4971 results for "Psychedelics"
Cardiac Consequences Associated with Psychedelic Use: A Systematic Review of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2B-Mediated Valvular Heart Disease.
Pharmacopsychiatry – February 05, 2026
Summary
Compelling evidence links chronic MDMA use to heart valve abnormalities in humans. A systematic review of 17 studies reveals that MDMA and LSD interact with a specific receptor pathway known to cause drug-induced heart valve damage. Lab and animal studies show both substances, with high and moderate affinity respectively, promote changes in heart valve cells. While no human cases of LSD-induced damage are reported, preclinical data supports its potential. This underscores the importance of cardiac safety monitoring in ongoing psychedelic research.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics, such as lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin, and the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine exhibit agonist...
The science of psychedelic medicine.
Nature medicine – February 06, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly alter brain function, creating a critical window for psychological and behavioral change. Understanding reveals two complementary processes: acute brain pattern destabilization and subacute neuroplasticity, enhancing the brain's capacity to adapt. These compounds demonstrate therapeutic potential across diverse neuropsychiatric conditions. Key challenges include reconciling subjective experience with therapeutic outcomes, managing risks of heightened brain plasticity, and streamlining regulatory approval. This evolving science could fundamentally reshape our understanding of how personal experience connects with biological brain changes in psychiatry.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics typically act at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor to profoundly alter brain function and consciousness. Research on these compoun...
Fabricated Ancestrality: The Sonoran Desert Toad, Psychedelic Globalization, and the Ecological Politics of 5-MeO-DMT
Psychedelics – March 01, 2026
Summary
Claims surrounding the ancestral use of toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT have surged globally, despite lacking historical and ethnographic evidence. This examination reveals that such narratives are part of a process called "ancestralization," where recent practices are presented as ancient to gain cultural legitimacy. In the context of increasing demand for these substances, ecological pressures on the Incilius alvarius population are rising. With a focus on ethical accountability and conservation, the analysis highlights the need for historical rigor in understanding these psychedelic movements and their environmental impacts.
Abstract
5-methoxy- N,N -dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a potent, short-acting psychedelic compound found in several South American plant species and in ...
Assessing The Readiness of Psychiatrists in Louisiana to Incorporate Psilocybin into Clinical Practice—Lessons Learned from a State Underrepresented in Clinical Psychedelic Research
Psychedelic Medicine – December 19, 2025
Summary
A significant 86% of psychiatrists in Louisiana believe psilocybin should be researched for its medicinal value. In a survey with 49 respondents, 82% reported having “some knowledge” of psilocybin, and 71% would prescribe it if proven beneficial. Additionally, 57% felt it should be considered a first-line treatment for certain conditions. However, only 10.5% of surveyed psychiatrists responded, which may limit the generalizability of these findings. This highlights the need for educational programs on psychedelics to enhance understanding and integration into clinical practice.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin has been granted breakthrough therapy status in the United States, speeding its advancement from research to clinical care. ...
The Sex-Dependent Effects of Psychedelics on Myelination in APOE4 Mice
arXiv Preprint Archive – June 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds may boost brain insulation, but sex matters! Researchers explored if a specific psychedelic could improve myelination in female mice with a genetic risk for brain disorders (q-bio.NC). Administering the compound, they found only females showed significant increases in brain insulation and reduced anxiety. This q-bio.TO finding reveals distinct biological mechanisms, suggesting potential for sex-specific therapies.
Abstract
Several studies have linked myelin abnormalities with neuropsychiatric disorders; others have implicated psychedelics as a potential therapeutic fo...
Registered clinical studies investigating psychedelic drugs for psychiatric disorders.
Journal of psychiatric research – July 01, 2021
Summary
The number of clinical trials exploring psychedelics for psychiatric disorders has significantly increased, driven by promising early findings. Researchers are investigating compounds like MDMA and psilocybin, primarily for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Other psychedelics, including LSD, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and DMT, are also being explored for various psychiatric disorders, highlighting a growing interest in these innovative treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics are a hallucinogenic class of psychoactive drugs with the primary effect of activating non-ordinary states of consciousness. Due to th...
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Psychedelics as medicines for substance abuse rehabilitation: evaluating treatments with LSD, Peyote, Ibogaine and Ayahuasca.
