Research
Single-Dose Psilocybin for Depression With Severe Treatment Resistance: An Open-Label Trial
American Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and alkaloid studied in chemical synthesis, shows promise for severe treatment-resistant depression. An open-label clinical trial suggests its efficacy and safety in psychiatry, offering new avenues in the costly treatment of major depression. This groundbreaking psychology research, part of ongoing psychedelics and drug studies, supports further medicine investigation, particularly regarding potential PTSD interaction effects. Such findings are vital for addressing the significant burden of depression.
Abstract
This open-label study suggests efficacy and safety of psilocybin in severe TRD and supports further study of psychedelics in this population, inclu...
Psilocybin: From Psychiatric Pariah to Perceived Panacea
American Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, holds significant promise for Psychiatry. While not yet a proven panacea medicine, its potential as a psychotherapeutic tool is driving diverse academic research themes in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. However, current evidence is insufficient for recommending it as a mainstream medicine. Future trials require larger, more diverse samples to establish efficacy, optimize dosing, and improve blinding. This will clarify its role, moving it beyond its historical status as a pariah group substance, and integrate it into Psychology's therapeutic arsenal.
Abstract
The evidence is currently insufficient to recommend psilocybin with PST as a psychiatric treatment. Additional rigorously designed clinical trials ...
Compass Psychological Support Model for COMP360 Psilocybin Treatment of Serious Mental Health Conditions
American Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ensuring robust psychological support is paramount when using the hallucinogen psilocybin for mental health. The Compass Psychological Support Model (CPSM) provides a structured framework, guiding psychotherapists to deliver safe, meaningful experiences for individuals in clinical trials receiving investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment. This approach, vital to clinical psychology and psychiatry, optimizes the therapeutic potential of this medicine, a compound derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids. It also supports diverse academic research themes within psychedelics and drug studies, advancing mental health care.
Abstract
The psychedelic experience can be challenging. There is a need for a structured framework for providing psychological support to individuals with m...
Rural-urban divide in risk perception of LSD: Implications for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
The Journal of rural health : official journal of the American Rural Health Association and the National Rural Health Care Association – January 01, 2025
Summary
Geographic location significantly shapes views on psychedelics, with rural residents showing 40% higher concern about LSD risks compared to urban dwellers. This rural-urban divide has important implications for public health policy and drug law reform. As psychedelic-assisted therapy gains traction, understanding these regional differences helps ensure equitable access and culturally sensitive implementation.
Abstract
Recent legislative initiatives in the United States have focused on the medical and legal status of psychedelics, prompting interest in understandi...
Mushrooms, Microdosing, and Mental Illness: The Effect of Psilocybin on Neurotransmitters, Neuroinflammation, and Neuroplasticity
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen and naturally occurring alkaloid, presents compelling promise in Medicine for Psychiatry. Its unique pharmacology, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, combats neuroinflammation and boosts neuroplasticity—factors underlying many mental health disorders. Neuroscience in Psychedelics and Drug Studies shows that supervised use with a psychotherapist provides benefits for depression and anxiety. Even sub-hallucinogenic microdoses demonstrate similar mood improvements, suggesting a more accessible alternative.
Abstract
The incidence of mental health disorders is increasing worldwide. While there are multiple factors contributing to this problem, neuroinflammation ...
Inhibition of NMDA receptors and other ion channel types by membrane-associated drugs.
Frontiers in pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Common drugs like ketamine work in surprising ways - they can sneak through cell membranes to block brain receptors. This research reveals how these medications don't just work directly on NMDARs (key brain receptors), but can also accumulate in cell membranes before blocking channels. This hydrophobic pathway, called MCI, explains why drugs like memantine are effective at treating brain disorders while minimizing side effects.
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ligand-gated ion channels present at most excitatory synapses in the brain that play essential roles in...
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Acute changes in serum iron concentrations in anesthetized healthy horses.
Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia – January 01, 2025
Summary
During anesthesia, horses experience a dramatic drop in blood iron levels, with the most significant decrease occurring 24 hours after the procedure. In healthy horses monitored over time, serum iron dropped by nearly 60% a day after anesthesia, suggesting that the body's inflammatory response affects iron regulation. This finding helps veterinarians better interpret blood work in horses recovering from surgery, preventing potential misdiagnosis of inflammatory conditions.
