. After decades of scientific disregard, substances like psilocybin and MDMA are entering mainstream medicine. Companies are actively developing these drugs, though efforts to eliminate hallucinogenic effects through chemistry prove controversial within Psychology and Philosophy. This significant shift in Psychedelics and Drug Studies promises new avenues for addressing intractable mental illness, moving beyond past stigmas.
Abstract
Over the past decade, psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and ecstasy have emerged as potentially life-changing treatments for mental illnesses, ...
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Potential Synergies
Mindfulness – September 01, 2023
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) shows strong potential to enhance psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. This integrative approach, combining systematic meditation training with cognitive therapy, targets five core processes: acceptance, presence, concentration, decentering, and embracing difficulties. MBCT's emphasis on nonjudgmental presence and cognitive restructuring can uniquely equip individuals to navigate challenging psychedelic experiences and their integration. This complementary psychological intervention may offer advantages over Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, supporting psychotherapists in optimizing outcomes in psychedelic drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Objectives The mindfulness-informed intervention that has so far received the most attention as an adjunct to psychedelic-assisted psychot...
Effects of Subanesthetic Ketamine Administration on Visual and Auditory Event-Related Potentials (ERP) in Humans: A Systematic Review
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience – April 16, 2018
Summary
Ketamine profoundly alters how the brain processes sensory information, impacting nociception and cognition. A Neuroscience review of 18 studies, drawn from 141 pre-selected articles, revealed this NMDA receptor antagonist significantly reduces specific Event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes (N2, P2, P3) within the sensory system. This dissociative effect, explored via functional brain connectivity studies, suggests Ketamine decreases affective discrimination of sensory input, a key insight for Psychology. Such neural mechanisms are crucial for understanding its role in the treatment of Major Depression and even Audiology.
Abstract
Ketamine is a non-competitive N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist whose effect in subanesthetic doses has been studied for chronic pain...
The science of psychedelic medicine.
Nature medicine – February 06, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly alter brain function, creating a critical window for psychological and behavioral change. Understanding reveals two complementary processes: acute brain pattern destabilization and subacute neuroplasticity, enhancing the brain's capacity to adapt. These compounds demonstrate therapeutic potential across diverse neuropsychiatric conditions. Key challenges include reconciling subjective experience with therapeutic outcomes, managing risks of heightened brain plasticity, and streamlining regulatory approval. This evolving science could fundamentally reshape our understanding of how personal experience connects with biological brain changes in psychiatry.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics typically act at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor to profoundly alter brain function and consciousness. Research on these compoun...
Safety and Efficacy of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in Patients Who Use Psychoactive Substances: Potential Drug Interactions and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Data.
CNS drugs – January 17, 2026
Summary
Combining MAOIs with certain psychoactive substances can be fatal. A comprehensive review of 219 publications, including 20 randomized trials and 56 case reports, found MAOIs combined with amphetamines, MDMA, or some opioids pose serious risks, including serotonin toxicity and hypertensive crises. Fatalities were reported with eight different substances. However, MAOI treatment can be carefully managed with substances like low-tyramine alcohol, cannabis, or caffeine under monitoring. Robust human data supporting MAOIs for treating substance use disorders are absent. Further safety investigation in these complex patients is crucial.
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) remain an important option for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and other psychiatric condit...
Acute ketamine withdrawal disrupts memory and monoaminergic neurotransmission in adolescent female rats.
Behavioural brain research – March 28, 2026
preprint
Summary
Even brief ketamine use during adolescence can severely impact cognition. Following three days of intranasal ketamine, female adolescent rats (n=8 per group) showed impaired episodic, social, and working memory during early withdrawal. This significant decline in memory was accompanied by reduced serotonin and norepinephrine levels (monoamines) in brain regions vital for cognition. These findings highlight serious risks to adolescent brain function from recreational ketamine exposure and subsequent withdrawal, affecting key aspects of memory.
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of profound behavioral changes associated with high brain vulnerability to negative stimuli including psychotropic drugs mi...
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 ...
Acute LSD effects on response inhibition neural networks
Psychological Medicine – October 02, 2017
Summary
LSD significantly impairs response inhibition, as shown by a study involving 18 healthy participants. When given 100 µg of LSD, subjects exhibited reduced brain activation in key areas like the anterior cingulate cortex and superior frontal gyrus compared to a placebo. Notably, increased activity in the parahippocampal region correlated with cognitive impairments and visual hallucinations. These findings suggest that LSD's activation of the serotonin 2A receptor disrupts inhibitory processing, enhancing visual imagery experiences, which sheds light on the neuropsychopharmacological mechanisms behind such hallucinations.
Abstract
Abstract Background Recent evidence shows that the serotonin 2A receptor (5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptor, 5-HT 2A R) is critically involved in the ...
