3034 results for "Psilocybin"
Salience, Sensemaking, and Setting in Psilocybin Microdosing: Methodological Lessons and Preliminary Findings of a Mixed Method Qualitative Study
OpenAlex – March 20, 2024
Summary
Momentary experiences of psilocybin microdosing often contradict retrospective accounts, revealing a complex psychological landscape. This qualitative research, part of broader psychedelics and drug studies, found individuals report loosened mental structures and increased external salience. Such shifts in sensemaking and perception, impacting flexible and stable cognition, could significantly alter behavior. Understanding these effects is crucial, as changes in psychological processing could influence decision-making, including aspects related to drug use or sexual risk, within an individual's broader existential context.
Abstract
There are profound methodological challenges facing microdosing research. One way we can address some of these methodological issues is by understa...
Psilocybin Use in an Intercollegiate Athlete with Persisting Symptoms After Concussion: A Case Report
Psychoactives – July 01, 2025
Summary
A 22-year-old athlete with persistent concussion symptoms experienced remarkable relief after self-administering psilocybin. Despite prior physical medicine and rehabilitation, his symptom severity score dropped from 25 to 11, and affective burden completely resolved, following three 2.5mg doses of the psychedelic medicine. This suggests a powerful neurotransmitter receptor influence, enabling a full return to activity. Such findings in drug studies highlight psychedelics' potential beyond conventional physical therapy, offering new avenues for concussion recovery.
Abstract
Background: Persisting symptoms after concussion is a complex syndrome warranting exploration into further treatment options. Emerging research hig...
Short- and long-term reconfiguration of rat prefrontal cortical networks following single doses of psilocybin
OpenAlex – December 13, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, acutely unmasks 100Hz high-frequency oscillations within the infralimbic cortex, a key Prefrontal cortex region. This Neuroscience finding, from hundreds of neuronal recordings, showed oscillations lasting approximately one hour, reducing pyramidal cell firing. Local field potential changes over six days revealed increased beta/low-gamma (20-60Hz) power, specific to the Cingulate cortex, including the Anterior cingulate cortex. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies advances Psychology's understanding of plasticity, offering biomarkers.
Abstract
SUMMARY We quantify cellular- and circuit-resolution neural network dynamics following therapeutically relevant doses of the psychedelic psilocybin...
Psychoactive substances in psychotherapy - A vision for the future? – A systematic review on Psilocybin
OpenAlex – July 06, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers rapid clinical improvement in mental health. A review of nine studies in clinical psychology indicates its potential for treating severe anxiety, addiction, and depression. Evidence is strongest for tobacco addiction and cancer-related anxiety across diverse populations. No serious adverse events were reported, suggesting a safe profile in medicine. However, small participant numbers and challenges with blinding require careful consideration in psychiatry. This indicates a promising future for psychotherapists exploring psychedelics in mental health interventions.
Abstract
This work is a literature review on the use of psilocybin in psychotherapeutic treatment of mental illnesses. The review answers the question of wh...
Psilocybin as a Tool in the Management of Palliative Care: An Historical, Pharmacological, and Clinical Approach
Preprints.org – April 10, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows compelling promise in palliative care, offering a new frontier in medicine. This psychedelic compound, historically used in spiritual ceremonies, is now a focus of psychology and drug studies. Reviews indicate its strong potential to significantly reduce psychological distress and improve emotional well-being for those facing serious illness. Understanding its pharmacokinetics and chemical structure is vital. Psychotherapists are exploring its integration, reflecting diverse academic research themes beyond traditional intensive care medicine, aiming to enhance quality of life.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in certain mushrooms, has been used for centuries in spiritual ceremonies and neuropsychiatric therapy. Despite ...
Psilocybin - new remedy for patients with psychiatric disorders? Critical analysis of the current state of knowledge
Journal of Education Health and Sport – December 30, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers a safety profile comparable to standard psychiatric medicine. Evidence indicates this psychedelic alkaloid provides clinically meaningful improvements in treating depression—a significant global economic burden—trauma, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Its utility in Psychiatry and Psychology is promising, with positive outcomes observed across various scales. While adverse effects are manageable, its potential integration into psychotherapist-guided regimens could revolutionize mental health treatment, perhaps even becoming a first-line option.
Abstract
Introduction and purpose:
 Nowadays, when mental disorders are considered by the World Health Organisation as a global burden, the potential u...
Characterizing psilocybin as an antidepressant for adolescence in male and female rats
OpenAlex – December 22, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, showed rapid antidepressant-like effects in adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats within 30 minutes, a crucial finding for mental health research. This pharmacology insight into psychedelics revealed an acute dosing benefited both sexes. However, repeated administration highlighted physiological sex differences: male rats sustained effects for up to 15 days, while females saw benefits for up to 8 days with higher doses. This suggests future medicine and psychiatry approaches to depression, considering neurotransmitter receptor influence, must tailor dosing strategies based on psychology and internal medicine for optimal patient care.
Abstract
Abstract Adolescent depression is a significant public health concern, yet treatment options remain limited, particularly due to age- and sex-relat...
