1705 results for "Ketamine"
Serotonergic psychedelics for depression: A comprehensive overview.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Imagine a single treatment rapidly easing severe depression. Recent insights from clinical trials show certain psychedelics, like psilocybin, offer profound and sustained relief for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). These powerful compounds demonstrate antidepressant effects comparable to conventional therapies, presenting a promising new frontier in addressing challenging forms of depression.
Abstract
Depressive disorders continue to pose a major clinical challenge worldwide, particularly given the high prevalence and increasing number of treatme...
Self-reported use of novel psychoactive substances among attendees of electronic dance music venues.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – November 01, 2016
Summary
Over a third of young adults at NYC electronic dance music events have used novel psychoactive substances. A survey of 682 attendees at nightclubs and festivals found 35.1% lifetime use. Synthetic cannabinoids, psychedelic phenethylamines, and synthetic cathinones ("bath salts") were most common. This clearly shows significant novel psychoactive substance use in these venues, particularly among frequent attendees.
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) continue to emerge in the United States and worldwide. Few epidemiological studies have examined the prevalenc...
Criticality of resting-state EEG predicts perturbational complexity and level of consciousness during anesthesia.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – October 31, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Consciousness has been proposed to be supported by electrophysiological patterns poised at criticality, a dynamical regime which exhibits adaptive ...
Altered states: psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
The Lancet Psychiatry – May 17, 2016
Summary
A pilot in Psychiatry suggests Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, offers hope for Treatment-resistant depression. In a feasibility study with 12 patients, a regimen combining synthesized psilocybin with psychological support reduced depression scores by around 10 points on the Hamilton Depression Scale after one week. This Medicine, documented in medical literature and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, showed promising safety and preliminary efficacy, with about half the participants still experiencing benefits at three months. This offers hope for the 20% of patients with depression unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Abstract
"Alice remained looking thoughtfully at the mushroom for a minute, trying to make out which were the two sides of it; and as it was perfectly round...
Patterns of recreational drug use at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland
Addiction – July 01, 2001
Summary
At dance events, 85% of 122 recreational drug users surveyed mixed substances, revealing significant substance abuse patterns. Over 80% consumed Ecstasy (MDMA) and Amphetamine, with 35% using Ecstasy weekly for recreation. Hallucinogens like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide were also reported. This prevalent drug use often involved poly-drug behaviors, with 30% reporting unprotected sex and 35% driving on drugs. Such findings from Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis highlight critical public health and psychiatry concerns within music culture.
Abstract
Aims . To describe the patterns of drug use at dance (rave) events in terms of prevalence, frequency, type of drugs used, patterns of use, access a...
Psychoactive Drugs in the Management of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Promising New Horizon
Cureus – May 23, 2022
Summary
Psychedelics are offering a powerful new frontier in Psychiatry, particularly for traumatic stress and anxiety. Compounds like MDMA and the hallucinogen Psilocybin emerge as innovative medicine, directly targeting fear pathways to alleviate severe PTSD symptoms. This psychopharmacology, often integrated with a psychotherapist's guidance, shows promise for treatment-resistant cases. Renewed Psychedelics and Drug Studies are propelling exploration beyond traditional approaches, hinting at broader applications for brain disorders, potentially including Treatment of Major Depression, and exploring Tryptophan pathways.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that often presents after exposure to a traumatic, life-threatening event. Experiencin...
Quantitative natural language processing markers of psychoactive drug effects: A pre-registered systematic review
Journal of Psychopharmacology – February 16, 2025
Summary
A fascinating finding in Drug Studies reveals that all psychoactive drugs, from stimulants to Psychedelics, alter language production. New Psychology research, applying automated language analysis, objectively identifies short-term effects. For instance, based on two or more studies per substance, stimulants increase verbosity, while MDMA increases closeness to emotional words. Psilocybin enhances positive sentiment, suggesting potential for Medicine and Treatment of Major Depression. One study even validated identifying MDMA intoxication. This objective approach, examining how diverse chemical synthesis and alkaloids impact the mind, moves beyond subjective accounts.
Abstract
Psychoactive substances used for recreational purposes have mind-altering effects, but systematic evaluation of these effects is largely limited to...
Synapses, predictions, and prediction errors: a neocortical computational study of MDD using the temporal memory algorithm of HTM
OpenAlex – July 03, 2022
Summary
A compelling **Neuroscience** finding reveals that even a 25% loss of synapses in an **artificial neural network** model of the **neocortex** drastically reduces prediction confidence, even when accurate. This **Artificial Intelligence** model, designed using **Computer Science** principles and **Hebbian theory** for learning, simulates how degraded brain connections contribute to **Major Depression**. While 50% synapse loss slightly reduced prediction numbers, the 25% reduction distinctively impacted confidence. This **Cognitive Psychology** insight offers new avenues for **Treatment of Major Depression** and **Mental Health Research Topics**, bridging **Functional Brain Connectivity Studies** with symptom understanding.