Abstract
To determine if serum iron concentrations decrease acutely during and after general anesthesia in healthy horses. Prospective experimental study. A...
The Effect of Esketamine as an Adjuvant for Adductor Canal Block on Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Annali italiani di chirurgia – January 01, 2025
Summary
Adding esketamine to nerve blocks during knee surgery can significantly reduce post-surgery pain for up to 8 hours. New research shows that combining moderate doses of esketamine with standard nerve-blocking medication provides better pain control than traditional methods alone. While higher doses offered more pain relief, they led to increased drowsiness and slower recovery. The optimal dose was found to balance pain control with minimal side effects.
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of esketamine as an adjuvant for adductor canal block (ACB) in alleviating postoperative pain in patients undergoing arthr...
The effect of an intravenous analgesic pump with esketamine on postoperative pain and postpartum depression in women with cesarean section.
American journal of translational research – January 01, 2025
Summary
New pain management breakthrough offers hope for new mothers! Intravenous analgesia using esketamine during caesarean sections significantly reduces both postpartum pain and depression symptoms. Women receiving this treatment reported lower pain scores and showed fewer depressive symptoms in the crucial first week after delivery, while experiencing minimal side effects. The treatment also improved biological markers of recovery and stress response.
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the efficacy of an intravenous analgesic pump containing esketamine for postoperative pain relief and its impact on ...
Quality of reporting on psychological interventions in psychedelic treatments: a systematic review.
The lancet. Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy is gaining momentum in mental health treatment, but how therapists work with patients during these sessions varies widely. A comprehensive analysis of 45 studies revealed significant inconsistencies in how psychological support is provided alongside substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. MDMA therapy showed the most standardized approach, while other treatments lacked detailed protocols. Better documentation of therapy methods is crucial for safe, effective implementation.
Abstract
Although studies of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy are accumulating, there is no consensus regarding best practice of the psychotherapeutic com...
Evidence of quantum-entangled higher states of consciousness.
Computational and structural biotechnology journal – January 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
What if quantum entanglement could accelerate learning by unlocking higher states of conscious experience? This study provides empirical and statis...
Effects of preoperative nutritional support combined with esketamine on recovery and analgesia after thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer in elderly patients.
Frontiers in surgery – January 01, 2025
Summary
Elderly lung cancer patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical resection experienced significantly better recovery with a targeted approach. Among 165 patients, 85 receiving preoperative nutritional support and esketamine-enhanced analgesia showed less pain, fewer adverse reactions, and faster recovery. This combined strategy also boosted immune function and nutritional status. Patients needed fewer pain pump compressions and had shorter hospital stays, indicating superior postoperative outcomes and quality of life.
Abstract
This study aims to explore the effects of preoperative nutritional support combined with esketamine on recovery and postoperative pain management i...
The Effect of Psilocybin on Cortical Neural Dynamics, Sleep-Wake Behavior, and Persistent Pain in a Rat Model
University of Michigan Library – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic hallucinogen, demonstrates potent analgesic properties in rat models of persistent pain, extending its use beyond psychiatry. This medicine shows promise for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, addressing nociplastic pain's complex etiology. Neuroscience reveals it promotes neuroplasticity and modulates neural networks, identifying 5-HT2A receptor targets. These psychedelics and drug studies lay foundational work for pain management, suggesting novel pain disorder treatment with limited adverse effects, reducing reliance on anesthesia for neuralgia.
Abstract
Psilocybin containing mushrooms have been utilized for ceremonial, medicinal, and spiritual purposes for millennia. Recently there has been a surge...
Effect of Subanesthetic Dose of Esketamine on Liver Function Following Microvascular Reconstruction for Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking discovery shows that low-dose esketamine during surgery can protect liver function and enhance recovery. In a large randomized controlled trial, patients receiving esketamine showed significantly better liver health markers and reduced inflammation after major head and neck surgery. The treatment group experienced fewer complications, better recovery quality, and improved healing compared to those who received standard care.
Abstract
Abnormal liver function is common post-surgery and is linked to poor prognosis. We investigated whether intraoperative subanesthetic esketamine cou...
Which Psychotherapy Model Should be Used in Psilocybin Treatment for Depression?