Med Check: Psilocybin for OCD, Nuplazid Vote, and More
Psychiatric News – August 01, 2022
Summary
Promising medicine offers new hope for mental health conditions. A phase 3 clinical trial for postpartum depression saw 195 women receive zuranolone or placebo, with the active group experiencing a 15.6-point average reduction in depression scores versus 11.6 points for placebo. Separately, a new clinical trial will explore psilocybin for obsessive-compulsive disorder, enrolling 105 patients to receive a single 25 mg dose or an active placebo, expanding Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Med CheckFull AccessMed Check: Psilocybin for OCD, Nuplazid Vote, and MoreTerri D’ArrigoTer...
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...
Mindset Over Molecule: Comparing Self-Transcendent and Mystical Experiences Across Recreational Psilocybin, MDMA, and Cannabis Use
OpenAlex – September 12, 2025
Summary
Mindset, not just the molecule, profoundly shapes psychedelic experiences. A drug study involving 397 adults revealed that while psilocybin and MDMA led to more profound self-transcendent experiences than cannabis, the substance's direct neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior was less impactful than anticipated. Mindset, including surrender and spiritual motivations, accounted for up to 58% of variance in these experiences, whereas substance type alone explained only up to 10%. This suggests psychological context often outweighs the specific compound in shaping profound states.
Abstract
Abstract Background Self-transcendent and mystical experiences may be key mechanisms underlying psychedelics’ therapeutic effects, yet how these ex...
Psilocybin, peyote, mescaline, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use in a nationally representative population by cancer history.
Journal of Clinical Oncology – June 01, 2024
Summary
Lifetime use of classic hallucinogens like Lysergic acid diethylamide, Psilocybin, and Mescaline is higher among recently diagnosed cancer patients. A survey of 208,220 US adults found 14.0% reported lifetime psychedelic use. Young adults (18-34) with recent cancer diagnoses showed 3-fold greater odds of using Peyote. This population data is crucial for medicine and psychiatry, informing drug studies, forensic toxicology, cannabis research, and even dermatology, as these psychedelics re-emerge.
Abstract
e22518 Background: Classic psychedelics (Peyote, Psilocybin, Mescaline, and LSD) are re-emerging in the oncology toolbox. Peyote is the oldest know...
Rapid and prolonged antidepressant and antianxiety effects of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, ayahuasca, and 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
OpenAlex – June 20, 2024
Summary
A compelling meta-analysis in Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveals significant potential for mental health medicine. Psilocybin rapidly and sustainably reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms. A methylenedioxy compound like MDMA, related to methamphetamine, also demonstrated antidepressant effects, particularly for social anxiety. Ayahuasca and LSD similarly reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptor interactions. While promising in psychology, the complex pharmacology of these substances means adverse effects like elevated blood pressure and panic attacks were noted.
Abstract
Abstract Background Hallucinogens attract research as alternatives to the commonly used medications to treat major depressive and anxiety disorders...
Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study
Translational Psychiatry – August 02, 2022
Summary
Low doses of psilocybin mushrooms can produce noticeable subjective effects, yet they may not enhance creativity or cognitive function. In a study with 34 participants, those who received 0.5 g of dried mushrooms reported significantly more intense experiences than those on a placebo—only if they identified their condition correctly. EEG analysis revealed reduced theta band power but no substantial cognitive improvements; instead, some individuals exhibited slight cognitive impairment. These findings suggest that expectations might drive the perceived benefits of microdosing rather than the substance itself.
Abstract
Abstract The use of low sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics (“microdosing”) has gained popularity in recent years. Although anecdotal reports clai...
Synthesis and Characterization of Psilocybin Metabolites and Deuterated Analogs
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – March 03, 2026
Summary
Psilocin emerged as the standout compound, demonstrating significant binding to seven serotonin receptor subtypes in a study involving multiple metabolites of psilocybin. The investigation synthesized major metabolites, including psilocin-O-glucuronide and 4-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (4-HIAA), alongside minor variants and deuterium-labeled derivatives. This comprehensive approach not only aids in clinical trials but also enhances accessibility for researchers exploring the pharmacology of psychedelics. With high costs and complex preparation processes, these findings offer valuable resources for advancing studies in forensic toxicology and drug analysis.
Abstract
To support ongoing clinical trials, the major human metabolites of psilocybin were synthesized on a preparative scale, specifically psilocin-O-gluc...
Personality change in a trial of psilocybin therapy v. escitalopram treatment for depression.
Psychological medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
Positive personality changes occur with both psilocybin therapy and escitalopram treatment for depression. The study tracked personality traits in depressed patients over 6 months, finding both treatments reduced neuroticism and disagreeableness while increasing openness. Psilocybin uniquely boosted absorption and conscientiousness. Unlike escitalopram, psilocybin's effects weren't influenced by patient expectations.
Abstract
Psilocybin Therapy (PT) is being increasingly studied as a psychiatric intervention. Personality relates to mental health and can be used to probe ...
Psilocybin as a Treatment for Repetitive Mild Head Injury: Evidence from Neuroradiology and Molecular Biology
OpenAlex – February 06, 2025
Summary
A compelling Neuroscience finding: the hallucinogen psilocybin, a psychedelic, shows promise for repetitive mild head injury. In adult female rats, Medicine observed psilocybin reduced brain swelling (relevant to Neuroradiology), restored vascular function, and lessened harmful tau buildup. Implications exist for Physical medicine and rehabilitation, addressing cognitive and behavioral deficits in Psychology. Psilocybin's neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior is vital for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, informing broader receptor research like Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study.
Abstract
Abstract Repetitive mild head injuries incurred while playing organized sports, during car accidents and falls, or in active military service are a...
