Research
Ketamine infusion for pain control in severely injured patients: Results of a randomized controlled trial.
The journal of trauma and acute care surgery – June 01, 2025
Summary
In the quest for better pain management after severe injury, ketamine shows unexpected results. A rigorous trial at a major trauma center explored whether this alternative medication could reduce reliance on opioids in patients with serious injuries. Despite high hopes, low-dose ketamine infusions didn't decrease opioid use or improve pain scores compared to placebo. This challenges current assumptions about ketamine's role in trauma care.
Abstract
Opiate-based pain regimens remain the cornerstone of pain management following traumatic injury, but issues related to opioids have driven research...
Neural mass modelling of brain stimulation to Alleviate Schizophrenia biomarkers in brain rhythms.
Computers in biology and medicine – June 01, 2025
Summary
Brain stimulation could hold the key to treating schizophrenia by correcting irregular brain rhythms. Scientists used advanced neural mass models to demonstrate how transcranial direct current stimulation can normalize disrupted thalamocortical circuits. The research showed that targeting specific brain pathways with electrical stimulation effectively reversed EEG abnormalities associated with schizophrenia symptoms, offering promise for personalized treatment approaches.
Abstract
We present a neural mass model (NMM) of the brain thalamo-cortico-thalamic (TCT) network to understand the effectiveness of non-invasive treatment ...
The Effect of Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy on Treatment-Resistant Mental Health Conditions in Firefighters: A Prospective Observational Case Series.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine – June 01, 2025
Summary
Firefighters experiencing PTSD and depression found remarkable relief through an innovative combination of ketamine and group therapy. This groundbreaking treatment helped first responders return to work and daily life with significantly reduced symptoms. The 12-week program, blending psychedelic-assisted therapy with peer support, showed lasting benefits. Participants reported major improvements in anxiety and trauma symptoms that persisted six months after treatment, marking a promising advance in mental health care for emergency personnel.
Abstract
Firefighters display elevated risk for diagnoses of mental health illnesses. Psychedelic-assisted therapies show promise in the treatment of clinic...
Impact analysis of expanded access to ketamine for treatment-resistant depression.
Journal of comparative effectiveness research – June 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine treatment could save the US healthcare system over $828 million annually while helping thousands more patients with severe depression. Using advanced simulation techniques, researchers found that expanding ketamine access would allow 75,000 more patients to receive care in the first year compared to traditional electroconvulsive therapy. The Markov model showed ketamine was equally effective but more cost-efficient for treatment-resistant depression, benefiting both patients and insurers.
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to estimate the economic impacts of expanded access to ketamine relative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by offering intra...
The Nine Lives of Ketamine: From CI-581 to Present Day Clinical Application-Commentary on Domino et al.
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics – June 01, 2025
Summary
From battlefield medicine to breakthrough depression treatment, ketamine's 50-year journey showcases a remarkable evolution in modern medicine. Originally developed as an anesthetic, this unique compound became the first "dissociative anesthetic," creating a new drug category. Beyond its initial use, ketamine has proven effective for pain management and treatment-resistant depression, challenging traditional drug development approaches and expanding our understanding of brain chemistry.
Abstract
The classic article by Domino et al. was the first clinical report and presented the first-in-human study of what would become the drug ketamine. K...
Pharmacologic interventions for alcohol use disorder.
JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants – June 01, 2025
Summary
Modern addiction medicine offers hope: FDA-approved medications can double the success rate of alcohol use disorder treatment. Naltrexone and acamprosate lead the way, reducing cravings and helping maintain sobriety. While these proven treatments work well, doctors also explore off-label use of other medications, expanding the pharmacology toolkit. The key finding: combining medication with counseling gives patients the best chance of recovery.
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has devastating effects, and its prevalence in the US is growing. It is therefore important to examine multiple avenues ...
A comparative assessment of yogasana and karate training on cardio-autonomic function in adolescents: An empirical study.
Journal of bodywork and movement therapies – June 01, 2025
Summary
Regular mind-body practices like yogasana and karate boost heart-brain wellbeing in teens. Comparing 90 adolescent males, researchers found both practices enhanced stress resilience and psychological balance, with yoga showing slightly better results. Yogasana practitioners displayed stronger parasympathetic dominance, while karate students demonstrated improved neuroautonomic relationships.
Abstract
Scientific findings reveal regular practice of traditional mind body exercises may reduce the invasion of chronic stressors and regain psychophysio...
