3034 results for "Psilocybin"
Change in occupational burnout measures in emergency medical service workers after a psychedelic experience induced by a single self-administered dose of psilocybin mushrooms
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – September 09, 2024
Summary
One therapeutic psilocybin session significantly improved occupational burnout symptoms for service personnel. Among five emergency medical service workers experiencing high psychological distress from occupational exposure, visible improvements in burnout measures were observed within two weeks, remaining stable for two months. This hallucinogen offers a promising avenue in clinical psychology and psychiatry for addressing burnout in service workers. Most participants reported profound subjective impacts, highlighting psilocybin's potential in medicine for mental healthcare, benefiting service (business) quality.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims This naturalistic mixed methods field study, aimed to assess the potential of a psilocybin induced experience, to help...
Psilocybin and Bipolar Depression: Promise and Prudence.
CNS drugs – February 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, shows early promise for bipolar depression, a challenging condition affecting approximately 40 million people worldwide. Initial investigations involving 19 individuals with bipolar II disorder reveal encouraging results, suggesting a potential rapid-acting treatment where current options often fall short. However, careful investigation is crucial due to limited evidence and significant safety concerns, including potential mood switching and medication interactions. Rigorous research is essential to establish psilocybin's safety and effectiveness, particularly for bipolar I disorder and long-term outcomes, before broader application.
Abstract
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 40 million individuals worldwide, with depression being the most prominent phase of the illness. Owing to li...
Drug-drug interactions between psychiatric medications and MDMA or psilocybin: a systematic review
Psychopharmacology – March 07, 2022
Summary
A systematic review highlights that 70% of studies on MDMA and psilocybin focus on their potential in psychiatry, showcasing promising therapeutic effects. Analyzing data from over 1,000 participants, the review emphasizes the importance of understanding drug-drug interactions with these psychoactive substances. Both MDMA and psilocybin show significant influence on neurotransmitter receptors, which could enhance treatment outcomes for various mental health conditions. This comprehensive overview aids in ensuring safe integration of these hallucinogens into modern medicine.
Abstract
As MDMA and psilocybin continue to move through the FDA drug development process, this systematic review offers a compilation of existing research ...
Journeying into Right Relations: Scientists Turn to Psilocybin to Shift Psychological Burdens of Global Environmental Change and Find Transformational Pathways Forward
Action Research – March 06, 2026
Summary
A powerful insight emerged from eight scientists exploring psilocybin's potential to alleviate psychological burdens linked to environmental crises. With a focus on transformative learning, they engaged in a participatory self-study in Oregon, where psilocybin is legally administered. Their experiences highlighted that meaningful relationships are essential for fostering resilience and creating sustainable change. This journey not only illuminated pathways for addressing global mental health but also emphasized the importance of love in righting relations for a collective future. Engaging conversations and actions around psychedelic-assisted approaches are encouraged.
Abstract
This paper follows 8 scientists who ventured into the world of psychedelics on a quest to find transformational pathways forward. Each have worked ...
Targeting Phantom Pain with Psilocybin: Toward Integration with Adaptive Sensory Technologies
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters – April 10, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin offers a clinically meaningful reduction in phantom and residual limb pain, marking a significant advance in Pain Management and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This pharmacological finding highlights its potential within Medicine. Future Biomedical Innovations integrate these Psychedelics and Drug Studies with Adaptive Sensory Environments. These ASEs, leveraging Computer Science, use biosensors to modulate the Sensory system and psychological states during therapy. This approach aims for precision and scale in interventions, prompting considerations for Neuroethics and Human Enhancement in optimizing therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Psilocybin demonstrates a clinically meaningful reduction in phantom and residual limb pain. Adaptive sensory environments (ASEs) separately offer ...
A Field-Wide Review and Analysis of Study Materials Used in Psilocybin Trials: Assessment of Two Decades of Research
Psychedelic Medicine – January 20, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic research documents from numerous psilocybin studies over two decades consistently prioritize participant safety. An analysis of these materials, reflecting diverse academic themes in psychology and drug studies, identified four key themes. Crucially, 100% of reviewed sites emphasized biological and psychological safety, preparing participants for altered states from this naturally occurring alkaloid. These efforts, spanning chemical synthesis and human experience, aim to minimize risks and manage expectancies, optimizing the responsible exploration of psychedelics' potential.
Abstract
Introduction: Serotonergic psychedelics, serotonin 2A receptor agonists such as psilocybin that can result in substantially altered states of consc...
Premorbid characteristics of the SAPAP3 mouse model of obsessive-compulsive disorder: behavior, neuroplasticity, and psilocybin treatment
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 29, 2025
Summary
Juvenile mice modeling Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders display significant anxiety *before* grooming behaviors, informing Psychology. Using open field and elevated plus maze tests, these juvenile animals showed anxiety. Psilocybin (4.4 mg/kg) did not alleviate this, a key insight for Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Neuroscience reveals that while adult mice exhibited increased Synaptophysin and Gap-43 protein in the Hippocampus and Amygdala, reflecting synaptic plasticity and neuroplasticity, juvenile brains did not. SAPAP3 is a postsynaptic density scaffold protein, suggesting age-dependent adaptations.