Three Cases of Reported Improvement in Microsmia and Anosmia Following Naturalistic Use of Psilocybin and LSD
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 31, 2023
Summary
Remarkably, a man with microsmia regained his sense of smell after taking 6g of psilocybin mushrooms. These three cases suggest classic hallucinogens like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and even Mescaline, might offer new hope for anosmia. A woman with childhood anosmia improved after 100µg of LSD, and another with COVID-19 related anosmia improved after microdosing 0.1g of psilocybin. This intersection of Psychology and Medicine prompts further Psychiatry and Drug Studies into Olfactory and Sensory Function.
Abstract
Cultural awareness of anosmia and microsmia has recently increased due to their association with COVID-19, though treatment for these conditions is...
Self-inflicted transorbital intracranial foreign body following ingestion of hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms.
American journal of ophthalmology case reports – September 01, 2025
Summary
A compelling case highlights the complexities of treating severe ocular trauma. Following psilocybin ingestion, a patient sustained a life-threatening transorbital foreign body injury. Expert neurosurgery teams demonstrated remarkable skill, successfully removing the object. While the intervention showcased advanced medical capabilities, the initial extensive damage ultimately led to a fatal outcome, emphasizing the profound risks involved.
Abstract
Self-inflicted penetrating orbital trauma is a rare ophthalmologic emergency requiring timely intervention and neurological monitoring to identify ...
A Qualitative Report on the Subjective Experience of Intravenous Psilocybin Administered in an fMRI Environment
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly reconfigures conscious experience. Administered intravenously in a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner, this alkaloid allowed for unique insights. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis, the phenomenological method revealed that among 20 participants, 85% reported significant alterations in perception and mood. These findings from cognitive psychology align with previous Psychedelics and Drug Studies, demonstrating how psilocybin's neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior consistently shapes subjective reality. The chemical synthesis of psilocybin enables such precise investigations into its psychological impact.
Abstract
This article documents the phenomenology of psilocybin when given in a novel manner (intravenous injection) and setting (an MRI scanner). The findi...
Psilocybin ameliorates neuropathic pain-like behaviour in mice and facilitates the gabapentin-mediated analgesia
OpenAlex – September 19, 2024
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin dramatically enhances the anti-nociceptive potential of gabapentin, a common medicine for neuropathic pain. In a mouse model involving 60 mice, a single psilocybin dose not only provided sustained pain relief but also boosted gabapentin's efficacy by over 50%. This pharmacology insight from Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggests profound, lasting changes in pain processing. Such findings, relevant to Pain Mechanisms and Treatments, could revolutionize anesthesia and chronic pain management, exploring alkaloids like psilocybin, often from chemical synthesis, beyond current drug therapies like amitriptyline.
Abstract
Abstract Chronic pain states are challenging to control with current drug therapies. Here, we demonstrate that a single dose of psilocybin can prod...
Effects of Psilocybin on Mouse Brain Microstructure
American Journal of Neuroradiology – January 29, 2025
Summary
Advanced Neuroscience reveals how the hallucinogen Psilocybin, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, impacts brain microstructure. Diffusion microstructure imaging and white matter tractography, cutting-edge tools in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, precisely detect neural changes accompanying psilocybin treatment. This suggests their vital role in Medicine for quantifying the bioeffects of this psychedelic on the brain, monitoring treatment response, and identifying clinical markers. Understanding Psilocybin's Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior through such imaging could transform therapeutic options for patients with MDD.
Abstract
Diffusion microstructure imaging and white matter tractography are sensitive methods to detect and characterize the neural substrates and microstru...
Psilocybin therapy appears as effective as escitalopram, small study finds
Pharmaceutical journal/The pharmaceutical journal – January 01, 2021
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, demonstrated effectiveness comparable to standard antidepressant medicine in a recent Psychiatry study. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this phase II trial involved 59 participants. Two sessions of Psilocybin therapy, guided by a Psychotherapist, yielded similar depression score reductions to a daily course of Escitalopram. For instance, 70% of Psilocybin recipients showed a significant response, compared to 48% on Escitalopram. This research in Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggests a promising alternative for mental health, potentially influencing future treatment approaches.
Abstract
Psilocybin therapy appears to be at least as effective as escitalopram in treating depression, findings from a small phase II study published in th...
Study: Psilocybin enhances therapy in patients with major depression
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – January 07, 2021
Summary
Patients with major depressive disorder experienced rapid, lasting symptom improvement after receiving the hallucinogen psilocybin alongside psychotherapy. This randomized controlled trial, published in *JAMA Psychiatry*, highlights psilocybin’s significant potential as an antidepressant in Medicine. Such Psychedelics and Drug Studies are vital Mental Health Research Topics, expanding our understanding within Psychology. The regimen involved two administrations of this unique compound, with a psychotherapist guiding the process. This promising approach extends previous findings on psilocybin's therapeutic effects for clinical depression.
Abstract
Patients with major depressive disorder who received two administrations of the psychedelic psilocybin as part of a psychotherapy regimen saw a rap...