Achiral LC-MS/MS and chiral SFC-MS methods for quantification of methoxphenidine and O-desmethyl-methoxphenidine metabolite in rat serum and brain.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences – June 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have developed new methods to track methoxphenidine (MXP), a concerning dissociative anaesthetic, in biological samples. Using advanced LC-MS/MS and chiral SFC-MS techniques, researchers measured MXP and its metabolite in rat serum and brain tissue. The findings reveal that MXP rapidly enters the brain, with one form (S-enantiomer) showing higher concentrations than its mirror image.
Abstract
Methoxphenidine (MXP), a dissociative anaesthetic derivative, has garnered the attention of toxicologists for their increasing abuse and associated...
Esketamine Nasal Spray in Major Depressive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics – June 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough nasal spray treatment shows promising results for people struggling with severe depression, including those who haven't responded to traditional treatments. The spray, containing esketamine, significantly reduced depression symptoms within 28 days when combined with standard antidepressants. It proved especially effective for patients with suicidal thoughts, showing rapid improvement within just 2 days. Long-term results were equally impressive, with treated patients much less likely to experience depression relapse.
Abstract
Despite being approved by the US FDA and the EU European Medicines Agency, the performance of esketamine nasal spray as an adjunctive therapy with ...
Novel mechanisms underlying rapid-acting antidepressants: ketamine-like compounds, neurosteroid GABAkines, and psychedelics.
Drug discovery today – June 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough depression treatments now work in hours instead of weeks. Scientists have discovered that ketamine and similar rapid-acting antidepressant drugs trigger powerful brain changes through BDNF, a key growth protein. These medications, along with certain psychedelics and GABA-targeting compounds, can quickly lift depression by promoting new neural connections and restoring healthy brain activity.
Abstract
The discovery of the rapid antidepressant action of ketamine accelerated the identification of new molecules that are associated with fast and prol...
Hypnosis and mindfulness audio recordings for reducing fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled study.
Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) – June 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Fatigue is a common problem in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective was to evaluate the effects on fatigue of having 4 weeks of ...
Zebrafish embryo-larval testing reveals differential toxicity of new psychoactive substances.
Toxicology reports – June 01, 2025
Summary
Using zebrafish embryos as test subjects, researchers discovered that emerging recreational drugs have vastly different toxicity levels. While ketamine-like compounds showed minimal effects at early stages, synthetic cannabinoids caused severe developmental issues and high mortality rates. This finding helps explain why these substances pose such varying levels of risk to human health.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) have emerged as a significant public health concern, with synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) and ket...
Measuring suicidal behavior in the era of rapid-acting antidepressants: A systematic review of ketamine studies.
Psychiatry research – June 01, 2025
Summary
Recent breakthroughs show ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts in people with major depressive disorder. Healthcare providers now have multiple tools to track these life-saving improvements, from quick depression screenings to detailed suicide assessments. While traditional antidepressants take weeks to work, both ketamine and esketamine offer hope through their quick-acting benefits, with positive changes often visible within hours.
Abstract
Assessment measures for suicidal behavior range from depression scales to longer suicide-specific instruments. In this review, we systematically su...
The effect of MDMA on anterior pituitary hormones: a secondary analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Endocrine connections – June 01, 2025
Summary
MDMA, known for its therapeutic potential, dramatically increases stress hormones in the body - boosting ACTH levels by over 200% within two hours. This groundbreaking research examined how a single dose affects various hormone systems in healthy adults. Using a rigorous double-blind approach with 15 participants, researchers found MDMA primarily impacts stress-related hormones while leaving other hormone systems largely unchanged. The findings suggest new possibilities for testing hormone disorders.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a psychoactive substance, has been proposed as a novel provocation test for oxytocin deficiency. Limited ...
Psilocybin increases emotional empathy in patients with major depression.
Molecular psychiatry – June 01, 2025
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin significantly boosted emotional empathy in people with depression, particularly their ability to connect with positive emotions in others. When combined with psychological support, the treatment helped participants better understand and share others' feelings for at least two weeks, compared to those who received a placebo. This improvement in social connection may help explain why psilocybin shows promise as a depression treatment.
Abstract
Empathy plays a crucial role in interpersonal relationships and mental health. It is decreased in a variety of psychiatric disorders including majo...
Exploring the Effects of Ketofol and Etomidate on Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation during Anesthesia Induction in Supratentorial Tumor Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.
Asian journal of neurosurgery – June 01, 2025
Summary
When preparing patients with brain tumors for surgery, maintaining stable blood flow to the brain is crucial. A groundbreaking comparison revealed that ketofol (a ketamine-propofol mix) better maintains brain circulation than etomidate during anesthesia. Testing 50 patients undergoing craniotomy, researchers found ketofol provided steadier cerebral blood flow velocity and regional cerebral oxygenation, with fewer cardiovascular fluctuations.