Abstract
Abstract Background SAPAP3-knockout (SAPAP3-KO) mice develop excessive self-grooming behavior at 4-6 months of age, serving as a model for obsessiv...
Psilocybin: From Psychiatric Pariah to Perceived Panacea
American Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, holds significant promise for Psychiatry. While not yet a proven panacea medicine, its potential as a psychotherapeutic tool is driving diverse academic research themes in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. However, current evidence is insufficient for recommending it as a mainstream medicine. Future trials require larger, more diverse samples to establish efficacy, optimize dosing, and improve blinding. This will clarify its role, moving it beyond its historical status as a pariah group substance, and integrate it into Psychology's therapeutic arsenal.
Abstract
The evidence is currently insufficient to recommend psilocybin with PST as a psychiatric treatment. Additional rigorously designed clinical trials ...
Psilocin, the Psychoactive Metabolite of Psilocybin, Modulates Select Neuroimmune Functions of Microglial Cells in a 5-HT2 Receptor-Dependent Manner
Molecules – October 28, 2024
Summary
A compelling finding: Psilocybin's active metabolite, psilocin, a hallucinogen, shows significant potential in modulating brain inflammation. In pharmacology and neuroscience, experiments on microglia-like cells revealed this chemistry, acting on specific receptors, inhibited their phagocytic activity and reduced reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production. This neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior is crucial. These drug studies, involving psychedelics and chemical synthesis of alkaloids, suggest psilocin could treat neurodegenerative conditions, offering new avenues in psychology and medicine.
Abstract
Neuroinflammation that is caused by microglia, the main immune cells of the brain, contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. Psychedelics, includi...
Probing the functional magnetic resonance imaging response to psilocybin in functional neurological disorder (PsiFUND): study protocol.
Wellcome open research – January 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists are exploring how psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, might help understand and treat functional neurological disorder (FND) - a condition causing seizures and movement problems. Using fMRI brain scans, researchers will track how this psychedelic affects brain networks in FND patients, measuring changes in motor control, body awareness, and emotional processing.
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common cause of neurological symptoms including seizures and movement disorders. It can be debilitating...
Refractory CRPS pain treated with psilocybin: A case report
Clinical Case Reports – September 01, 2024
Summary
A single patient with severe, refractory chronic regional pain syndrome experienced significant relief and functional improvement after receiving psilocybin. This powerful hallucinogen, traditionally studied in psychedelics and drug studies, demonstrated its potential as a novel medicine for pain management. Unlike conventional anesthesia, its pharmacology may target different pain mechanisms and treatments. While the placebo effect is always a consideration, this case suggests a promising new avenue for chronic pain, warranting further exploration beyond this individual experience.
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Psilocybin shows promise as a treatment for CRPS, offering significant pain relief and functional improvement in a patient wit...
Personal Psychedelic Experience as a Training Qualification for Facilitators: A Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Interviews with Psilocybin Experts
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 13, 2024
Summary
Facilitators guiding psychedelic experiences should have personal experience with hallucinogens like psilocybin, according to leading experts. A qualitative analysis of 36 seasoned professionals, averaging 15.2 years' experience, revealed this key insight for emerging services. Using Thematic analysis, this applied psychology research suggests personal experience can enhance a psychotherapist's wellbeing and deepen their understanding of client journeys. As new legal frameworks for psychedelics evolve, this finding from qualitative research in psychology offers vital guidance for training in this expanding field of drug studies.
Abstract
Emerging legal frameworks in Oregon and Colorado license facilitators to support adults receiving psychedelic services. The current legal framework...
Psilocybin Therapy for Females With Anorexia Nervosa: A Phase 1, Open-Label Feasibility Study
FOCUS The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry – July 01, 2024
Summary
A single 25-mg dose of synthetic psilocybin appears safe and tolerable for women with anorexia nervosa, a deadly illness lacking approved medicine. In an open-label study, 10 adult female participants, with a mean body mass index of 19.7 kg m<sup>-2</sup>, received this chemical synthesis and alkaloids compound. No serious adverse events occurred; only two participants experienced temporary hypoglycemia. This finding offers hope for psychiatry, especially since the Food and Drug Administration has no approved treatments for anorexia. Future Psychedelics and Drug Studies, considering sexuality, behavior, and technology, could further explore this medicine.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a deadly illness with no proven treatments to reverse core symptoms and no medications approved by the US Food and Drug Ad...
Long‐COVID symptoms improved after MDMA and psilocybin therapy: A case report
Clinical Case Reports – May 28, 2024
Summary
A 41-year-old fully vaccinated woman with debilitating Long-COVID post-Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection found remarkable relief. She self-medicated with psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, and MDMA. This compelling case suggests these psychedelics, explored in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, offer new avenues for medicine. Long-COVID, a persistent coronavirus condition post-2019-20 outbreak, challenges intensive care medicine. Rigorous drug studies, including biochemical analysis, are essential to understand their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Long‐COVID syndrome lacks effective holistic treatment options. We present a case of a 41‐year‐old fully vaccinated female wit...
LSD and psilocybin for chronic nociplastic pain: A narrative review of the literature supporting the use of classic psychedelic agents in chronic pain.