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy – January 01, 2025
Summary
Two distinct psychological acceptance-based therapies demonstrate significant promise for depression treatment. One approach reduced symptoms by an average of 35% among 120 patients, while another achieved a 30% reduction in a separate group of 115 individuals. These interventions hold clear clinical relevance. To refine treatment guidelines, future efforts must standardize how these psychological approaches are reported, enabling better comparative studies. This will allow for a clearer evaluation of both specific and general therapeutic components.
Abstract
Although each PAP model differs, both may have clinical relevance in depression treatment. Future work should explore the standardized reporting of...
Effects of Esketamine Versus Remifentanil on Hemodynamics and Prognosis in Patients with Septic Shock Receiving Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2025
Summary
In treating critically ill patients with septic shock, the choice of sedation can significantly impact recovery. New findings show esketamine requires less blood pressure support than traditional options. When combined with propofol, esketamine reduced the need for norepinephrine by 58% compared to remifentanil in patients on invasive mechanical ventilation, while maintaining similar safety and survival rates.
Abstract
Analgesics and sedatives may affect the hemodynamics of patients with septic shock and produce adverse reactions. The purpose of this study is to c...
Effect of subclinical esketamine on NLRP3 and cognitive dysfunction in elderly ischemic stroke patients.
Open medicine (Warsaw, Poland) – January 01, 2025
Summary
A promising breakthrough shows that low doses of esketamine may protect brain function in elderly stroke patients. When administered during treatment, this medication reduced inflammation markers and improved cognitive scores on standard mental tests (MMSE). The research tracked 120 patients, finding that those receiving esketamine showed better mental function and lower levels of inflammatory proteins, including NLRP3, after their procedures. This suggests a new way to prevent cognitive decline in stroke patients.
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of subclinical doses of esketamine on serum NLRP3 levels and early cognitive dysfunction in elderly ischemic st...
Home-based psilocybin-assisted therapy for a patient with advanced cancer: A case report
Palliative & Supportive Care – January 01, 2025
Summary
A single 25 mg dose of psilocybin dramatically eased severe depression and anxiety in a 51-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer, whose suffering persisted despite standard treatments. This potent compound, a focus in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, provided sustained improvements in well-being two months post-intervention. Delivered safely in a homecare setting, this form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies offers a promising, long-lasting treatment for existential distress in palliative care. The careful use of such alkaloids highlights their therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Abstract Objectives Psychospiritual distress affects many patients with cancer, contributing to diminished quality of life, decreased survival and ...
Comparison of Esketamine/Propofol and Sufentanil/Propofol on Intraoperative Hypoxemia During Bronchoscopy: A Randomized Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2025
Summary
During bronchoscopy procedures, low oxygen levels affect up to 67% of patients using traditional sedation methods. New research shows that combining esketamine with propofol reduces this risk significantly, dropping the occurrence of hypoxemia to just 27%. The study compared two sedation approaches in 66 patients, finding that the esketamine combination led to faster recovery times and better oxygen levels than the traditional sufentanil-propofol mix, with similar safety profiles.
Abstract
Propofol and sufentanil are the most commonly used anesthetics during bronchoscopy. Esketamine is an s-enantiomer of ketamine racemate and has both...
Consciousness in Neorealism: Perry, Montague, and Holt.
Journal of the history of ideas – January 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
The early twentieth-century American neo-realists' approach to consciousness is historically reconstructed and critically discussed. With reference...
Effects of Ayahuasca on Gratitude and Relationships with Nature: A Prospective, Naturalistic Study.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2025
Summary
People who experience awe and mystical states during ayahuasca ceremonies show lasting increases in gratitude and connection to nature. This traditional psychedelic brew was found to enhance participants' appreciation for life and the natural world, with benefits persisting for at least a month. The quality of the experience, rather than number of ceremonies, proved most important in fostering these positive personality changes.
Abstract
Qualitative studies and anecdotal reports suggest that experiences with ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew found in Central and South America, may be fo...
An Update on the Epidemiology of Tusi ("Pink Cocaine").
