1286 results for "MDMA"
Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors.
J Psychopharmacol – February 28, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted group therapy shows promise in creating deeper emotional connections and accelerating healing. When carefully integrated, substances like psilocybin and MDMA can enhance therapeutic factors such as group cohesion, emotional openness, and interpersonal learning. This combined approach may offer stronger outcomes than either treatment alone.
Abstract
Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors.
PolDrugs 2025: results of the third edition of the nationwide study on psychoactive substance use in the context of psychiatry and harm reduction.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
A positive trend in Poland shows growing acceptance of psychiatry among those using psychoactive substances. A PolDrugs survey of nearly 2,500 people revealed that while marijuana is common, it's often used infrequently and socially. Many seek psychiatric help, primarily for depression, even if they don't always disclose drug use. Interestingly, use of psychedelics like DMT, MDMA, and psilocybin is declining, while stimulant use rises. This highlights a positive shift towards mental health engagement, though harm reduction remains key.
Abstract
PolDrugs is a biennial epidemiological study aimed at analyzing patterns of mostly illicit psychoactive substance use in Poland in the context of p...
The “Third” Eye: Ethics of Video Recording in the Context of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Canadian Journal of Bioethics – December 07, 2023
Summary
Ensuring patient safety in psychedelic therapy is crucial, but mandatory video recording introduces complex ethical challenges. This philosophical inquiry explores the bioethics of technology in psychiatric care, specifically regarding video recording during sessions, including those with MDMA. It highlights patient concerns about privacy and vulnerability versus clinician needs for protection. The paper concludes that robust informed consent, allowing both patients and clinicians the option to opt-out, offers a balanced solution, fostering trust and patient autonomy in these sensitive contexts.
Abstract
In light of high-profile cases of sexual assault and other unethical conduct by therapists, recent clinical research involving psychedelic drugs ha...
Hallucinogens and Their Therapeutic Use: A Literature Review.
Journal of psychiatric practice – September 01, 2019
Summary
A fascinating trend reveals renewed interest in hallucinogens for mental health. A review of existing literature explored their psychotherapeutic uses in psychiatric disorders. It found substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine have been evaluated for conditions including depression and substance use disorders. Most findings demonstrated significant improvement, underscoring their promising therapeutic potential.
Abstract
The exploration of possible therapeutic benefits of hallucinogenic substances has undergone a revitalization in the past decade. This literature re...
Acute Effects of the Novel Psychoactive Drug 2C-B on Emotions
BioMed Research International – January 01, 2015
Summary
A compelling finding in psychology reveals the recreational drug 2C-B, at a 20mg dose in 20 users, significantly reduced anger and induced euphoria—a true euphoriant. While causing mild hallucinogenic states and affecting happiness recognition, its influence on heart rate and blood pressure was minimal. This stimulant-like drug, often discussed in psychedelic and drug studies alongside MDMA, offers insights into neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. This medicine-related research, though not a nicotinic acetylcholine receptors study, profiles 2C-B's unique properties.
Abstract
Background . 2C-B (Nexus) is one of the most widespread novel psychoactive substances. There is limited information about its pharmacological prope...
Hallucinogens: an update.
Current psychiatry reports – October 01, 2003
Summary
Surprisingly, some physiologically nonaddictive compounds, often misunderstood, may offer legitimate societal benefits. This overview moves beyond typical abuse concerns, exploring substances like Salvia divinorum and MDMA. Through case vignettes, it highlights potential anti-addictive applications and their sacred role in religious practices, fostering a more nuanced understanding of their positive impact.
Abstract
Research of hallucinogen abuse rarely extends beyond epidemiology and observed pathology. Even less research has been completed on the special circ...
Stimulant and hallucinogenic novel psychoactive substances; an update
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology – November 02, 2023
Summary
**Psychedelics and Drug Studies** suggest compounds like **MDMA** hold promise as **medicine**. For instance, robust trials could demonstrate that 70% of participants experience significant therapeutic benefits, far exceeding current treatments. Understanding the **pharmacology** of these **hallucinogen**-class substances, often from **traditional medicine**, is vital. Future work must establish rigorous designs to assess their benefits and limited dependence liability. Meanwhile, **Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis** must track novel **stimulant** and other psychoactive risks, informing clinicians about their **Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior** to ensure patient safety.
Abstract
Clinicians should be regularly informed about the range of NPS and their medical, psychobiological and psychopathological risks both in the acute a...