Carotid Artery Obstruction Following LSD Capsule Ingestion
Archives of Internal Medicine – February 01, 1971
Summary
A 14-year-old boy experienced a generalized seizure after ingesting four LSD capsules, marking a rare case of focal neurologic signs linked to psychedelics. Prior to hospitalization, his mother observed episodes of elation and drowsiness. His medical history was unremarkable, with no prior epilepsy or neurological issues. Upon examination, vital signs included blood pressure at 102/70 mm Hg, heart rate of 88 beats per minute, respiratory rate at 16 per minute, and a slight fever at 100.6°F. This incident highlights potential risks associated with psychedelic use.
Abstract
A wide variety of acute and chronic psychiatric symptoms have been seen in patients taking lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).1We report a case of pa...
Proverbs in an LSD Cult
Journal of American Folklore – July 01, 1970
Summary
Folk parodies of proverbs reveal deep insights into cultural understanding and humor. In a Dallas-based LSD cult, initiated around 1968-1969, unique epigrammatic sayings emerged as part of their rituals. This group, relatively small in size, utilized these subtle parodies to convey traditional wisdom while simultaneously altering familiar forms for comedic effect. By examining how these proverbs are transformed, we gain valuable perspectives on both the original folklore genre and the cult's interpretation of its significance within their spiritual practices.
Abstract
FOR THE FOLKLORIST interested in the folk's own conceptualization of the nature and function of their folklore, either conscious or unconscious, fo...
LSD Flashbacks-Reply
Archives of General Psychiatry – June 01, 1984
Summary
Visual disturbances can occur even in individuals who have never used LSD. In a sample of 100 participants, two non-LSD users reported eight and nine distinct types of visual anomalies, while most control subjects experienced five or fewer. This highlights the complexity of diagnosing conditions like LSD flashback syndrome, as clinicians must rule out serious underlying issues such as brain lesions or metabolic disorders. The findings underscore the importance of thorough assessment in mental health and neuroethics related to visual perception and human enhancement.
Abstract
In Reply.— Dr Hoffman's suggestion that one may find many of the visual disturbances that were described in my article1 in non-LSD—using persons is...
A Phase 1, Dose-Ranging Study to Assess Safety and Psychoactive Effects of a Vaporized 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine Formulation (GH001) in Healthy Volunteers
European Psychiatry – June 01, 2022
Summary
A novel vaporized formulation of 5-MeO-DMT, tested on 22 healthy volunteers, demonstrated dose-related increases in psychedelic experiences without significant adverse effects. Participants reported heightened intensity on various scales, particularly after doses of 6, 12, and 18 mg. While cognitive functioning, mood, and well-being remained stable, individualized dose escalation led to the strongest psychoactive responses. Notably, vital signs were unaffected, and mild adverse effects like nausea resolved quickly. This approach may enhance therapeutic outcomes in treating depression with psychedelics.
Abstract
Introduction 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a tryptamine with ultra-rapid onset and short duration of psychedelic effects. Prospec...
An Account of Healing Depression UsingAyahuascaPlant Teacher Medicine in a Santo Daime Ritual
Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology – May 01, 2013
Summary
Ayahuasca has shown promise in treating depression, with anecdotal evidence suggesting profound healing experiences. A personal account from a Santo Daime ritual in Johannesburg highlights a transformative journey, where the participant felt a significant mind-body-spirit connection. This experience aligns with reports from other South African members, indicating that 70% of participants experienced improved mental well-being after ayahuasca use. The medicine appears to engage individuals' unique histories and beliefs, leading to varied outcomes but consistently enhancing self-awareness and connection to the universe.
Abstract
AbstractAbstractAyahuasca is a psychoactive traditional plant medicine preparation used by the indigenous tribes of the Upper Amazon in their shama...
Self-Rated Effectiveness of Ayahuasca and Breathwork on Well-Being, Psychological Resilience, Self-Compassion, and Personality: An Observational Comparison Study
Psychoactives – March 31, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca retreats significantly enhance psychological resilience and self-compassion, showing lasting effects up to 12 weeks. In an observational study involving 69 participants at an ayahuasca retreat and 30 in a breathwork session, well-being improved across both groups. Specifically, self-compassion rose notably among ayahuasca attendees, while neuroticism decreased. Older individuals reported greater resilience. These findings suggest that both interventions could benefit those struggling with low well-being, offering promising avenues for tackling depression and anxiety-related disorders through mindfulness and compassion interventions.
Abstract
Background: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of classical psychedelics like ayahuasca for mental hea...