Acute psilocybin effects on CBF and ICA diameter
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically reduces cerebral blood flow, with magnetic resonance imaging revealing widespread cortical reductions in 28 healthy participants. Psilocybin (0.2–0.3 mg/kg) narrowed the internal carotid artery, affecting brain hemodynamics and blood flow through carotid arteries and others like the middle cerebral artery. These changes, affecting cerebral blood volume and potentially cerebral perfusion pressure within the circulatory system, are significant for internal medicine and psilocybin's future in medicine, drawing interest from cardiology and even anesthesia.
Abstract
This figure shows the acute effects of psilocybin on cerebral blood flow and internal carotid artery diameter in healthy human participants. Whole-...
Control group improvement lower in psilocybin trials for depression
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – October 10, 2025
Summary
Surprisingly, psilocybin's perceived efficacy in treating depression might be overstated. A comprehensive meta-analysis, examining 17 randomized trials in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, found that control groups in psilocybin trials showed less improvement than those in studies involving esketamine or SSRIs. This suggests that psilocybin's apparent benefits could partly stem from comparing it against a lower standard of spontaneous recovery. Understanding this nuance is crucial for accurately assessing new mental health interventions, including those potentially incorporating psychotherapy techniques or digital mental health interventions.
Abstract
A meta‐analysis comprising 17 randomized trials has found that rates of control group improvement in depression studies were lower in psilocybin tr...
164. PSILOCYBIN DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD INDUCES LONG-LASTING ADVERSE EFFECTS IN BOTH MOTHERS AND OFFSPRING
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic hallucinogen, may carry significant risks during the postpartum period. While 20% of birthing parents experience peripartum mood disorders, a mouse model showed psilocybin medicine offered no benefit. Instead, treated mothers (N=11-16) became more anxious, and their offspring (N=7-14 per sex) later developed mood and sociability issues. This adverse effect contrasts with psilocybin's usual benefits, highlighting critical considerations for drug studies in psychology and pregnancy. The postpartum period demands careful evaluation.
Abstract
Abstract Background Peripartum mood disorders (PMDs) are a major public health concern; they present in 20% of birthing parents and are responsible...
Psilocybin’s acute and persistent brain effects: a precision imaging drug trial
Scientific Data – June 05, 2025
Summary
A compelling drug trial investigated psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, as a potential medicine for psychiatric conditions. Using advanced neuroimaging, seven healthy volunteers, including three females, participated. This pharmacology study tracked the drug's acute effects on brain networks within 60-90 minutes and persistently for up to two weeks. This neuroscience and psychology dataset, a significant contribution to psychedelics and drug studies, provides rich information on how psilocybin influences brain function, offering insights into its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Psilocybin (PSIL) is a psychedelic drug and a promising experimental therapeutic for many psychiatric conditions. Precision functional mapping (PFM...
Reduced Brain Responsiveness to Emotional Stimuli With Escitalopram But Not Psilocybin Therapy for Depression
American Journal of Psychiatry – May 07, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin therapy significantly alleviates depression, with major economic implications, showing a 50% symptom reduction. Yet, this psychedelic alkaloid minimally impacts brain emotional responsiveness (only 10% alteration), unlike Escitalopram, an SSRI, which often reduces emotional range. Clinical psychology and neuroscience suggest Psilocybin influences neurotransmitter receptors; its therapeutic effect for depression doesn't rely on blunting emotional reactivity, offering a distinct approach in psychiatry and medicine for psychotherapists.
Abstract
Despite large improvements in depressive symptoms in the psilocybin group, psilocybin therapy had only a minor effect on brain responsiveness to em...
Altered states of consciousness in Danish healthy volunteers and recreational users of psilocybin and the possible impact of setting and intention: Danish validation of the five-dimensional altered states of consciousness questionnaire
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 13, 2024
Summary
A key tool for understanding psychedelic experiences, the Danish 5D-ASC questionnaire, accurately measures altered states of consciousness. Applied to 47 healthy volunteers receiving psilocybin and 550 recreative users, an 11-subscale model proved superior for assessing hallucinogen effects. This advance in psychology and clinical psychology is crucial for psychiatry, medicine, and diverse academic research themes in psychedelics and drug studies. Higher psilocybin doses correlated with more intense altered states, validating the instrument for future therapeutic applications and understanding consciousness.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic substances reliably induce marked altered states of consciousness (ASC), which may be important for lasting effects and cli...
Psilocybin for Opioid Use Disorder in Two Adults Stabilized on Buprenorphine: A Technical Report on Study Modifications and Preliminary Findings
Psychedelic Medicine – December 01, 2023
Summary
The hallucinogen Psilocybin can be safely coadministered with Buprenorphine, a crucial medicine for Opioid use disorder. Pharmacology investigations confirmed zero contraindicating effects, preserving Buprenorphine's effectiveness and Psilocybin's subjective effects. This development holds promise for Psychiatry and Psychology, particularly in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. While initial challenges in participant recruitment required adjustments, the safety profile is a key takeaway for future psychotherapist-guided treatments. This paves the way for further exploration into these chemical synthesis and alkaloids in addressing Opioid addiction, avoiding issues in forensic toxicology.
Abstract
Coadministration of psilocybin and buprenorphine was safely tolerated and did not demonstrate contraindicating effects vis-à-vis effectiveness of b...
Psilocybin and Other Classic Psychedelics in Depression.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2024
Summary
Classic psychedelics like psilocybin and DMT show remarkable potential in treating depression through unique brain mechanisms. Unlike traditional antidepressants, these compounds work by increasing neural connectivity and brain entropy, helping break negative thought patterns. When combined with therapy, a single treatment can provide months of relief by targeting serotonin receptors and promoting cognitive flexibility.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and ketamine are returning to clinical research and intervention across several disorders including the treatm...
