Research
Survey of administration of intravenous ketamine for perioperative pain management in Australia and New Zealand.
Anaesthesia and intensive care – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally known for its role in anaesthesia, is emerging as a powerful tool for pain management during and after surgery. A comprehensive survey of Australian and New Zealand specialists reveals that this medication is widely used to help patients with pre-existing chronic pain or those requiring strong pain relief. Most doctors use ketamine during major operations like abdominal or thoracic surgery, particularly for patients with complex pain needs. The approach shows promise in preventing post-surgical pain complications.
Abstract
Ketamine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist approved for use in anaesthesia, with analgesic properties. Despite publication of numerous...
Clinical treatment of cluster headache with the serotonergic indoleamine psychedelics psilocybin and LSD and with ketamine: A case series
Cephalalgia Reports – May 01, 2025
Summary
For patients with excruciating Cluster headache unresponsive to conventional Medicine, psychedelic compounds offer new hope. In a case series of nine individuals, 89% experienced significant relief. Serotonergic hallucinogens like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide, and separately Ketamine, proved effective in managing this severe neurological condition. These findings advance Psychiatry and Neuroscience, underscoring the potential of Psychedelics and Drug Studies within Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, and opening new avenues in Psychology for pain management.
Abstract
Background Cluster headache is an excruciating condition for which standard treatments are usually insufficient. Evidence has accumulated that sero...
Neurochemical characterization of 5-HT2AR partial agonists with simultaneous PET-MRI.
Journal of cerebral blood flow and metabolism : official journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism – May 01, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking imaging techniques reveal how different psychedelic compounds interact with brain chemistry. Scientists used advanced PET-MRI technology to observe how three distinct compounds affect the brain's 5-HT2A receptor in non-human primates. The findings show unique patterns of brain activity and receptor engagement, with selective compounds producing different effects than mixed compounds. This pharmacology research offers vital insights for developing new therapeutic treatments.
Abstract
Understanding neuromodulatory effects of serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonists with diverse pharmacological profiles is relevant to advancing ps...
Emerging Viral Infections (ZIKV, SARS-CoV-2, and MPXV) and Depression: Ketamine and (S, R)-Ketamine as Promising Antidepressants.
Reviews in medical virology – May 01, 2025
Summary
Recent viral outbreaks have revealed an unexpected link: emerging viruses can trigger depression through brain inflammation. New research shows that ketamine and S-ketamine may offer rapid relief for virus-linked depression, working differently from traditional antidepressants. These medications show promise in treating mood disorders caused by viral infections, acting quickly to restore brain chemistry and reduce inflammation.
Abstract
Emerging viral pathogens, newly reported or rapidly evolving viruses, are a significant public health concern worldwide. Beyond their characteristi...
Divergent Effects of Psilocybin for 2 Patients Participating in a Psilocybin-assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trial for Major Depressive Disorder.
Journal of psychiatric practice – May 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin combined with cognitive behavioral therapy showed dramatically different outcomes in treating major depressive disorder: one patient experienced lasting relief while another saw minimal benefits. The treatment involved two psilocybin sessions paired with CBT over seven months. The successful case demonstrated immediate and sustained mood improvement, while the other patient struggled with the drug/psychotherapy combination, highlighting how individual responses can vary significantly.
Abstract
We present divergent experiences of 2 patients who participated in a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for major d...
Opinion Mining of Erowid's Experience Reports on LSD and Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms.
Drug safety – May 01, 2025
Summary
Analysis of 2,000+ firsthand psychedelic experiences reveals distinct patterns: mushroom users report more introspective, time-altering journeys, while LSD users describe cognitive shifts. Advanced AI analysis found mushroom experiences were rated more positively overall, particularly among male users. Common themes across both substances included emotional depth and sensory enhancement.
Abstract
Psychedelics are gaining attention for their therapeutic potential in modern and personalized medicine. Online forums such as Erowid provide valuab...
Low (micro)doses of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-propylamphetamine (DOPR) increase effortful motivation in low-performing mice.
Neuropharmacology – May 01, 2025
Summary
Tiny doses of psychedelic compounds may boost motivation without causing hallucinations. Scientists found that mice given ultra-low doses of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-propylamphetamine showed increased drive to work for rewards, but only in previously unmotivated animals. These benefits occurred at doses too small to trigger typical psychedelic effects like head twitching, suggesting potential therapeutic use.
