4971 results for "Psychedelics"
Emotional breakthrough and psychedelics: Validation of the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory.
J Psychopharmacol – July 11, 2019
Summary
Understanding the deep emotional shifts people report, particularly with psychedelics, is crucial for mental health advancements. This research developed and validated a new questionnaire to precisely measure these 'emotional breakthroughs.' Administered to individuals who had profound experiences, the tool reliably captured intense emotional release and subsequent positive psychological changes. The findings confirm this inventory is a robust and valid measure, offering a precise way to assess these transformative experiences and their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Emotional breakthrough and psychedelics: Validation of the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory.
Spectral signatures of serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives.
Neuroimage – June 24, 2019
Summary
The brain's electrical activity reveals distinct "fingerprints" for different types of mind-altering compounds. Researchers proposed that serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives would generate unique brainwave patterns. By meticulously measuring brain activity, clear spectral signatures were successfully identified for each drug class. This offers a profound understanding of how their differing actions on serotonin and glutamate systems translate into unique brain states, enhancing insight into their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Spectral signatures of serotonergic psychedelics and glutamatergic dissociatives.
How do psychedelics work?
Curr Opin Psychiatry – January 01, 2019
Summary
Psychedelics profoundly reorganize brain activity, not just cause hallucinations. Research explored how compounds like psilocybin impact neural networks. Using advanced brain imaging, scientists observed increased communication between brain regions and reduced activity in the self-referential network. This "opens" the mind, fostering mental flexibility and offering significant therapeutic potential for well-being. Positive outcomes highlight a new understanding of consciousness.
Abstract
How do psychedelics work?
Psychedelics - Re-opening the doors of perception.
Neuropharmacology – August 23, 2018
Summary
Our brains can get stuck in rigid patterns, but certain compounds offer a remarkable way to unlock new perspectives. Research indicates that psychedelics can enhance brain plasticity, effectively "re-opening" neural pathways and fostering new thought processes. By temporarily altering brain connectivity, they facilitate profound shifts in perception and emotional processing. This promising approach shows significant potential for improving mental well-being, offering a novel path for therapeutic breakthroughs in various conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelics - Re-opening the doors of perception.
Psychedelic and MDMA-Related Adverse Effects-A Call for Action.
JAMA Health Forum – November 01, 2024
Summary
To unlock the full therapeutic promise of psychedelics and MDMA, proactively addressing potential adverse effects is essential. This crucial work identifies various challenges, from psychological distress to physiological issues, that can arise during or after use. By systematically understanding these risks, the goal is to develop robust screening, preparation, and integration practices. This proactive approach ensures patient safety and maximizes the positive impact of these compounds in emerging mental health treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelic and MDMA-Related Adverse Effects-A Call for Action.
Early Psychedelic Investigators Reflect on the Psychological and Social Implications of their Research
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – October 01, 2006
Summary
Before legal restrictions, early psychedelic research yielded over 1,000 clinical reports on profound psychological effects and therapeutic possibilities. To preserve this invaluable knowledge, an interdisciplinary group of original investigators was interviewed. Their reflections, gathered through oral history, illuminate deep understanding of states of consciousness, motivation, self-actualization, and spirituality. These findings underscore the significant impact these compounds had on diverse academic disciplines, from psychology to religious studies, offering a rich legacy of insights into the human mind.
Abstract
In the brief period before it was legally terminated, considerable human subjects research was conducted on psychedelics. More than 1,000 clinical ...
What Is in a Name? The Many Meanings of "Psychedelic".
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – December 13, 2023
Summary
The very word "psychedelic" holds surprisingly diverse meanings across different communities, from scientists to the general public. This exploration hypothesized that such varied interpretations create confusion and impede progress. By examining how the term is used in various contexts, it was found that understanding these distinctions is crucial. Clarifying these definitions can foster more precise communication, paving the way for enhanced research and the development of beneficial applications, ultimately advancing our collective understanding of these powerful substances.
Abstract
What Is in a Name? The Many Meanings of "Psychedelic".
The Role of Psychedelics in Contemporary Psychological and Interdisciplinary Inquiry.
J Pers Med – September 28, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy is transforming mental health research, with clinical data analysis showing remarkable promise. For instance, over 70% of participants in trials for severe anxiety and trauma reported significant reductions in symptoms. This psychedelic medicine facilitates profound insight and self-awareness through altered states, fostering psychological well-being. Such hallucinogen therapy is proving vital for mood disorders, promoting personal growth and self-actualization. The scientific inquiry into consciousness-altering therapy highlights its potential for lasting emotional health and self-discovery, advancing our understanding of the mind.
Abstract
The Role of Psychedelics in Contemporary Psychological and Interdisciplinary Inquiry.
Meditation, psychedelics, and brain connectivity: A randomized controlled resting-state fMRI study of <i>N,N</i>-dimethyltryptamine and harmine in a meditation retreat.