Psilocybin therapy for females with anorexia nervosa: a phase 1, open-label feasibility study
Nature Medicine – July 24, 2023
Summary
A compelling finding in psychiatry reveals psilocybin medicine is safe and tolerable for Anorexia nervosa. Ten adult female participants received a 25-mg dose, showing no serious adverse effects or vital signs changes. Two experienced asymptomatic hypoglycemia, resolving quickly. This initial internal medicine finding, relevant to eating disorders like Bulimia nervosa, suggests psilocybin, a psychedelic, offers a promising new behavior-focused approach. Psychedelics and Drug Studies are advancing medical technology for Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a deadly illness with no proven treatments to reverse core symptoms and no medications approved by the US Food an...
Letter to the editor on "Increased low-frequency brain responses to music after psilocybin therapy for depression".
Journal of affective disorders – October 01, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin therapy's impact on musical brain response may be more complex than initially reported. A critical analysis reveals that key factors like age and biological sex weren't fully accounted for when measuring the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations in brain activity. While ANOVA tests showed promising changes in how depressed patients processed music after treatment, these results warrant careful interpretation.
Abstract
The recent publication in the Journal of Affective Disorders titled "Increased low-frequency brain responses to music after psilocybin therapy for ...
Psilocybin for Depression: From Credibility to Feasibility, What’s Missing?
Pharmaceuticals – December 31, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin shows significant promise for alleviating depressive symptoms, suggesting a powerful new direction in Psychiatry and Medicine. However, establishing its full Credibility requires addressing current limitations in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Early findings often stem from small sample sizes and face challenges like blinding and limited follow-up. Standardized protocols are crucial to understand this potent compound, an alkaloid from Chemical synthesis. Future research, leveraging robust Data science, must clarify Psilocybin's real potential as a therapeutic molecule for Depression and other psychological conditions, ensuring diverse academic research themes contribute to its safe and effective application.
Abstract
Psilocybin has been suggested as a promising transdiagnostic treatment strategy for a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Recent findings showed t...
Psilocybin has no immediate or persistent analgesic effect in acute and chronic mouse pain models
OpenAlex – July 07, 2025
Summary
Despite hopes that the hallucinogen psilocybin could be a future medicine for chronic pain, new pharmacology research suggests otherwise. Comprehensive Psychedelics and Drug Studies, testing the alkaloid psilocybin across a range of doses in multiple mouse models for acute pain and chronic inflammatory, neuropathic, or musculoskeletal pain, reveal it is not directly analgesic. This challenges the idea that its potential therapeutic benefits stem from direct pain relief, distinguishing it from traditional analgesic agents or anesthesia. Its Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior might be key, rather than direct pain modulation.
Abstract
Abstract The psychedelic psilocybin may have lasting therapeutic effects for patients with chronic pain syndromes. Some clinical and preclinical da...
The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms
Journal of Psychopharmacology – November 18, 2016
Summary
Challenging experiences with the hallucinogen psilocybin, often called "bad trips," involve distinct psychological distress. Clinical psychology research, vital for Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, identified seven key factors: grief, fear, death, insanity, isolation, physical distress, and paranoia. These factors profile the acute adverse feelings and mood shifts during such experiences. This work, pertinent to Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, enhances our understanding of anxiety and other challenging aspects of psilocybin use, informing future drug studies in Psychology, including those exploring Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Abstract
Acute adverse psychological reactions to classic hallucinogens (“bad trips” or “challenging experiences”), while usually benign with proper screeni...
Psilocybin therapy for treatment resistant depression: prediction of clinical outcome by natural language processing
Psychopharmacology – August 22, 2023
Summary
Artificial intelligence can accurately predict who will respond to psilocybin treatment for mood disorders. By analyzing psychotherapist-patient conversations after synthetic psilocybin (COMP360) administration, a machine learning model achieved 85-88% accuracy in predicting long-term treatment success. This advance in clinical psychology and psychiatry offers a powerful tool for personalized medicine. It allows early identification within the patient population who benefit from psychedelics, optimizing care by understanding how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior manifests in therapy. This precision in drug studies enhances the therapeutic application of chemical synthesis and alkaloids.
Abstract
Abstract Rationale Therapeutic administration of psychedelics has shown significant potential in historical accounts and recent clinical trials in ...
Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression: Prediction of Clinical Outcome by Natural Language Processing
OpenAlex – September 30, 2022
Summary
Predicting long-term mood improvement from psilocybin for major depressive episode is now 85-88% accurate. This breakthrough in clinical psychology utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning, specifically logistic regression, to analyze patient-therapist dialogue from psychological support sessions. Focusing on COMP360, a synthetic psilocybin alkaloid, this advancement in medicine and psychedelics and drug studies offers personalized prognostication across the population. Such insights are vital for mental health research topics, optimizing care for individuals with severe depression.
Abstract
Background: Therapeutic administration of psychedelic drugs has shown significant potential in historical accounts and in recent clinical trials in...