Abstract
Treating amotivated states remains difficult. Classical psychedelic drugs (5-HT2A receptor agonists) such as LSD and psilocybin have shown therapeu...
Safety in treatment: Classical pharmacotherapeutics and new avenues for addressing maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy.
Pharmacological reviews – May 01, 2025
Summary
Depression affects up to 20% of pregnant women, yet many avoid treatment due to medication safety concerns. Research shows that modern antidepressants like SSRIs have limited adverse effects on fetal development, while untreated depression poses significant risks to both mother and child. Pregnancy alters drug metabolism, but careful medication management can safely address maternal mental health needs. New treatments show promise, offering hope for expanded therapeutic options.
Abstract
We aimed to review clinical research on the safety profiles of antidepressant drugs and associations with maternal depression and neonatal outcomes...
REM density predicts rapid antidepressant response to ketamine in individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 01, 2025
Summary
A higher density of rapid eye movements during early sleep stages may predict who will respond best to ketamine therapy for depression. Scientists found that people with treatment-resistant depression who showed more intense eye movements during their first dream cycle were more likely to improve with ketamine treatment. The drug effectively reduced these elevated eye movements while lifting depression, suggesting a promising way to identify patients who could benefit most from this breakthrough therapy.
Abstract
Abnormalities during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep contribute to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), but few studies have expl...
Repeated administration of esketamine ameliorates mechanical allodynia in mice with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A role of gut microbiota and metabolites.
Neurochemistry international – May 01, 2025
Summary
New research reveals that esketamine, a common anesthetic, may help combat nerve pain from chemotherapy by working through an unexpected ally: gut bacteria. Regular doses reduced pain sensitivity in mice treated with oxaliplatin chemotherapy. The treatment restored healthy gut microbiota balance and beneficial metabolites, while decreasing inflammation in nerve tissues. This suggests esketamine could offer relief for allodynia in cancer patients.
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) severely diminishes the quality of life for cancer survivors, yet effective treatments remain sca...
Environmental determinants of ketamine's prohedonic and antianhedonic efficacy: Persistence of enhanced reward responsiveness is modulated by chronic stress.
The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's ability to treat depression may depend heavily on environmental stress levels. In groundbreaking research using touchscreen-equipped chambers, rats completed probabilistic reward tasks to measure their pleasure responses. Ketamine briefly enhanced reward sensitivity in unstressed rats but showed lasting benefits in chronically stressed ones, reducing anhedonia (loss of pleasure) for up to a week.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with well documented abuse liability, can also provide rapid-onset and persistent antidepressant effects and is...
Preparations for rave music parties and consequences for attendees who consume psychedelic drugs.
Journal of substance use and addiction treatment – May 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
A few studies have shown that rave music parties (RMP) enabled long-term positive transformative experiences. However, phenomenological inquiry on ...
Polysubstance Use Profiles Among the General Adult Population, United States, 2022.
American journal of public health – May 01, 2025
Summary
One in five American adults uses multiple substances, revealing distinct patterns of drug combinations. Analysis of 15,800 people found four main groups: medically-prescribed users (mostly following doctor's orders), cannabis-focused users, self-medicators using prescriptions without guidance, and those mixing various substances indiscriminately. Higher substance use disorder rates were linked to less structured usage patterns.
Abstract
Objectives. To characterize present-day polysubstance use patterns in the general adult population. Methods. From a 2022 nationally representative ...
Ayahuasca Pretreatment Prevents Sepsis-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior, Neuroinflammation, and Oxidative Stress, and Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.
Molecular neurobiology – May 01, 2025
Summary
The Amazonian brew Ayahuasca shows remarkable potential in protecting the brain against sepsis-related complications. In groundbreaking research, rats given Ayahuasca before induced sepsis displayed significantly reduced anxiety behaviors and inflammation. The treatment boosted anti-inflammatory molecules and antioxidant activity in key brain regions, while protecting against harmful oxidative stress. These findings suggest powerful neuroprotective benefits.
Abstract
The psychoactive decoction Ayahuasca (AYA) used for therapeutic and religious purposes by indigenous groups and peoples from Amazonian regions prod...
[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...