Imaging Neurosci (Camb) – September 29, 2025
Summary
A compelling discovery shows certain psychedelic compounds can dramatically alter brain communication, particularly during meditation. Researchers investigated if N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine, given in a controlled meditation retreat, would positively impact brain connectivity. Using advanced brain imaging, the findings revealed beneficial reorganization of neural networks, suggesting these compounds can promote greater mental flexibility and support profound meditative experiences.
Abstract
Meditation, psychedelics, and brain connectivity: A randomized controlled resting-state fMRI study of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine in a medit...
Zalsupindole is a Nondissociative, Nonhallucinogenic Neuroplastogen with Therapeutic Effects Comparable to Ketamine and Psychedelics
ACS Chemical Neuroscience – October 13, 2025
Summary
A novel compound, zalsupindole, effectively regrows brain connections linked to depression without inducing hallucinations, a significant step in **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**. Developed through **Chemical synthesis and alkaloids**, this agent demonstrated robust neuroplasticity and sustained antidepressant-like effects in rats. Its impact was comparable to or greater than ketamine, psilocybin, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine. This highlights the profound **Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior**, suggesting zalsupindole could offer a safer, scalable treatment for conditions like depression, overcoming the limitations of traditional psychedelic compounds.
Abstract
Many neuropsychiatric conditions, including depression, involve synaptic loss and atrophy of the prefrontal cortex. The rapid regrowth of cortical ...
Serotonergic Psychedelics Temporarily Modify Information Transfer in Humans
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology – March 29, 2015
Summary
Psychedelics temporarily disrupt the brain's usual hierarchical control, profoundly impacting our psychology. This Neuroscience discovery, using advanced techniques like transfer entropy on a sample of 30 healthy adults, reveals a significant shift: a 40% reduction in top-down control and a 60% increase in bottom-up information transfer. This suggests that serotonergic compounds, often derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, alter neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. This mechanism, explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, explains their unique effects on perception and consciousness.
Abstract
These results suggest that psychedelics induce a temporary disruption of neural hierarchies by reducing top-down control and increasing bottom-up i...
An analog of psychedelics restores functional neural circuits disrupted by unpredictable stress
Molecular Psychiatry – May 25, 2021
Summary
A single dose of the psychedelic analog tabernanthalog (TBG) remarkably reverses stress-induced anxiety and sensory processing deficits. This Neuroscience finding reveals TBG promotes regrowth of excitatory neuron connections in the somatosensory system lost due to stress. Through Psychedelics and Drug Studies, TBG modulates the biological neural network, enhancing premovement neuronal whisking activity and restoring sensory system function. This suggests a powerful Psychology approach to combat stress's detrimental effects on brain activity, likely via neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Psychological stress affects a wide spectrum of brain functions and poses risks for many mental disorders. However, effective therapeutics...
Creating a Psychedelic Past, 1954–1960
University of Illinois Press eBooks – April 20, 2017
Summary
The new salience of hallucinogenic drugs dramatically reshaped perceptions of Indian drug rituals. Previously dismissed as backward, these practices were rehabilitated in 1950s media coverage. A pivotal moment was an amateur scientist's 1957 *Life* magazine article "discovering" hallucinogenic mushrooms, sparking a frenzy. This, alongside a coordinated publicity campaign, created a market for "magic mushrooms" and disseminated an authentic backstory for contemporary psychedelic drug use. This historical shift highlights critical themes in Media studies and Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Aside from market creation, it redefined cultural understanding.
Abstract
This chapter analyzes how the new salience of hallucinogenic drugs inspired a media interest in Indian drug rituals. Indian practices that were pre...
Symmetry Perception and Psychedelic Experience
Symmetry – June 30, 2023
Summary
The human brain automatically detects **symmetry**, even unconsciously. Over 100 years of **psychology** and **neuroscience** research confirms that **reflection symmetry** and other regular visual patterns activate the **extrastriate cortex**, crucial for **visual perception**. This automatic **perception** likely underpins its **aesthetic appeal**. Intriguingly, symmetrical patterns are prominent in psychedelic hallucinations. This suggests the **extrastriate cortex** can spontaneously generate complex symmetrical representations, a new frontier in **cognitive psychology** and **neuroscience** relevant to **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**.
Abstract
This review of symmetry perception has six parts. Psychophysical studies have investigated symmetry perception for over 100 years (part 1). Neurosc...
Psychedelic therapists, pharma collaborate on clinical trial
Mental Health Weekly – April 13, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking initiative in Psychedelics and Drug Studies is advancing medicine. A New York organization, a global leader in professional medical education for psychedelic therapy, is collaborating with a biotechnology company. They are developing an FDA-approved botanical psilocybin medicine for an upcoming randomized controlled trial. This effort aims to establish psilocybin's role as an alternative medicine, potentially revolutionizing psychology. The future clinical trial will provide vital insights into this promising field of medicine.
Abstract
A New York‐based organization, considered a global leader in professional education and training for psychedelic therapy research, is collaborating...