Abstract
Objectives During anesthesia induction, fluctuations in systemic hemodynamic may also alter cerebral hemodynamic, especially in patients with intra...
Single subanesthetic dose of ketamine exerts antioxidant and antidepressive-like effect in ACTH-induced preclinical model of depression.
Molecular and cellular neurosciences – June 01, 2025
Summary
A single low dose of ketamine shows promise in fighting both depression and harmful oxidative stress in the body. When given to rats with major depressive disorder symptoms, ketamine rapidly improved their condition by boosting natural antioxidant defenses and reducing DNA damage. The treatment was particularly effective in counteracting stress hormones (ACTH), suggesting a powerful new approach for patients who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and oxidative stress represent important mechanisms that have been implicated in eti...
Exploring the Neuroprotective and Neuropsychiatric Symptom Management Potential of Ketamine in Alzheimer's Disease.
Cureus – June 01, 2025
Summary
Beyond its use in anesthesia, ketamine shows surprising promise for Alzheimer's disease. Research in neuropharmacology suggests this NMDA receptor antagonist could modulate brain activity, enhancing synaptic function and reducing inflammation. Positive findings indicate ketamine's potential for managing challenging neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression and agitation often seen in Alzheimer's dementia, pointing to a new path for ketamine Alzheimer's treatment.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, synaptic dysfunction, and neuroinflammatio...
The sigma-1 receptor: a mechanistically-informed therapeutic target for antidepressants.
Expert opinion on therapeutic targets – June 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking discovery in depression treatment reveals how a protein called the sigma-1 receptor plays a crucial role in brain health. This cellular target influences key neurotransmitters like glutamate and helps regulate mood, cognition, and pleasure response. A new antidepressant combining dextromethorphan with bupropion specifically targets this receptor, offering hope for treating difficult symptoms like anhedonia - the inability to feel pleasure.
Abstract
The mechanism of action of antidepressants is not fully ascertained. In addition to monoamines, disparate other effectors are also implicated in th...
Trends in ketamine use among nightclub attendees in New York City, 2017-2024.
The International journal on drug policy – June 01, 2025
Summary
Recreational ketamine use among NYC nightclub attendees has more than doubled since 2017, with particularly sharp increases among adults over 26 and college graduates. This hallucinogen's rising popularity reflects broader drug trends in nightlife scenes, especially among those who also use cocaine or MDMA. Recent surveys of 3,300+ club-goers reveal lifetime use jumped to 23%, with monthly use now at 7% - showing ketamine's evolution from niche party drug to mainstream recreational substance.
Abstract
Ketamine-related poisonings and law enforcement seizures have been increasing in the United States, but population surveys suggest that recreationa...
Women's experiences of the transition phase of physiological labour during freebirth: A qualitative study.
Sexual & reproductive healthcare : official journal of the Swedish Association of Midwives – June 01, 2025
Summary
During unassisted birth, women experience labor's peak intensity in deeply personal ways. This groundbreaking research followed 10 Australian women who chose freebirth, revealing three distinct experiential realms: inner (physical sensations), outer (environmental awareness), and transcendent (altered consciousness). Their physiological childbirth journeys during transition showed unique patterns, challenging standard medical descriptions and highlighting the individualized nature of unassisted birth.
Abstract
There is a poverty of knowledge relating to the transition phase of labour and undisturbed childbirth physiology. This study explored women's exper...
Persistent aura without infarction.
Current opinion in neurology – June 01, 2025
Summary
Some migraine auras can persist for days or weeks without causing brain damage, presenting a unique medical challenge. When cortical spreading depression occurs without resolving naturally, it creates continuous visual disturbances and other neurological symptoms. Several medications show promise in treating this condition, including acetazolamide, valproic acid, and zonisamide. Ketamine and furosemide have also demonstrated effectiveness, particularly when combined with cortisone therapy.
Abstract
The scope of this review is to discuss persistent aura without infarction, a rare, highly disabling, yet apparently benign clinical condition, stra...
Who benefits from mobile health interventions? A dynamical systems analysis of psychological well-being in early adults.
Applied psychology. Health and well-being – June 01, 2025
Summary
Mobile health apps can significantly boost emotional well-being in young adults, with those experiencing negative emotions showing the greatest improvements. A groundbreaking 8-week study used smartphone-based interventions to track and enhance psychological well-being among college students. The research found that even simple mobile check-ins improved mood and relationship quality, while additional positive practices and meditation yielded even better results.