Abstract
Abstract Background Synapses and spines are central in major depressive disorder (MDD) pathophysiology, recently highlighted by ketamine’s and psil...
426. THE MGLUR2/3 ANTAGONIST ENHANCES THE BEHAVIORAL AND CELLULAR ANTIDEPRESSANT-LIKE EFFECTS OF PSILOCYBIN AND SCOPOLAMINE
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin and scopolamine demonstrate powerful antidepressant effects, significantly amplified by targeting specific brain receptors. Pharmacology reveals a low dose of a Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 antagonist dramatically enhanced psilocybin's antidepressant action in mice, with benefits lasting up to 7 days. This neuroscience insight suggests combining these agents could lower doses and reduce hallucinogenic side effects, a crucial development for Medicine. Such drug studies, exploring Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, offer new pathways for treating depression, leveraging chemical synthesis and alkaloids like psilocybin for improved psychological outcomes.
Abstract
Abstract Background Numerous data indicates that hallucinogens from various groups such as ketamine, scopolamine or psilocybin exert rapid antidepr...
Book of the Month: Karch's Pathology of Drug Abuse
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine – May 01, 2002
Summary
Cocaine, once used in Medicine to treat morphine addiction, became the commonest cause of drug-related death in the USA. A comprehensive Drug analysis resource, Karch's Pathology of Drug Abuse, spans 541 pages with 800 new references. It explores critical Forensic Toxicology challenges, like interpreting post-mortem drug concentrations, and Psychiatry concerns, such as stimulants like khat inducing psychotic illness. Despite widespread opiate deaths, only 12 new papers on microscopic findings emerged in a decade, underscoring research gaps.
Abstract
Over the past decade, the widespread use of ‘recreational’ drugs has been increasingly acknowledged. In a burst of revelation last year, politician...
Everything old is new again: are psychedelic medicines poised to take mental health by storm?
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica – October 26, 2018
Summary
A compelling storm is transforming mental health. Psychedelics, once fringe, are now central to psychiatry and psychology. Groundbreaking drug studies show psilocybin, an alkaloid, yields profound benefits. In one trial of 51 cancer patients, a single dose produced large effect size reductions in depression and anxiety, with over 50% achieving remission at 6 months. Another study with 20 patients showed 47% with treatment-resistant depression responded, 66% maintaining at 6 months. These findings highlight a unique neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, offering hope for new treatments.
Abstract
Three years ago, when I accepted a position as Director of Clinical and Translational Research at Usona Institute, a non-profit medical research or...
Exploring inner depths
OpenAlex – February 20, 2024
Summary
Patients receiving psychedelic treatments for depression report profound, sometimes anxious, experiences. Feeling unprepared or unsupported often heightened discomfort, hindering therapeutic surrender. Conversely, trust in therapists and strong emotional backing eased anxiety, fostering beneficial outcomes like feeling more open or detached from negative thoughts. Improving treatment delivery, much like understanding the deep, foundational layers of **Geology**, requires offering multiple sessions and extended support to enhance patient comfort and efficacy.
Abstract
Psychedelics are remarkable, versatile substances that produce a wide range of effects and can cause both harm and healing. Clinical research into ...
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Hallucinogens
OpenAlex – March 11, 2022
Summary
Hallucinogens profoundly alter perception by targeting specific brain chemistry. Classic psychedelics like Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a derivative of lysergic acid, psilocybin, and mescaline, primarily influence serotonin neurotransmitter receptors. This pharmacology reveals their impact on neuroscience and psychology. Dissociative drugs, including Phencyclidine, operate differently, affecting glutamate. Drug studies explore their therapeutic potential, such as for Treatment of Major Depression, alongside risks of misuse. Understanding this diverse chemistry and how these substances influence behavior is vital.
Abstract
This chapter highlights the similarities in chemical structure and physiologic effects of hallucinogens, as well as their metabolism, therapeutic u...
Psychedelics, the Spiritual and Consciousness—an Evolving Confluence in the Cultural Stream
Tikkun – January 01, 2018
Summary
A compelling finding from a survey of 893 participants reveals that ego dissolution during psychedelic experiences predicts liberal political views, openness, and nature relatedness, while negatively predicting authoritarianism. This highlights psychedelics' role in a broader stream of awakening consciousness. Such experiences, studied in psychology and social psychology, foster a confluence of individual aesthetics and environmental ethics, democratizing spiritual access. This sociological impact underscores their potential to deepen our collective stream of consciousness, fostering connection and cooperation.
Abstract
in this time of ever ascendant materialism, greed, and pathological narcissism, when the delusion of the disconnected dominant individual grows str...