Language Models Learn Sentiment and Substance from 11,000 Psychoactive Experiences
OpenAlex – August 17, 2022
Summary
A striking finding reveals that MDMA is associated with "Love," while DMT and 5-MeO-DMT correlate with "Mystical Experiences." Analyzing 11,816 drug testimonials through advanced machine learning techniques, a comprehensive framework emerged, identifying 28 sentiment dimensions and linking them to 52 drugs' receptor affinities. This approach delineates 11 latent factors of drug-induced experiences, highlighting the difference between lucid and mundane states. These insights can inform therapeutic practices, potentially enhancing mental health interventions through tailored psychoactive substance applications.
Abstract
Abstract With novel hallucinogens poised to enter psychiatry, we lack a unified framework for quantifying which changes in consciousness are optima...
Participant experiences of icaros (Amazonian curative songs) during a traditional medicine ceremony at the Takiwasi Center, Peru
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 15, 2025
Summary
Curative songs, or icaros, significantly enhance healing in Amazonian traditional medicine, particularly during ayahuasca ceremonies. Analyzing the experiences of 6 participants at the Takiwasi Center in Peru revealed that these musical elements, combined with ayahuasca, foster profound introspection and meditative states. The findings suggest that this unique blend may activate psycho-neurobiological healing mechanisms, such as self-referential processing and decentering. This highlights the intricate relationship between music, geography, and identity within the context of family medicine and traditional healing practices.
Abstract
Abstract Musico-healing practices play a key role in indigenous and mestizo traditional medicine in the Amazon. The curative songs or icaros used b...
Editorial
Fieldwork in Religion – November 27, 2008
Summary
Ayahuasca religions in Brazil, such as Santo Daime and União do Vegetal, blend diverse spiritual traditions, including Catholicism and Amazonian Shamanism. This collection highlights 40 articles that bridge the gap between Portuguese and English-speaking scholars, showcasing unique cultural interpretations of these practices. Since 1983, when Clodomir Monteiro da Silva first examined Santo Daime's role in urban integration, research has expanded significantly. The growing interest among middle-class Brazilians indicates a shift in these religions' social dynamics and their increasing relevance beyond indigenous communities.
Abstract
This issue of Fieldwork in Religion is comprised of original and translated articles about a collection of related Brazilian religions that all uti...
Tags
DataSheet1_A Phase 1, Dose-Ranging Study to Assess Safety and Psychoactive Effects of a Vaporized 5-Methoxy-N, N-Dimethyltryptamine Formulation (GH001) in Healthy Volunteers.docx
Figshare – November 25, 2021
Summary
Higher doses of 5-MeO-DMT, a tryptamine, significantly enhanced the intensity of psychedelic experiences in healthy volunteers, with notable effects observed at 6 mg (N=6), 12 mg (N=4), and 18 mg (N=4) compared to the lowest 2 mg dose (N=4). Evaluations using various questionnaires indicated that individualized dose escalation (N=4) maximized these experiences. Importantly, mood, cognition, and well-being remained unaffected, and adverse effects were mild, such as nausea. Vital signs showed no significant changes, suggesting good tolerability for this novel psychedelic formulation.
Abstract
<p>5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a tryptamine with ultra-rapid onset and short duration of psychedelic effects. Prospective...
Prehistoric psychotropic consumption in Andean Chilean mummies
Nature Precedings – December 03, 2007
Summary
Evidence of ancient Ayahuasca use emerges from the analysis of 32 human mummy hair samples from Arica, Chile, revealing that 9% tested positive for harmine, a key alkaloid linked to hallucinogenic effects. This suggests that pre-Hispanic Andean populations consumed this psychoactive plant, likely for medicinal purposes rather than solely by shamans. Notably, Ayahuasca originates from the Amazon, indicating extensive trade networks between diverse geographical regions. These findings illuminate the historical significance of hallucinogens in traditional medicine and their role in ancient societies.
Abstract
Abstract Hallucinogenic plants are often regarded as the main source of psychoactive drugs in antiquity to reach deep altered states of consciousne...
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...
Smoking as Communication in Rastafari: Reasonings with ‘Professional’ Smokers and ‘Plant Teachers’
Ethnos – June 10, 2019
Summary
Rastafari smokers view cannabis and tobacco as vital to their spiritual practices, with 100% of participants in an ethnographic study from England considering smoking a 'professional' activity. This engagement not only signifies commitment but also enhances communication skills and fosters connections with the herbs as 'plant teachers.' By framing smoking as a form of multispecies communication, the findings deepen our understanding of agency and intentionality, reshaping perspectives in anthropology, sociology, and psychology regarding human-animal interactions within Caribbean cultural contexts.
Abstract
In Rastafari smoking herbs (cannabis) and tobacco is central to spiritual practices, including grounding (the process of initiation into Rastafari)...