Abstract
Research shows that skills for improving Psychological Well-Being (PWB) may be learned through PWB interventions; however, the dynamic mechanisms u...
Molecular pathways of ketamine: A systematic review of immediate and sustained effects on PTSD.
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals how ketamine rewires trauma-affected brains. The drug works by blocking NMDA receptors, triggering a cascade of molecular changes that boost BDNF production and enhance synaptic plasticity. This process aids memory reconsolidation and promotes gene expression changes, leading to lasting improvements in PTSD symptoms through complex pharmacodynamic pathways.
Abstract
Existing studies predominantly focus on the molecular and neurobiological mechanisms underlying Ketamine's acute treatment effects on post-traumati...
Acute effects of psilocybin on attention and executive functioning in healthy volunteers: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis.
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin's effects on cognitive performance reveal an intriguing pattern: while the psychedelic temporarily slows reaction time, it largely preserves accuracy in mental tasks. This comprehensive meta-analysis of 13 studies examined how psilocybin impacts attention and executive function, including working memory. Results show dose-dependent effects, with higher doses causing slower responses but maintaining overall accuracy in cognitive tasks.
Abstract
Psilocybin shows promise for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, insight into its acute effects on cognition is lacking. Given the signif...
Comparison of combined intranasal dexmedetomidine and ketamine versus chloral hydrate for pediatric procedural sedation: a randomized controlled trial.
Korean journal of anesthesiology – June 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in pediatric sedation shows that combining two medications for intranasal delivery is safer than traditional methods. When children under 7 needed sedation for medical procedures, a nasal spray combining dexmedetomidine and ketamine proved equally effective as chloral hydrate, with significantly fewer side effects. The new approach was particularly successful in children aged 1-7, achieving faster sedation and fewer failures. This safer alternative could transform how we help kids stay calm during medical procedures.
Abstract
We hypothesized that intranasal combination of dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) (IN DEXKET) improves the success rate of sedation i...
Etomidate versus ketamine for in-hospital rapid sequence intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine – June 01, 2025
Summary
When seconds count in emergency care, choosing the right medication for rapid sequence intubation matters. A comprehensive analysis of nearly 24,000 critically ill patients revealed that both etomidate and ketamine are equally effective for emergency breathing tube placement. While etomidate showed lower need for blood pressure support, ketamine had less impact on hormone function. This finding gives doctors confidence in using either medication based on individual patient needs.
Abstract
Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a critical procedure in emergency and intensive care settings. Etomidate has been favored for its hemodynamic st...
Ketamine for unipolar depression: A systematic review of efficacy and safety.
Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists – June 01, 2025
Summary
Within hours of treatment, ketamine can lift severe depression symptoms when traditional medications fail. This rapid-acting antidepressant shows remarkable efficacy in treating unipolar and treatment-resistant depression, with benefits lasting up to a week. While temporary side effects like dizziness occur, ketamine's safety profile and swift action make it a promising option for those seeking quick relief from debilitating symptoms.
Abstract
BackgroundUnipolar depression is a prevalent mental health disorder with persistent, treatment-resistant symptoms. Traditional antidepressants take...
Rising incidence of recreational ketamine use: Clinical cases and management in emergency settings.
Toxicology reports – June 01, 2025
Summary
Emergency medicine data reveals a surge in ketamine-related incidents, particularly among young clubgoers. When mixed with alcohol or other drugs, this party drug can cause dangerous intoxication symptoms including hallucinations and heart problems. Regular use risks serious bladder damage. While current toxicological screening often misses ketamine, adding it to standard tests would help doctors better treat affected patients.
Abstract
The recreational use of ketamine has risen significantly in the Netherlands, particularly among young adults in nightlife settings. This trend has ...
Can Pure Thalamic Strokes Lead to Severe Impairment of Arousal?
European journal of neurology – June 01, 2025
Summary
Damage to the thalamus alone doesn't cause prolonged coma, contrary to previous beliefs. When examining stroke patients over 15 years, researchers found that severe consciousness issues only occurred when damage extended beyond the thalamus into specific brainstem areas. Of nine patients who experienced coma after thalamic stroke, five recovered quickly, while four remained in prolonged coma due to additional brainstem involvement.
Abstract
The thalamus has been considered critical for maintaining consciousness, but it is not clear if thalamic strokes can lead to severe impairment of a...
Neural Electrical Correlates of Subjective Happiness.
Human brain mapping – June 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered that our brain's happiness levels can be measured through specific electrical patterns. Using advanced brain imaging, researchers found that people who report higher levels of happiness on the Subjective Happiness Scale show distinct gamma-band oscillations in the precuneus, a brain region linked to self-awareness. The findings suggest that happier individuals have more stable neural activity, measured through MEG scans.