Self-administered complementary and alternative methods of treating mental disorders among students in Wrocław: a cross-sectional study.
Frontiers in public health – January 01, 2025
Summary
Nearly all university students in Poland (96.1%) use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for mental health, even as 74.7% with a disorder history experience depression. A survey of 493 students revealed high rates of alternative medicine use like marijuana (31.3%) and ashwagandha (24.8%). Cost (80.7%) and availability (35.7%) are major barriers to professional care. Intriguingly, marijuana users and those taking ashwagandha reported more intense depressive symptoms, highlighting potential risks of unsupervised substance use.
Abstract
Mental health disorders such as depression are a rising issue among university students. Some of them use complementary and alternative medicine (C...
Three years of wastewater surveillance for new psychoactive substances from 16 countries.
Water research X – May 01, 2023
Summary
Wastewater analysis from up to 47 sites in 16 countries (2019-2022) uncovered 18 new psychoactive substances, revealing a complex global landscape of illicit drugs. This vital public health monitoring tool showed substances like 3-methylmethcathinone increasing significantly in European communities. The spread of these novel compounds, detected through wastewater analysis, underscores its critical role in understanding spatial and temporal trends, offering essential intelligence for targeted interventions and safeguarding public health.
Abstract
The proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) over recent years has made their surveillance complex. The analysis of raw municipal influen...
[Identification of Three Arylcyclohexylamines (MXPr, MXiPr, and DMXE) in Illegal Products].
Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan – January 01, 2022
Summary
Dangerous new psychoactive substances, derivatives of the controlled anesthetic-related compound methoxetamine, are emerging. Three such arylcyclohexylamine compounds—methoxpropamine, methoxisopropamine, and deoxymethoxetamine—were identified in illegal products. Methoxetamine itself, a potent arylcyclohexylamine, is a controlled narcotic in Japan, linked to health problems. The appearance of these three new psychoactive substances underscores an evolving illicit drug landscape, introducing novel risks to users and public health.
Abstract
Arylcyclohexylamines are a category of substances to which the anesthetic ketamine belongs. The arylcyclohexylamines have been reported to act as a...
Rewarding and reinforcing effects of two dissociative-based new psychoactive substances, deschloroketamine and diphenidine, in mice.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – February 01, 2022
Summary
Deschloroketamine, a new psychoactive substance, exhibits significant dependence liability. In animal models, 10 mg/kg deschloroketamine induced strong conditioned place preference. Critically, 1 mg/kg/infusion increased self-administration, indicating both rewarding and reinforcing effects. While diphenidine (10-20 mg/kg) also produced conditioned place preference, it did not increase self-administration. This suggests diphenidine's dependence liability is primarily rewarding, whereas deschloroketamine drives both reward and reinforcement, distinguishing how these new psychoactive substances impact behavior.
Abstract
Dissociative-based new psychoactive substances (NPSs) are increasingly available through the Internet, and public health problems related to the re...
R (-)-methoxetamine exerts rapid and sustained antidepressant effects and fewer behavioral side effects relative to S (+)-methoxetamine.
Neuropharmacology – August 01, 2021
Summary
A significant finding reveals R-MXE, an **enantiomer** of **Methoxetamine**, offers potent **antidepressant** effects against **depression** in mice with fewer side effects than S-MXE. Both R-MXE and S-MXE, at 10 mg kg-1, act as **NMDA receptor antagonists**, showing efficacy. Crucially, R-MXE did not induce hyperactivity or addiction-like behaviors seen with S-MXE. This suggests R-MXE, which also influences serotonin pathways, is a safer candidate for developing new rapid-acting **antidepressants**.
Abstract
The newfound antidepressant efficacy of ketamine has provided opportunities for the development of new-generation, rapid-acting, glutamate-based an...
Iron overload contributes to general anaesthesia-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive deficits
Journal of Neuroinflammation – April 10, 2020
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract Background Increasing evidence suggests that multiple or long-time exposure to general anaesthesia (GA) could be detrimental to cognitive ...
Locking away depression.
Science (New York, N.Y.) – August 09, 2024
Summary
Scientists discovered that ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects stem from its ability to "lock" overactive brain circuits. By blocking specific neuroreceptors, ketamine calms hyperactive regions linked to depression, providing quick relief where traditional medications often take weeks. This breakthrough explains why ketamine works so fast and opens doors for targeted depression treatments.
Abstract
The antidepressant ketamine blocks neuroreceptors in hyperactive brain regions.
Are the NPS commonly used? An extensive investigation in Northern Italy based on hair analysis.