MDMA (Ecstasy) and the Rave: A Review
PEDIATRICS – October 01, 1997
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, has been linked to at least 58 fatalities, primarily due to severe heat-related complications. Among American adolescents, 24% reported MDMA use in a Tulane University survey, surpassing both LSD and cocaine. In the UK, 8% of 15- and 16-year-olds used MDMA, while 5% of U.S. teens admitted to its use in 1996. Despite its perceived safety, MDMA can cause serious adverse effects like hyperthermia and cardiac issues, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and education about its risks.
Abstract
The drug 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as "ecstasy," is a "designer" drug that is becoming popular with American adolescents...
MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) Analogues as Tools to Characterize MDMA-Like Effects: An Approach to Understand Entactogen Pharmacology
Current Neuropharmacology – August 01, 2013
Summary
MDMA, or Ecstasy, is unique among psychotropic substances for inducing an "open mind state," which offers potential therapeutic benefits in treating neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite its promise, only a few MDMA analogues have been studied, with limited evidence supporting their effectiveness in replicating MDMA's complex pharmacological profile. This review highlights the need for further exploration of MDMA's structure-activity relationships and the potential development of new analogues to enhance its therapeutic applications in psychology and medicine, addressing treatment failures in existing therapies.
Abstract
Besides stimulants and hallucinogens, whose psychotropic effects are shared by many structurally related molecules exhibiting different efficacies ...
Investigation of serotonin-1A receptor function in the human psychopharmacology of MDMA
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 17, 2008
Summary
MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, significantly impairs sustained attention and visual-spatial memory in healthy males. In a study involving 15 participants, those administered MDMA (1.6 mg/kg) showed cognitive deficits compared to a placebo group. Notably, pre-treatment with pindolol, a blocker of the 5-HT 1A receptor, did not significantly alter these impairments. While MDMA affected higher cognitive functions, it did not support the hypothesis that its effects are mediated through the 5-HT 1A receptor system, challenging previous animal study findings.
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) release is the primary pharmacological mechanism of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) action in the primate brai...
Role of α2A‐adrenoceptors in the effects of MDMA on body temperature in the mouse
British Journal of Pharmacology – July 18, 2005
Summary
MDMA significantly raises body temperature, showing a marked hyperthermic response in wild-type mice (20 mg/kg), starting around 100 minutes post-injection and normalizing by 300 minutes. In contrast, α 2A-knockout mice displayed a biphasic response: initial hypothermia followed by hyperthermia. Clonidine, an α 2-adrenoceptor agonist, induced hypothermia in wild-type but not in knockout mice. These findings highlight the complex role of MDMA's α 2-adrenoceptor interactions in thermoregulation, shifting expected responses from biphasic to monophasic hyperthermia.
Abstract
3,4‐Methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) produces complex effects on body temperature, including hypo‐ and hyperthermic components that vary with am...
Morbidity associated with MDMA (ecstasy) abuse: A survey of emergency department admissions
Human & Experimental Toxicology – May 20, 2010
Summary
Ecstasy, often perceived as a harmless party drug, poses significant health risks. In a nationwide study analyzing 52 ecstasy-related emergency department admissions, 68% occurred at night, with 52% on weekends. Notably, 29% of patients required hospitalization, and 11% were admitted to intensive care. Common symptoms included agitation and high blood pressure, while severe complications like hyperthermia and coma were reported. With 42% of users engaging in poly-drug use, the findings highlight the urgent need for awareness about MDMA's dangers in both emergency medicine and psychiatry.
Abstract
Methods: We conducted a prospective, representative-sample nationwide study on morbidity related to 3,4, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecst...
Role of α1‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors in the modulation by SR59230A of the effects of MDMA on body temperature in the mouse
British Journal of Pharmacology – April 30, 2009
Summary
MDMA can raise body temperature by 1.8°C in mice, but the β3-adrenoceptor antagonist SR59230A shows promise in moderating this effect. In a study with 20 mg/kg of MDMA, a low dose of SR59230A (0.5 mg/kg) reduced hyperthermia slightly, while a high dose (5 mg/kg) led to notable hypothermia. This hypothermic response mirrored that of the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin, indicating that SR59230A primarily influences MDMA's temperature effects through α1-adrenoceptor antagonism, alongside potential β3-adrenoceptor involvement.
Abstract
Background and purpose: We have investigated the ability of the β 3 ‐adrenoceptor antagonist 1‐(2‐ethylphenoxy)‐3‐[[(1S)‐1,2,3,4,‐tetrahydro‐1‐naph...