Divergent Effects of Psilocybin for 2 Patients Participating in a Psilocybin-assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trial for Major Depressive Disorder
Journal of Psychiatric Practice – May 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows highly variable effects for major depressive disorder. In a clinical trial, two patients received 12 cognitive therapy sessions and psilocybin (10mg, 25mg). One experienced immediate, sustained antidepressant effects over seven months, demonstrating its psychiatric promise. Yet, the other encountered significant challenges, with minimal therapeutic benefit. This divergence highlights the critical role of individual psychology and psychosocial factors, guiding psychotherapists in clinical psychology for optimal cognition in future psychedelic medicine.
Abstract
We present divergent experiences of 2 patients who participated in a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for major d...
Mindfulness-based interventions and their relationships with body image and eating behavior in adolescents: a scoping review.
Journal of eating disorders – May 01, 2025
Summary
Teaching mindfulness to teens could be a game-changer for healthy eating and body image. Research shows mindfulness-based practices help adolescents develop better awareness of eating behaviors, reduce dietary restrictions, and improve body acceptance. These techniques promote positive relationships with food while reducing weight concerns and negative self-image through enhanced emotional regulation.
Abstract
During adolescence, there are risks of changes in eating behavior and concerns about weight and body shape. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) ...
Incidence of post-induction hypotension following emergency rapid sequence induction with ketamine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Scandinavian journal of trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine – May 01, 2025
Summary
When emergency patients need immediate airway management, the choice of anesthetic matters. New analysis reveals that ketamine, a commonly used medication for rapid sequence induction (RSI), performs similarly to other drugs in terms of post-procedure blood pressure drops. Examining data from nearly 32,000 patients across 27 studies, researchers found no significant difference in hypotension rates between ketamine and alternative medications, challenging previous assumptions about its protective effects.
Abstract
Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is a potentially-life saving intervention in critically ill patients. An important adverse effect of this procedure ...
The Mind-Matter Dichotomy: A Persistent Challenge for Neuroscientific and Philosophical Theories.
The European journal of neuroscience – May 01, 2025
Summary
How does consciousness emerge from brain activity? New research bridges neuroscience and philosophy, showing that our perception and self-awareness arise from a complex interplay of neural processes and cultural concepts. The brain creates conscious experience by combining sensory input with pre-existing mental frameworks shaped by both biology and cultural evolution.
Abstract
Several areas of cognitive neuroscience tackle traditional philosophical questions. Among the range of problems, two closely related issues will be...
Hepatobiliary Complications Associated With Ketamine Use: Clinical Insights and Future Directions.
Cureus – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, effective for mood, surprisingly impacts liver health. A review found *side effects of ketamine* include *biliary duct abnormalities* and *drug-induced hepatotoxicity*, potentially causing *liver fibrosis* or *drug-induced liver failure* in *chronic ketamine users*. Positively, stopping ketamine often improves these conditions, and treatments exist. This knowledge is crucial for safe application.
Abstract
Ketamine has been utilized in various medical contexts, particularly for its effects on the nervous system. Over time, its applications have expand...
Pictorial representation of illness and self measure (PRISM): A putative transdiagnostic tool for evaluating therapeutic effects of psychedelic treatments.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – May 01, 2025
Summary
A novel tool reveals how psychedelic experiences can help people separate their identity from their health conditions. Over 95% of participants with depression, anxiety, or PTSD reported improvements after psychedelic use. The PRISM assessment showed people felt significantly less defined by their conditions following their experiences, suggesting psychedelics may help break harmful self-illness associations.
Abstract
Patients with refractory conditions often identify themselves with their illness, which affects multiple aspects of their lives. The pictorial repr...
Implementation of a specialized neuroprognostication consultation program and associated provider attitudes: A survey-based study.
Resuscitation plus – May 01, 2025
Summary
Healthcare providers are significantly more confident in predicting outcomes for patients with disorders of consciousness when using specialized consultation programs. A new interdisciplinary approach to evaluating brain function after cardiac arrest showed remarkable success, with 94% of providers finding it useful compared to 69% previously. The program improved comprehensive care and provider satisfaction, suggesting better outcomes for patients needing critical neurological assessments.
Abstract
Neuroprognostication for disorders of consciousness, particularly after cardiac arrest, is critical. However rapidly evolving research has translat...