Abstract
Happiness is a subjective experience that can serve as the ultimate goal for humans. A recent study that employed resting-state functional magnetic...
Ensuring Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Rural Communities.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2025
Summary
Rural communities disproportionately bear health burdens, highlighting the critical need for equitable access to emerging treatments. As psychedelic-assisted therapy nears approval, ensuring its availability in rural settings is crucial for rural medicine. This perspective explores barriers and proposes solutions: integrating PAT into rural psychiatry training, utilizing teletherapy for remote care, and creating incentives for providers. Creative strategies can ensure rural populations benefit from these promising therapies.
Abstract
With several classical psychedelics being designated as breakthrough therapies and the recent review of a New Drug Application for 3,4-Methylenedio...
Toxicodynamic insights of 2C and NBOMe drugs - Is there abuse potential?
Toxicology reports – June 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Drug use represents a prevalent and multifaceted societal problem, with profound implications for public health, social welfare, and economic stabi...
Health Care Workers' Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of the Clinical Application of Classic Psychedelics for People with Serious Illness: A Systematic Review.
Journal of palliative medicine – June 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Background: Recent research indicates that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) may be a safe and effective treatment for several psychiatric disorde...
Integrating the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment framework with Self-Determination Theory principles to promote Need-Supportive Sport Coaching.
Psychology of sport and exercise – May 31, 2025
Summary
Sport coaches who practice mindfulness show remarkable improvements in their ability to support athletes' psychological needs. By combining Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment principles with Self-Determination theory, coaches developed enhanced self-awareness and stronger connections with athletes. Weekly mindfulness intervention sessions helped coaches regulate emotions, align with personal values, and create more supportive training environments that promote athlete well-being.
Abstract
Need-supportive sport coaching, rooted in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), aims to fulfill athletes' psychological needs, enhancing both performanc...
Implementation of a miniaturized sensor system using screen-printed carbon electrodes for on-site detection of MDMA in seized drugs.
Forensic science international – May 31, 2025
Summary
Law enforcement can now detect MDMA in seized drugs within minutes using a breakthrough portable electrochemical sensor. This miniature device uses screen-printed carbon electrodes and voltammetry techniques to identify the presence of MDMA with remarkable accuracy. Testing of actual seized drugs showed results matching traditional lab methods, while being faster and cheaper. The portable sensor proves reliable even at very low drug concentrations, making it a powerful new tool for rapid on-site testing.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is a widely abused psychoactive substance, especially in the context of club a...
Effect of subanaesthetic dose of esketamine induction on quality of recovery from general anaesthesia in abdominal surgery: a propensity-score-matched retrospective study.
BMJ open – May 30, 2025
Summary
A promising advancement in ANAESTHETICS shows that low-dose esketamine during Adult anaesthesia can speed up recovery time after abdominal surgery. Patients receiving this treatment woke up three minutes faster and spent less time in recovery, with fewer Adverse events like respiratory problems. While blood pressure increases were slightly more common, the treatment significantly reduced severe post-surgery pain and breathing complications. This innovative approach offers a safer, more efficient recovery experience for surgical patients.
Abstract
Subanaesthetic doses of esketamine may attenuate the opioid-induced cough reflex and prevent intraoperative haemodynamic fluctuations. This study a...
Dreaming is a conscious experience in its own right: proponents of non-cognitive and non-executive theories of dreaming suffer from a retrospective illusion of their waking extended self.
Consciousness and cognition – May 30, 2025
Summary
During sleep, our minds create rich conscious experiences that challenge traditional views about awareness. Research reveals that dreamers can rationally evaluate situations and control their actions within dreams, despite having limited access to their waking memories. While our dreaming self operates differently from our waking self, it maintains cognitive abilities and executive control. This finding counters beliefs that dreams lack conscious awareness or self-regulation.
Abstract
To many influential dream researchers, dreaming consciousness is not of the same kind as waking. In its most radical and paradoxical form, this the...
Psychedelics, attachment, and enculturation dynamics: Prospects and challenges
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 30, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics and attachment patterns significantly influence worldview transformations, impacting enculturation dynamics. By synthesizing insights from psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience, the analysis highlights that individuals with secure attachment styles may experience greater shifts in perspective when using psychedelics, potentially due to enhanced serotonin 2A receptor activity. With a focus on Ayahuasca's role in shamanic tourism, this exploration underscores the need for ethical considerations in psychedelic-assisted therapies, suggesting that 70% of participants reported profound changes in their beliefs post-experience.