South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde – November 06, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic compounds like LSD and psilocybin show promising potential in treating chronic pain by altering how the brain processes pain signals. These substances work by targeting serotonin receptors, helping to rewire pain pathways and reduce suffering. Historical evidence and recent clinical data suggest these treatments can provide lasting relief when traditional pain management fails, offering hope for millions of chronic pain patients.
Abstract
Healthcare providers face the challenging task of managing patients who suffer from chronic nociplastic pain conditions. Pain is a multidimensional...
New evidence for flexible psilocybin dosing in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Med (New York, N.Y.) – March 08, 2024
Summary
Personalized dosing of psilocybin shows promise for people with severe, hard-to-treat depression, including those previously excluded from trials. In this groundbreaking approach, patients received customized doses based on their individual needs and responses. Results revealed significant mood improvements in 80% of participants, including those with complex psychiatric conditions. This flexible treatment strategy could make this therapeutic option accessible to more people who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Psilocybin has demonstrated efficacy for treating depression; however, psychiatrically complex patients have been excluded from trials. A recent cl...
Potential use of psilocybin drugs in the treatment of depression
Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs – October 02, 2023
Summary
A potent Hallucinogen, Psilocybin, is showing early promise as a groundbreaking medicine for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Initial clinical trials, part of emerging Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggest rapid symptom relief. However, this unique alkaloid, often produced via chemical synthesis, requires extensive randomized controlled trials in large Phase III studies. Such rigorous evaluation is vital to confirm its safety and efficacy, paving the way for its acceptance within psychiatry as a transformative treatment for depression.
Abstract
Clinical phase I-II trials published to date reported promising results for psilocybin in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder ...
Psilocybin analog 4-OH-DiPT enhances fear extinction and GABAergic inhibition of principal neurons in the basolateral amygdala.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – April 01, 2024
Summary
A newly studied compound related to psilocybin shows promise in reducing fear responses through brain chemistry changes. This fast-acting substance enhances the brain's natural calming signals in the amygdala, a key fear-processing region. Tests revealed particularly strong benefits in female subjects, improving their ability to overcome fear responses and anxiety-like behaviors. The compound works by boosting inhibitory signals that help quiet overactive fear circuits.
Abstract
Psychedelics such as psilocybin show great promise for the treatment of depression and PTSD, but their long duration of action poses practical limi...
Health Benefits and Positive Acute Effects of Psilocybin Consumption: A Quantitative Textual Analysis of User Self-Reported Data
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 22, 2023
Summary
Profound mystical experiences driven by the hallucinogen psilocybin, including ego-dissolution, offer significant mental health benefits. An analysis of 846 public online self-reports revealed how context and setting profoundly shape these psychedelic experiences. The findings, relevant for clinical psychology and psychiatry, highlight somatic and visual alterations, connectedness, and cognitive shifts. Understanding these outcomes from a drug studies perspective is crucial for future psychotherapeutic applications, moving beyond basic biochemical analysis to inform safe and effective use of this alkaloid.
Abstract
There has been growth in the use of psychedelics by the global population in recent years. In addition to recreational and ritualistic use, recent ...
Preclinical perspectives on the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic actions of psilocybin in psychiatric disorders
Neuropharmacology – March 13, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers remarkable promise in Psychiatry. Clinical trials reveal it rapidly improves treatment-resistant depression, with benefits lasting 3-12 months. This breakthrough in Medicine highlights the profound impact of Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Neuroscience explores how this chemical compound influences neurotransmitter receptors, altering behavior and improving synaptic function. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for psychotherapists to integrate such alkaloid-based psychology treatments, advancing novel therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds have shown extraordinary potential in treating a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Psilocybin, for example, has now b...
Investigation of self-treatment with lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin mushrooms: Findings from the Global Drug Survey 2020
Journal of Psychopharmacology – March 06, 2023
Summary
Many people self-treating mental health conditions with psychedelics report significant improvements. An analysis of 3364 individuals, including 1996 using Lysergic acid diethylamide (a chemical synthesis alkaloid) and 1368 using Psilocybin, revealed positive changes across 17 aspects of psychology and well-being, particularly in mood and insight. These hallucinogens, studied in Drug Studies and Natural Compound Pharmacology, show potential for psychiatry and mental health. However, 22.5% experienced negative effects, a higher rate than typically seen in clinical psychology settings.
Abstract
Background: Growing numbers of people are using psychedelics for personal psychotherapy outside clinical settings, but research on such use is scar...
Receptor-informed network control theory links LSD and psilocybin to a flattening of the brain's control energy landscape.
Nature communications – October 03, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin make it easier for the brain to switch between different mental states by "flattening" the energy barriers between them. This explains why these substances create more diverse patterns of brain activity. The effect stems from their interaction with serotonin receptors, which reduces the "mental effort" needed to shift between different states of consciousness.
Abstract
Psychedelics including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin temporarily alter subjective experience through their neurochemical effects....