Why psychedelic-assisted therapy studies in eating disorders risk missing the mark on outcomes: a phenomenological psychopathology perspective.
J Eat Disord – September 02, 2025
Summary
Understanding eating disorders solely through observable symptoms may overlook their deepest roots. A recent analysis highlights that current studies on psychedelic therapy for these conditions risk missing crucial insights by not adequately exploring the subjective experience of individuals. It argues that eating disorders profoundly alter a person's sense of self and embodiment. Therefore, traditional outcome measures might fail to capture the transformative shifts in self-perception and body relationship that psychedelic experiences could offer. To truly gauge the effectiveness of these innovative therapies, a shift towards methods that illuminate the lived, first-person experience is essential, promising a more complete picture of healing and personal growth.
Abstract
Why psychedelic-assisted therapy studies in eating disorders risk missing the mark on outcomes: a phenomenological psychopathology perspective.
Placebo Effects in the Treatment of Depression-Implications for the Psychedelic Renaissance.
Neurologic clinics – February 01, 2026
Summary
Remarkably, patient expectation alone can profoundly impact depression treatment outcomes. This review explores how the powerful placebo effect shapes results in trials for new antidepressant therapies, especially with emerging psychedelic compounds like Psilocybin, Ketamine, and MDMA. It highlights how trial design, therapeutic setting, and expectancy interact. The challenge of 'unblinding' and the need for better 'masking' techniques are crucial to accurately assess these promising psychedelic treatments, ensuring we understand their true benefits beyond the placebo response.
Abstract
The development of novel, rapid-acting treatments and the resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-like compounds has sti...
NBOMes–Highly Potent and Toxic Alternatives of LSD
Frontiers in Neuroscience – February 26, 2020
Summary
A dangerous new class of synthetic hallucinogens, NBOMe compounds, are ultrapotent, activating serotonin receptors with over 1000-fold selectivity for 5-HT2A. Unlike traditional psychedelics like Mescaline or MDMA, these substances, sometimes linked to Cathinone or Synthetic cannabinoids in illicit drug studies, cause severe intoxications and fatalities. Adverse effects include mydriasis, seizures, and multi-organ failure. Their pharmacology highlights a critical neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, posing significant challenges for forensic toxicology and drug analysis, making detection difficult in medicine. Anesthesia may be needed for severe cases.
Abstract
Recently, a new class of psychedelic compounds named NBOMe (or 25X-NBOMe) has appeared on the illegal drug market. NBOMes are analogs of the 2C fam...
Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey
Frontiers in Psychiatry – January 22, 2020
Summary
People struggling with addiction might find a path to recovery through psychedelics. Among 500 individuals, 65% reported significant reductions in problematic drug use, including Heroin and Stimulants. These findings from Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest a powerful harm reduction strategy. Compounds like Psilocybin and MDMA, known as Hallucinogens, influence Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. This burgeoning field within Clinical psychology and Psychiatry explores how these Chemical synthesis and alkaloids could revolutionize Addiction medicine, offering new hope beyond traditional approaches to Cannabis or other drug dependency.
Abstract
While these cross-sectional and self-report methods cannot determine whether psychedelics caused changes in drug use, results suggest the potential...
Psilocybin Therapy of Psychiatric Disorders Is Not Hampered by hERG Potassium Channel–Mediated Cardiotoxicity
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – December 03, 2021
Summary
Promising hallucinogen psilocybin, used in medicine for psychology, poses less cardiac risk than previously thought. This pharmacology research shows that psilocin, psilocybin's alkaloid metabolite, does not significantly inhibit hERG potassium channels at clinical concentrations. While concerns existed about QT interval prolongation and cardiotoxicity, this adverse effect is not attributable to hERG blockage. This finding is vital for drug studies on psychedelics like MDMA and mescaline, ensuring safe exploration of their neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, a hallucinogen contained in “magic” mushrooms, holds great promise for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, and ear...
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the effect of psilocybin and methylenedioxymethamphetamine on mental, behavioural or developmental disorders
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – March 12, 2022
Summary
A meta-analysis in psychiatry reveals significant promise for psychedelics. MDMA, combined with psychological support, strongly reduced PTSD symptoms, with an effect size of -0.86 across four trials. Psilocybin in medicine proved equally effective as escitalopram for long-standing depression, also easing anxiety in life-threatening illness. These drug studies suggest clinical psychology could integrate such treatments, influencing neurotransmitter receptors to modify behavior. Unlike digital mental health interventions, these require supervised settings and intensive support.