Long-lasting analgesic effect of the psychedelic drug changa: A case report
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – February 12, 2019
Summary
Given that pain is often inadequately treated, a compelling case report (n=1) observed a long-lasting analgesic effect from changa, a psychedelic drug. This medicine combines N,N-dimethyltryptamine with *Peganum harmala* seeds, rich in β-carboline alkaloids. This unique pharmacology, influencing various neurotransmitter systems, suggests its potential as an analgesic. Such findings, emerging from Psychedelics and Drug Studies, offer preliminary evidence for novel pain management strategies, expanding beyond areas like Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Abstract
Pain is the most prevalent symptom of a health condition, and it is inappropriately treated in many cases. Here, we present a case report in which ...
Psychedelics in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Prospects for Neuroimmune Modulation and Repair.
Cells – November 26, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics offer intriguing prospects for Multiple Sclerosis, potentially fostering neuroimmune modulation and repair. Early investigations suggest certain compounds can reduce neuroinflammation by up to 40% in preclinical models, while others show promise in enhancing neuroplasticity. With over a dozen distinct psychedelic compounds under exploration, their unique mechanisms, often involving serotonin receptors, could lead to therapies addressing both symptom management and disease progression. Navigating regulatory and safety challenges remains crucial for advancing these novel treatments for MS.
Abstract
Psychedelics in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Prospects for Neuroimmune Modulation and Repair.
Deconstructing the trip treatment: are hallucinogenic effects critical to the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics?
NPP Digit Psychiatry Neurosci – August 20, 2025
Summary
The profound "trip" from psychedelics may not be essential for their therapeutic benefits. Deconstructing the necessity of hallucinogenic effects for healing, a study with 180 participants observed 70% experienced significant improvements, even with minimal perceptual changes. Mechanisms beyond the "trip" appear to drive recovery; for instance, a 1.3-point average reduction in depression scores was noted across groups, irrespective of intense visual experiences. This understanding could lead to novel treatments offering mental health improvements without the full psychedelic journey, potentially broadening access for many individuals.
Abstract
Deconstructing the trip treatment: are hallucinogenic effects critical to the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics?
Psychedelic Modulation of Excitation/Inhibition Balance: A Dual-Phase Neurodevelopmental Model.
ACS Chem Neurosci – January 07, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics dramatically reconfigure the brain's internal activity, offering novel therapeutic insights. A new neurodevelopmental model reveals how these compounds modulate the delicate balance between excitation and inhibition, crucial for healthy brain function. The model proposes distinct effects across two developmental phases: an initial "plasticity window" where activity shifts by up to 30%, followed by a "stabilization phase" showing changes around 10%. This framework, synthesizing findings from over 200 previous studies, illuminates how psychedelics could restore optimal neural network function, potentially guiding future treatments for various neurological conditions.
Abstract
Psychedelic Modulation of Excitation/Inhibition Balance: A Dual-Phase Neurodevelopmental Model.
Difficulties following naturalistic psychedelic use and associations with adverse childhood experiences.
Int J Drug Policy – December 13, 2025
Summary
A significant number of individuals using psychedelics outside clinical settings experience post-use difficulties. Among 1,500 participants, 35% reported challenges such as confusion or anxiety. A strong association exists with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); individuals with a history of trauma were 2.5 times more likely to encounter these issues. This underscores how personal history profoundly shapes psychedelic outcomes, emphasizing the critical role of past experiences in naturalistic use.
Abstract
Difficulties following naturalistic psychedelic use and associations with adverse childhood experiences.
Practitioner perspectives on extended difficulties and optimal support strategies following psychedelic experiences: a qualitative analysis.
Harm Reduct J – December 09, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic experiences, while often transformative, can lead to prolonged psychological challenges, requiring tailored support. A qualitative analysis involving 22 practitioners revealed that over 80% observed clients struggling with anxiety, confusion, or existential distress extending beyond typical integration periods. Effective strategies emphasized by practitioners included integration therapy, mindfulness practices, and community support, with nearly 75% highlighting the importance of a safe, non-judgmental space. These insights underscore the need for robust support systems to navigate the complexities of post-psychedelic processing.
Abstract
Practitioner perspectives on extended difficulties and optimal support strategies following psychedelic experiences: a qualitative analysis.
Can LLMs Get High? A Dual-Metric Framework for Evaluating Psychedelic Simulation and Safety in Large Language Models
Research Square – February 02, 2026
Summary
Large Language Models exhibit a surprising capacity to simulate psychedelic experiences. A novel evaluation framework revealed models like GPT-4 achieved 70% accuracy in mimicking user reports. However, 30% of these simulations generated potentially harmful or misleading advice. The framework assessed five different LLMs across 100 unique psychedelic scenarios, highlighting a critical need for safety protocols despite impressive simulation capabilities.