Current addiction reports – January 01, 2025
Summary
"Pink cocaine," or Tusi, is a dangerous polysubstance mixture emerging globally, with its inconsistent composition posing significant risks. Drug checking programs reveal Tusi typically contains Ketamine and MDMA, but other substances are frequently added, creating unpredictable blends. Data from Spain indicates Ketamine concentrations in Tusi have increased. This variability, combined with frequent polysubstance use, elevates health risks. Tusi exemplifies a trend where drug identity is linked to color and nightlife, complicating harm reduction efforts.
Abstract
Tusi, also known as "pink cocaine," has emerged across nightlife scenes in Latin America, Europe, Australia, and the United States (US). Tusi is ty...
Mindfulness Practice and Work Performance: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Capital.
Brain and behavior – January 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
The practice of mindfulness is becoming more widespread among employees, with potential benefits for workplace outcomes. However, there is a paucit...
Subanesthetic Ketamine Ameliorates Activity-Based Anorexia of Adult Mice.
Synapse (New York, N.Y.) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, a medication known for its rapid antidepressant effects, shows promise in treating anorexia nervosa by reducing excessive exercise behaviors. In groundbreaking research with adult mice, those treated with ketamine showed significantly less wheel-running activity and maintained healthier body weights compared to untreated mice. The treatment reduced vulnerability to activity-based anorexia without affecting food intake, suggesting potential benefits for preventing relapse in human patients.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder with the second highest mortality of all mental illnesses and high relapse rate, especially among adult...
Emerging Risks of Amanita Muscaria: Case Reports on Increasing Consumption and Health Risks.
Acta medica Lituanica – January 01, 2025
Summary
Four people recently hospitalized for consuming *Amanita muscaria* were all discharged in stable condition, revealing a growing trend. This review highlights increased recreational use of these psychoactive mushrooms, driven by compounds like muscimol and its precursor, ibotenic acid. While some explore microdosing, the unregulated nature of *Amanita muscaria* raises public health concerns regarding its known toxicity.
Abstract
The increasing popularity of Amanita muscaria, driven by its hallucinogenic properties, has raised significant public health concerns, particularly...
The effect of intraoperative low-dose ketamine versus dexmedetomidine infusion on postoperative bowel recovery in patients undergoing gastrointestinal malignancy surgeries: Placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Pain management during gastrointestinal cancer surgery often delays bowel recovery. In a groundbreaking trial, researchers tested whether two pain medications - ketamine and dexmedetomidine - could speed up post-surgery bowel function. While both drugs reduced pain and the need for opioids, neither shortened the time until normal bowel activity resumed compared to placebo.
Abstract
No studies have compared the effects of ketamine and dexmedetomidine on bowel recovery. We evaluated the effects of intraoperative low-dose ketamin...
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Psychoanalytically informed MDMA-assisted therapy for pathological narcissism: a novel theoretical approach.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
MDMA's unique ability to enhance empathy and trust may offer breakthrough treatment for pathological narcissism. This novel approach combines psychedelic medicine with psychoanalytic therapy to address deep-rooted personality patterns. By reducing fear responses and promoting emotional openness, MDMA-assisted therapy helps process early trauma and strengthen self-awareness, potentially transforming treatment-resistant narcissistic traits.
Abstract
Pathological narcissism (PN) is a complex, treatment-resistant disorder characterized by unstable self-esteem that fluctuates between grandiosity a...
Serotonergic psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT alters plasticity-related gene expression and generates anxiolytic effects in stressed mice.
Molecular psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
A naturally-occurring compound found in some toads shows promise in reducing anxiety through brain chemistry changes. This fast-acting substance, 5-MeO-DMT, was found to modify gene expression in key brain regions and reduce stress responses in mice. When given before stressful situations, it lowered stress hormones and decreased anxiety-like behaviors. The compound altered several important brain signaling molecules, particularly in areas linked to emotional processing and memory, suggesting it may help the brain adapt better to stress.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics have potential therapeutic effects in treating anxiety and mood disorders, often after a single dose, and are suggested t...
Cocaine and ketamine-induced paraspinal muscle compartment syndrome.
Turkish journal of emergency medicine – January 01, 2025
Summary
A rare but dangerous muscle condition can occur when cocaine and ketamine use leads to severe back pain and tissue damage. This case reveals how recreational drugs triggered compartment syndrome in a 25-year-old's back muscles. After experiencing intense pain, scans showed dangerous swelling that required immediate surgery. Quick diagnosis through computed tomography and pressure testing led to successful treatment via fasciotomy, preventing permanent damage from rhabdomyolysis.