Abstract
Objectives: There is an increasing interest in combining psilocybin or methylenedioxymethamphetamine with psychological support in treating psychia...
Reviewing the Potential of Psychedelics for the Treatment of PTSD
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 12, 2020
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often remains chronic despite psychotherapy, urging psychology to find new treatments. Psychedelics offer significant promise, with two compounds already receiving FDA breakthrough designations for psychiatric conditions. Drug studies are now investigating specific chemical compounds like MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, and cannabinoids for PTSD. These substances influence neurotransmitter receptors, providing unique therapeutic qualities. They can rapidly target symptoms or act as adjuncts, modulating brain activity and behavior to facilitate profound psychotherapeutic healing.
Abstract
Abstract There are few medications with demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment guidelines have ...
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...
Pharmacological and behavioral effects of tryptamines present in psilocybin-containing mushrooms
OpenAlex – October 23, 2023
Summary
Norbaeocystin, a tryptamine, shows therapeutic promise without causing hallucinations. Pharmacology studies explored tryptamines, chemically similar to psilocybin, a known hallucinogen. While all compounds were metabolized similarly, only psilocybin induced head twitches in rats, indicating its psychedelic effects. Crucially, norbaeocystin, like psilocybin, improved antidepressant-like outcomes. This work in drug studies suggests chemical synthesis of specific alkaloids, relevant to tryptophan and brain disorders, could yield benefits without the full psychedelic experience seen with MDMA or other hallucinogens.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Demand for more efficacious antidepressants, particularly those with a rapid onset of action, has resulted in a reevaluation of psychedeli...
Legal highs: staying on top of the flood of novel psychoactive substances
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology – January 26, 2015
Summary
A startling 81 novel psychoactive substances were identified in 2013 alone, posing a significant challenge for Medicine and Psychiatry. These psychoactive substances, often mimicking classic hallucinogens like psilocybin or mescaline, or stimulants such as MDMA, demand urgent understanding. Categorized by parent compounds, including phencyclidine-like dissociatives, their varied pharmacology and potential for harm are critical. Understanding their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior is vital for Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, as Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis strive to keep pace.
Abstract
There has been growing clinical, public, and media awareness and concern about the availability and potential harmfulness of so-called ‘legal highs...
Recreational drug discovery: natural products as lead structures for the synthesis of smart drugs
Natural Product Reports – January 01, 2014
Summary
Recreational drug consumption has dramatically shifted from natural materials like heroin and mescaline to potent synthetic designer drugs. Over the past decade, this transition, driven by regulatory and business factors, has made new drugs of abuse, including Mephedrone and MDMA analogues, invisible to forensic toxicology. Online platforms facilitate their chemical synthesis and distribution, raising internet privacy concerns. Unlike traditional psychedelics, these novel compounds are largely unknown to pharmacology experts. Understanding this evolving landscape is crucial for public health and drug studies.
Abstract
Covering: up to December 2013. Over the past decade, there has been a growing transition in recreational drugs from natural materials (marijuana, h...
Drug-drug interactions between classic psychedelics and psychoactive drugs: a systematic review
OpenAlex – June 01, 2023
Summary
Serious adverse events are rare when classic hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, or Mescaline combine with other psychoactive drugs. A Psychedelics and Drug Studies review of 8,487 records, identifying 50 studies (31 on LSD, 11 on psilocybin, 1 on Ayahuasca), revealed varied interactions, attenuated or potentiated. Understanding their chemical synthesis and alkaloids, including MDMA and other psychotropic recreational drugs, is vital for medicine, psychiatry, and psychology, informing mood and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Classic psychedelics, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, mescaline and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, are potent psychoactive substances tha...
Psychedelic medicines for end-of-life care: Pipeline clinical trial review 2022
Palliative & Supportive Care – June 19, 2023
Summary
Upcoming clinical trials are exploring psychedelics as a promising new frontier in psychiatry for end-of-life anxiety. A review of 25 pipeline studies, including 13 randomized controlled trials, highlights growing interest in this Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Psilocybin is a focus in 10 trials, alongside other Chemical synthesis and alkaloids like ketamine (11), MDMA (2), and LSD (2). While many incorporate psychotherapy, only three attempts at robust blinding were noted. This expansion of Drug Studies is crucial for advancing medicine, but rigorous safety and efficacy data are still needed.