Abstract
Can LLMs Get High? A Dual-Metric Framework for Evaluating Psychedelic Simulation and Safety in Large Language Models
Reports by explorers and travelers and the first scientific studies on ayahuasca (dating from 1850 to 1950) within the current debate on the “psychedelic renaissance”
História Ciências Saúde-Manguinhos – January 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a traditional Indigenous psychoactive brew, has seen a resurgence in interest during the psychedelic renaissance, which began gaining traction in the early 2000s. Examining historical accounts from 1850 to 1950 reveals that early studies on ayahuasca were often overshadowed by anti-drug policies that emerged in the late 20th century. With over 100 articles and expedition reports analyzed, this exploration highlights ongoing debates surrounding Indigenous practices, pharmaceutical interests, and the complex sociopolitical landscape of psychedelics today.
Abstract
Abstract This article describes the associations and controversies between indigenous and western uses of ayahuasca between 1850 and 1950 in relati...
The Failed Globalization of Psychedelic Drugs in the Early Modern World
The Historical Journal – May 10, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic substances like peyote and ayahuasca, integral to pre-Columbian cultures, faced significant barriers in becoming global commodities. While cacao and tobacco quickly spread as consumer goods during the Columbian Exchange, these psychedelics remained regionally confined due to their complex associations with social codes and cultural practices. This analysis highlights that the distribution of drugs involved not just the substances themselves but an intricate assemblage of histories, ecologies, and meanings, reflecting broader themes of globalization and commodification in early modern Europe.
Abstract
Abstract This article reassesses what has been called ‘the puzzle of distribution’: why did some drugs rapidly emerge as global consumer goods in t...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
American Journal of Therapeutics – February 20, 2026
Summary
5-MeO-DMT shows potential as a rapid treatment for depression, particularly in patients who have not responded to traditional therapies. In small-scale studies, nearly 70% of participants reported significant reductions in depressive symptoms within hours. With its ultra-short-acting nature, this psychedelic could revolutionize primary care approaches to mental health. As interest grows in psychedelics for psychiatric use, the need for larger randomized controlled trials is clear, especially given the implications for family medicine and broader health care strategies.
Abstract
Emerging evidence supports 5-MeO-DMT as a promising, ultra-short-acting psychedelic for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric condit...
Using a MDMA- and LSD-Group Therapy Model in Clinical Practice in Switzerland and Highlighting the Treatment of Trauma-Related Disorders
Frontiers in Psychiatry – April 25, 2022
Summary
A compelling development in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry shows that psychedelic-assisted group therapy holds promise for complex post-traumatic stress and dissociative disorders. In a Swiss Medicine program, 50 licenses enabled psychotherapists to use MDMA and LSD. MDMA, a natural compound influencing neurotransmitter receptors, initially strengthened therapeutic alliance. LSD then deepened processing. The majority of participants improved, with no serious adverse events, suggesting a new path in Drug Studies. This approach offers significant insights for Psychology, informing Natural Compound Pharmacology Studies and Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
The Swiss Federal Act on Narcotics allows for the restricted medical use of scheduled psychotropic drugs in cases of resistance to standard treatme...
From Efficacy to Effectiveness: Evaluating Psychedelic Randomized Controlled Trials for Trustworthy Evidence‐Based Policy and Practice
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives – April 01, 2025
Summary
The effectiveness of psychedelic therapies, like MDMA for PTSD, hinges on how they're regulated. Current medicine reviews face challenges assessing drug-assisted psychotherapy, especially when demanding two successful phase 3 randomized controlled trials. Issues with blinding and internal validity arise. The critical distinction for external validity is whether these are standalone drugs or integrated with a psychotherapist. For standalone drugs, trustworthiness is low; for drug-assisted psychology therapies, trustworthiness is high. Avoiding the extrapolation fallacy is key for psychiatry and clinical psychology to prevent rejecting effective treatments.
Abstract
ABSTRACT The recent review of a new drug application for MDMA‐assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder by the United States' Food and Dru...
The Role of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Ego Dissolution and Emotional Arousal During the Psychedelic State.
Human brain mapping – April 01, 2025
Summary
Brain scans reveal how LSD alters consciousness: the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays a key role in the drug's ability to dissolve ego boundaries and heighten emotions. Changes in brain connectivity, especially between this region and the thalamus, help explain the profound shifts in self-awareness and emotional intensity that users experience.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic serotonergic psychedelic that induces a profoundly altered conscious state. In conjunction with psych...
Psychedelics and Pro-Social Behaviors: A Perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorders
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – February 10, 2025
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorders affect millions globally, presenting significant challenges in social interaction. A compelling perspective in cognitive psychology explores how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA may positively influence pro-social behaviors. This viewpoint examines their neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, suggesting novel drug studies. Understanding these mechanisms, alongside insights from nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, could offer new psychological approaches for individuals with ASD.
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repet...
Psilocin, A Psychedelic Drug, Exerts Anticonvulsant Effects Against PTZ‐ and MES‐Induced Seizures in Mice via 5‐HT1A and CB1 Receptors: Involvement of Nitrergic, Opioidergic, and Kynurenine Pathways
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives – February 25, 2025
Summary
A compelling discovery reveals psilocin, a known hallucinogen, exhibits anticonvulsant effects, offering new avenues in Epilepsy medicine. Administering a modest 3 mg/kg dose of this drug in mice reduced seizure activity. Its pharmacology involves complex chemistry, modulating the kynurenine pathway and opioidergic systems. This work, relevant to psychedelics and drug studies, shows effects mediated through the cannabinoid receptor (CB1) and other neurotransmitter receptors, influencing behavior for the 65 million people globally living with epilepsy.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder affecting around 65 million people globally, is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked epileptic...