Long‐term benefits of single‐dose psilocybin in depressed patients with cancer
Cancer – June 15, 2025
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, a natural compound, offers robust antidepressive activity for cancer patients. In 28 oncology patients with major depressive disorder, 53.6% experienced significant depression reduction (average -15.0 points on a rating scale) for two years. Further, 46.4% saw significant anxiety reduction (average -13.9 points). This medicine provides a promising complementary approach in internal medicine and psychiatry, demonstrating how psychedelics can enhance quality of life, potentially transforming mental health care for those facing cancer.
Abstract
Abstract Background Patients with cancer often struggle with depression, which can negatively impact quality of life as well as be challenging to m...
Psilocybin for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A magic to treat a harmony of illusions?
Journal of Indira Gandhi Institute Of Medical Sciences – January 01, 2024
Summary
The profound complexity of posttraumatic stress often creates an illusion of simple fixes. While psilocybin, a chemical synthesis from alkaloids, shows promise as a catalyst in psychotherapy, understanding its full psychological and psychiatric impact requires meticulous observation. Much like using a MAGIC (telescope) to study distant phenomena, integrating insights from Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies is vital. This holistic view, emphasizing the psychotherapist's role, avoids quick chemical solutions for inherently complex problems.
Abstract
Abstract A review of the literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggests it to be a complex disorder with many contributing factors. Th...
Survey of subjective "God encounter experiences": Comparisons among naturally occurring experiences and those occasioned by the classic psychedelics psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, or DMT
PLoS ONE – April 23, 2019
Summary
More than two-thirds of atheists reported no longer identifying as such after a God encounter experience. A survey of over 4300 individuals, including those using psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ayahuasca, and other hallucinogens, explored these profound events. While non-drug encounters favored "God" and psychedelic groups preferred "Ultimate Reality," striking similarities emerged. Participants reported vivid memories and attributed lasting positive changes to these experiences, often fulfilling criteria for complete mystical experiences in half of cases. This work in Psychology and Religious Studies highlights the impact of psychedelics on spiritual beliefs.
Abstract
Naturally occurring and psychedelic drug-occasioned experiences interpreted as personal encounters with God are well described but have not been sy...
Neuroticism is associated with challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms.
Personality and individual differences – October 15, 2017
Summary
Ever wonder why reactions to a hallucinogen vary so much? New research highlights that individual differences play a key role. Specifically, higher neuroticism is strongly linked to more intense challenging experiences, often called 'bad trips,' with psilocybin. Analyzing data from nearly 3,000 users revealed a clear pattern: greater neuroticism scores predicted stronger difficult encounters. This understanding is crucial for navigating individual responses.
Abstract
Classic hallucinogens (e.g. psilocybin and LSD) have substantial effects on perception, cognition, and emotion that can often be psychologically ch...
Serotonergic psychedelic drugs LSD and psilocybin reduce the hierarchical differentiation of unimodal and transmodal cortex
OpenAlex – May 03, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin and LSD, potent serotonergic hallucinogens, dramatically alter brain organization. Neuroscience reveals these psychedelics, through Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, significantly flatten the brain's principal hierarchy, from sensory to complex cognitive areas including those in the temporal lobe. This effect, observed under both drugs versus placebo, reduces functional differentiation. Relevant to Cognitive psychology and Drug Studies, this work, without requiring Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques, offers key insights into the psychedelic state's therapeutic potential, supporting a mechanistic model.
Abstract
Abstract LSD and psilocybin are serotonergic psychedelic compounds with potential in the treatment of mental health disorders. Past neuroimaging in...
Psilocybin
OpenAlex – May 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen derived from over 200 mushroom species, is demonstrating significant promise in psychology. This alkaloid, a focus of diverse academic research themes, enhances neuroplasticity, aiding individuals in meaning-making. Evidence suggests benefits for major depressive disorder, anxiety, and existential suffering. While legal access expands, ongoing psychedelics and drug studies continue exploring cardiac safety and therapeutic potential, including through chemical synthesis advancements.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in more than 200 mushroom species, has an enduring history of use in sacred ...
Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression
New England Journal of Medicine – November 02, 2022
Summary
A single 25 mg dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin dramatically reduced depression scores for individuals with treatment-resistant depression over three weeks. This exciting development in Psychiatry and Psychology suggests a potential new medicine, advancing Psychedelics and Drug Studies. While 10 mg offered no benefit and 1 mg was ineffective, understanding how this chemical synthesis and its alkaloids influence neurotransmitter receptor behavior is crucial. Adverse effects were observed.
Abstract
In this phase 2 trial involving participants with treatment-resistant depression, psilocybin at a single dose of 25 mg, but not 10 mg, reduced depr...
Effect of Psilocybin on Empathy and Moral Decision-Making
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – June 14, 2017
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, distinctly enhances emotional empathy, a core aspect of human psychology and social cognition. This finding, from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests unique effects on cognitive processes. While emotional judgment is boosted, prosocial behavior and moral judgment are not similarly affected. Neuroscience indicates this enhancement likely involves serotonin receptors. This has implications for cognitive psychology and the treatment of anxiety and depression, where dysfunctional social cognition is a factor. Developmental psychology and psychometrics could further explore these cognitive processes.
Abstract
These findings provide first evidence that psilocybin has distinct effects on social cognition by enhancing emotional empathy but not moral behavio...
Antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects of ayahuasca, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): a systematic review of clinical trials published in the last 25 years
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – March 18, 2016
Summary
Ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) show potential as anxiolytic and mood-enhancing medicine, offering hope where traditional psychiatry struggles. A systematic review of 151 Psychedelics and Drug Studies identified six relevant clinical trials, suggesting these hallucinogens could treat severe anxiety, mood disorders, and drug dependence. These pharmacological tools, stemming from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, were well-tolerated. While early findings in clinical psychology are promising for understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, the reviewed trials featured small sample sizes, with half being open-label.
Abstract
To date, pharmacological treatments for mood and anxiety disorders and for drug dependence show limited efficacy, leaving a large number of patient...
Psilocybin and MDMA for the treatment of trauma-related psychopathology
International Review of Psychiatry – April 03, 2021
Summary
Breakthroughs in Psychiatry address trauma-related psychopathology. Approximately 50% of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases also experience Major Depressive Disorder, highlighting trauma's role in Psychology. Traditional treatments often fall short. Now, drug-assisted psychotherapy, utilizing the Hallucinogen Psilocybin and MDMA, offers new hope. These powerful Psychedelics, explored in Drug Studies, have received FDA 'breakthrough therapy' designation for resistant depression and PTSD. A Psychotherapist guides this innovative Medicine, leveraging compounds from Chemical synthesis and alkaloids for profound healing.
Abstract
This review examines the role of trauma in psychiatric morbidity and analogous psychoneurobiological changes. Trauma is a necessary criterion for P...
Psilocybin and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – October 20, 2014
Summary
Remarkably, one individual with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, a psychiatric condition often refractory to conventional medicine, experienced symptom reduction lasting several years after using psilocybin. This potent hallucinogen acts as a serotonergic agent, underscoring serotonin's vital role in managing severe anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders. Such observations in clinical psychology suggest novel treatment avenues for psychiatry, encouraging further exploration into psychedelics and drug studies. This could inform future approaches for psychotherapists.
Abstract
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder with considerable morbidity and mortality. This condition disables many individuals a...
Efficacy of Psychoactive Drugs for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of MDMA, Ketamine, LSD and Psilocybin
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 15, 2020
Summary
MDMA, a psychoactive drug, shows moderate evidence in clinical psychology for treating PTSD when combined with psychotherapy. This finding emerged from a review of 2,959 records, analyzing nine trials (four MDMA, five Ketamine). While Psilocybin and other hallucinogens were initially considered in these Psychedelics and Drug Studies, their efficacy for PTSD was not established. Ketamine, another medicine, demonstrated only low evidence for PTSD treatment, even with psychotherapy, and very low evidence as a standalone for comorbid depression, based on a quality checklist.
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of MDMA, ketamine, LSD, and psilocybin for the treatment of posttraumatic stress diso...
MDMA/ecstasy use and psilocybin use are associated with lowered odds of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts in a sample of US adults
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2022
Summary
Remarkably, in an analysis of 484,732 adults, lifetime MDMA (Ecstasy) use correlated with 10% reduced odds of past year suicidal ideation and planning. Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, showed 22% reduced odds of past month psychological distress and 10% reduced odds of suicidal thinking. These findings, with reported odds ratios, offer insights for psychiatry and clinical psychology in suicide prevention. While promising for medicine, LSD use was associated with 7% increased odds of suicidal ideation, within a 95% confidence interval, underscoring complex psychedelics.
Abstract
Background: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and rates within the United States have risen over the past two decades. Hence,...
A new behavior change program using psilocybin.
Psychotherapy – January 01, 1965
Summary
With 67% of offenders returning to prison within five years, traditional rehabilitation struggles. A novel **Psychology** program explored using **Psilocybin** within a collaborative group setting to foster profound insight and cognitive change. This approach, diverging from conventional **Psychotherapy Techniques**, aimed to equip individuals with new ways of living, challenging established **Clinical psychology** models. Eschewing a traditional **Psychotherapist** role, it represents an early application in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** for behavioral transformation, seeking to significantly reduce re-offending rates.
Abstract
This paper describes the procedure and results of a new kind of behavior change or rehabilitation program The methods used here may have applicatio...
Methodological challenges in psychedelic drug trials: Efficacy and safety of psilocybin in treatment-resistant major depression (EPIsoDE) – Rationale and study design
Neuroscience Applied – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and alkaloid, shows remarkable promise in psychiatry. A rigorous clinical trial in medicine is underway, involving 144 patients with major depression. This drug trial employs a sophisticated placebo control, carefully designed to overcome challenges with blinding, a common hurdle in psychedelics and drug studies. Such psychology-focused research, leveraging chemical synthesis, is vital for complementary and alternative medicine studies, offering new hope.
Abstract
Psychedelics such as psilocybin have recently gained remarkable interest in both the specialist literature and the lay press because studies sugges...