Journal of analytical toxicology – September 15, 2023
Summary
Hair analysis reveals ketamine tops the list of emerging drugs in Northern Italy, with 56 positive cases found among 847 tested samples. Scientists screened for 115 new psychoactive substances using advanced testing methods, finding that about 8% of samples contained these drugs. Ketamine and its metabolite were most common, while synthetic opioids and designer cannabinoids appeared less frequently.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are present on the Italian illicit markets, but data from the analysis of biological samples to evaluate their re...
Inpatient Treatment of Suicidality: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – January 08, 2025
Summary
Recent findings show that intravenous ketamine leads the way in rapidly reducing suicidal thoughts among psychiatric inpatients. While various treatments exist, from light therapy to psychotherapy, ketamine emerged as the most consistent option in hospital settings. A comprehensive analysis of 49 clinical trials revealed promising results for mood and trauma-related disorders, though effectiveness varied across different therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Objective: Psychiatric inpatients represent an acutely vulnerable population with high rates of suicidality (ie, suicidal ideation, attempts, and c...
Perioperative esketamine administration for prevention of postpartum depression after the cesarean section: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of affective disorders – September 15, 2024
Summary
A promising breakthrough in maternal mental health: Administering esketamine during Cesarean sections significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression. This medication, a refined form of ketamine, cuts depression rates and symptoms both immediately after birth and six weeks later. The findings suggest this simple addition to C-section procedures could help protect new mothers' mental well-being during a crucial bonding period.
Abstract
Postpartum Depression (PPD) exerts a substantial negative effect on maternal well-being post-delivery, particularly among Cesarean Section (C/S) re...
N-methyl d-aspartate receptor hypofunction reduces steady state visual evoked potentials.
Journal of neurophysiology – July 14, 2025
Summary
Coordinated brain activity, measured by steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP), is often disrupted in conditions like schizophrenia. One theory suggests NMDA receptor hypofunction contributes to this. To test this, temporary NMDA receptor hypofunction was induced in nonhuman primates using ketamine. This led to a significant reduction in SSVEP, mirroring observations in schizophrenia. These findings strongly support that NMDA receptor hypofunction underlies altered brain rhythms seen in schizophrenia.
Abstract
The dynamic coordination of neural activity across populations of neurons is impaired in neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we focused on the large-...
The therapeutic effects of psychedelics for opioid use disorder: A systematic review of clinical studies.
Psychiatry research – June 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic compounds show promising potential in treating opioid use disorder, offering hope beyond traditional treatments. Studies reveal that substances like ketamine and ibogaine can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD demonstrate potential, the strongest evidence currently supports ketamine's effectiveness. These treatments work differently from conventional therapies, targeting both psychological and physiological aspects of addiction.
Abstract
Opioid-related overdose deaths have reached record high levels, and novel treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) are needed. The three United Sta...
Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Compounds for Substance Use Disorders.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – November 05, 2024
Summary
Breakthrough treatments for addiction are emerging from an unexpected source: psychedelics. Compounds like psilocybin and ketamine show remarkable success in treating substance use disorders, often achieving significant results in just a few sessions. Studies reveal that psychedelics like LSD and ayahuasca can help rewire addiction-related brain patterns, while MDMA-assisted therapy helps patients process trauma underlying their substance use. These treatments offer lasting benefits with minimal risk of dependence.
Abstract
Psychedelics have recently (re)emerged as therapeutics of high potential for multiple mental health conditions, including substance use disorders (...
Preclinical models of treatment-resistant depression: challenges and perspectives.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2023
Summary
Up to 60% of treatment-resistant depression cases may be influenced by biological factors like age and hormones. Animal models using Wistar Kyoto rats and chronic mild stress tests have helped evaluate promising treatments, including ketamine, deep brain stimulation, and psilocybin, offering new hope for patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a subgroup of major depressive disorder in which the use of classical antidepressant treatments fails to ac...
Treatment-resistant depression: Established and emerging therapies.
The Nurse practitioner – December 01, 2024
Summary
When traditional antidepressants fail, innovative therapies offer new hope. For patients with treatment-resistant depression, breakthrough treatments like ketamine and esketamine show rapid improvement in mood. While electroconvulsive therapy remains highly effective, newer options like transcranial magnetic stimulation provide gentler alternatives with fewer side effects and promising success rates.
Abstract
In 2023, the percentage of people in the US who experienced depression in their lifetime was at an all-time high of 29%. Depression causes consider...
Neuroscience: Special K gets an 'A'.
Current biology : CB – April 21, 2025
Summary
The antidepressant ketamine works by helping the brain maintain active coping strategies during stress. Scientists observed zebrafish behavior when facing challenges, finding that ketamine promotes persistence rather than passive responses. The drug strengthens key neural pathways, leading to lasting improvements in how the brain handles difficult situations - a breakthrough in understanding rapid-acting antidepressants.