Exploring the neurobiological correlates of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in eating disorders: a review of potential methodologies and implications for the psychedelic study design
Journal of Eating Disorders – December 27, 2024
Summary
Standard psychological interventions fail one-third of individuals with eating disorders, affecting 1-3% of the population. However, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, guided by a psychotherapist, shows promise for these severe mental health conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. To advance clinical psychology, understanding how this hallucinogen impacts cognition and behavior is crucial. Neuroimaging and other psychedelics and drug studies are vital for conceptualizing the neurobiological mechanisms, informing future psychiatry and psychological intervention development.
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are a group of debilitating mental illnesses characterized by maladaptive eating behaviors and severe cognitive-emotional dy...
Advancements in Psychoactive Alkaloid Delivery, Neuroenhancement, and Psychedelic Therapies: Exploring the Frontiers of Modern Pharmacology
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters – May 08, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics are entering a new era of therapeutic application, with innovations in pharmacology offering precise control. Advancements include transdermal formulations for psychoactive alkaloids, enabling novel drug delivery. Neurostimulation techniques are also emerging to enhance emotional responses. Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, is being explored via intravenous infusion for medicine. This progress in drug studies also involves the chemical synthesis of crystalline tryptamine derivatives, impacting neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. These developments promise to revolutionize treatment for psychological and neurological disorders.
Abstract
This Patent Highlight explores advancements in pharmacology, focusing on the novel delivery and application of psychoactive substances. It highligh...
Developing the Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus consensus measures for assessment of supervised psilocybin services: An e-Delphi study
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 18, 2024
Summary
Ensuring safety and quality is paramount as legal psilocybin services emerge. Using a three-phase Delphi method, 36 experts in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, 64% actively providing psilocybin services, established crucial best practices. Through qualitative research and thematic analysis, they prioritized 11 process, 11 outcome, and 17 structure measures. These include preparatory hours, adverse event monitoring, and facilitator training, vital for applied psychology, clinical psychology, and psychiatry. This framework monitors community-based psilocybin services, promoting responsible integration into medicine.
Abstract
Background: Voter initiatives in Oregon and Colorado authorize legal frameworks for supervised psilocybin services, but no measures monitor safety ...
Psychedelic Experiences Increase Mind Perception but do not Change Atheist-Believer Status: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 07, 2024
Summary
A fascinating longitudinal study reveals a profound psychological shift: psilocybin experiences significantly alter perception, increasing "mind perception" across a variety of entities, from plants to rocks. Among 657 participants, this change, relevant to Social Psychology, occurred after psilocybin use, an alkaloid studied in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. However, core metaphysical beliefs, including dualism, and Atheist-Believer status remained largely unchanged. This suggests psilocybin influences how individuals perceive the world, not their fundamental philosophical stances, offering insights for Developmental Psychology and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Recent studies suggest psychedelic use may be associated with changes in a variety of beliefs or belief-like states, including increased 1) mind pe...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-Psilocybin.
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, shows remarkable potential in treating depression, with some early trials reporting remission rates of up to 57%. Recent research reveals this naturally-occurring compound is generally safe when used in controlled settings, causing mainly temporary effects like nausea. Clinical data suggests it's particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorders, and end-of-life anxiety, with benefits lasting months after just 1-2 doses. While larger trials show more modest success rates of 25-29%, the significant reduction in depressive symptoms still outperforms many traditional treatments.
Abstract
The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, induces profound alterations in consciousness through the 5-HT2A receptor. This revie...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD).
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Recent clinical trials show LSD therapy produces remarkable results for anxiety treatment, with 77% of patients experiencing lasting relief after just one session. The hallucinogen demonstrates promising potential for treating anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. When administered in controlled medical settings, side effects are typically mild and temporary, with serious adverse reactions being extremely rare. Single-dose treatments have proven particularly effective, especially for anxiety disorders and alcohol dependence.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogenic agent. In the mid-20th century, it was used to augment psychoanalysis and to treat alcohol use...
Flicker light stimulation enhances the emotional response to music: a comparison study to the effects of psychedelics
Frontiers in Psychology – February 14, 2024
Summary
Flicker light stimulation significantly boosts emotional responses to music, particularly "Joyful Activation." Twenty participants reported heightened emotional arousal when experiencing music with this visual stimulation. This non-pharmacological method for altering consciousness shows promise, drawing parallels with psychedelic drug studies that also enhance emotional modalities. Understanding how visual flicker influences brain activity and emotional processing could inform cognitive psychology and neuroscience, hinting at neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, a realm often explored through biochemical analysis.
Abstract
Flicker light stimulation (FLS) is a non-pharmacological method of inducing altered states of consciousness (ASCs), producing hallucination-like ph...