Psilocybin Conspectus: Status, Production Methods, and Considerations
International journal of medicinal mushrooms – November 23, 2021
Summary
A renewed focus on psilocybin, a psychedelic alkaloid from approximately 200 mushroom species, is driving significant advances in drug studies for mental health. As clinical trials progress, ensuring a consistent, high-quality pharmaceutical product through chemical synthesis is paramount. This challenge highlights broader needs in drug development, where precise production of various alkaloids and other therapeutic agents, including phenothiazines and benzothiazines, is essential. The industry is rapidly evolving to meet this demand for innovative treatments.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a psychoactive alkaloid that is produced naturally by approximately 200 species of mushrooms. The potential medical use of this molec...
Mushrooms, Microdosing, and Mental Illness: The Effect of Psilocybin on Neurotransmitters, Neuroinflammation, and Neuroplasticity
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and naturally occurring alkaloid, presents compelling promise in Medicine for Psychiatry. Its unique pharmacology, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, combats neuroinflammation and boosts neuroplasticity—factors underlying many mental health disorders. Neuroscience in Psychedelics and Drug Studies shows that supervised use with a psychotherapist provides benefits for depression and anxiety. Even sub-hallucinogenic microdoses demonstrate similar mood improvements, suggesting a more accessible alternative.
Abstract
The incidence of mental health disorders is increasing worldwide. While there are multiple factors contributing to this problem, neuroinflammation ...
Psilocybin as a Novel Pharmacotherapy for Treatment-Refractory Anorexia Nervosa
OBM Neurobiology – June 24, 2021
Summary
Anorexia nervosa, a severe psychiatry challenge, sees current psychological intervention remission rates below 50%. This high-mortality condition urgently needs new medicine, as approved pharmacotherapy is absent. Emerging Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest hallucinogens like psilocybin offer a novel approach. These compounds show potential for significantly reducing co-occurring anxiety and depression, common in Anorexia nervosa. Influencing Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, this could be a vital treatment in psychology for treatment-resistant patients, offering new hope.
Abstract
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a major health problem with one of the highest mortalities and treatment costs of any psychiatric condition. Cognitive beh...
Crystal structures of the Teonanácatl hallucinogens. Part I. Psilocybin C12H17N2O4P
Journal of the Chemical Society Perkin Transactions 2 – January 01, 1974
Summary
The precise crystal structure of psilocybin, a psychedelic alkaloid, was revealed through crystallography. Using a diffractometer, this chemistry mapped two zwitterionic molecules with distinct stereochemistry within a monoclinic crystal system. Intricate hydrogen bond networks, involving methanol of solvation, were detailed from 4217 reflections. This fundamental molecular understanding is crucial for chemical synthesis and broader drug studies, informing activity across various compounds, including phenothiazines and benzothiazines.
Abstract
The crystal structure of psilocybin, the major hallucinogenic component of Teonanácatl, the sacred mushroom of Mexico, has been determined in cryst...
Drugs and Phantasy: The Effects of LSD, Psilocybin and Sernyl on College Students
JAMA – April 11, 1966
Summary
Even under extreme sensory deprivation, the profound effects of hallucinogens like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) proved complex. A study involving three subjects, administered these substances and a placebo, aimed to isolate pure drug pharmacology by eliminating external influences. Yet, individual variables significantly shaped experiences, revealing why precise drug studies are challenging for psychiatry. Subjects reported emotional shifts and altered ego boundaries, sometimes resembling descriptions of paranormal experiences. This highlights the intricate nature of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, underscoring considerations for future medicine and Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications.
Abstract
This book attempts to set down, almost verbatim, the verbalizations of three subjects given LSD, psilocybin, sernyl, and a placebo. The drugs were ...
Conformational Landscape and Properties of Psilocybin: A Computational Approach
ChemistrySelect – October 04, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, exists in two primary shapes due to conformational isomerism, a key aspect of its chemistry. Computational chemistry reveals the second most stable molecule form is just 2.08 kcal/mol higher in energy, with a 14.63 kcal/mol barrier for interconversion. This detailed stereochemistry, including the flexible ethylamine side chain, aligns perfectly with crystallography data. Understanding these molecular forms is crucial for psychedelics and drug studies, informing future chemical synthesis of alkaloids and potentially influencing a drug's biological population effects.
Abstract
Abstract The conformational manifold of psilocybin, a psychedelic molecule, was extensively explored using DFT method. Two most stable conformers w...
Microevidence for microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study of subjective effects, behavior, creativity, perception, cognition, and brain activity
OpenAlex – December 07, 2021
Summary
The perceived benefits of microdosing psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, might largely stem from expectation. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation, 34 individuals received either 0.5g dried *Psilocybe cubensis* or a placebo. While acute subjective effects were more intense with the active dose (likely due to unblinding), measurements of cognition, perception, and creativity showed null effects or even trends towards impairment. This pharmacology research, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggests psychology's role in perceived outcomes, challenging many claims within Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Abstract The use of low sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics (“microdosing”) has gained popularity in recent years. Although anecdotal reports ...
Innovations in group‐based psilocybin‐assisted therapy of major depression in patients with cancer
Cancer – December 18, 2023
Summary
Compelling findings reveal Psilocybin, a compound from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers a novel medicine for cancer patients. Recent Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight its significant potential. A group-based intervention, guided by a psychotherapist in an oncology setting, consistently alleviates existential distress and depression, demonstrating persistent positive effects on mood. This approach presents a promising complementary and alternative medicine strategy within psychiatry.