Abstract
A hallmark of depression is a tendency to become passive when faced with overwhelming challenges. A recent study models this phenomenon in zebrafis...
Biological treatments for co-occurring eating disorders and psychological trauma: a systematic review.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Trauma and eating disorders frequently occur together, with promising new treatments emerging to address both conditions simultaneously. A comprehensive analysis of biological interventions revealed that MDMA therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) showed particularly strong results. Other approaches, including ketamine, deep brain stimulation, and neurofeedback, also demonstrated positive outcomes for patients with both eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Abstract
Many people with eating disorders report having experienced childhood maltreatment or a traumatic event prior to developing an eating disorder. Alt...
Effect of esketamine on reducing postpartum pain and depression.
World journal of clinical cases – March 06, 2025
Summary
New mothers who receive esketamine during cesarean sections reported 40% less pain and showed significantly lower rates of postpartum depression. This innovative treatment combines pain relief with mood-stabilizing benefits. When administered during C-sections, esketamine provided superior postoperative analgesia while reducing depression risk in the critical postpartum period, helping mothers bond better with their newborns and recover faster.
Abstract
In this editorial, we comment on a recent article by Chen et al, that addressed the effect of intraoperative injection of esketamine on postoperati...
Chronic Inflammatory Pain Alters Expression of Limbic MAPK Phosphatases.
Chronic pain & management – January 01, 2024
Summary
Chronic pain and depression often occur together, and new research reveals why. Scientists found that persistent pain triggers changes in specific proteins (MKP-1, MKP-2, and MKP-3) within limbic brain regions that control emotions. These changes differ between males and females, with pain increasing these proteins in male brains while showing mixed effects in females. A promising finding: ketamine treatment prevented these alterations.
Abstract
Brain mechanisms involved in comorbidity between chronic pain conditions and clinical depression are still largely unknown. Our previous studies de...
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Psychometric properties of the 23-Item Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) in a psychological trauma population.
Journal of affective disorders – November 01, 2024
Summary
Dissociative symptoms - a feeling of disconnection from reality - affect both trauma survivors and patients using certain medications like ketamine. A comprehensive assessment tool proves highly effective in measuring these experiences across different groups. The instrument successfully tracked dissociation in trauma survivors, PTSD patients, and those receiving NMDA-receptor targeting treatments, showing strong reliability and accuracy. Most notably, it detected increased dissociative states in veterans after exposure to combat-related stimuli.
Abstract
Dissociative symptoms are both a pathological consequence of exposure to psychological trauma as well as a side effect of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMD...
Adjunctive Intranasal Esketamine for Comorbid Treatment-Resistant Depression with Suicidal Ideation in Patients Receiving Palliative Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A Case Series.
Journal of palliative medicine – January 01, 2025
Summary
Cancer patients with severe depression found remarkable relief through innovative nasal spray treatment. In a groundbreaking application, esketamine helped three palliative care patients overcome treatment-resistant depression and suicidal thoughts. All participants showed significant mood improvements that lasted up to a year, with no major side effects. This offers new hope for cancer patients struggling with mental health.
Abstract
Background: The psychiatric needs of those with cancer and other advanced illnesses are becoming increasingly recognized. Ketamine is emerging as a...
Volumetric mesoscopic electrophysiology: a new imaging modality for the non-human primate.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – May 14, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking way to observe brain activity across an entire primate hemisphere simultaneously. Using nearly 1,000 electrode contacts, this technique captures electrical signals throughout the brain with unprecedented detail. When testing with ketamine, researchers discovered it disrupts normal brain connectivity patterns, potentially explaining its psychosis-like effects. This new method bridges the gap between existing brain imaging tools, offering both broad coverage and precise timing.
Abstract
The primate brain is a densely interconnected organ whose function is best understood by recording from the entire structure in parallel, rather th...
The Induction of Dissociative States: A Meta-Analysis.
Biological psychiatry global open science – July 01, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, specific techniques can reliably induce dissociative states as profound as those seen in conditions like PTSD. A broad analysis investigated methods, from mirror gazing to pharmacological agents, for their ability to evoke these experiences. It revealed that drugs like Ketamine, impacting NMDAR, effectively induce dissociative states, often exceeding baseline levels found in PTSD. This validates the efficacy of various approaches, including certain Psychedelics, for controlled induction, opening avenues for understanding and future interventions.
Abstract
Dissociative states, characterized by discontinuities in awareness and perception, occur in a diverse array of psychiatric disorders and contexts. ...
Abuse liability for esketamine in a cohort of patients undergoing an acute treatment course to manage treatment-resistant depression: a secondary analysis of an observational study in real-world clinical practicee.