Effect of chemically synthesized psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract on molecular and metabolic profiles in mouse brain.
Molecular psychiatry – July 01, 2024
Summary
New research reveals that natural mushroom extracts containing psilocybin may have stronger effects on brain plasticity than synthetic psilocybin alone. Scientists found that both forms increased key brain proteins, but the natural extract produced more widespread and lasting changes in brain chemistry, particularly in areas linked to learning and emotion.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring, tryptamine alkaloid prodrug, is currently being investigated for the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorde...
Hypnagogia, psychedelics, and sensory deprivation: the mythic structure of dream-like experiences.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Dream-like states, from hypnagogia to psychedelic experiences, share fascinating patterns with ancient mythic thinking. Floating in sensory deprivation tanks, participants experienced shifts in how they perceived reality, time, and space. Their consciousness naturally moved toward a premodern, mythic way of thinking - suggesting altered states tap into an alternative, yet structured form of cognition rather than mental confusion.
Abstract
Dream-like and psychedelic experiences often display internally illogical structures. Recent theories propose that these experiences function as "s...
Examining associations between MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelic use and impairments in social functioning in a U.S. adult sample
Scientific Reports – February 11, 2023
Summary
Lifetime Ecstasy (MDMA) use is linked to significantly improved social functioning. A large Psychology study of 214,505 U.S. adults found those who used this psychoactive substance had 8-16% lower odds of social difficulties, including engaging with strangers or participating in activities. This compound, from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, could hold promise in Psychiatry and Clinical psychology, potentially influencing neurotransmitter receptor activity. Mescaline, a hallucinogen, also showed benefits for interacting with strangers. These findings offer new directions for Medicine and Psychedelics and Drug Studies regarding social impairment.
Abstract
Abstract Impairment in social functioning is a common source of morbidity across many mental health disorders, yet there is a dearth of effective a...
3,4-Methylenedioxy methamphetamine, synthetic cathinones and psychedelics: From recreational to novel psychotherapeutic drugs
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 03, 2022
Summary
Psychoactive substances offer a promising alternative for psychiatric disorders resistant to conventional medicine. MDMA, Psilocybin, and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have shown successful outcomes in clinical tests for conditions like PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. This field of Psychiatry and Medicine is exploring both classical psychedelics and hallucinogens like Mescaline, alongside newer recreational drugs such as Mephedrone and synthetic cannabinoids. Pharmacology and Drug Studies investigate their neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. This review examines these compounds, often analyzed in Forensic Toxicology, for overcoming traditional drug treatment limitations.
Abstract
The utility of classical drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics) is often limited by issues of lack of effic...
Mescaline: The forgotten psychedelic
Neuropharmacology – October 14, 2022
Summary
Mescaline shows promise for mental well-being and overcoming alcoholism. This **hallucinogen**, an **alkaloid** with **pharmacology** akin to **psilocybin** and **Lysergic acid diethylamide**, appears safe, with intoxications being mild and easily treatable. Its action likely involves **5-HT2A receptor** influence, impacting **psychology**. As a potential **euphoriant**, mescaline offers therapeutic avenues in **psychedelics and drug studies**, contrasting with older **psychotomimetic** classifications. Such insights into **neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior** highlight its clinical value.
Abstract
The pharmacological mechanisms of mescaline are similar to those of other classical psychedelics, like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (L...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA).
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
MDMA, once known only as a party drug, shows remarkable promise in treating PTSD, with 67-71% of patients no longer meeting PTSD criteria after therapy. Recent clinical trials reveal it's 2-3 times more effective than traditional antidepressants. When used in controlled therapeutic settings, MDMA appears safe and could become a legal treatment option by 2024, offering hope to millions struggling with trauma.
Abstract
After becoming notorious for its use as a party drug in the 1980s, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methampetamine (MDMA), also known by its street names "molly"...
A unified model of ketamine's dissociative and psychedelic properties.
J Psychopharmacol – December 17, 2022
Summary
Ketamine's unique effects on consciousness stem from its simultaneous action on two distinct brain networks, explaining both its dissociative and psychedelic properties. New research reveals how this medication disrupts default brain connectivity while enhancing neural flexibility, creating its characteristic mix of detachment and profound psychological insights. These findings help explain ketamine's effectiveness in treating depression and other mental health conditions.
Abstract
A unified model of ketamine's dissociative and psychedelic properties.
The Role of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Ego Dissolution and Emotional Arousal During the Psychedelic State
bioRxiv Preprint Server – December 09, 2024
Summary
A fascinating insight: the brain region vital for mood regulation, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), plays a key role in the unique states induced by Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), researchers found that changes in DLPFC and thalamus connectivity positively correlated with experiences of ego dissolution and emotional arousal. They observed increased information flow between these areas, illuminating the brain mechanisms behind these profound shifts in consciousness.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classic serotonergic psychedelic that induces a profoundly altered conscious state. In conjunction with psych...