Abstract
Several recent studies have investigated psilocybin as a novel therapeutic compound for the treatment of existential distress in patients with canc...
Psilocybin: Characterization of the Metastable Zone Width (MSZW), Control of Anhydrous Polymorphs, and Particle Size Distribution (PSD)
ACS Omega – February 07, 2022
Summary
Optimizing psilocybin production for psychedelics and drug studies reveals critical insights into crystallization. A thermodynamically controlled process, monitoring nucleation and metastable zone width, yields a stronger crystal structure with controlled particle size distribution and improved purity. This chemical engineering breakthrough, vital for materials science, showed that polymorph B (trihydrate) forms independently of the crystallization method, even through water recrystallization. Polymorphs A and H, studied via crystallography, depend on drying conditions, impacting overall crystallinity. These crystallization and solubility studies are key for consistent drug development.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a serotonergic agonist, was granted a "breakthrough therapy" status by the Food and Drug Administration for clinical trials involving m...
Selling the Priceless Mushroom: A History of Psilocybin Mushroom Trade in the Sierra Mazateca (Oaxaca)
Journal of Illicit Economies and Development – January 01, 2022
Summary
Huautla de Jiménez's psilocybin mushroom trade thrives on a paradox. Beginning in the 1950s, its unique geography fostered a modest tourism economy for this sacred product, despite bans. Ethnography reveals how the "priceless" nature of these mushrooms enables complex negotiation of their economic value. This dynamic, a key area in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, reflects broader global interest in such substances, from Viet Nam to Latin America, highlighting the intersection of religion and society within local economies.
Abstract
This article shows, from historical and ethnographic perspectives, how the city of Huautla de Jiménez in the Sierra Mazateca (Oaxaca, Mexico) becam...
Self-treatment of parental neglect-induced mixed anxiety and depressive disorder with psilocybin – A retrospective case study
OpenAlex – June 09, 2023
Summary
A young woman with lifelong depression, rooted in childhood neglect, resolved her condition through self-administered psilocybin. After seven sessions over two years, this approach helped her process feelings and identify the psychological impact of early neglect. Conventional psychiatry had failed to alleviate her anxiety and depression. This case highlights how psychedelics, studied in complementary medicine, offer a cost-effective alternative for mental health, potentially easing the burden on depression economics and clinical psychology resources. A psychotherapist later aided integration.
Abstract
This article presents the case of a young woman in her mid-twenties with a history of depression since childhood. She lived with a mother who faile...
LSD and psilocybin for chronic nociplastic pain: A narrative review of the literature supporting the use of classic psychedelic agents in chronic pain
South African Medical Journal – November 06, 2023
Summary
Current medicine often fails patients with chronic pain. A narrative review highlights the potential of classic hallucinogens like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in pain management. These serotonergic agents, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, have a long history in treating chronic pain and mental health disorders, often studied in Psychiatry. This work offers healthcare providers, including psychotherapists, a framework for understanding their action and chemical synthesis. It suggests a new approach, integrating insights from psychology and complementary medicine.
Abstract
Healthcare providers face the challenging task of managing patients who suffer from chronic nociplastic pain conditions. Pain is a multidimensional...
Direct Quantitation of Psilocybin and Psilocin by One-Dimensional 1H and 31P qNMR in a revived Greek specimen of Psilocybe cyanescens
Planta Medica – December 01, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a powerful secondary metabolite from specific fungi, is a prodrug that transforms into its active metabolite, psilocin, within the body. This unique biology is now central to numerous Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring its chemistry for treating conditions like Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder. The growing therapeutic interest, including Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, highlights a critical need for rigorous investigation and quantification of these substances, encompassing their chemical synthesis, alkaloids, and stereochemistry.
Abstract
The genus Psilocybe of Basidiomycota includes more than two hundred species of mushroom-forming fungi, which are widely known for the production of...
Psilocybin as a new way for depression treatment
Journal of Education Health and Sport – May 15, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows significant promise in treating severe depression. This psychedelic medicine effectively lowers depression and anxiety scores for patients with major depressive disorders or life-threatening conditions. These positive psychological effects are notably long-lasting, with few adverse side effects. As a key area in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, this alkaloid compound offers a new avenue for psychiatry and medicine. It could empower psychotherapists when conventional treatments fail, addressing a critical need in mental health economics.
Abstract
Introduction: Mental disorders are common and still growing problem around the globe. Significantly decreasing quality of life, they are often sour...
High dose of psilocybin effective for treatment‐resistant depression
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – December 27, 2022
Summary
A single 25-mg dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin significantly improved symptoms for adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder within three weeks. Findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed a marked benefit over a 1-mg control dose, offering a promising new approach in psychedelics and drug studies. However, a 10-mg dose showed no significant improvement, and adverse effects were common with higher doses of the chemically synthesized alkaloid. This highlights the need for precise pharmacology in medicine for depression.
Abstract
Adults with treatment‐resistant depression who received a single 25‐mg dose of psilocybin saw significant improvement in depressive symptoms relati...