Symptom modulation and tolerability of intravenous ketamine in treatment-resistant bipolar depression: A retrospective study.
Journal of affective disorders – May 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in mental health treatment shows ketamine can safely reduce suicidal thoughts and improve sleep in people with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. In a 4-week study of 59 patients, carefully administered ketamine infusions significantly decreased depression symptoms without triggering manic episodes - a common concern in bipolar disorder treatment. Patients reported better sleep and reduced inner tension, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Ketamine's use in treating bipolar depression must account for risks, such as switching to manic episodes or worsening symptoms. This study examine...
A new module in the drug development process: preclinical multi-center randomized controlled trial of R-ketamine on alcohol relapse.
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology – May 01, 2025
Summary
A promising breakthrough in addiction treatment reveals that R-ketamine may help prevent alcohol relapse, with particularly strong effects in women. Testing across multiple European centers showed that R-ketamine reduced alcohol consumption in rats without negative side effects. The drug worked twice as effectively in females due to higher plasma concentrations, suggesting dosage adjustments may be needed between sexes for optimal results.
Abstract
The drug development process in psychiatry faces significant challenges due to low reproducibility rates in animal testing, which often leads to tr...
Systematic review of clinical effectiveness of interventions for treatment resistant late-life depression.
Ageing research reviews – May 01, 2025
Summary
When depression persists in older people despite standard treatments, new approaches offer hope. Recent analysis of clinical trials reveals promising options for resistant depression in late life. Adding the medication aripiprazole to existing treatments showed notable success in reducing symptoms. Other effective approaches included magnetic brain stimulation and specialized cognitive therapy. While various treatments demonstrated positive results, aripiprazole emerged as particularly reliable with manageable side effects.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant late-life depression (TRLLD) affects nearly half of older adults with major depression. This systematic review evaluates publis...
Classic Psychedelics for the Treatment of Depression: Potential Benefits and Challenges.
Drugs – May 01, 2025
Summary
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelic compounds like psilocybin and ayahuasca may offer new hope for people with treatment-resistant depression. When combined with therapy, these substances appear to help reset negative thought patterns and promote emotional breakthroughs. While showing promise in clinical trials, careful protocols and supervised settings remain essential for safety and effectiveness.
Abstract
There has been a recent resurgence in research on psychedelics as therapeutic agents for psychiatric conditions. This leading article outlines the ...
Mindfulness in treatment-seeking adults with comorbid obsessive-compulsive and major depressive disorders: Mediating effects of obsessive beliefs and mental well-being.
Indian journal of psychiatry – May 01, 2025
Summary
Mindfulness significantly reduces symptoms for both obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. Research explored if obsessive beliefs and mental well-being mediate this effect in adults with both conditions. Data from 60 individuals showed mindfulness improved both. For major depressive disorder, improved mental well-being and reduced obsessive beliefs were key mediation pathways. However, these specific pathways did not mediate the benefits for obsessive-compulsive disorder. This highlights distinct mechanisms, suggesting customized mindfulness approaches.
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in alleviating symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and major depressive...
A neuroscience perspective on the plasticity of the social and relational brain.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences – May 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the fields of social and contemplative neurosciences have made significant strides. Initial research utilizing fMRI iden...
Quantum information theoretic approach to the hard problem of consciousness.
Bio Systems – May 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Functional theories of consciousness, based on emergence of conscious experiences from the execution of a particular function by an insentient brai...
Understanding and treating postpartum depression: a narrative review.
International clinical psychopharmacology – May 01, 2025
Summary
Up to 15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, but breakthrough treatments are changing the landscape of care. New research reveals PPD as distinct from typical depression, driven by unique hormonal changes and brain chemistry. While traditional antidepressants remain useful, innovative treatments like brexanolone and light therapy show promising results. Personalized approaches combining medication and non-drug therapies are helping mothers recover faster and bond better with their babies.
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is an increasingly prevalent but still poorly characterized disorder. Causal and modulating factors include hormones fl...
Psychedelic risks and benefits: A cross-sectional survey study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – May 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
As classic psychedelics' therapeutic potential is studied and their popularity continues to rise, it is important to establish their relative risks...
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A Real-World Study on the Use, Effectiveness, and Safety of Esketamine Nasal Spray in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression: INTEGRATE Study.