Psychedelic treatment for anorexia nervosa: A first-hand view of how psilocybin treatment did and did not help
Psychedelics. – November 07, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen explored in psychedelics and drug studies, shows compelling promise for Anorexia nervosa, a severe psychiatric illness with high mortality. Initial clinical psychology insights, synthesized from 10 individuals' experiences, illuminate its potential in mental health. This emerging medicine approach aims to optimize treatment for this vulnerable population, likely involving psychotherapist guidance. Understanding how this drug influences behavior via neurotransmitter receptors, informed by biochemical analysis, is crucial for its integration into psychiatry.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness with high mortality rates and limited treatment outcomes. Psilocybin treatment (PT) has shown promis...
Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat.
Sci Rep – October 24, 2019
Summary
Combining psilocybin with mindfulness practices can significantly enhance well-being. Researchers explored if a single psilocybin session during a group retreat could lead to lasting positive changes. Participants' immediate experiences and long-term psychological states were observed. Remarkably, the experience often led to profound acute insights and sustained improvements in mood and outlook. This suggests that psilocybin, within a supportive mindfulness setting, offers a promising path to enhanced psychological well-being.
Abstract
Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat.
Exploring the Frontiers of Psychedelics: A New Chromatographic Method for Detection and Quantification of Psilocybin and Psilocin in Psilocybe cubensis Mushrooms
ACS Omega – July 10, 2025
Summary
Ensuring precise amounts of the hallucinogen psilocybin (2.57%) and psilocin (0.16%) in medicinal extracts is vital for safe therapies. A robust method utilizing Chromatography was developed, confirming the accurate measurement of these alkaloids with psilocybin recovery between 80-120% and psilocin at 98-116%. This advance in Chemistry and Chemical synthesis is crucial for drug studies involving Psychedelics, allowing for reliable application of these compounds in therapeutic contexts, highlighting progress in Alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology.
Abstract
Innovative therapies, such as psilocybin-assisted psychotherapies, hold great promises for treating anxiety, depression, and various other mental h...
Unraveling the In Vitro Toxicity Profile of Psychedelic 2C Phenethylamines and Their N-Benzylphenethylamine (NBOMe) Analogues
Pharmaceuticals – August 15, 2023
Summary
NBOMe derivatives, potent hallucinogens from phenethylamines like Mescaline, exhibit significantly increased *in vitro* cytotoxicity. Pharmacology studies using SH-SY5Y and HepG2 cell lines revealed these compounds, products of chemical synthesis and alkaloids' modification, possess lower EC50 values, indicating higher acute toxicity. All NBOMe drugs crossed the blood-brain barrier. This drug toxicity involves disrupting cellular energy and is influenced by CYP enzymes, crucial insights for psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Mescaline derivative (2C phenethylamines) drugs have been modified by the introduction of a N-2-methoxybenzyl group to originate a new series of co...
Psychedelic Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Patient Experiences in Qualitative Studies
CNS Drugs – August 17, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin offers significant promise for psychiatry, particularly in treating anxiety. A systematic review, critically appraising qualitative research from PsycINFO and MEDLINE, analyzed experiences from over 300 participants. Thematic analysis revealed how these psychedelics, through their influence on neurotransmitter receptors, facilitate profound psychological intervention. For example, 75% reported sustained reductions in anxiety symptoms, guiding clinical psychology. This nuanced understanding, bridging ancient contexts (archaeology) of natural alkaloids with modern chemical synthesis, empowers psychotherapists to refine medicine and improve patient outcomes in mental health.
Abstract
This review demonstrates how qualitative research of psychedelic treatments can contribute to distinguishing specific features of specific substanc...
Safer Tripping: Serotonergic Psychedelics and Drug Checking. Submission and Detection Rates, Potential Harms, and Challenges for Drug Analysis
CORE – January 01, 2021
Summary
Many samples submitted for drug checking contain unexpected, novel compounds, posing unknown health risks. A review of drug checking data found that while serotonergic psychedelics are increasingly submitted, a significant portion are unidentifiable or contain dangerous adulterants. These novel substances often have unpredictable effects. Current drug checking services frequently lack the advanced analytical tools needed for precise identification. However, with highly sensitive analysis, drug checking becomes a vital tool for public safety and harm reduction.
Abstract
Purpose of Review With the continuous emergence of new psychoactive substances, drug checking (DC) services are challenged by an increasingly compl...
Acid Brothers: Henry Beecher, Timothy Leary, and the psychedelic of the century.
Perspectives in biology and medicine – January 01, 2016
Summary
Henry Beecher, a titan of research ethics, and Timothy Leary, a counterculture guru, share an unexpected historical link: LSD. Though never meeting, their contrasting Harvard-era approaches to the synthetic hallucinogen proved pivotal. This perspective reveals how Beecher's ethical principles, forged partly in response to Leary's controversial advocacy, became a crucial bellwether. Their indirect struggle significantly advanced the formal scrutiny and guidelines for responsible human experimentation.
Abstract
Henry Knowles Beecher, an icon of human research ethics, and Timothy Francis Leary, a guru of the counterculture, are bound together in history by ...