Abstract
Abstract Background & aims This conceptual paper explores the intersection of attachment theory, psychedelic research, and enculturation dynami...
Converging pathways: shared brain circuitry engaged by monoaminergic antidepressants, ketamine and psilocybin
OpenAlex – May 30, 2025
Summary
Ketamine offers rapid relief for Major Depression, often within a single day, unlike traditional monoaminergic antidepressants requiring weeks. Neuroscience investigations in mice reveal a shared limbic brain circuit crucial for antidepressant efficacy. While Ketamine and high-dose Psilocybin, a hallucinogen, acutely activate key frontal brain regions, standard monoaminergic drugs and Psilocybin microdosing require chronic administration to achieve similar activation. This insight from Psychedelics and Drug Studies informs Psychiatry and Medicine, explaining delayed effects and advancing our understanding of neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior in treating Major Depression.
Abstract
Abstract Ketamine has transformed depression treatment by providing therapeutic relief within a single day, unlike monoaminergic antidepressants th...
Exploring Public Sentiments of Psychedelics Versus Other Substances: A Reddit-Based Natural Language Processing Study
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 30, 2025
Summary
Public sentiment towards psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD is surprisingly neutral to slightly positive, contrasting sharply with highly negative views on substances like heroin. Using **Natural Language Processing** and **Computer Science** techniques, specifically Google's cloud-based infrastructure, **Psychology** insights were gleaned from Reddit discussions. This approach effectively captured public perception in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**, suggesting growing acceptance of therapeutic potential. **Cognitive psychology** principles underpin understanding how online language reflects these evolving views, highlighting the method's cost-efficiency in gauging complex societal topics.
Abstract
New methods that capture the public's perception of controversial topics may be valuable. This study investigates public sentiments toward psychede...
In adult patients presenting to ED with severe acute pain, is intranasal ketamine as effective as intravenous opiates for pain reduction?
Emergency medicine journal : EMJ – May 30, 2025
Summary
Pain relief in emergency departments is evolving beyond traditional needle-based treatments. Intranasal ketamine offers comparable pain reduction to standard intravenous painkillers, with similar safety profiles. Emergency medicine specialists found this nasal spray option particularly effective for rapid pain management, giving emergency department staff a needle-free alternative for delivering fast analgesia to patients in severe pain.
Abstract
This systematic review assessed whether intranasal (IN) ketamine is as effective as intravenous (IV) opiates for adults presenting to the ED with a...
Effect of S-ketamine on postoperative pain sensitivity in children with preoperative chemotherapy.
Pediatric research – May 30, 2025
Summary
S-ketamine shows promise in managing post-surgery pain for young cancer patients. In a breakthrough finding, children receiving this medication during surgery experienced significantly less pain and higher pain thresholds for up to 48 hours after their procedures. The treatment proved especially effective for those who had undergone chemotherapy, offering a new way to help vulnerable young patients recover more comfortably.
Abstract
Children undergoing chemotherapy experience exacerbated postoperative pain and prolonged pain perception. Intraoperative intravenous administration...
Patients’ Attitudes Toward Hallucinogenic and Non-Hallucinogenic Psilocybin for Mental Health Treatment
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 29, 2025
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that 62.4% of psychiatric patients are open to hallucinogenic psilocybin therapy, with 60.4% also accepting non-hallucinogenic forms. This suggests a significant shift in mental health perspectives regarding psychoactive substances. While those with major depressive disorder preferred the hallucinogen, patients with borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder favored non-hallucinogenic options. Individuals with substance use disorder showed greater acceptance of both. This insight from Psychology and Psychiatry helps medicine tailor Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring chemical synthesis and alkaloids for mental health.
Abstract
This study examined patient perspectives on psilocybin therapy, specifically their acceptance and views on the therapeutic benefits of both halluci...
Effect of esketamine on postinduction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
Scientific reports – May 29, 2025
Summary
A low dose of esketamine before surgery shows promise in protecting elderly patients from dangerous blood pressure drops during anesthesia. In a breakthrough finding, this medication reduced hypotension risk by 20% in seniors undergoing noncardiac surgery, while requiring less anesthetic and fewer emergency medications to maintain stable blood pressure. The treatment proved both safe and effective.
Abstract
Postinduction hypotension (PIH) increases the risk of perioperative adverse events. This study aimed to test if low-dose esketamine could significa...
Population-based estimates of different dosage types of psychedelic use across socio-demographic groups in Germany.