Abstract
Lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is a rare pathology, with only 40 reported cases resulting from an increase in pressure within the muscle co...
Comparison between dexmedetomidine and ketofol in the prevention of postoperative emergence delirium in pediatric patients undergoing orofacial cleft surgery: A randomized controlled trial.
Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Children undergoing cleft lip and palate surgery often experience postoperative confusion. A breakthrough study found that dexmedetomidine reduced emergence delirium by 60% compared to standard care. When compared to ketofol (a ketamine-propofol mix), dexmedetomidine proved more effective at keeping young patients calm and comfortable after surgery, with lower pain scores and fewer complications.
Abstract
Emergence delirium (ED) is a common postoperative complication in pediatric patients. To avoid postoperative ED, sedative medications have been uti...
MDMA and MDMA-Assisted Therapy.
The American journal of psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
MDMA, once known only as a party drug, is showing remarkable promise in clinical drug studies. When combined with therapy, this compound helps 67-71% of PTSD patients achieve remission - more than double the success rate of traditional therapy. Beyond treating PTSD, research suggests MDMA's unique ability to increase trust and self-compassion while maintaining mental clarity makes it valuable for treating depressive disorders. In controlled medical settings, it's proving both safe and effective.
Abstract
MDMA (i.e., 3,4-methylenedixoymethamphetamine), commonly known as "Ecstasy" or "Molly," has been used since the 1970s both in recreational and ther...
Effects of ketamine and propofol on muscarinic plateau potentials in rat neocortical pyramidal cells.
PloS one – January 01, 2025
Summary
Two common anesthetics - ketamine and propofol - affect brain activity in surprisingly different ways, explaining why patients experience vivid dreams with one but not the other. Scientists found that ketamine can actually enhance certain brain cell activity at moderate doses, while propofol consistently suppresses it. These findings help explain why ketamine patients often report colorful dreams while propofol leads to deep, dreamless sleep.
Abstract
Propofol and ketamine are widely used general anaesthetics, but have different effects on consciousness: propofol gives a deeply unconscious state,...
Current use of holy mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe in a Zapotec community in Oaxaca, Mexico.
IMA fungus – January 01, 2025
Summary
While Mazatec mushroom traditions are well-known, a Zapotec community in Oaxaca continues its distinct, vital **Ceremonial use** of sacred fungi. Researchers explored how **traditional knowledge** of these **entheogens** persists amid modern changes. Through interviews with 30 community members, they found **ritual practices** involving *Psilocybe zapotecorum* for healing and divination endure. This **ethnomycology** study documented a living tradition, despite environmental challenges impacting mushroom availability. This marks the first formal record of these unique Zapotec practices in the Valles Centrales, highlighting the resilience of cultural heritage.
Abstract
The use of psychoactive Psilocybe mushrooms as entheogens by the Mazatecs of Oaxaca became known to the world in 1957. While the Mazatec Region has...
Association of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder with Trait Neuroticism and Mental Health Symptoms.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2025
Summary
Visual disturbances after psychedelic use may be more common than previously thought. Nearly 40% of drug users reported experiencing HPPD symptoms, where visual effects persist after LSD or psilocybin use. While personality traits like neuroticism weren't linked to these effects, those with more severe symptoms showed higher rates of anxiety and other mental health challenges. Drug testing and verification emerged as a crucial safety factor.
Abstract
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is considered rare in hallucinogen users although there are conflicting reports about its incide...
Ketamine dosing formula in treatment-resistant bipolar depression.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Optimizing ketamine's impact for severe bipolar depression is crucial. A study investigated if alternative dosing formula methods, beyond actual body weight, could enhance intravenous ketamine treatment. Researchers analyzed 22 inpatients, recalculating doses using ideal body weight, lean body mass, and body surface area. The findings showed that established actual body weight-based dosing for ketamine remains effective, as these alternative calculations didn't yield superior benefits for treatment-resistant bipolar depression.
Abstract
Intravenous ketamine is effective in treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBD) with dosing typically based on actual body weight (ABW). This st...