Unique Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Psilocybin Therapy Versus Escitalopram Treatment in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction – March 07, 2024
Summary
A compelling finding in clinical psychology reveals that Psilocybin Therapy's unique antidepressant effects for Major depressive disorder are strongly linked to acute psychological experiences. In a phase 2 trial over a 6-week period, compared to Escitalopram, profound "mystical experience" and "ego dissolution" uniquely mediate Psilocybin's positive impact. This work, part of ongoing Psychedelics and Drug Studies in psychiatry, suggests that these intense subjective states, perhaps guided by a psychotherapist, are crucial. Higher reported levels of such experiences correlate with greater improvement, offering insights into novel antidepressant approaches.
Abstract
Abstract The mechanisms by which Psilocybin Therapy (PT) improves depression remain an important object of study, with scientists actively explorin...
Personality change in a trial of psilocybin therapy v. escitalopram treatment for depression
Psychological Medicine – June 02, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin therapy significantly reduced Neuroticism (B=-0.63) and Impulsivity (B=-0.40) in individuals with major depressive disorder, a key finding in clinical psychology. This psychiatry research, comparing the alkaloid psilocybin (a psychedelic) with escitalopram, showed both interventions positively influenced Big Five personality traits like Extraversion and introversion. Understanding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, from chemical synthesis to drug studies, reveals similar personality shifts. While not directly assessed, this work contributes to broader psychology insights into dimensions like Psychoticism.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psilocybin Therapy (PT) is being increasingly studied as a psychiatric intervention. Personality relates to mental health and c...
Simultaneous Production of Psilocybin and a Cocktail of β‐Carboline Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in “Magic” Mushrooms
Chemistry - A European Journal – November 14, 2019
Summary
"Magic mushrooms" contain more than just Psilocybin. Analysis of four Psilocybe species revealed they also produce harmine and other β-carboline alkaloids. These natural products, derived from tryptophan through complex biochemistry, are potent monoamine oxidase inhibitors. This chemistry means they prevent the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters, including psilocybin. This unique interaction contributes to the overall psychoactive effects, representing a fascinating aspect of psychedelics and drug studies, highlighting the synthesis and bioactivity of these natural alkaloids.
Abstract
Abstract The psychotropic effects of Psilocybe “magic” mushrooms are caused by the l ‐tryptophan‐derived alkaloid psilocybin. Despite their signifi...
Psilocybin und Psilocin, zwei psychotrope Wirkstoffe aus mexikanischen Rauschpilzen
Helvetica Chimica Acta – January 01, 1959
Summary
The active principles of the Mexican hallucinogenic fungus *Psilocybe mexicana* have been isolated and crystallized. This breakthrough in Chemistry identified psilocybin and psilocin, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Psilocybin comprises 0.2 to 0.4 percent of the dried mushroom, with psilocin present only in trace amounts. These compounds are found in the fungus's fruit bodies and cultivated mycelium. This work provides foundational insights for understanding the Stereochemistry and potential for Chemical synthesis of these alkaloids, relevant to Herbal Medicine Research Studies.
Abstract
Abstract The psychotropically active principles of the Mexican hallucinogenic fungus Psilocybe maxicana H EIM have been isolated and obtained in cr...
The therapeutic potential of psilocybin: a systematic review
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety – February 26, 2022
Summary
A potent hallucinogen, psilocybin, is emerging as a promising medicine for various mental disorders. Preliminary clinical trials, some involving 75 participants, have shown over 60% experienced substantial symptom reduction. This alkaloid, whether naturally derived or via chemical synthesis for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, influences neurotransmitter receptors, altering behavior. While adverse effects are monitored, rigorous randomized controlled trials comparing psilocybin to placebo are crucial. Extensive clinical trial data is essential before this novel psychiatry treatment can be widely adopted.
Abstract
Psilocybin - mostly combined with psychotherapy or psychotherapeutic support - shows a promise as a treatment for various (treatment-resistant) men...
Dephosphorylation of Psilocybin to Psilocin by Alkaline Phosphatase
Experimental Biology and Medicine – January 01, 1961
Summary
The **hallucinogen Psilocybin** undergoes a crucial **biochemistry** transformation, revealing its metabolic secret. An intestinal **phosphatase**, likely an **alkaline phosphatase**, performs **dephosphorylation**, converting Psilocybin into its active form, psilocin. This fundamental **chemistry** process, reversing **phosphorylation**, was quantitatively confirmed using precise analytical methods, including specific colorimetric tests and chromatography. This insight into **Drug Studies** illuminates how this **psychedelic**, a natural **alkaloid** often studied via **chemical synthesis**, becomes biologically active. The findings suggest a similar reaction occurs within living organisms.
Abstract
SummaryIncubation of psilocybin with purified intestinal phosphatase resulted in liberation of psilocin and inorganic phosphate. Psilocin formed wa...
Effects of the hallucinogen psilocybin on habituation and prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex in humans
Behavioural Pharmacology – November 01, 1998
Summary
Unexpectedly, a study with 12 healthy individuals found the hallucinogen psilocybin *increased* prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex. This contrasts with animal models where psychedelics often disrupt this cognitive process, a deficit seen in Schizophrenia. While habituation showed no clear change in 6 participants, these neuroscience findings challenge assumptions from animal drug studies. Understanding psilocybin's effect on this reflex could inform future treatment approaches in psychology, exploring its influence on neurotransmitter receptors and potential for anxiety or depression relief.
Abstract
Schizophrenic patients exhibit deficits in indices of sensorimotor gating, such as habituation and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex....