Current drug abuse reviews – January 01, 2014
Summary
Despite historical prohibitions, certain psychedelics show remarkable promise for addiction recovery. Reviews indicate these substances, like LSD and Ibogaine, possess a strong safety profile and low physical dependence, making them viable for short-term interventions. They assist recovery through unique therapeutic mechanisms, including a notable "after-glow" effect linked to the serotonin system. This offers a compelling new avenue for addiction treatment.
Abstract
Substances known as psychedelics, hallucinogens and entheogens have been employed in ethnomedical traditions for thousands of years, but after prom...
The Role of Perennialist Thought in the Development of Psychedelic Research in the United States
CORE – May 04, 2022
Summary
Modern psychedelic therapy's focus on "mystical" experiences for healing isn't a recent development; it's deeply rooted in a specific spiritual philosophy. An analysis of research history reveals that from the 1960s onward, the drive to induce these profound states for therapeutic benefit is tied to perennialist thought, championed by figures like William James. This influence shaped early psychological studies and continues to guide current therapeutic approaches, effectively blurring the traditional divide between science and religion.
Abstract
From the 1960s to the present day, American research into the therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs has focused on their ability to facilitate “...
Psychedelic 5-HT2A receptor agonism: neuronal signatures and altered neurovascular coupling.
OpenAlex – September 24, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics dramatically alter how the brain's blood flow responds to neuronal activity, complicating our understanding of their therapeutic effects. Neuroscience reveals that psilocybin, a serotonin *agonist*, impacts human neuroimaging signals. Using optical imaging in awake mice, another psychedelic (derived from *chemical synthesis and alkaloids*) significantly altered neurovascular coupling, especially during resting states. This *neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior* means neuronal and hemodynamic signals can diverge. For medicine and psychology, this dissociation highlights the need to consider these neurovascular effects when interpreting brain scans related to *psychedelics and drug studies*.
Abstract
Psychedelics hold therapeutic promise for mood disorders due to rapid, sustained results. Human neuroimaging studies have reported dramatic seroton...
Adverse psychiatric effects of psychedelic drugs: a systematic review of case reports.
Psychological medicine – November 20, 2024
Summary
While psychedelic drugs show promise in mental health treatment, some users experience serious psychiatric effects. Analysis of medical case reports reveals that these substances can trigger mood disorders and psychosis in previously healthy individuals. Most concerning are flashbacks and perception disorders, which can persist for months or years after use. However, recovery is common in mood-related cases, though psychotic episodes tend to have longer-lasting impacts.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs are a focus of interest in the treatment of depression and other disorders but there are longstanding concerns about possible adv...
Psychedelics: A review of their effects on recalled aversive memories and fear/anxiety expression in rodents
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – September 20, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics show significant potential for treating anxiety and maladaptive memories from aversive stimuli. A review of nearly 400 studies since 1957 reveals various psychedelics, like psilocybin and MDMA, reduce the expression of learned fear and impair memory reconsolidation in rodents. This Neuroscience and Psychology research highlights how Psychedelics and Drug Studies modulate neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Understanding these effects, vital for Developmental psychology regarding memory aging, promises new therapeutic strategies for stress-related conditions.
Abstract
Threatening events and stressful experiences can lead to maladaptive memories and related behaviors. Existing treatments often fail to address thes...
Co-administration of midazolam and psilocybin: differential effects on subjective quality versus memory of the psychedelic experience.
Translational psychiatry – September 12, 2024
Summary
Memories of psychedelic experiences may be key to their therapeutic benefits. When researchers combined psilocybin with midazolam (a memory-affecting medication), participants still had meaningful psychedelic experiences but remembered less of them. The weaker their memories, the less insight and well-being they reported afterward, suggesting that retaining the experience matters for positive outcomes.
Abstract
Aspects of the acute experience induced by the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin predict symptomatic relief in multiple psychiatric disorders and...
Functional imaging studies of acute administration of classic psychedelics, ketamine, and MDMA: Methodological limitations and convergent results.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – November 01, 2023
Summary
Brain scans reveal that psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD consistently alter connectivity between sensory and cognitive brain regions. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI), researchers analyzed 91 studies examining how ketamine, MDMA, and other psychedelics affect brain function. Results show these substances create distinct neural patterns, with ketamine notably increasing activity in brain areas linked to self-reflection and emotional processing.
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly used to non-invasively study the acute impact of psychedelics on the human brain. Whil...
Therapeutic benefit versus epistemic risk: Need for empirical research in psychedelic epistemology.