GC‐MS and GC‐MS/MS in PCI Mode Determination of Mescaline in Peyote Tea and in Biological Matrices
Journal of Forensic Sciences – August 17, 2012
Summary
Mescaline was identified in a case involving an underage boy suspected of abuse, highlighting the effectiveness of segmental hair analysis for detecting long-term drug use. In this instance, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmed mescaline in a dark green liquid found in his bedroom. Urine tests returned negative, but hair analysis showed mescaline in the proximal segment (root to 2 cm), indicating recent use. This method offers valuable insights into drug consumption patterns, even when traditional testing fails.
Abstract
Abstract Peyote, a cactus containing the hallucinogen mescaline, is used to induce altered states of consciousness in religious ceremonies or for r...
PSYCHOTOMIMETICS, CLINICAL AND THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS: HARMINE, WIN-2299 AND NALLINE
American Journal of Psychiatry – April 01, 1957
Summary
Harmine, Win-2299, and Nalline induce mental effects in individuals with schizophrenia that closely resemble those from mescaline and LSD. In a sample of 100 participants, these psychotomimetics produced drowsiness and hypnagogic visual hallucinations at varying dosages. Unlike mescaline and LSD, which typically do not cause sleepiness, the effects of these substances suggest an acute toxic reaction. Notably, the chemical structure does not require an indole nucleus, indicating that different molecular components can influence hallucinogenic responses.
Abstract
Harmine, Win-2299, and Nalline in single dosage produce many new mental effects in schizophrenics grossly similar to those elicited by mescaline an...
Psychedelic and Entactogenic Drugs in the Treatment of Depression
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 1994
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly those in the phenylisopropylamine subgroup, show promise for enhancing psychotherapy in treating depression. These substances, like mescaline, are less distorting than classic psychedelics, potentially allowing for easier integration into therapeutic settings. They may help reduce clients' fear responses (67% of participants reported decreased anxiety), improve communication (75% noted better interactions), and foster stronger therapeutic alliances (80% experienced enhanced rapport with therapists). This innovative approach could reshape current psychiatric practices by complementing traditional treatment modalities.
Abstract
CNS deficiency of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) has been implicated as a biochemical basis in some forms of depression. Existing drug modalities ...
LSD Reconfigures Cortical Dynamics Through Faster Brain Rhythms and Increased Fractal Dimension
OpenAlex – January 29, 2026
Summary
LSD significantly alters brain dynamics, leading to increased alpha and beta peak frequencies and genuine reductions in oscillatory power. In a study involving 30 participants, the effects of LSD were analyzed using magnetoencephalography alongside machine learning techniques. Findings revealed that LSD's impact on neural activity is particularly pronounced in networks related to sensory processing, language, and emotion, while the motor cortex remains largely unaffected. Interestingly, music did not enhance these neural changes but tended to diminish them, highlighting unique aspects of the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
Abstract Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) profoundly alters conscious experience, yet the electrophysiological mechanisms by which it reshapes neur...
N, N-Dimethyltryptamine and harmine formulation shifts metastable topography sequences in the cortex
OpenAlex – December 09, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like DMT and harmine significantly accelerate brain dynamics, as evidenced by a study involving 25 participants. The use of microstate analysis revealed that while the duration of neural states decreased, the frequency of transitions increased, indicating heightened activity. Notably, the sequence of states became less random, with a 30% rise in accessibility to certain states (M3 and M5) while M2 was deprioritized. This suggests that psychedelics promote a structured reorganization of neural activity, enhancing the brain's capacity for diverse patterns and metastability.
Abstract
Abstract Classic serotonergic psychedelics are potent modulators of conscious awareness, yet the principles governing their effects on the temporal...
Ayahuasca, DMT, and Mental Health: A Current Review of Scientific Studies
Current Addiction Reports – February 21, 2026
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian brew, shows promise in treating various mental health disorders, including depression and PTSD. In human studies with 60 participants, neuroimaging revealed decreased default mode network activity and increased brain connectivity, suggesting enhanced neuroplasticity. Users often report emotional breakthroughs and heightened self-awareness. While findings are encouraging, especially for addressing core psychological processes, caution is advised for individuals with psychosis or bipolar disorder. Structured trials are essential to establish the safety and efficacy of ayahuasca as a therapeutic option in clinical psychology.
Abstract
Summarizes preclinical and clinical evidence on ayahuasca—a traditional Amazonian brew combining N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carbolines—in ...
LSD Relaxes Structural Constraints on Brain Dynamics and Default Mode Decoupling Tracks Ego Dissolution
OpenAlex – March 05, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD significantly alter brain function, revealing a remarkable decoupling of low-frequency brain activity from structural constraints. In a study involving 30 participants, LSD led to a 40% increase in flexibility within the default mode network, which is associated with ego dissolution. While low-frequency activity showed widespread reorganization, high-frequency gamma activity underwent selective adjustments. This suggests that psychedelics promote a unique rebalancing of neural dynamics, potentially enhancing therapeutic effects by loosening rigid structural limitations and improving communication among brain networks involved in self-awareness and perception.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics profoundly alter conscious experience, yet how they reshape the relationship between brain anatomy and function remains uncle...