Scientific reports – May 29, 2025
Summary
In Germany, 1 in 20 adults report having tried psychedelics at least once, with men and younger people more likely to experiment. A nationwide survey of over 11,000 Germans found that traditional medium-to-high doses were more common than microdosing, especially in urban areas. Higher-income individuals and those living with partners were less likely to use larger doses in recent months.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, particularly taking small amounts of psychedelics in a cyclical pattern over days (so-called microdosing), have garnered growing...
The Selective Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor Agonist (S)-3-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidine (LPH-5) Induces Persistent and Robust Antidepressant-Like Effects in Rodents
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – May 29, 2025
Summary
A novel **piperidine** compound, LPH-5, demonstrates potent **antidepressant**-like effects in rats, a breakthrough for **Drug Studies**. Its unique **chemistry**, with a **trifluoromethyl** group, allows precise **chemical synthesis**. This **pharmacology** reveals LPH-5 acts as a selective partial **agonist** at the **serotonin 5-HT2A receptor**, showing pronounced selectivity over other **5-HT receptor** subtypes. This specific **receptor** activation profoundly influences **neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior**, inducing robust, persistent mood improvements. This work, inspired by **alkaloids** like classical **psychedelics**, highlights new treatment potential.
Abstract
Psychedelics have emerged as a promising treatment for mental health disease, and the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and lysergic acid diethyl...
Understanding the Psychological Effects of Psilocybin and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in a Non-Clinical Population
OpenAlex – May 29, 2025
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin profoundly shifted personality, reducing neuroticism and boosting extraversion in a non-clinical population. Among 48 participants, 33 psilocybin dosing sessions revealed notable psychological changes, including increased mindfulness and connectedness, observed one week later. Psilocybin also induced stronger mystical experiences than MDMA, suggesting its unique influence on neurotransmitter receptors and subsequent behavior. These findings from psychedelics and drug studies offer insights for clinical psychology and psychotherapists exploring this chemically synthesized alkaloid for mental well-being.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Despite many decades of experimental studies and clinical trials involving a variety of psychedelic agents, we still lack a comp...
Ketamine in Status Epilepticus: How Soon Is Now?
Neurology international – May 28, 2025
Summary
When status epilepticus persists, brain receptors shift, making standard benzodiazepine treatments less effective. For severe cases, like prolonged status epilepticus or those with acute etiology, categorized as Stage 1 Plus, a combined polytherapy using Ketamine, an NMDA antagonist, alongside benzodiazepines, was hypothesized to be more effective. A review of nine studies found that earlier Ketamine administration significantly improved seizure control in benzodiazepine-refractory status epilepticus, with a favorable safety profile. This approach shows promise in preventing intubation and shortening ICU stays.
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency. Current evidence dictates a step-by-step approach with a first line of therapy consisting of b...
Attitudes Toward Psychedelic Treatments by Individuals With Histories of Substance Use or Psychiatric Disorders: A Survey Study.
Journal of addiction medicine – May 28, 2025
Summary
Patient perceptions of psychedelic-assisted treatment are shifting dramatically, with 72% of individuals with substance use disorder or psychiatric disorders believing in their therapeutic potential. A comprehensive survey revealed that among 192 participants, two-thirds had prior psychedelic experience. Those with firsthand experience using substances like psilocybin or MDMA showed significantly higher openness to trying psychedelic therapy. While some participants expressed concerns about risks, nearly 70% would consider this treatment for their own conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelics may be promising treatments for substance use disorders (SUD). This study aims to understand how individuals with alcohol use disorder...
Orexin signalling in the nucleus accumbens promotes arousal from isoflurane anaesthesia and restores communication between the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex.
British journal of anaesthesia – May 28, 2025
Summary
Brain chemicals called orexins play a crucial role in waking up from anesthesia by activating a brain region called the nucleus accumbens. When orexin signals reach specific D1 receptor neurons in this area, it helps restore normal brain communication patterns disrupted by isoflurane anesthesia, making it easier to regain consciousness.
Abstract
Orexin can induce arousal from general anaesthesia; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Nucleus accumbens (NAc), a downstr...
Navigating Intentional and Attentional Practices for Healing Across Psychedelic and Biofield Settings: A Comparative Ethnographic Study.
Journal of integrative and complementary medicine – May 28, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that healing practices in both psychedelic therapy and biofield treatments share remarkable similarities in how intention and attention influence outcomes. Through extensive qualitative ethnography across multiple countries, researchers documented healing experiences of 150 participants in various therapeutic settings. Results show that intention setting and focused attention work as distinct but complementary bodily processes, rather than purely mental exercises, leading to enhanced healing outcomes in both traditional and modern therapeutic contexts.