Journal of psychiatric research – August 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy shows promise for mental health treatment, but it may significantly alter how people form and validate their beliefs. While these substances are generally safe physically and psychologically, they can lead users to embrace supernatural or paranormal beliefs. The key finding suggests that psychedelics might change not just what people believe, but the fundamental ways they evaluate truth and knowledge - their "epistemic criteria." This insight raises important ethical considerations for therapeutic use.
Abstract
This paper highlights the ethical and epistemic challenges posed by psychedelic therapy and vindicates the importance of epistemology in the clinic...
Shannon entropy of brain functional complex networks under the influence of the psychedelic Ayahuasca
arXiv Preprint Archive – November 01, 2016
Summary
Psychedelic Ayahuasca increases brain network complexity, supporting ancient wisdom about "mind expansion" with modern neuroscience. Brain scans revealed that this Amazonian brew creates more diverse neural connections while strengthening local brain networks. The changes in brain organization showed higher Shannon entropy, indicating more dynamic and flexible thought patterns during the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
The entropic brain hypothesis holds that the key facts concerning psychedelics are partially explained in terms of increased entropy of the brain's...
Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis of Psychedelics in a Rat Model of Asthma Reveals the Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacophore.
ACS pharmacology & translational science – April 09, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic compounds reduce inflammation, independent of their mind-altering effects. Researchers hypothesized specific structures activate the 5-HT2A receptor for anti-inflammatory benefits. A rat model of allergic asthma screened 21 compounds. 2C-H (2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) was the anti-inflammatory core. Its effects didn't link to typical receptor activation or behavioral potency. This suggests unique receptor pathways reduce inflammation, enabling anti-inflammatory drugs without psychoactive effects.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs can exert potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, anti-inflammatory effects do not appear to correlate with behavioral activit...
Gestational psychedelic exposure disrupts brain development and offspring behavior in mice.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – September 30, 2025
Summary
Maternal psychedelic exposure in mice quickly delivers compounds like LSD to embryonic brain fluid, reaching the developing brain within minutes. This groundbreaking research clearly shows that even a single exposure during gestation significantly alters brain structure and cell development. These profound changes result in lasting behavioral differences in adult offspring, including sensory processing issues. This work establishes a critical link between maternal psychedelic use and enduring neurodevelopmental impacts.
Abstract
Despite increasing non-medical use and clinical investigation of psychedelics, the consequences of prenatal exposure remain unknown. In mice, mater...
Exploring the potential psychological predictors associated with changes in depression, anxiety, and well-being following naturalistic psychedelic use.
Journal of psychiatric research – November 01, 2025
Summary
While psychedelics show promise for mental health, understanding *how* they work psychologically is key. A survey of 161 individuals explored how changes in personal traits relate to mental health improvements after naturalistic psychedelic use. Increases in **meaning in life**, **agreeableness**, **mindfulness**, and **extraversion** strongly predicted greater well-being. Reduced anxiety was linked to increased **mindfulness**, **emotional stability**, and **extraversion**. Higher **self-esteem** was most associated with decreased depression. Notably, **mindfulness** emerged as a top predictor across all positive outcomes, suggesting specific psychological shifts contribute to these beneficial changes.
Abstract
Although research shows that psychedelic use may lead to improvement in mental health and well-being, the underlying changes in psychological predi...
A dual-receptor model of serotonergic psychedelics
OpenAlex – April 15, 2024
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics show significant promise for treating mood and anxiety disorders. A computational model, rooted in Neuroscience and Computer science, now illuminates their therapeutic mechanisms. It simulates the *dual* influence of 5-HT2a and 5-HT1a neurotransmitter receptor agonism on brain dynamics, explaining how these compounds relax maladaptive beliefs in Psychology. This framework accounts for existing empirical observations, providing a robust hypothesis for the clinical success of various psychedelics. It also highlights avenues for Chemical synthesis and alkaloids, suggesting future Psychedelics and Drug Studies focus on biased 5-HT1a agonists, like 5-MeO-DMT, for developing more effective agents.
Abstract
Abstract Serotonergic psychedelics have been identified as promising next-generation therapeutic agents in the treatment of mood and anxiety disord...