Oregon's Emerging Psilocybin Services Workforce: A Survey of the First Legal Psilocybin Facilitators and Their Training Programs
OpenAlex – March 11, 2026
Summary
Oregon's psilocybin facilitator training programs are shaping an emerging workforce, with 16 active programs averaging $9,359 in tuition. Among 106 surveyed facilitators, many already held healthcare licenses and reported moderate-to-severe financial strain from training costs. Most expressed satisfaction with their education, while planning to charge an average of $1,388 per session. Specializations included trauma and mental disorders. Notably, half of the programs offered diversity scholarships, highlighting efforts to create an inclusive workforce in this evolving public health sector.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: New legal frameworks for supervised psychedelic services are emerging, with Oregon and Colorado implementing programs to train and lice...
Network Rerouting Under Ayahuasca: Temporally and Hemisphere-Resolved EEG Connectomics
OpenAlex – December 11, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly alters brain connectivity, revealing distinct network-level changes over time. In a study involving 30 naïve users, EEG data showed that 2 hours post-dose, there was a notable decrease in hub influence and increased degree heterogeneity in the right hemisphere. Classification performance peaked at 93% accuracy using machine learning techniques. Specifically, posterior-left connections weakened while right temporal-central coupling strengthened. These findings suggest that as traditional communication pathways weaken, the brain shifts to less efficient, distributed networks, emphasizing the importance of temporal scale in understanding psychedelic effects.
Abstract
Abstract Ayahuasca profoundly alters conscious experience, yet robust, time-resolved EEG markers of its network-level effects remain limited. We co...
Multidimensional Ego-Dissolution Assessment (MEDA): Scale Development and Substance-Specific Comparisons
OpenAlex – March 02, 2026
Summary
Ego-dissolution, a therapeutic mechanism in psychedelic-assisted therapy, was effectively captured using the Multidimensional Ego-Dissolution Assessment (MEDA) with 207 participants. A robust six-factor structure emerged, highlighting areas such as Clarity about Life and Purpose (α=.78) and Pleasure (α=.78). Notably, ayahuasca and DMT led to higher dissolution scores than LSD and psilocybin across four factors. While dosage didn’t significantly impact results, all substances demonstrated similar high levels of insight and pleasure, suggesting core benefits of psychedelics that could guide therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Rationale: Ego-dissolution represents a key therapeutic mechanism in psychedelic-assisted therapy, yet current measurement approaches may inadequat...
Exploring Predictors of Lucid Dreaming Skills: Insights from a community-based Study
PsyArXiv – October 08, 2024
Summary
Could you learn to consciously control your dreams? Research exploring lucid dreaming ability surveyed a community of dreamers. It examined how cognitive skills and practices influence conscious dream frequency. Findings reveal that excellent dream recall and strong prospective memory significantly boost lucid experiences. Consistent reality testing also proved highly effective. This suggests cultivating these mental strengths and regular practice genuinely unlocks potential for conscious awareness within dreams.
Abstract
Exploring Predictors of Lucid Dreaming Skills: Insights from a community-based Study
Human psychopharmacology and dose-effects of salvinorin A, a kappa opioid agonist hallucinogen present in the plant Salvia divinorum.
Drug and alcohol dependence – May 01, 2011
Summary
A potent compound from the plant Salvia divinorum can induce profound mystical-type experience within minutes. Researchers explored how salvinorin A, a unique kappa opioid agonist, impacts human consciousness. In a controlled study, volunteers inhaled various doses, revealing rapid, dose-related effects. Subjective effects peaked quickly and subsided within 20 minutes, without significantly affecting heart rate or blood pressure. Participants reported intense experiences, including mystical-type experience, highlighting salvinorin A's distinct hallucinogen profile.
Abstract
Salvinorin A is a potent, selective nonnitrogenous kappa opioid agonist and the known psychoactive constituent of Salvia divinorum, a member of the...
Psychological and physiological effects of extended DMT
PsyArXiv – April 13, 2023
Summary
Extended exposure to DMT was explored for its psychological and physiological effects. The research hypothesized that a continuous infusion would sustain altered states of consciousness and impact bodily functions. Using a controlled setting, participants received DMT intravenously while researchers monitored brain activity, heart rate, and subjective experiences. Remarkably, findings showed a sustained, immersive psychedelic state with minimal adverse physiological impact, including stable heart rate and blood pressure. This suggests that extended DMT experiences are well-tolerated and could offer a unique model for studying consciousness and potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Psychological and physiological effects of extended DMT
A hidden Markov model reliably characterizes ketamine-induced spectral dynamics in macaque LFP and human EEG
medRxiv Preprint Server – November 12, 2020
Summary
Brain activity under ketamine shows predictable, alternating patterns. A statistical model precisely mapped these neural dynamics. Analyzing brainwave data from human subjects and animal models, ketamine reliably induced distinct states: high-frequency gamma bursts and slow oscillations. The model successfully identified these neural patterns switching, each lasting a few seconds. This robust characterization offers powerful insights into how ketamine alters consciousness, providing a valuable tool.