Therapeutic advances in drug safety – January 01, 2025
Summary
Many worry about addiction with new depression treatments, especially those related to ketamine abuse. However, a study using real-world clinical data on 23 patients with major depressive disorder found promising results. This psychopharmacology research assessed esketamine's abuse liability during an acute treatment course. Patients reported neutral liking and no cravings, which did not increase over eight sessions. This suggests a positive antidepressant effect and treatment response without heightened risk, offering hope for those with severe depression, including suicidal ideation, by showing low abuse potential.
Abstract
Intranasal (IN) esketamine has become an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option for the management of treatment-resistant depression withi...
Here today, gone tomorrow…and back again? A review of herbal marijuana alternatives (K2, Spice), synthetic cathinones (bath salts), kratom, Salvia divinorum, methoxetamine, and piperazines.
Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology – March 01, 2012
Summary
Many new psychoactive substances, widely available online and often perceived as safe, pose significant health risks yet remain unfamiliar to medical professionals. These include herbal blends like K2, synthetic cathinones ("bath salts"), and "legal ketamine" (methoxetamine). While some, like kratom and Salvia divinorum, show therapeutic promise for pain or psychiatric conditions, others cause severe agitation or even death. Understanding their diverse effects, from opioid-like to hallucinogenic, is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively manage exposures and protect public health.
Abstract
Despite their widespread Internet availability and use, many of the new drugs of abuse remain unfamiliar to health care providers. The herbal marij...
Comparison of illegal drug use pattern in Taiwan and Korea from 2006 to 2014
Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy – September 23, 2016
Summary
Taiwan faces a significant challenge with new psychoactive substances (NPS), particularly ketamine, which saw larger seizure quantities compared to Korea. While Taiwan had fewer controlled NPS items, the total NPS seizures were notably higher. In Taiwan, 60% of seizures involved ketamine, highlighting distinct patterns in drug sources and availability. Factors like drug policy and accessibility significantly influence illicit drug use in both countries, underscoring the complexity of addressing issues related to methamphetamine and other emerging drugs in the region.
Abstract
While the problem of methamphetamine still lingers, NPS have emerged as a new issue in both countries. However, the NPS pattern was different betwe...
Efficacy and risks of psychedelics in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy – March 04, 2026
Summary
MDMA and ketamine IV show significant promise for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with studies indicating that around 60% of participants experience symptom improvements under supervised conditions. These treatments are generally well tolerated, yet interpretations must consider factors like treatment expectancy and blinding issues. While MDMA and ketamine lead the way in efficacy, randomized controlled trials on other psychedelics, such as psilocybin, are essential to evaluate their potential benefits in clinical psychology and psychiatry for PTSD management.
Abstract
MDMA and ketamine IV currently have the greatest support in the literature for efficacy in PTSD. Studies suggest treatment with these agents under ...
Comparative Efficacy and Functional Outcomes of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review of Recent Clinical Trials.
Cureus – April 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough findings show 70% of patients with hard-to-treat depression improved significantly with psychedelic-assisted therapy. Analysis of recent trials reveals both ketamine and psilocybin treatments led to rapid antidepressant response, with benefits lasting months. Depression scales showed marked improvement in mood, while cognitive effects remained stable or enhanced. This comprehensive review confirms these treatments are safe and effective for treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
This systematic review explores the comparative efficacy and functional outcomes of psychedelic-assisted therapies in the management of treatment-r...
The pharmacological treatment of anxiety in people with eating disorders: A systematic review
Pharmacological Research – May 14, 2025
Summary
Pharmacological medicine offers mixed but promising avenues for treating anxiety in people with eating disorders. A systematic review of 51 studies in clinical psychology and psychiatry found fluoxetine effective for anxiety in anorexia and bulimia nervosa, though not binge eating disorder. Olanzapine showed benefits for anxiety in anorexia nervosa, with preliminary support for ARFID. Psychotherapists should note emerging evidence suggesting psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine may also alleviate anxiety symptoms in anorexia nervosa, highlighting evolving approaches in Eating Disorders and Behaviors.
Abstract
People with eating disorders experience high rates of psychiatric comorbidities, including anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, ...
Pain and Perception: Exploring Psychedelics as Novel Therapeutic Agents in Chronic Pain Management.
Current pain and headache reports – January 07, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine show remarkable promise in treating chronic pain conditions. These compounds provide powerful analgesic effects while addressing both physical and emotional aspects of pain. Studies demonstrate significant relief for patients with cluster headaches, neuropathic pain, and phantom limb pain through combined psychotherapy and psychedelic treatment.
Abstract
Chronic pain affects approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide, representing the leading cause of disability and a significant financial burden on...
Associations between psychedelic use and cannabis use disorder in a nationally representative sample.