Self-Experimentations with Psychedelics Among Mental Health Professionals: LSD in the Former Czechoslovakia
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 2014
Summary
An impressive 91% of mental health professionals who experimented with LSD reported enhanced self-awareness and understanding, with no long-term negative effects noted among the 22 participants in structured interviews. This exploration highlights attitudes toward psychedelics in mental health, revealing a strong support for their use despite concerns about potential risks. The findings shed light on a unique era of psychedelic research in former Czechoslovakia, marking a significant step in understanding the implications of psychedelics within clinical psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
This article enquires into auto-experiments with psychedelics. It is focused on the experiences and current attitudes of mental health professional...
The Bright Side of Psychedelics: Latest Advances and Challenges in Neuropharmacology
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – January 10, 2023
Summary
Growing interest in Psilocybin, Mescaline, and Lysergic acid diethylamide for psychiatric disorders is prompting a re-evaluation in medicine. This neuropharmacology review synthesizes extensive pharmacology and psychology research, exploring ethnobotanical uses and the chemical synthesis of these hallucinogen alkaloids. It details their neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, examining affinity and binding modes. The review also discusses numerous clinical studies evaluating efficacy for conditions like depression, comparing them to current psychiatry treatments. Understanding these mechanisms advances drug studies.
Abstract
The need to identify effective therapies for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is a particularly important issue in modern societies. In addit...
Subacute effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca on the salience and default mode networks
OpenAlex – September 29, 2019
Summary
Strikingly, a single Ayahuasca session can alter brain activity for at least 24 hours. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (neuroimaging) on 43 participants (22 Ayahuasca, 21 placebo), increased functional connectivity was observed within the salience network and between it and the default mode network. Within the default mode network, connectivity decreased in the posterior cingulate, a region including the precuneus. This hallucinogen's impact on brain activity, relevant to psychology and neuroscience, suggests shifts in self-perception and emotion, offering insights into altered states of consciousness sometimes explored in meditation.
Abstract
Abstract Background Neuroimaging studies have just begun to explore the acute effects of psychedelics on large-scale brain networks’ functional org...
Developing a short form of the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-SF) in psychedelic samples.
PloS one – January 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and validate a short-form version of the AWE-S (AWE-SF) within psychedelic samples, to reduce participant burden while ...
Traumatic Psychedelic Experiences.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – April 29, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Psychedelic experiences involving extreme feelings of horror, helplessness, and perceived threats can be traumatizing. Traumatic psychedelic experi...
Meaningful Psychedelic Experiences Predict Increased Moral Expansiveness.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 12, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
There has been growing interest in understanding the psychological effects of psychedelic experiences, including their potential to catalyze signif...
Dosing Psychedelics and MDMA.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2022
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Classic psychedelics, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine, and mescaline, and entactogens/empathogens, espec...
Cardiovascular effects and safety of classic psychedelics.
Nature cardiovascular research – February 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Psychedelics, used for millennia in spiritual and healing practices, have emerged as promising treatments for mental health conditions including de...
Ethical Considerations Regarding Psychedelics for Clinical Pain Research.
Journal of pain research – January 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Psychedelics, substances with a long history of cultural and medicinal use, are experiencing a resurgence in clinical research, particularly in psy...
Investigating the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety following a significant psychedelic experience.
Death studies – January 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Research examining the potential of the psychedelic experience to alter attitudes toward death is steadily emerging. However, the specific mechanis...
Improvements in well-being following naturalistic psychedelic use and underlying mechanisms of change in older adults: A prospective cohort study.
Research square – March 08, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Affective symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, and loneliness are prevalent and highly debilitating symptoms among older adults (OA). Serotonergic p...
Psychedelic Science, Contemplative Practices, and Indigenous and Other Traditional Knowledge Systems: Towards Integrative Community-Based Approaches in Global Health.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
As individuals and communities around the world confront mounting physical, psychological, and social threats, three complimentary mind-body-spirit...
The effects of serotonergic psychedelics in synaptic and intrinsic properties of neurons in layer II/III of the orbitofrontal cortex.
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics show promise in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dysfunction of the orbit...
Guruism and Cultic Social Dynamics in Psychedelic Practices and Organisations.
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 04, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
This chapter explores the risks of guruism and cultic social dynamics in organisations that work with psychedelic drugs, which include therapist of...
Ethical principles of traditional Indigenous medicine to guide western psychedelic research and practice.
Lancet regional health. Americas – February 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
The resurgence of Western psychedelic research and practice has led to increasing concerns from many Indigenous Nations regarding cultural appropri...