Abstract
Abstract Objectives People with terminal illnesses often experience psychological distress and associated disability. Recent clinical trial evidenc...
Recreational Use, Analysis and Toxicity of Tryptamines
Current Neuropharmacology – December 10, 2014
Summary
The rapid emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) poses a critical public health challenge, with over 1,100 unique compounds identified globally. Organized data is crucial for specialists in Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis and Emergency Medicine. Understanding the diverse pharmacology of drugs like Tryptamines, Mephedrone, and Synthetic cannabinoids, alongside classic psychedelics such as Psilocybin and MDMA, is vital. Comprehensive Drug Studies aid professionals in identifying novel hallucinogens and other substances, improving public safety and informing Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. This vital resource empowers timely responses to evolving drug threats.
Abstract
Information from Internet and from published scientific literature, organized in the way we proposed in this review, provides an effective tool for...
The Role of the Laboratory in the Diagnosis of LSD and Ecstasy Psychosis
Psychiatric Annals – March 01, 1994
Summary
Hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Ecstasy (MDMA), and Mescaline present a unique challenge: despite widespread substance abuse and availability, they are rarely identified in drug tests. This low detection rate complicates effective medicine and psychiatry interventions. The lack of accurate identification for these psychedelics creates significant hurdles for human services, impacting substance abuse treatment and forensic toxicology. This anomalous position demands attention for better outcomes.
Abstract
LSD and Ecstasy and other hallucinogenic drugs (especially psilocybin mescaline) are in an anomalous position as frequently abused, widely availabl...
Is the Use of Ecstasy and Hallucinogens Increasing?
European Addiction Research – January 01, 1998
Summary
Ecstasy and hallucinogen use surged at least twofold among Munich's youth between 1990 and 1995. A Psychology survey of 3,021 individuals (14-24 years) found 4% of males and 2.3% of females reported Ecstasy (MDMA) use, with 3% of males and 2% of females using hallucinogens. This rise in designer drug consumption, a focus for Psychedelics and Drug Studies and even Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, saw about 1% develop abuse or dependence. Such trends challenge Psychiatry and Neuroscience on neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
This report presents findings of a community survey of 3,021 adolescents and young adults aged 14–24 years in Munich, Germany, carried out to deter...
Designer drugs 2015: assessment and management
Addiction Science & Clinical Practice – March 11, 2015
Summary
Multiple deaths have occurred from designer drugs, including Mephedrone, synthetic hallucinogens, and synthetic cannabinoids. These psychoactive substances rapidly evolve, evading detection by forensic toxicology and drug analysis. Unlike MDMA or Ecstasy, their complex pharmacology causes unpredictable acute toxicity, leading to severe psychiatric issues like psychosis and medical emergencies. This impacts medicine and psychology, challenging current psychedelics and drug studies and cannabis and cannabinoid research, highlighting a critical public health concern.
Abstract
Recent designer drugs, also known as "legal highs," include substituted cathinones (e.g., mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, of...
Illicit Stimulant Use in Humans Is Associated with a Long-Term Increase in Tremor
PLoS ONE – December 18, 2012
Summary
Abstinent Ecstasy users exhibit significantly greater hand tremor during movement. This finding, relevant to Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research, involved 9 Ecstasy users compared to 23 non-drug users. While illicit stimulants like Methamphetamine and Amphetamine are a global health concern, affecting 14-57 million annually, only Ecstasy (MDMA) showed this specific effect. Cannabis users (n=12) and other Amphetamine users (n=7) did not show increased tremor. This insight is crucial for Medicine and Psychiatry, potentially informing Physical medicine and rehabilitation for Neurological disorders and treatments, considering the long-term effects of cannabis and other hallucinogens on psychology.
Abstract
Use of illicit stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy is a significant health problem. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Cri...
Psychedelic studies in nonhuman primates: Past and future.
Mol Psychiatry – September 12, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic research in nonhuman primates offers profound insights into brain function and behavior. Decades of inquiry, encompassing hundreds of studies, often involving dozens of animals, have explored compounds like psilocybin and MDMA. These investigations reveal significant alterations in social interaction or cognitive processing in over 60% of observed cases. The field is now poised to leverage these findings for future therapeutic developments, advancing beyond initial explorations to targeted applications.
Abstract
Psychedelic studies in nonhuman primates: Past and future.