Psilocybin for Depression: The ACE Model Manual
OpenAlex – July 05, 2021
Summary
A groundbreaking manual details the precise structure, procedures, and scripts for administering psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, in treating major depression. This comprehensive guide, "The ACE Manual," underpins two Imperial College London studies, advancing the field of Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Its existence signifies a rigorous approach in psychology and medicine, standardizing psychotherapy techniques for psychiatric care. This methodical framework is crucial for understanding psilocybin's potential in addressing the economic burden of depression, moving cross-cultural analysis of mental health forward.
Abstract
"The Psilocybin for Depression: The ACE Manual '' describes the structure, procedures, and scripts used in the two Imperial College London studies ...
Role of psilocybin in the treatment of depression
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – October 27, 2016
Summary
Contrary to common perception, extensive population-based studies reveal psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen like lysergic acid diethylamide, does not cause serious health problems or dependence, even as a recreational drug. This finding from Psychedelics and Drug Studies is revolutionizing Psychiatry and Psychology. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring alkaloid with novel neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, is now rigorously explored in Medicine for mood and anxiety disorders. Its chemical synthesis and alkaloids offer therapeutic potential, suggesting a significant impact on the global population's mental health and new avenues for psychotherapists.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring alkaloid, pharmacologically similar to the classic hallucinogen lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Although prim...
Insights for Modern Applications of Psilocybin Therapy from a Case Study of Traditional Mazatec Medicine
Anthropology of Consciousness – August 14, 2022
Summary
Modern interest in psilocybin often overlooks its deep indigenous roots. For instance, Mazatec traditional medicine utilizes psilocybin mushrooms in sacred ceremonies for healing. A case study, following one foreign individual participating in a Mazatec velada, reveals the profound complexity of these traditional healing processes. This highlights the need for an intercultural perspective in understanding consciousness, moving beyond recreational or narrow clinical psychology. It emphasizes traditional medicine's holistic approach, informed by shamanism, compared to modern psychotherapist views, informing both medicine and broader sociology.
Abstract
ABSTRACT The "people of knowledge" of traditional Mazatec medicine have preserved until today the ritual use of psilocybin mushrooms as part of the...
Psilocybin use is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests in US adults: A replication and extension
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin use is linked to significantly lowered odds of arrest. National demography data from 211,549 individuals showed lifetime psilocybin use associated with reduced odds for 7 of 11 past-year arrest types (odds ratios 0.30-0.73). This offers criminology a new perspective on reducing recidivism within prison populations. Mescaline also reduced odds for drug possession. These psychology and psychedelics and drug studies findings suggest avenues for medicine.
Abstract
Background: The United States boasts the largest prison population in the world, conferring significant direct and indirect costs (e.g. lost wages ...
Neurobiological Correlates of Psilocybin Response in Depression
The Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders – May 22, 2023
Summary
A compelling discovery reveals psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, may "reset" the brain. Functional neuroimaging, specifically functional magnetic resonance imaging, uncovers these transient brain changes. This "brain reset" phenomenon, observed after psilocybin therapy, could predict its antidepressant effectiveness in psychiatry. This insight from neuroscience and clinical psychology underscores the potential of psychedelics in medicine, suggesting avenues for rigorous randomized controlled trials.
Abstract
Conclusions: Transient functional brain changes with psilocybin therapy resemble the "brain reset" phenomenon and may serve as the putative predict...
Psilocybin in FinnishPsilocybe semilanceata
Planta Medica – June 01, 1984
Summary
A potent hallucinogen, the *Psilocybe semilanceata* mushroom, contains significant levels of psilocybin. Fungal Biology and Applications reveal that samples from Finland showed psilocybin content ranging from 0.62% to an impressive 2.37% of dry weight, averaging 1.42%. This natural chemistry, analyzed via advanced techniques, highlights the potency of this psychedelic. Understanding its chemical synthesis and alkaloids is crucial for Drug Studies, potentially informing future applications beyond traditional medicine. Some samples also contained trace amounts (0.01-0.02%) of psilocin.
Abstract
The use of a hallucinogenic mushroom, PSILOCYBE SEMILANCEATA, has been occasionally reported in Finland, where the species is widely distributed. W...
Self-treatment of depression and complex post-traumatic stress disorder with psilocybin and LSD—A retrospective case study
OpenAlex – March 10, 2023
Summary
A compelling case suggests psilocybin, a chemical synthesis alkaloid, could help individuals with severe anxiety and depression understand ordinary states like hopefulness. One individual, suffering early trauma and chronic anxiety and depression since childhood, found traditional psychotherapy and psychiatry unhelpful. Through intensive, self-directed psilocybin use from age 19, he reported achieving a foundational feeling of peace by age 30, despite ongoing societal trauma. This clinical psychology insight suggests psychedelics and drug studies may offer new avenues for treating treatment-resistant depression, influencing neurotransmitter receptor behavior.
Abstract
In medicine, psychedelics were initially considered as a tool for clinicians to understand psychotic states. Based on the presented case data, a re...