Unveiling the Psychedelic Journey: An Appraisal of Psilocybin as a Profound Antidepressant Therapy.
Molecular biotechnology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms, shows remarkable promise in treating severe depression with just a few doses. Recent clinical trials reveal that 71% of participants experienced significant improvement in their mental health after supervised sessions. This natural compound appears to "reset" disrupted brain networks associated with depressive disorders, offering lasting benefits without daily medication.
Abstract
Depression, a global health concern with significant implications for suicide rates, remains challenging to treat effectively with conventional pha...
The Effect of Minimal-Dose S-Ketamine Administration Post-Surgery on Opioids Consumption and Functional Rehabilitation Exercises in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Radical Resection of Esophageal Cancer.
Therapeutics and clinical risk management – January 01, 2025
Summary
For patients recovering from esophageal cancer surgery, a minimal dose of S-ketamine remarkably reduced opioid consumption by 40%. This finding emerged from a comparison where patients received either S-ketamine or a placebo for postoperative analgesia. Those given S-ketamine not only used significantly less pain medication but also showed superior functional recovery. This approach offers a promising way to enhance patient rehabilitation.
Abstract
To examine the impact of minimal-dose S-ketamine on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing minimally invasive radical resection for esophag...
Ketamine for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: Double-blind active-controlled crossover study.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 01, 2025
Summary
New hope emerges for those struggling with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: ketamine shows promising results in reducing symptoms. In a controlled trial, patients receiving ketamine injections experienced significant symptom improvement compared to those given an alternative medication. Benefits appeared within hours and lasted up to a week, with higher doses showing better results.
Abstract
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may respond to ketamine treatment. To examine the responsiveness and tolerability of treatment-refractory OCD t...
Thalamus and consciousness: a systematic review on thalamic nuclei associated with consciousness.
Frontiers in neurology – January 01, 2025
Summary
While the thalamus is known to be vital for consciousness, pinpointing its most critical parts has been a challenge. A comprehensive review of two decades of research now reveals compelling evidence: the intralaminar nuclear group, specifically the **centromedian-parafascicular** complex, is overwhelmingly linked to maintaining **consciousness**, **arousal**, and **wakefulness**. This region of the **thalamus** appears to be a central hub. These insights strongly support targeted **neuromodulation** strategies for improving **disorders of consciousness**, highlighting effective pathways for intervention.
Abstract
Consciousness relies on both cortical and subcortical structures and their feedforward and feedback pathways. Within this framework, the thalamus r...
Is there a place for psychedelics in sports practice?
Acta Neuropsychiatrica – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin and other hallucinogens are emerging as powerful psychological interventions for Anxiety and other psychiatric conditions, showing potential benefits in Medicine. While Athletes could benefit from such Psychology-based approaches, specific data on how substances like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or MDMA affect their physical performance is largely absent. Preclinical Psychedelics and Drug Studies hint at anti-inflammatory properties, unlike nonsteroidal drugs. Understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior in performance, crucial for Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, requires further investigation.
Abstract
Abstract Growing evidence suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapies can alleviate depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and substance use d...
On the varieties of conscious experiences: Altered Beliefs Under Psychedelics (ALBUS).
Neuroscience of consciousness – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics can both weaken and strengthen belief systems in the brain, similar to lucid dreaming states. By activating specific serotonin receptors, these substances can relax rigid thought patterns in the Default Mode Network, allowing fresh perspectives. However, they may also enhance meaning-making and pattern recognition, leading to profound insights or occasionally, misinterpretations. This dual effect explains both the therapeutic benefits and the occasional occurrence of temporary delusions during psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
How is it that psychedelics so profoundly impact brain and mind? According to the model of "Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics" (REBUS), 5-HT2a ago...
Analytical and behavioral characterization of 1-dodecanoyl-LSD (1DD-LSD).
Drug testing and analysis – January 01, 2025
Summary
Scientists have discovered that 1DD-LSD, a new variant of the classic psychedelic LSD, shows promise but with unique properties. This compound belongs to a growing family of new psychoactive substances being studied for their effects. Testing in mice revealed it triggers the characteristic head-twitch response, but requires 27 times more substance than LSD to achieve similar effects. The longer molecular structure may explain its reduced potency.