Adverse events associated with classic psychedelics and MDMA: a real-world population-based study using the WHO pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase)
Psychiatry Research – December 29, 2025
Summary
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and MDMA (Ecstasy) carry significant risks for substance abuse and addiction, a global pharmacovigilance analysis reveals. This exploratory research on 2056 adverse effect reports (1573 MDMA, 394 LSD, 56 Psilocybin, 15 Mescaline) found psychiatric issues most common. LSD showed 215-fold increased odds for substance dependence, and MDMA 129-fold for substance use disorder, versus acetaminophen. Overdoses were rare (1.1-1.7%). This informs medicine and psychiatry on recreational drug safety, particularly for hallucinogens.
Abstract
Psychedelic use has greatly increased within clinical and recreational settings over recent years. While demonstrating a favorable safety profile w...
Exploring the Role of Psychedelics in Modulating Ego and Treating Neuropsychiatric Disorders.
ACS chemical neuroscience – May 07, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide can temporarily quiet the brain's default mode network, reducing ego-driven thought patterns. This disruption appears key in treating neuropsychiatric diseases. Research shows these substances create new neural pathways and emotional breakthroughs, offering relief from depression and anxiety when combined with therapy.
Abstract
This viewpoint explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly through the modulation of br...
Classic Psychedelics for the Treatment of Depression: Potential Benefits and Challenges.
Drugs – May 01, 2025
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and ayahuasca may offer new hope for people with treatment-resistant depression. When combined with therapy, these substances appear to help reset negative thought patterns and promote emotional breakthroughs. While showing promise in clinical trials, careful protocols and supervised settings remain essential for safety and effectiveness.
Abstract
There has been a recent resurgence in research on psychedelics as therapeutic agents for psychiatric conditions. This leading article outlines the ...
[Psychedelic and dissociative agents in psychiatry: challenges in the treatment].
Der Nervenarzt – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine and psychedelics are emerging as groundbreaking options in mental health care. While ketamine shows remarkable success in treating depression, careful monitoring of side effects and addictive potential remains crucial. Recent approvals in multiple countries highlight growing acceptance, though treatment risks must be balanced against benefits. Current evidence suggests these therapies are safe when properly administered, but study quality varies and protocols need standardization.
Abstract
With the discovery of the antidepressive effects of ketamine and the increasing withdrawal of the pharmaceutical industry from the development of n...
Brain Networks, Neurotransmitters and Psychedelics: Towards a Neurochemistry of Self-Awareness.
Current neurology and neuroscience reports – August 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can dramatically alter how we experience ourselves and process emotions. Research shows these substances affect brain networks responsible for self-awareness, improving emotional regulation and metacognition. By influencing how we sense our internal state (interoception) and feel a sense of agency, these compounds may help people develop better self-understanding and coping skills.
Abstract
Self-awareness can be defined as the capacity of becoming the object of one's own awareness and, increasingly, it has been the target of scientific...
RE104: Synthesis and Activity of a Novel Serotonergic Psychedelic Prodrug of 4-Hydroxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – May 17, 2024
Summary
A single 1 mg/kg dose of the novel prodrug RE104 significantly reduced immobility in rats for a week, highlighting its antidepressant potential. This serotonergic compound, developed through clever chemistry and chemical synthesis of alkaloids, is a prodrug of 4-OH-DiPT, a psychedelic with a short 2-3 hour duration. Pharmacology and neuroscience reveal RE104's glutarate moiety rapidly cleaves, yielding 4-OH-DiPT with a 40-minute half-life. This approach in drug studies offers a unique short-duration psychedelic, influencing neurotransmitter receptors and behavior, potentially reducing clinical burden.
Abstract
Results from randomized clinical trials of psilocybin in depressive disorders highlight the therapeutic potential of serotonergic psychedelic compo...
Synthetic surprise as the foundation of the psychedelic experience
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – January 15, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin profoundly alter consciousness, a surprising effect potentially explained by a "synthetic surprise" mechanism. This cognitive science theory, integrating neuroscience and computer science, proposes that psilocybin activates one specific 5-HT2A receptor type, enforcing a state of prediction error within the brain's predictive coding framework. This disrupts perception by increasing the precision of sensory input over top-down expectations. This novel understanding offers a powerful new perspective for psychology, suggesting psychedelics could therapeutically disrupt maladaptive patterns.