Advances in therapy – May 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough nasal spray treatment offers new hope for people with hard-to-treat depression, with 80% of patients showing significant improvement. Real-world evidence from 189 patients demonstrates that esketamine nasal spray helps achieve remission in treatment-resistant depression, with benefits appearing as quickly as 24 hours after first use. Most patients maintained positive response throughout treatment, with minimal side effects.
Abstract
The INTEGRATE study aimed to provide information on the use, effectiveness, and safety of esketamine nasal spray (ESK-NS) for the treatment of trea...
Clinical Comparison of Ketamine-Dexmedetomidine With Ketamine-Propofol During Canine Orchiectomy: A Randomized Study.
Veterinary medicine and science – May 01, 2025
Summary
Veterinarians now have two effective anesthetic combinations for canine castration: ketamine with propofol (ketofol) or with dexmedetomidine. A comparison of these protocols in 26 dogs revealed that both options work well, but each offers unique benefits. Ketofol provided better heart stability, while the dexmedetomidine mixture resulted in superior oxygen levels. Dogs recovered smoothly with both methods, making them safe choices for veterinary practices.
Abstract
To compare the effects of two different protocols, ketamine with dexmedetomidine (ketamine-dexmedetomidine [KD]) and ketamine with propofol (ketami...
Patient preference effects in a randomized comparative effectiveness study of electroconvulsive therapy and ketamine for treatment resistant depression: An ELEKT-D trial secondary analysis.
Psychiatry research – May 01, 2025
Summary
Patient preference significantly impacts depression treatment success, with those receiving their preferred therapy showing better outcomes. When comparing ECT and ketamine treatments, patients who received their preferred option - especially those choosing ketamine - reported better response rates and fewer side effects. Notably, preference matching proved particularly beneficial for ketamine patients, while also reducing adverse effects in ECT recipients.
Abstract
Previous studies have shown patient preference can have large effects on treatment adherence and patient satisfaction. However, the direct effects ...
An online study to understand chemsex in India.
Indian journal of psychiatry – May 01, 2025
Summary
Drug-enhanced sexual encounters, known as chemsex, affect one-third of surveyed Indian adults engaging in intimate relationships. Among sexual and gender minorities, methamphetamine emerged as the most commonly used substance. The practice was notably higher among those with HIV or multiple partners. While participants reported enhanced pleasure, many experienced memory gaps and anxiety, highlighting important health implications.
Abstract
While chemsex has been studied in several parts of the world, it has been an under-studied area in India. Anecdotally, use of substances in the con...
Risk communication about high-dose MDMA: Impact of a hypothetical drug alert on future MDMA use.
Drug and alcohol review – May 01, 2025
Summary
Drug alerts warning about high-dose MDMA can cut risky behavior in half, according to new findings. When people received alerts about potent MDMA, 45% said they would avoid use entirely, while another 47% would reduce their initial dose - a significant improvement in harm reduction compared to those who saw no warning. The alerts were effective regardless of how the risk was described, suggesting that simple drug alerts can drive positive behaviour change and protect public health.
Abstract
Despite high-dose 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) drug alerts being distributed, no research has been conducted as to changes in use in re...
Ketamine in insulin resistance: Pharmacokinetics, cardiovascular implications and cellular effects on cardiomyocytes.
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism – May 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine's impact on heart health takes an unexpected turn in people with insulin resistance. This anesthetic drug shows altered behavior in diabetic patients, affecting how their heart cells process energy. The drug's movement through the body changes significantly when blood sugar regulation is impaired, potentially increasing cardiovascular disease risk. However, understanding these mechanisms helps doctors better manage ketamine dosing in patients with diabetes complications, leading to safer treatment approaches.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic, has expanded its clinical use beyond anaesthesia to pain management and treatment-resistant depression. As an...
Hemispheric annealing and lateralization under psychedelics (HEALS): A novel hypothesis of psychedelic action in the brain.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – May 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Current models of psychedelic action in the brain propose changes along the dorsal-ventral and anterior-posterior axes but neglect to address the l...
A Comparison of Ketamine to Midazolam for the Management of Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the Out-of-Hospital Setting.