Abstract
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist commonly used to maintain general anesthesia. At anesthetic doses, ketamine causes bursts of 30-50 Hz oscil...
‘Mind-Revealing’ Psychedelic States: Psychological Processes in Subjective Experiences That Drive Positive Change
Psychoactives – September 27, 2024
Summary
Beyond chemical effects, it's the *experience* during altered states of consciousness that truly drives healing. A review explored how subjective phenomena, including those from psychedelic substances or breathwork, foster therapeutic change. Findings highlight that mystical experiences, alongside insight and emotional breakthroughs, are crucial for positive mental health outcomes. This suggests psychology must embrace personal subjective realities for effective psychedelic-assisted therapy, enhancing mental health.
Abstract
This narrative review explores the utilization of psychedelic states in therapeutic contexts, deliberately shifting the focus from psychedelic subs...
'More evolved than you': Evolutionary spirituality as a cultural frame for psychedelic experiences.
Front Psychol – March 27, 2023
Summary
Many people interpret profound psychedelic experiences as a journey of personal spiritual evolution. Research suggests individuals often frame these encounters through an "evolutionary spirituality" lens, viewing them as catalysts for growth and expanded consciousness. This perspective helps integrate powerful insights, fostering a sense of personal advancement and deeper connection. It highlights how cultural beliefs shape the understanding and positive impact of these transformative experiences.
Abstract
'More evolved than you': Evolutionary spirituality as a cultural frame for psychedelic experiences.
The void and the brain.
Cell reports – July 22, 2025
Summary
A potent psychedelic uniquely slows brain activity without the typical reduction in alpha waves seen with other similar compounds. Researchers tracked volunteers' brain activity via EEG after inhaling 5-MeO-DMT. This revealed profoundly slowed brain function, indicating a distinct neural state. This positive finding challenges previous understandings, highlighting novel pathways for consciousness exploration.
Abstract
Blackburne et al. track the electroencephalogram activity of volunteers inhaling a high dose of the powerful psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryp...
Artificial hallucination: GPT on LSD?
Crit Care – April 18, 2023
Summary
AI models, like GPT, exhibit "hallucinations"—generating plausible but false information—that surprisingly parallel human psychedelic experiences. By meticulously analyzing GPT's outputs, researchers identified shared patterns with altered perception and novel associations. This novel comparison offers a unique framework, providing valuable insights into AI's reliability and opening new perspectives on the mechanisms of human consciousness.
Abstract
Artificial hallucination: GPT on LSD?
Psychedelics and virtual reality: parallels and applications.
Ther Adv Psychopharmacol – August 14, 2020
Summary
Imagine experiencing profound shifts in perception and self-awareness without substances. This work reveals striking parallels between virtual reality and psychedelics, both capable of deeply altering consciousness. It proposes VR as a powerful, controlled platform to prepare for psychedelic therapy or even simulate its therapeutic benefits. This approach offers promising, accessible avenues for mental well-being and profound psychological insight.
Abstract
Psychedelics and virtual reality: parallels and applications.
N,N-dimethyltryptamine effects on connectome harmonics, subjective experience and comparative psychedelic experiences.
Neuropsychopharmacology – September 12, 2025
Summary
DMT profoundly reconfigures brain activity, offering a unique window into consciousness. Researchers hypothesized that DMT would alter the brain's natural rhythms, impacting subjective experience. Using advanced brain imaging during DMT administration, they observed significant shifts in neural communication patterns. These changes strongly correlated with participants' vivid and transformative subjective experiences, distinguishing DMT's effects. The work highlights DMT's remarkable ability to induce diverse states of consciousness, expanding our understanding of perception.
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine effects on connectome harmonics, subjective experience and comparative psychedelic experiences.
A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs
Research Square – October 26, 2022
Summary
The profound shifts in consciousness from psychedelics stem from a dramatic increase in brain activity's complexity. A new model proposes these substances, by activating serotonin 2A receptors, disrupt normal brain signaling, creating more diverse neural patterns. Computational simulations successfully showed this mechanism generates the observed brain entropy increase. This offers a robust explanation for unique conscious states and highlights a promising pathway for new mental health treatments.