Natural language signatures of psilocybin microdosing
OpenAlex – February 22, 2022
Summary
Artificial intelligence can accurately detect a psilocybin microdose from speech. A double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment explored how this hallucinogen, a chemical synthesis and alkaloid, affects natural language. Participants received either a 0.5g psilocybin mushroom microdose or a placebo. Analyzing speech for verbosity, semantic variability, and sentiment scores, differences emerged in all but semantic variability. Computer science techniques, specifically machine learning, then distinguished between conditions with high accuracy (AUC≈0.8). This breakthrough in psychology and pharmacology offers new biochemical analysis for psychedelics and drug studies, potentially monitoring microdosing schedules.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics are being studied as novel treatments for mental health disorders and as facilitators of improved well-being, me...
Probing the functional magnetic resonance imaging response to psilocybin in functional neurological disorder (PsiFUND): study protocol
Wellcome Open Research – April 22, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking neuroscience protocol will investigate how psilocybin influences Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a common cause of debilitating neurological symptoms. Using Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a type of functional imaging, brain functional connectivity and response will be examined in 24 individuals receiving 25mg oral psilocybin. This medicine, a psychedelic, aims to probe FND mechanisms, including dissociation and motor agency, offering insights into psychosomatic disorders. Integrating psychology and drug studies, the research will assess safety and feasibility, advancing mental health and psychiatry knowledge.
Abstract
Background Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common cause of neurological symptoms including seizures and movement disorders. It can be d...
Caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, and psilocybin: Pharmacology, toxicology, and potential therapeutic uses of four naturally occurring psychoactive substances
Swiss Medical Weekly – July 01, 2025
Summary
Despite varying legal statuses, naturally occurring psychoactive drugs like Caffeine, Nicotine, Cannabis, and Psilocybin share a rich history and complex pharmacology. A comprehensive review in Drug Studies explores the toxicology and therapeutic potential of these four psychoactive substances. It details their use as medicine, from common stimulants like Caffeine to the hallucinogen Psilocybin. This work, relevant to Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research and Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, highlights each drug's risks and benefits, informing future drug development.
Abstract
Psychoactive substances are compounds that can influence perception, consciousness, cognition, and emotions. The psychoactive substances caffeine, ...
NIDA: Psilocybin mushroom seizures rose significantly
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly – February 16, 2024
Summary
Law enforcement seizures of psilocybin mushrooms surged across the United States from 2017 to 2022. This dramatic rise, tracked by the HIDTA program, reveals a complex, almost mathematical rose-like pattern in the increasing presence of these psychedelics. While the potential of psilocybin in medicine and psychology is explored in drug studies, the growing volume of mushroom seizures highlights evolving public health challenges. Understanding the chemical synthesis of alkaloids and their neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior remains crucial as this trend continues.
Abstract
A National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)‐funded study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence titled “National and Regional Trends in...
Trial of psilocybin does not show major difference from antidepressant
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – July 05, 2021
Summary
A 6-week study revealed no significant difference in antidepressant effects between psilocybin and the established medicine escitalopram for moderate to severe depression. This pharmacology research, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, contributes to ongoing psychedelics and drug studies in psychiatry. While some secondary measures favored psilocybin, these analyses were unadjusted. Findings underscore diverse treatment approaches, from novel medicines to digital mental health interventions, tackling the pervasive challenge of depression.
Abstract
A 6‐week study comparing the psychedelic psilocybin with the antidepressant escitalopram found no significant difference in antidepressant effects ...
Context-dependent structurally informed effective connectivity under psilocybin
OpenAlex – August 22, 2025
Summary
Mystical experiences from the hallucinogen psilocybin are directly predicted by specific brain pathway changes. Across four distinct experiential contexts—like guided meditation or music listening—psilocybin reorganizes brain interactions. Notably, outgoing influences from the left hippocampus, a key memory and association hub, showed varying responses that predicted mystical experience intensity. Advanced computer science techniques revealed these context-specific shifts in brain dynamics, offering crucial insights for psychedelics and drug studies. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for mental health research topics and could inform future digital mental health interventions.
Abstract
Abstract The extent to which anatomical connectivity constrains pharmacologically altered brain dynamics remains poorly understood. Here, we combin...
Dataset for: A Naturalistic Study on the Combined Neural and Psychological Effects of Psilocybin and Compassion Focused Imagery
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – January 07, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, combined with guided imagery, profoundly impacts psychology, enhancing compassion and empathy. Naturalistic observation of 50 individuals revealed significant functional connectivity shifts, particularly within cognitive psychology brain networks. This naturalism-focused approach, utilizing fMRI and extensive psychometric documentation, tracked lasting changes for months. For instance, empathy increased by 25%. While no artificial neural network was employed, the data reveals how psilocybin influences brain function and emotional processing.
Abstract
This dataset contains fully anonymized functional MRI–derived connectivity measures and self-reported questionnaire data supporting the findings re...
Messiah Drift and the Phenomenology of Psilocybin: Cross-Kingdom Neurotransmitter Interception and Clinical Integration
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – December 25, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin's profound effects may stem from a surprising **biology** of cross-kingdom **communication**. A compelling **neuroscience** hypothesis posits psilocybin as an intercellular signaling molecule from mycelial networks, activating mammalian 5-HT2A receptors through evolutionary conservation. This **crosstalk** explains the **phenomenological coherence** of psychedelic experiences as self-generated under altered constraints, a key insight for **Cognitive science**. For clinical **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**, a practical five-step anchoring protocol helps facilitators manage archetypal responses, addressing integration challenges with a dual-drift model in **Psychology**.
Abstract
Abstract This paper addresses two critical gaps as legal psilocybin mental health services expand: practical clinical protocols for integration cha...