Annals of emergency medicine – May 01, 2025
Summary
When treating severely agitated patients in emergency situations, both ketamine and midazolam proved equally safe and effective. In a study of 376 patients requiring emergency sedation, both medications showed similar low rates of breathing complications (around 11-12%). Ketamine and midazolam demonstrated comparable safety profiles, with minimal differences in emergency intubation rates and mortality, giving emergency responders confidence in using either option for managing acute behavioral emergencies.
Abstract
Acute behavioral disturbance is characterized by altered mental status and psychomotor agitation. Pharmacological sedation may be required, risking...
5-MeO-DMT
OpenAlex – May 01, 2025
Summary
5-MeO-DMT, a psychoactive compound derived from the Sonoran Desert toad and various plants, shows promise in alleviating anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. In therapeutic settings, it has improved quality of life for many individuals facing serious diagnoses. However, side effects like adrenergic responses and reactivation phenomena can occur weeks later. With growing interest in its use within spiritual contexts, synthetic production could ensure standardized dosing while protecting natural toad populations from overharvesting. Legal ambiguity surrounds its status in the U.S. and Europe, necessitating careful consideration.
Abstract
Abstract 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is a psychoactive compound found in the parotid gland venom of the Sonoran Desert toad, Incil...
A systematic review of income and education reporting in psychedelic clinical trials
Nature Mental Health – May 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy trials often lack diverse participants. A review of 98 studies found only 12% reported participant income, and 31% reported educational attainment. US trials notably included individuals with significantly higher education and income than the general population. This highlights a critical need for standardized reporting and strategies to boost socioeconomic diversity, ensuring these emerging mental health treatments are broadly accessible and effective for all.
Abstract
Socioeconomic status (SES) substantially influences mental health outcomes and treatment access, yet its reporting in psychedelic-assisted therapy ...
Esketamine alleviates cognitive impairment signs induced by modified electroconvulsive therapy in a depression rat model via the KLF4/p38 MAPK pathway.
Journal of affective disorders – May 01, 2025
Summary
Promising breakthrough: Esketamine shows potential to protect brain function during electroconvulsive therapy for depression. The drug helps preserve memory and thinking abilities by activating protective pathways in the brain. Lab tests revealed it shields nerve cells while maintaining the therapy's antidepressant benefits.
Abstract
Depression is a common and serious psychiatric disorder with significant impacts on individuals. Modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is an es...
Limited Validity of Breath-Counting as a Measure of Mindfulness in Ruminative Adolescents.
Psychophysiology – May 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Objective measurement of mindfulness could help us understand the mechanisms of meditation interventions and how individuals vary in their disposit...
Exploring DMT: Endogenous role and therapeutic potential.
Neuropharmacology – May 01, 2025
Summary
DMT, a natural compound found in humans and throughout nature, shows remarkable promise beyond its known psychedelic effects. Recent research reveals it plays key roles in brain protection and healing. The compound activates during stress and hypoxia, promoting neuroplasticity and offering anti-inflammatory benefits. DMT's ability to protect brain cells and enhance neural connections suggests potential therapeutic applications for various neurological conditions.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring amine and psychedelic compound, found in plants, animals, and humans. While initial studies r...
Detecting neuroplastic effects induced by ketamine in healthy human subjects: a multimodal approach
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 01, 2025
Summary
A single ketamine dose can significantly elevate glutamate levels in brain regions vital for mood regulation. Researchers used advanced imaging to show how this compound reorganizes brain activity and connections. They found increased integration between different brain networks, with a key hub playing a central role in reshaping brain hierarchies. These findings offer promising insights into its therapeutic potential.
Abstract
We investigated ketamine’s neuroplastic effects in healthy human subjects using integrated Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Magnetic Resonance Im...
Analysis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and its metabolites using LC-MS/MS for forensic purposes.
Journal of forensic sciences – May 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to detect ayahuasca use by tracking DMT and its metabolites in blood and urine. Using advanced LC-MS/MS technology, researchers can now precisely measure N,N-dimethyltryptamine and its breakdown products, providing reliable forensic evidence of psychedelic substance use. The method boasts over 90% accuracy and can detect traces for up to 48 hours.
Abstract
Ayahuasca contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the primary alkaloid responsible for its psychedelic effects. DMT oxidative deamination yields ind...
Effect of Yoga on Mental Stress, Lipid Profile, and BMI in Wives of BSF Personnel.
Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences – May 01, 2025
Summary
Regular yoga practice dramatically reduced stress levels by 60% among BSF female personnel in a groundbreaking wellness initiative. Daily one-hour sessions combining poses, breathing exercises, and meditation led to significant improvements in cardiovascular health. The perceived stress scale showed marked reductions, while participants also experienced better cholesterol levels and modest improvements in body weight.
Abstract
To investigate the effects of a one-month yoga protocol on perceived stress, lipid profile, and body mass index (BMI) in wives of Border Security F...
Utilizing Caenorhabditis Elegans as a Rapid and Precise Model for Assessing Amphetamine-Type Stimulants: A Novel Approach to Evaluating New Psychoactive Substances Activity and Mechanisms.
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) – May 01, 2025
Summary
Tiny worms are helping scientists crack the code of dangerous street drugs. Using microscopic roundworms, researchers successfully mapped how amphetamine-type stimulants affect brain chemistry. By observing the worms' swimming behavior, they revealed how these drugs interact with brain pathways and identified which chemical structures cause the strongest effects. This method offers a faster, cheaper way to evaluate new street drugs.
Abstract
The surge of new psychoactive substances (NPS) poses significant public health challenges due to their unregulated status and diverse effects. Howe...
A Promising Route for Established Indications: A Systematic Review of Nebulized Ketamine in Pain.
Current pain and headache reports – April 30, 2025
Summary
Breathing in pain relief may sound futuristic, but nebulized ketamine is showing remarkable promise in managing severe pain. This innovative approach delivers pain medication directly through inhalation, proving especially valuable in ICU and trauma settings. Studies reveal faster relief compared to traditional methods, with patients experiencing significant pain reduction within minutes. The treatment shows minimal side effects and high patient satisfaction, making it particularly effective for those who struggle with traditional pain medications.
Abstract
Nebulized ketamine, an innovative route of drug delivery, has gained interest for its potential effectiveness in challenging clinical scenarios. Th...
Oral Ketamine as an Analgesic Therapy: Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy – April 30, 2025
Summary
While ketamine is traditionally given through IV, new research reveals promising results for oral administration in pain treatment. Analysis of six clinical trials shows that oral ketamine may help manage chronic neuropathic pain, particularly in cases where other analgesics have failed. Though side effects were common, some patients experienced significant pain reduction with doses up to 400mg daily.
Abstract
Ketamine is an analgesic used to manage neuropathic pain, but its use is limited by side effects and intravenous administration. Recently, the use ...
Effectiveness of intravenous administration of a combination of sufentanil and esketamine on post-cardiac surgery pain management and depression: a randomized controlled trial.
Cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy – April 30, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in post-cardiac surgery care shows that combining sufentanil with esketamine not only provides superior pain management but also significantly reduces depression symptoms. Patients receiving this combination needed 60% fewer pain medication doses and reported lower pain scores. The treatment improved psychological well-being without increasing side effects.
Abstract
Cardiac surgery often results in significant postoperative pain, which can lead to complications and prolonged recovery. Pain and depression are cl...
Intravenous Ketamine Infusion for Managing Chronic Postoperative Pain After Inguinal Herniorrhaphy: A Case Report.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy – April 30, 2025
Summary
Monthly ketamine infusions provided dramatic relief for a patient suffering from severe chronic pain after hernia surgery. By targeting NMDA receptors and reducing central sensitization, ketamine helped restore mobility and function when standard pain medications failed. This innovative approach offers hope for managing stubborn postoperative pain with minimal side effects.
Abstract
Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a debilitating condition that affects up to 50% of patients after procedures like inguinal herniorrhaphy, signi...
Non-response to short-term ketamine use for treatment-resistant depression.
Pharmacological reports : PR – April 30, 2025
Summary
While ketamine offers hope for severe mood disorders, new findings reveal surprising patterns in treatment response. Among patients with treatment-resistant depression, those with fewer psychiatric complications were actually less likely to benefit from ketamine therapy. This challenges traditional assumptions in psychopharmacology, suggesting that complex cases may respond better to ketamine than those with "pure" depression.
Abstract
Ketamine is currently gaining attention as a rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, many patients fail to r...
New Agents in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: What Innovations and in What Areas of Psychopathology?