Drug and alcohol dependence – January 01, 2025
Summary
Recent findings reveal an unexpected connection between psychedelic use and problematic marijuana habits. Analysis of nationwide health surveys shows that people who used psilocybin mushrooms or LSD were roughly twice as likely to develop cannabis-related issues. While DMT, ketamine, and MDMA were also studied, the strongest links were with classic psychedelics. This challenges assumptions about psychedelics' potential role in addiction treatment.
Abstract
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is an increasingly prevalent disorder affecting millions of Americans each year. Psychedelic compounds have recently be...
The Neurocircuitry of Substance Use Disorder, Treatment, and Change: A Resource for Clinical Psychiatrists
American Journal of Psychiatry – October 09, 2024
Summary
Substance use disorder (SUD) often goes untreated in Psychiatry, despite its significant impact. A Neuroscience-driven approach highlights diverse treatments for addiction. Pharmacotherapy targets craving and withdrawal, interrupting substance use cycles. Psychology and Medicine also explore stress-response medications influencing neurotransmitter receptors. Promising new avenues leveraging neuroplasticity include transcranial magnetic stimulation, Ketamine, and Psilocybin. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies offer innovative strategies for substance abuse, informing comprehensive care.
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is common in psychiatric patients and has a negative impact on health and well-being. However, SUD often goes untreate...
Exploring the regulatory framework of psychedelics in the US & Europe.
Asian journal of psychiatry – December 01, 2024
Summary
While most psychedelics remain heavily restricted, regulatory shifts are emerging as research reveals their therapeutic promise. The US and EU are developing frameworks to evaluate substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA for mental health treatment. Ketamine clinics already operate legally in many areas, while magic mushrooms face varying local policies. New laws aim to balance patient access with safety controls.
Abstract
Psychedelic drug therapy has gained prominence for its potential in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic...
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Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Navigating High Hopes, Strong Claims, Weak Evidence, and Big Money
Annual Review of Psychology – August 02, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics show therapeutic potential in emerging drug studies. Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, shows promise for depression, end-of-life dysphoria, and alcohol use disorder. MDMA (Ecstasy) is being explored for PTSD. While these chemical synthesis compounds, like ketamine, carry adverse effect risks such as addiction and cystitis, their benefits for treatment-resistant depression are emerging. Understanding their precise mechanisms is crucial for psychology and psychiatry. Rigorous evaluation can guide safe clinical use, minimizing harm and informing psychotherapist practices.
Abstract
Therapeutic claims about many psychedelic drugs have not been evaluated in any studies of even modest rigor. The science of psychedelic drugs is st...
Challenges and rewards of in vivo synaptic density imaging, and its application to the study of depression.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – November 01, 2024
Summary
Brain imaging reveals that depression physically alters synapses - the connection points between brain cells. New technology now allows scientists to measure these changes in living brains using specialized tracers. Lower synaptic density was found in people with depression, but treatments like ketamine can help rebuild these vital connections. This breakthrough helps explain how depression affects the brain and how treatments work.
Abstract
The development of novel radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging agents targeting the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A),...
New perspective on sustained antidepressant effect: focus on neurexins regulating synaptic plasticity
Cell Death Discovery – May 01, 2024
Summary
Lasting relief from depression may stem from new understandings of brain function. Neuroscience highlights how enhanced synaptic plasticity, the brain's ability to rewire, is crucial for sustained antidepressant effects, a key area for psychology. Drug studies show psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin can promote this neuroplasticity. The influence of specific molecules, neurexins, on these changes is central, affecting how brain cells connect and communicate. This neuropharmacology research suggests targeting neurexins could lead to novel, long-term antidepressant strategies, addressing current medication challenges.
Abstract
Abstract Depression is highly prevalent globally, however, currently available medications face challenges such as low response rates and short dur...
The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment.
Current neuropharmacology – January 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals promising results in treating PTSD with psychedelics. Clinical trials show substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine can significantly reduce trauma symptoms when combined with therapy. LSD and ayahuasca also demonstrate potential in healing psychological wounds, offering hope to millions affected by PTSD who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 mil...
The possible place for psychedelics in pharmacotherapy of mental disorders.
Pharmacological reports : PR – December 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough research reveals psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and LSD show remarkable potential in treating mood disorders, often working faster than traditional medications. While ketamine opened doors as a fast-acting antidepressant, natural compounds including DMT and 5-MeO-DMT may offer better safety profiles with longer-lasting benefits after just one dose.
Abstract
Since its emergence in the 1960s, the serotonergic theory of depression bore fruit in the discovery of a plethora of antidepressant drugs affecting...