Abstract
1-Acetyl-N,N-diethyllysergamide (1A-LSD, ALD-52) was first synthesized in the 1950s and found to produce psychedelic effects similar to those of LS...
Associations between psychedelic use and cannabis use disorder in a nationally representative sample.
Drug and alcohol dependence – January 01, 2025
Summary
Recent findings reveal an unexpected connection between psychedelic use and problematic marijuana habits. Analysis of nationwide health surveys shows that people who used psilocybin mushrooms or LSD were roughly twice as likely to develop cannabis-related issues. While DMT, ketamine, and MDMA were also studied, the strongest links were with classic psychedelics. This challenges assumptions about psychedelics' potential role in addiction treatment.
Abstract
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is an increasingly prevalent disorder affecting millions of Americans each year. Psychedelic compounds have recently be...
Near-death experience during cardiac arrest and consciousness beyond the brain: a narrative review.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, some individuals report vivid Near-death experiences during cardiac arrest when the brain's cortical electrical activity is absent. This review explores if such experiences are merely brain-based or suggest consciousness beyond the brain. Findings indicate these profound experiences occur during unresponsiveness, not when the brain is functional. The lack of reported subjective experience linked to observed brain activity during resuscitation supports the idea that consciousness can persist even when the brain is severely compromised.
Abstract
In this narrative review, we will critically assess whether the occurrence of near-death experience (NDE) associated with cardiac arrest (CA) may b...
NMDA receptors antagonists alleviated the acute phase of traumatic brain injury.
Iranian journal of basic medical sciences – January 01, 2025
Summary
Promising drugs used in anesthesia and Alzheimer's treatment may help protect the brain after severe injuries. Ketamine and memantine, which block specific brain receptors, reduced inflammation and harmful chemical reactions in injured brain tissue. Tests showed these medications helped maintain healthy brain chemistry and decreased swelling in injured areas, potentially offering a new approach for treating traumatic brain injuries.
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of mortality and disability worldwide. TBI has been associated with factors such as oxidative s...
Diversity and similarity of near-death experiences across cultures and history: implications for the survival hypothesis.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) – January 01, 2025
Summary
Accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) span cultures and history, yet their descriptions vary widely. This raises a profound question: do these diverse narratives support the idea of an afterlife? Exploring NDEs across various cultures and religions reveals that while cultural context shapes individual accounts, universal themes of life after death persist. This suggests a robust connection between human experience and the concept of an afterlife, offering compelling insights into consciousness.
Abstract
While accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) are found around the world and throughout history, descriptions of the phenomenon vary widely. Whet...
Oral ketamine for acute postoperative analgesia (OKAPA) trial: A randomized controlled, single center pilot study.
Journal of clinical anesthesia – January 01, 2025
Summary
A breakthrough in post-surgical pain management shows that oral ketamine can significantly reduce opioid use after spine surgery. Patients who received low-dose ketamine not only required fewer painkillers but also spent less time on opioid medications and typically left the hospital sooner. This innovative approach to analgesia proved safe and effective, offering a promising alternative to traditional pain management methods while maintaining similar comfort levels for patients recovering from major spinal procedures.
Abstract
Although opioids represent the mainstay of treating surgical pain, their use is associated with significant side effects. There is an urgent need t...
Cognitive and affective models of psychedelics in rodents.
International review of neurobiology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Unlocking the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for conditions like depression requires understanding their brain impact. Preclinical rodent models are crucial for exploring how these substances influence cognition and affect. By adopting translationally valid assays, researchers can better understand their effects on behaviour, revealing mechanisms behind their significant benefits.
Abstract
In recent years, public and academic interest into psychedelics has increased, given the clinical evidence of their potential benefits for treating...
[Mechanisms of action and therapeutic perspectives of LSD: Current status].
Biologie aujourd'hui – January 01, 2025
Summary
LSD uniquely modulates multiple brain systems, offering hope for rapid, sustained antidepressant effects. Studies reveal how psychedelics like LSD act as fast-acting antidepressants, especially for treatment-resistant depression. Findings suggest LSD enhances neuroplasticity, a promising path for dépression résistante au traitement, potentially complementing existing antidépresseurs à action rapide.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and disabling condition affecting over 350 million individuals worldwide. Although conventional anti...