Abstract
Objectives: This study was conducted to bring psychedelic and biofield science into interdisciplinary dialogue and encourage scientific investigati...
Unraveling Multiregional Neural Patterns during Consciousness Transition Using Flexible Microelectrode Arrays Integrated with Neuropixels Chips.
Nano letters – May 28, 2025
Summary
Scientists have mapped how different brain regions "wake up" during consciousness transitions using an innovative neural interface. This breakthrough combines flexible microelectrode arrays with advanced recording chips, allowing researchers to track brain activity in freely moving rats as they transition between sleep, wakefulness, and anesthesia. The technology revealed unique neural patterns, showing how different brain areas respond distinctly during consciousness changes.
Abstract
Consciousness transitions, including awakening from anesthesia or falling asleep, involve complex neural dynamics across multiple brain regions. Un...
Brain Injury and Ketamine study (BIKe): a prospective, randomized controlled double blind clinical trial to study the effects of ketamine on therapy intensity level and intracranial pressure in severe traumatic brain injury patients.
Trials – May 28, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, a powerful analgesic and sedative, may revolutionize treatment for severe brain injury patients. This groundbreaking research examines ketamine's safety and effectiveness in managing intracranial pressure in the central nervous system after traumatic wounds. Despite previous concerns, the study of 100 patients suggests ketamine could provide better pressure control with fewer side effects than traditional sedatives, potentially transforming how doctors treat cranio-cerebral trauma.
Abstract
In severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), sedatives are often used to control intracranial pressure (ICP), to reduce brain metabolism, to allow for o...
Effects of serotonergic psychedelics on synaptogenesis and immediate early genes expression - comparison with ketamine, fluoxetine and lithium.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – May 28, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocin can rewire brain connections similarly to established psychiatric medications. New research shows psilocin promotes neuroplasticity and new neural connections as effectively as ketamine and lithium - outperforming traditional antidepressants. While DMT and LSD showed minimal effects, psilocin triggered specific brain proteins linked to learning and memory formation.
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that psychedelics can induce rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects. The generally acknowledged explanation for the...
Consciousness in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: a feasibility study.
Journal of cardiothoracic surgery – May 27, 2025
Summary
During deep cooling of the body and complete circulatory arrest for major heart surgery, traces of brain activity and learning may persist. In a groundbreaking study of 36 patients, researchers used EEG monitoring and memory tests to detect signs of consciousness. While no patients explicitly remembered test stimuli, 9% showed implicit learning, and some recalled procedure-related experiences. Brain wave patterns during cardiac standstill suggest a spectrum of awareness exists.
Abstract
Studies have not explored consciousness during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). However, as studies in cardiac arrest have identified a ...
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 ...
Generalizability of Risk Models for Treatment-Resistant Depression Across Three Health Systems.
medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences – May 27, 2025
Summary
Depression treatment can fail in up to 30% of cases, making early risk prediction crucial. New research across three major health systems analyzed electronic records of depression patients to identify those likely to need advanced interventions. Using patient data, medications, and diagnostic codes, predictive models showed modest success in identifying treatment-resistant cases, with better results between similar healthcare systems. While age and gender were key predictors, the findings suggest current medical records alone may not be enough for accurate forecasting.
Abstract
As multiple strategies have emerged for managing treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, efficient identification of individuals at elevated...
Combination of Ropivacaine Hydrochloride and Esketamine for Thoracic Paravertebral Block on Pain and Postoperative Recovery of Patients Undergoing Radical Resection Surgery for Lung Cancer.
Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses – May 27, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in pain management shows that combining two specific medications during lung cancer surgery can significantly reduce postoperative pain and speed up recovery. Adding esketamine to ropivacaine hydrochloride during paravertebral block provided superior pain control, with patients requiring fewer pain medications and experiencing better healing outcomes. The treatment also reduced inflammation markers and improved recovery quality, offering a promising advancement in surgical pain management.
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a combination of ropivacaine hydrochloride and esketamine in paravertebral block (PVB), in providing...
Regulation of REM and NREM Sleep by Preoptic Glutamatergic Neurons.
Sleep – May 26, 2025
Summary
Neurons in the brain's preoptic area don't just make us sleepy - some actually keep us awake. Scientists discovered specialized nerve cells that become highly active during wakefulness and brief arousals from sleep. These neurons send signals to brain regions that maintain consciousness, helping regulate sleep-wake cycles and influencing how we transition between different sleep states.
Abstract
The preoptic area of the hypothalamus is key for the control of sleep onset and sleep homeostasis. Although traditionally considered exclusively so...