Novel treatments for anorexia nervosa: Insights from neuroplasticity research
European Eating Disorders Review – October 12, 2023
Summary
Deficiencies in brain neuroplasticity are central to Anorexia nervosa, a severe eating disorder. This compelling insight from clinical psychology and psychiatry is reshaping mental health research topics. Psychotherapists and medical professionals are exploring novel treatments for anorexia. These include psychopharmacological agents like ketamine or psilocybin, alongside psychotherapeutic strategies like imagery rescripting and yoga. Addressing neuroplasticity offers promising avenues for improving Eating Disorders and Behaviors, moving beyond traditional diet and metabolism studies. Future investigations will require large sample sizes to confirm these pathways.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) remains challenging; there are no approved psychopharmacological interventions and psychothe...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and lifetime use of psychoactive substances among French university students: A cross-sectional study.
Psychiatry research – October 01, 2023
Summary
French university students with ADHD symptoms are significantly more likely to experiment with illicit substances, according to data from nearly 14,000 participants. Higher ADHD symptom levels correlated with both increased variety and frequency of substance use, including ketamine, magic mushrooms, and other psychoactive compounds. This relationship highlights the importance of early intervention and support for students managing ADHD.
Abstract
In a cross sectional study of 13,837 university students, we aimed to explore the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADH...
Perception of Pain in the Catheter Angiography Laboratory Among Children with Congenital Heart Disease.
Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi arsivi : Turk Kardiyoloji Derneginin yayin organidir – June 01, 2025
Summary
Children with heart conditions experience varying levels of pain during cardiac procedures, even with anesthesia. In a revealing analysis of 24 young patients, researchers tracked pain responses during catheterization using skin conductance monitoring. Results showed significant pain variations during pre-procedure, local anesthesia, and vascular intervention phases. Higher doses of ketamine were linked to reduced post-procedure discomfort, especially when mothers were present. These insights help doctors better manage patient comfort.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the level of pain caused by routine procedures during cardiac catheterization and explore ways to enhance patient comf...
Sedation practices in patients intubated in the emergency department compared with those in patients in the intensive care unit.
Critical care science – January 01, 2025
Summary
Patients intubated in emergency departments take longer to achieve comfortable, light sedation compared to those in intensive care units. Medical teams studied 264 critically ill patients requiring breathing support, comparing sedation approaches between these two hospital settings. Emergency departments favored ketamine, while ICUs used more propofol and other sedatives. The key finding: ED patients took 13.5 hours to reach optimal sedation levels versus 10.5 hours in ICUs, highlighting opportunities to improve emergency sedation protocols.
Abstract
This study aimed to compare sedation management during and after intubation in the emergency department with that in the intensive care unit. This ...
[Suicidal ideation and behaviors: a transdiagnostic dimension for precision psychiatry].
Medecine sciences : M/S – May 01, 2025
Summary
Emerging research reveals that suicidal thoughts and behaviors follow distinct biological patterns, independent of specific mental health diagnoses. Scientists have identified key biological markers, including inflammation levels and stress response systems, that contribute to suicide risk. These findings point to targeted treatments like lithium and ketamine, which work by addressing specific biological mechanisms. Multimodal studies are revealing clearer pathways to identify and treat those at risk through personalized interventions.
Abstract
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors represent a transdiagnostic dimension independent of traditional psychiatric diagnoses. This specificity is support...
High-throughput screening of 311 new psychoactive substances and metabolites in wastewater by direct injection UPLC-MS/MS.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences – August 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists can now detect over 300 emerging drugs by analyzing just a few drops of wastewater. This breakthrough screening method uses direct injection technology to identify new psychoactive substances in city sewage systems. The approach successfully tracked 32 different drugs across nearly 1,000 samples in a Chinese city, with ketamine being the most frequently detected substance. This efficient wastewater analysis helps authorities monitor drug trends in real-time.
Abstract
The rapid global spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in recent years has become an issue in many countries. One emerging technology that ca...
Convergent effects of different anesthetics on changes in phase alignment of cortical oscillations.
Cell reports – May 27, 2025
Summary
Different anesthetics disrupt consciousness in surprisingly similar ways, despite their varied chemical properties. Scientists found that two common anesthetics - ketamine and dexmedetomidine - both alter brain wave patterns in the prefrontal cortex. While these drugs decrease synchrony between nearby brain regions, they increase coordination between matching areas across brain hemispheres, revealing a shared mechanism for how anesthetics may induce unconsciousness.
Abstract
Many anesthetics cause loss of consciousness despite having diverse underlying molecular and circuit actions. To explore the convergent effects of ...
Lateral habenula astroglia modulate the potentiating antidepressant-like effects of bright light stimulation in intractable depression.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Light therapy combined with traditional antidepressants shows promise for hard-to-treat depression. In a groundbreaking discovery using mice, researchers found that bright light exposure enhances antidepressant effects, including ketamine, through an unexpected pathway involving eye cells (rods) and brain astroglia. This offers hope for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Beside image vision, light plays a pivotal role in regulating diverse non-visual functions, including affective behaviors. Recently, bright light s...