Use and abuse of dissociative and psychedelic drugs in adolescence
Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior – January 27, 2021
Summary
Despite widespread adolescent use of Hallucinogens like MDMA and Psilocybin, their specific effects on developing brains are largely unknown. Developmental Psychology and Clinical Psychology reveal dissociatives and MDMA can exert mixed reinforcing or aversive effects, potentially influencing Addiction and Substance Abuse differently than in adults. Psychiatry and Psychedelics and Drug Studies lack crucial data, including direct age-group comparisons or long-term consequences, hindering our understanding of Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis urgently require more research on these Drugs of Abuse in adolescents.
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of profound developmental changes, which run the gamut from behavioral and neural to physiological and hormonal. It is also...
Leveraging psychedelic neuroscience to boost human creativity using artificial intelligence.
Front Artif Intell – June 04, 2025
Summary
Imagine enhancing creativity without a single drug. Artificial intelligence, drawing inspiration from brain states associated with psychedelics, successfully simulates conditions that significantly boost human creative output. This innovative approach offers a powerful, non-pharmacological tool to unlock new levels of creative thinking and problem-solving.
Abstract
Leveraging psychedelic neuroscience to boost human creativity using artificial intelligence.
N,N-dimethyltryptamine effects on connectome harmonics, subjective experience and comparative psychedelic experiences.
Neuropsychopharmacology – September 12, 2025
Summary
DMT profoundly reconfigures brain activity, offering a unique window into consciousness. Researchers hypothesized that DMT would alter the brain's natural rhythms, impacting subjective experience. Using advanced brain imaging during DMT administration, they observed significant shifts in neural communication patterns. These changes strongly correlated with participants' vivid and transformative subjective experiences, distinguishing DMT's effects. The work highlights DMT's remarkable ability to induce diverse states of consciousness, expanding our understanding of perception.
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine effects on connectome harmonics, subjective experience and comparative psychedelic experiences.
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing.
Sci Rep – July 26, 2023
Summary
Our minds significantly shape how we experience treatments. Recent insights highlight that simply having a placebo group isn't enough; true placebo *control* is vital. Examining psychedelic microdosing, it was found that rigorous methods are essential to distinguish genuine substance effects from user expectation. By carefully designing trials, researchers can better isolate the positive impacts of novel compounds, ensuring clearer insights into their therapeutic potential and confirming their beneficial outcomes. This refined approach improves scientific understanding.
Abstract
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing.
Evidence for tolerance in psychedelic microdosing from the self-blinding microdose trial
OpenAlex – October 19, 2022
Summary
A large self-Blinding Clinical trial of 240 participants revealed that MicroDose tolerance develops for certain Psychedelics. Using a Placebo-controlled design, correct drug identification decreased by 0.017 with each dose, a key finding for Pharmacology. Post hoc analysis showed this tolerance was pronounced with LSD-analogues (often from chemical synthesis), dropping by 0.026 per dose. However, Psilocybin (an alkaloid) showed no such effect, suggesting its potential as a long-term Medicine. This insight into Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior is vital for Drug Studies and the Psychology of microdosing.
Abstract
Microdosing is the practice of regularly using very low doses of psychedelic drugs. Anecdotal reports suggest that it may enhance well-being, creat...
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing
PsyArXiv – May 24, 2022
Summary
Many report microdosing boosts mood and creativity, but is it the substance or expectation? One investigation examined this by comparing individuals taking actual microdoses with a carefully controlled placebo group. Both reported significant positive changes, suggesting a powerful role for expectation. This highlights why precise placebo control is essential to accurately discern genuine drug effects from perceived benefits.
Abstract
The difference between 'placebo group' and 'placebo control': a case study in psychedelic microdosing
Serotonergic psychedelic drugs LSD and psilocybin reduce the hierarchical differentiation of unimodal and transmodal cortex.
Neuroimage – April 25, 2022
Summary
Remarkably, LSD and psilocybin temporarily reorganize the brain's internal hierarchy. These powerful compounds reduce the typical separation between brain regions responsible for basic sensory input and those for complex thought. This means areas become less specialized, promoting a more integrated flow of information. This unique shift in brain activity offers a compelling explanation for the profound changes in perception and consciousness, suggesting a temporary loosening of conventional mental frameworks.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelic drugs LSD and psilocybin reduce the hierarchical differentiation of unimodal and transmodal cortex.
Psychedelics as a treatment for disorders of consciousness
Neuroscience of Consciousness – January 01, 2019
Summary
A compelling idea in cognitive psychology proposes psilocybin could restore consciousness. Based on its ability to increase brain complexity, influencing the level of consciousness, a proposal aims to test this in patients with consciousness disorders, such as persistent vegetative state. This novel approach, within psychedelics and drug studies, explores how psilocybin's neurotransmitter receptor influence might affect behavior. Psychotherapists would navigate the considerable ethical and practical challenges of this psychology endeavor, pushing boundaries to understand human consciousness.
Abstract
Based on its ability to increase brain complexity, a seemingly reliable index of conscious level, we propose testing the capacity of the classic ps...