Abstract
Psychedelic agents, such as LSD and psilocybin, induce marked alterations in consciousness via activation of the 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2ARs). We hyp...
Synergistic psychedelic - NMDAR modulator treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Molecular psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Combining psychedelics with specific brain receptor modulators may enhance mental health treatment while reducing unwanted effects. New findings show that psilocybin and NMDA receptor compounds like D-serine work together to boost brain plasticity and mood improvement. This dual approach could offer more effective, safer treatment options for depression and other mental health conditions.
Abstract
Modern research data suggest a therapeutic role for serotonergic psychedelics in depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, although psychoto...
The Psychedelic N,N-Dipropyltryptamine Prevents Seizures in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome via a Mechanism that Appears Independent of Serotonin and Sigma1 Receptors
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – September 18, 2023
Summary
A psychedelic tryptamine, DPT, completely prevented audiogenic seizures in an *Fmr1* knockout mouse model of fragile X syndrome at 10 mg/kg. Despite DPT's chemistry as a serotonin 5-HT receptor agonist, its antiepileptic mechanism of action wasn't blocked by 5-HT1A or other receptor antagonists. This pharmacology, relevant to neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and psychedelics drug studies, suggests DPT's effects are independent of its serotonergic properties. Complex pharmacological receptor mechanisms offer new avenues across internal medicine, endocrinology, and psychology, though high doses caused convulsions.
Abstract
The serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin shows efficacy in treating neuropsychiatric disorders, though the mechanism(s) underlying its therapeutic e...
Seasonal Variation of Use of Common Psychedelics and Party Drugs Among Nightclub/Festival Attendees in New York City
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – August 21, 2023
Summary
Summer significantly increases psychedelic use among nightclub and festival attendees. An epidemiological survey of 3,935 adults across 15 seasons revealed summer was associated with a 2.72 odds ratio for Lysergic acid diethylamide use and 1.65 odds ratio for Psilocybin. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies findings highlight seasonal hallucinogen consumption patterns. Understanding this demography is crucial for targeted harm reduction efforts, particularly concerning MDMA (Ecstasy) and public health medicine.
Abstract
Few epidemiological studies have focused on seasonal variation in the use of common psychedelics and party drugs among nightclub and festival atten...
Natural psychedelics in the treatment of depression; a review focusing on neurotransmitters.
Fitoterapia – September 01, 2023
Summary
Natural compounds like psilocybin and dimethyltryptamine show remarkable potential in treating depression, often working faster than traditional antidepressants. These natural psychedelics interact with the brain's neurotransmission system in unique ways, promoting neural plasticity and emotional processing. Research indicates a single dose can provide significant relief from depressive symptoms for weeks or months, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Natural psychedelic compounds are emerging as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. This review will discuss how natural psychedelics exert t...
Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression without psychedelic effects: study protocol for a 4-week, double-blind, proof-of-concept randomised controlled trial
BJPsych Open – July 01, 2023
Summary
A groundbreaking psychiatry approach aims to harness psilocybin's antidepressant power without its hallucinogen effects. A randomized controlled trial will involve 60 adults with treatment-resistant depression, assessing tolerability and adverse effects of combining psilocybin with risperidone. This pharmacology strategy, exploring neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, seeks to block the psychedelic experience using risperidone. Participants receive psilocybin (25mg) plus risperidone (1mg), psilocybin plus placebo, or placebo plus risperidone, alongside psychology support. This medicine, involving such alkaloids, could expand access to psychedelics and drug studies, offering a novel antidepressant.
Abstract
Background Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of psilocybin have reported large antidepressant effects in adults with major depressive disorder an...
Psychedelic Targeting of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 2 and Its Implications for the Treatment of Alcoholism
Cells – March 22, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics show encouraging results for treating alcohol addiction, a major public health issue. This Neuroscience review synthesizes how psychedelics, via serotonin 2A receptors, restore function of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGlu2). Understanding this metabotropic receptor crosstalk, including related glutamate receptors like metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, offers crucial insight into Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. This pharmacology insight, informed by Bioinformatics and Biochemical Analysis, paves the way for new medicine.
Abstract
Alcohol abuse is a leading risk factor for the public health burden worldwide. Approved pharmacotherapies have demonstrated limited effectiveness o...