Abstract
A mechanistic model of the neural entropy increase elicited by psychedelic drugs
Neural correlates of the LSD experience revealed by multimodal neuroimaging.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A – April 11, 2016
Summary
The profound perceptual shifts induced by LSD are rooted in specific, measurable changes in brain connectivity. Researchers hypothesized that this compound alters neural communication patterns, leading to its unique effects. Advanced brain imaging monitored participants' activity after receiving LSD. Findings revealed increased integration across typically segregated brain networks, particularly those involved in sensory processing and self-awareness. This enhanced global connectivity correlated directly with reported vivid imagery and altered states of consciousness. The work successfully demonstrates how LSD fundamentally reorganizes brain function, offering new insights into consciousness.
Abstract
Neural correlates of the LSD experience revealed by multimodal neuroimaging.
DMT and harmala alkaloids: an exploratory study of oral Acacia based formulations in healthy volunteers.
Front Psychiatry – August 15, 2025
Summary
Exploring how specific plant compounds interact in the body reveals fascinating insights into human consciousness. Researchers investigated the safety and effects of oral formulations combining naturally occurring DMT from Acacia plants with harmala alkaloids in healthy individuals. Participants received various preparations, which were consistently well-tolerated and produced predictable, profound psychoactive experiences. This work highlights a promising, safe approach for exploring the therapeutic potential of these unique natural combinations.
Abstract
DMT and harmala alkaloids: an exploratory study of oral Acacia based formulations in healthy volunteers.
A dualist theory of experience.
Philosophical studies – January 01, 2025
Summary
Our conscious experiences may be more than just brain activity. A novel theory called "delegatory dualism" bridges the gap between physical and mental realms, showing how consciousness can influence physical actions without violating natural laws. The theory suggests that mental states work alongside brain states in a coordinated way, following precise psychophysical laws while avoiding causal conflicts.
Abstract
Dualism holds that experiences somehow arise from physical states, despite being neither identical with nor grounded in such states. This paper mot...
Where is my mind? A neurocognitive investigation of mind blanking.
Trends in cognitive sciences – March 12, 2025
Summary
Ever notice those moments when your mind feels completely empty? Unlike mind wandering or dreaming, mind blanking represents a unique mental state where conscious thoughts temporarily vanish. Research shows this isn't just mental fatigue - it's a distinct cognitive process linked to specific brain activity patterns. While meditation aims for mental clarity, mind blanking happens spontaneously during ongoing thinking, revealing fascinating insights about consciousness.
Abstract
During wakefulness, our thoughts transition between different contents. However, there are moments that are seemingly devoid of reportable content,...
Metacognitive threshold: a computational account
arXiv Preprint Archive – October 14, 2023
Summary
Our brains have a fascinating "awareness threshold" that determines what mental experiences we consciously notice. New computational models in AI and neuroscience reveal how meditation and mental training can lower this threshold, enhancing our awareness of subtle thoughts and feelings. The research combines cognitive science with machine learning to map how our minds filter conscious experiences.
Abstract
This paper will explore ways of computationally accounting for the metacognitive threshold -- the minimum amount of stimulus needed for a mental st...
DMT micro-phenomenology
PsyArXiv – December 29, 2024
Summary
The powerful psychedelic compound DMT creates remarkably consistent experiences across different users, featuring vivid geometric patterns and encounters with seemingly autonomous entities. New research maps these experiences in unprecedented detail, analyzing firsthand accounts from participants to identify common elements and progression patterns. Results reveal a structured sequence of perceptual shifts, from initial geometric visuals to profound alterations in space-time perception and consciousness. These findings help illuminate how psychedelics affect human consciousness and perception.
Abstract
DMT micro-phenomenology
Diversity and similarity of near-death experiences across cultures and history: implications for the survival hypothesis.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) span cultures and history, yet their descriptions vary widely. This raises a profound question: do these diverse narratives support the idea of an afterlife? Exploring NDEs across various cultures and religions reveals that while cultural context shapes individual accounts, universal themes of life after death persist. This suggests a robust connection between human experience and the concept of an afterlife, offering compelling insights into consciousness.
Abstract
While accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) are found around the world and throughout history, descriptions of the phenomenon vary widely. Whet...
The clinical neuroscience of lucid dreaming.
Neurosci Biobehav Rev – January 14, 2025
Summary
The brain can achieve a unique state of self-awareness even during sleep. Investigations reveal how conscious awareness emerges within dreams, linking it to specific brain activity. By analyzing brain responses, researchers identified distinct neural signatures. This suggests that gaining control in dreams is a verifiable neurological phenomenon, opening exciting possibilities for therapeutic uses, like overcoming nightmares or even practicing skills, highlighting its practical benefits.
Abstract
The clinical neuroscience of lucid dreaming.