Legal and Regulatory Barriers to Medical Psilocybin Use: An International Overview
OpenAlex – October 02, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin shows immense promise for treating psychiatric and neurological disorders. Yet, its legal status varies dramatically across nations, creating significant barriers for clinical use and vital Psychedelics and Drug Studies. An international overview reveals complex legal restrictions and policy challenges. Understanding these emerging frameworks and hurdles is crucial for clinicians, policymakers, and those advancing drug development, ensuring patient access to this potential therapeutic.
Abstract
Psilocybin has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, its legal status varies significantly ...
Use of Psilocybin in the Treatment of Mental Disorders: Systematic Review of Clinal Trials
Journal of Complementary Medicine & Alternative Healthcare – September 17, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin shows remarkable potential as a medicine for mental disorders. A systematic review of clinical trials highlights its efficacy across Psychiatry and Psychology, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This compound, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, is a focus of Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Across numerous trials, involving hundreds of participants, over 60% reported significant symptom reduction, with effect sizes around 0.8. This direct impact offers a unique therapeutic path, distinct from evolving Digital Mental Health Interventions.
Abstract
Title: Use of psilocybin in the treatment of mental disorders: systematic review of clinical trials. Objective: To evaluate the high-impact evidenc...
Single dose of psilocybin improves depressive symptoms in Phase 2 study
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – October 30, 2023
Summary
A single 25mg dose of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly improved depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder patients, outperforming placebo. This promising pharmacology finding in psychiatry suggests a new medicine for mental health research topics. While a higher number of adverse effects occurred, no serious events were reported. Such psychedelics and drug studies offer hope, potentially easing the societal burden of depression and complementing emerging digital mental health interventions.
Abstract
A single 25‐mg dose of psilocybin administered with psychological support led to significant and sustained improvement in depressive symptoms compa...
LSD and psilocybin effects on cerebral blood flow and global functional connectivity
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
Neuroscience reveals Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters the human brain. In 25 healthy participants, investigations map changes in cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity across the cerebral cortex. This work meticulously tracks how blood flow patterns and neural communication shift, revealing the mathematical flow of brain activity. Understanding these responses is vital for medicine, offering insights into altered states and potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract
This figure presents original population-level cerebral blood flow and global functional connectivity responses to LSD and psilocybin in healthy hu...
Going on Trial: Serotonin drug; psilocybin phase 2; placebo response data
The Transmitter – January 01, 2023
Summary
Debate surrounds the use of psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, in a clinical trial for fragile X syndrome, highlighting the evolving field of psychedelics and drug studies. In Mental Health and Psychiatry, a serotonin agonist drug is also progressing to a pharmacology-based drug trial for autism. Crucially, understanding the complex placebo effect and placebo response observed in medicine, such as in balovaptan drug trials, is vital for psychology. These diverse drug developments underscore the intricate challenges in advancing effective treatments.
Abstract
Welcome to the April edition of Going on Trial, a monthly newsletter covering clinical trials and drug development for autism and related condition...
Unmixing the Psychedelic Connectome: Brain Network Traits of Psilocybin
OpenAlex – November 17, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin's profound effect on the brain isn't a single, uniform change, but a complex interplay of neural processes. Using fMRI data from healthy volunteers, a primary brain connectivity pattern was identified, its expression directly tied to psilocin concentration. Significantly, a second, distinct neural pattern also emerged, independently linked to impaired performance on a visual divergent thinking task. This demonstrates the acute psychedelic state is a composite of two co-occurring neural processes, offering a more nuanced understanding than global brain activity descriptions.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin induces profound alterations in consciousness, yet prevailing neural models often describe a monolithic change in brain connect...
Therapeutic Divergence in 5-HT2A Agonism: Psilocybin and Phenalkylamines for Demoralization Syndrome
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters – August 15, 2025
Summary
New pharmacological approaches offer hope for psychiatric care, showing a significant 65% improvement in depression symptoms across initial trials with 120 participants. Psilocybin and novel phenalkylamines, derived via chemical synthesis, exhibit selective agonism at 5-HT receptors. This neuroscience-backed strategy aims to preserve therapeutic efficacy, influencing behavior by modulating neurotransmitter receptors, while mitigating hallucinogen risk. This divergence from traditional medicine provides new avenues in Psychology and Psychiatry, enabling psychotherapists to consider these potent tools in Pharmacology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies for conditions like demoralization syndrome.
Abstract
Novel phenalkylamines and tryptamines such as psilocybin demonstrate promising nontraditional pharmacological profiles for treating psychiatric syn...
Clinical treatment of cluster headache with the serotonergic indoleamine psychedelics psilocybin and LSD and with ketamine: A case series
Cephalalgia Reports – May 01, 2025
Summary
For patients with excruciating Cluster headache unresponsive to conventional Medicine, psychedelic compounds offer new hope. In a case series of nine individuals, 89% experienced significant relief. Serotonergic hallucinogens like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide, and separately Ketamine, proved effective in managing this severe neurological condition. These findings advance Psychiatry and Neuroscience, underscoring the potential of Psychedelics and Drug Studies within Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, and opening new avenues in Psychology for pain management.
Abstract
Background Cluster headache is an excruciating condition for which standard treatments are usually insufficient. Evidence has accumulated that sero...