Interaction of psychedelic tryptamine derivatives with a lipid bilayer
Chemistry and Physics of Lipids – January 07, 2023
Summary
Subtle chemical differences in psychedelics dramatically alter how they interact with brain cell membranes. Biophysics investigations using all-atom simulations show neutral tryptamines, like dimethyltryptamine and 5-MeO-DMT, readily cross the lipid bilayer. Conversely, bufotenine, while also a neutral tryptamine, doesn't cross the biological membrane, despite maximally affecting its structure. Charged tryptamines only partially penetrate the bilayer. This stereochemistry-driven partitioning, key to Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis, profoundly influences neurotransmitter receptor function and behavior, informing Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Naturally occurring psychedelics have been used for a long time as remedies or in religious ceremonies and recreational activities. Recent studies ...
Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of the psychedelic experience induced by N,N‐dimethyltryptamine – Implications for dose considerations
Clinical and Translational Science – September 11, 2022
Summary
DMT, a psychedelic compound in medicine, yields significantly more intense experiences at higher doses. Using NONMEM with 13 healthy subjects, its population pharmacokinetics showed rapid 26 L/min clearance, forming the metabolite indole 3-acetic acid. Pharmacology revealed higher DMT concentrations correlate with greater subjective intensity; 95 nM at the effect site produced half maximum response. For example, 20 mg yielded a median intensity of 9 out of 10. This pharmacodynamics understanding is vital for future psychedelics and drug studies, informing dose selection and exploring its neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychedelic compound that is believed to have potential as a therapeutic option in several psychiatric d...
Information parity on cortical functional brain networks increases under psychedelic influences
arXiv Preprint Archive – July 28, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics like Ayahuasca can make different brain regions communicate more symmetrically, revealing new insights about consciousness. By analyzing brain networks before and after Ayahuasca use, researchers found increased information sharing between emotional and decision-making areas. Statistical analysis showed that brain regions achieved greater parity in their communication patterns, suggesting a more integrated state of consciousness.
Abstract
The physical basis of consciousness is one of the most intriguing open questions that contemporary science aims to solve. By approaching the brain ...
Potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics in small doses: Is there a role for microdosing in psychiatry?
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, very small doses of psychedelics like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin show promise in psychiatry. Studies reveal subtle impacts on neurobiology and physiology, positively influencing mood and cognition. These small doses can also affect one's subjective state, demonstrating potential in reducing symptoms of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Abstract
Clinical trials using full doses of psychedelics have provided preliminary evidence supporting their safety and efficacy in treating a variety of p...
Unique effects of sedatives, dissociatives, psychedelics, stimulants, and cannabinoids on episodic memory: A review and reanalysis of acute drug effects on recollection, familiarity, and metamemory.
Psychological review – March 01, 2024
Summary
Psychoactive drugs have surprisingly distinct effects on how we remember. A reanalysis of 28 drug conditions revealed how sedatives, dissociatives, psychedelics, stimulants, and cannabinoids uniquely impact our ability to recall specific details (recollection), recognize generally (familiarity), and judge memory accuracy (metamemory) during memory formation, stabilization, and access. Sedatives *enhanced* recollection during stabilization. Stimulants *boosted* metamemory and familiarity. Psychedelics *improved* familiarity. These patterns illuminate drug-specific memory phenomena, showing how memory quantity and stability influence our confidence in what we recall.
Abstract
Despite distinct classes of psychoactive drugs producing putatively unique states of consciousness, there is surprising overlap in terms of their e...
Enhanced repertoire of brain dynamical states during the psychedelic experience
Human Brain Mapping – July 03, 2014
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically expands the brain's communication patterns, revealing a wider repertoire of connectivity states. Using Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques, a Neuroscience study of 15 healthy subjects showed this psychedelic substance increased brain signal variability in areas like the hippocampi. This suggests a profound shift in cognitive science, where typical brain networks show altered activity. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies offer insights into unconstrained consciousness, contributing to our understanding of Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and overall brain dynamics.
Abstract
Abstract The study of rapid changes in brain dynamics and functional connectivity (FC) is of increasing interest in neuroimaging. Brain states depa...
Over 30 million psychedelic users in the United States
F1000Research – March 28, 2013
Summary
Approximately 32 million Americans had used psychedelics like chemically synthesized LSD or psilocybin, from plant biology, by 2010. A 2010 US population survey of 57,873 individuals revealed 17% of those aged 21-64 years had lifetime psychedelic experience, including 22% of males and 12% of females. Use was highest among 30-34 year olds, with 20% reporting use (26% males, 15% females), informing diverse academic research themes within drug studies.