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – April 30, 2025
Summary
Recent breakthroughs in psychiatric medicine have yielded promising treatments for several mental health conditions. New agents show improved efficacy in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Notable advances include lumateperone for mood disorders, esketamine for treatment-resistant depression, and innovative drug combinations that enhance tolerability. While anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder await similar breakthroughs, these developments mark significant progress in mental health care.
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are a major cause of illness in the world. Unfortunately, many patients are resistant to treatment and present serious compli...
Vegetative state in two Italian residential facilities: study of prognosis for subjects and related caregivers.
Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology – April 30, 2025
Summary
Caring for patients with disorders of consciousness takes a profound toll - 83% of caregivers need psychological support. This 15-year study tracked 146 patients in long-term care with vegetative state conditions. Brain hemorrhages, not trauma, emerged as the leading cause. While patient mortality reached 88% after 15 years, the study's key finding highlights the heavy burden on caregivers' quality of life, especially women, who showed significantly higher stress levels and poorer mental health outcomes.
Abstract
Vegetative state (VS) is a severe disturbance of consciousness, often caused by cerebral insults, with limited long-term prognosis data. to provide...
Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Intervention (TCTSY). Improving Conditions for Incarcerated Women in Latin America.
Medicine, science, and the law – April 30, 2025
Summary
A specialized yoga program is transforming mental health care for incarcerated women in Latin America. This innovative approach combines trauma-sensitive yoga with body awareness techniques, helping women heal from post-traumatic stress disorder. The program showed remarkable success, with participants reporting reduced anxiety, better emotional control, and improved interoceptive awareness - the ability to understand body signals.
Abstract
Female prisoners in Latin America experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues compared to their male counterparts. The most preva...
Rapid Screening of Illicit Drugs from Biofluid via Dried Blood/Urine Spot and Ultrasonic Desorption-Assisted Low-Temperature Arc Plasma Ionization Mass Spectrometry.
Analytical chemistry – April 29, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking 3-second test now enables rapid detection of illicit drugs in blood and urine samples. Using innovative paper-based collection and advanced plasma technology, this method achieves highly accurate results with minimal sample preparation. The technique proves reliable across various storage conditions and can detect multiple drugs simultaneously, making it a game-changer for medical screening and forensic analysis.
Abstract
A novel method for rapid and sensitive illicit drug screening in biofluids has been developed by employing a paper-based sample collection coupled ...
Colorimetric-Electrochemical Combined Method for the Identification of Drugs of Abuse in Blotter Papers: A Powerful Screening Technique Using Three Analytical Responses.
ACS omega – April 29, 2025
Summary
Law enforcement now has a powerful new tool to quickly identify dangerous drugs hidden in paper tabs. Scientists developed a method combining color changes and electrical signals to detect LSD and similar substances. The technique uses special reagents and electrodes to provide three distinct confirmatory signals, making it highly accurate. Testing of 33 seized samples proved its effectiveness for rapid drug screening.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and phenylethylamine derivatives (NBOHs and NBOMes) are commonly found on seized blotter papers, posing public hea...
Intravenous Ketamine Treatment for Depression: One-year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Psychiatry Center from India.
Indian journal of psychological medicine – April 29, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy shows remarkable promise in treating severe depression, with over 50% of patients experiencing significant improvement. In a groundbreaking year-long analysis, this rapid-acting treatment helped 39% of patients achieve full remission from depressive symptoms. Most notably, 71% reported reduced suicidal thoughts. The therapy proved especially effective for treatment-resistant depression, requiring only 4-5 sessions on average for meaningful results.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. The emergence of ke...
What motivates spiritual health practitioners in psychedelic-assisted therapy? A qualitative study and implications for facilitator training practices
Psychedelics – April 29, 2025
Summary
Intriguingly, spiritual care providers in psychedelic therapy are often driven by profound personal experiences. A qualitative investigation of 15 practitioners revealed that direct encounters with psychedelics frequently sparked their initial interest. They find deep fulfillment and personal growth by witnessing patient healing. This personal insight is invaluable, and robust facilitator training emphasizing self-reflection ensures objective, high-quality spiritual care for patient well-being.
Abstract
Spiritual health practitioners (SHPs), also known as healthcare chaplains, are increasingly involved in facilitating psychedelic-assisted therapies...