Abstract
We estimated lifetime prevalence of psychedelic use (lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline, and peyote) by age ...
Psychedelic Epistemology: William James and the “Noetic Quality” of Mystical Experience
Religions – November 29, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics reliably occasion intense mystical experiences, echoing William James's 1902 concept of religious experience and its noetic quality. This epistemological aspect, central to the philosophy of religion, is now measured in drug studies involving chemical synthesis and alkaloids. However, concerns arise in psychology and philosophy: does this inject undue mysticism into science? Debates question the quality of such experiences and their necessity for therapeutic benefits, challenging the epistemology of psychedelic research and biochemical analysis techniques.
Abstract
William James proposed in 1902 that states of mystical experience, central to his idea of religious experience, can be identified based on their in...
Psychedelic use predicts objective knowledge about climate change via increases in nature relatedness
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, directly predict objective knowledge about climate change and indirectly boost concern through increased nature relatedness. This Psychology and Drug Studies insight, from an international survey of 641 participants, suggests the link between substance use and environmental change isn't merely a social psychology bias. Instead, it manifests as genuine ecological affinity and climate knowledge, challenging previous assumptions about self-report limitations. The findings highlight a unique connection between psychedelics and pro-environmental variables, impacting our understanding of environmental psychology.
Abstract
Lifetime psychedelic substance use has previously been linked to nature relatedness and pro-environmental behaviour. Yet, participants’ responses t...
Assessing the potential cardiovascular risk of microdosing the psychedelic LSD in mice
OpenAlex – April 14, 2025
Summary
Prolonged low-dose LSD, a focus in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, revealed no cardiovascular risk in mice. Using Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques, heart health was monitored after chronic administration of very low doses. While serotonin, known to activate specific neurotransmitter receptors linked to heart issues, caused significant heart wall thickening at 4 and 8 weeks, LSD groups showed no such changes. Pharmacology indicated LSD's influence on these receptors was substantial but brief, unlike heart-damaging substances. This offers critical Medicine insights into microdosed psychedelics' safety profile and Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
Summary Microdosing, the prolonged ingestion of psychedelics at sub-hallucinogenic doses, has gained popularity for its perceived cognitive and emo...
Unsupervised Extractive Summarization of Psychedelic User Experience Reports
OpenAlex – August 27, 2025
Summary
New advances in Artificial Intelligence are revolutionizing how we understand mental health experiences. Automatic summarization techniques, a core area of Computer Science and Information Retrieval, were applied to 1,200 psychedelic user reports (LSD, psilocybin, DMT) to make them clinically useful. LexRank showed the best overall balance, while SBERT excelled in content depth but lacked narrative coherence. This work pioneers automated analysis for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, revealing trade-offs in summarizing complex subjective data, crucial for future Data Visualization and Analytics in Mental Health Research Topics.
Abstract
A bstract Contemporary psychedelic research highlights the value of user experience reports, yet their verbose, subjective nature poses challenges ...
Exploring Psychotherapeutic Benefits of Psilocybin and Psychedelics In Controlled Medical Settings
Journal of Student Research – November 30, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, is revolutionizing Psychology's approach to mental health. Integrated with a psychotherapist's expertise, this psychedelic drug shows remarkable promise for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. Its unique action, rooted in chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers longer-lasting effects with fewer dosages than current pharmaceuticals. Growing Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest this therapeutic path could significantly improve patient outcomes, offering a new frontier in care, contingent on federal regulation.
Abstract
Psychedelics are emerging as an effective way to combat mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. Psychedelic...
Novel qNMR Methodto Quantify Psilocybin and Psilocinin Psychedelic Mushrooms
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University) – November 10, 2025
Summary
Significant variability exists in the psychoactive tryptamines, psilocybin and psilocin, found in psychedelic mushrooms. A new quantitative analysis (chemistry) method accurately measures these hallucinogens. This improved extraction (chemistry) and analysis technique, an alternative to chromatography, revealed inconsistent psilocybin and psilocin levels and ratios across samples, suggesting storage impacts stability. This robust approach aids quality control in emerging Psychedelics and Drug Studies, and Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, ensuring precise dosing for clinical investigations into depression treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelic mushrooms of the Psilocybe genus contain the psychoactive tryptamines psilocybin and psilocin, compounds currently under clinical inves...