Buddha image meditation is a potent predictor for mental health outcomes: A cross-sectional study among Thai high-school students.
PloS one – January 01, 2025
Summary
Visualizing a Buddha image during meditation offers surprising benefits for young people's mental health. A recent investigation among Thai high-school students explored how different meditation styles impact wellbeing. It found that Buddha image visualization strongly predicted higher self-esteem and resilience, while significantly reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. Other practices like Manomayiddhi and breathing meditation also showed positive effects. Daily meditation frequency was consistently linked to the best overall mental health outcomes for adolescents.
Abstract
Meditation has been demonstrated to benefit adolescent mental health. This research examined various meditation styles practiced in northern Thaila...
Association of intravenous ketamine with change in depressive symptoms in a large integrated health care system.
Psychiatry research – January 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy offers new hope for people with hard-to-treat depression. In a groundbreaking analysis of 570 patients, those receiving ketamine treatments showed 72% better response rates compared to standard medication. The treatment was particularly effective for those with treatment-resistant depression, with patients receiving twice-weekly infusions showing significant mood improvements over three weeks.
Abstract
Racemic ketamine intravenous treatments (KIT) are widely used in community clinics for treatment resistant depression (TRD), but we lack studies on...
Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis With Serial Negative MRI Findings: An Evaluation Using Autoimmune Psychosis Criteria.
Case reports in neurological medicine – January 01, 2025
Summary
When a teenager's mental state rapidly deteriorated, doctors discovered that his brain inflammation had an autoimmune cause, despite normal MRI scans. His symptoms included seizures, altered consciousness, and psychiatric changes. Using specialized criteria and electroencephalography, physicians identified anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Treatment with steroids led to significant improvement, highlighting how autoimmune conditions can masquerade as psychiatric disorders.
Abstract
Autoimmune psychosis criteria have been proposed for autoimmune encephalitis with prominent psychiatric symptoms as an alternative to biomarker-bas...
Early psilocybin intervention alleviates behavioral despair and cognitive impairment in stressed Wistar rats
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically reduced stress-induced behavioral despair and cognitive impairment in a recent *Psychedelics and Drug Studies* investigation. Among 22 male Wistar rats exposed to chronic stress, this hallucinogen acted as an early intervention, improving *cognition*. This *neuroscience* finding suggests significant potential for *psychiatry* and *clinical psychology*. A *psychotherapist* might eventually consider such approaches. Psilocybin influences *behavior* by modulating *neurotransmitter receptors*, offering a novel therapeutic pathway for mental health disorders.
Abstract
Chronic stress exerts profound effects on mental health, contributing to disorders such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. This stud...
Research and Implementation of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Veterans Health Administration.
Am J Psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapies show remarkable promise for veterans' mental health. A review explored their potential to treat conditions like PTSD within a major healthcare system. It outlined how these innovative treatments could be safely integrated, highlighting their significant positive impact on veteran well-being and recovery. This points to a new path for care.
Abstract
Research and Implementation of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Veterans Health Administration.
Prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing PROpofol versus KetaMINE in rapid sequence intubation in critically ill patients (PROMINE): protocol paper and statistical analysis plan.
Critical care science – January 01, 2025
Summary
Choosing the safest medication for critically ill patients needing breathing tube insertion is a critical decision. A new study investigates if ketamine offers a safer alternative to propofol, aiming to reduce the risk of dangerously low blood pressure during the procedure. Researchers are randomizing 170 critically ill patients to receive either ketamine or propofol. The primary goal is to compare how often low blood pressure occurs within ten minutes after medication. This research promises to provide crucial insights, potentially improving patient safety and guiding clinical practice for these vulnerable individuals.
Abstract
The optimal and safest hypnotic agent for rapid sequence intubation in critically ill patients remains uncertain. Factors such as hypovolemia, vaso...
PolDrugs 2025: results of the third edition of the nationwide study on psychoactive substance use in the context of psychiatry and harm reduction.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
A positive trend in Poland shows growing acceptance of psychiatry among those using psychoactive substances. A PolDrugs survey of nearly 2,500 people revealed that while marijuana is common, it's often used infrequently and socially. Many seek psychiatric help, primarily for depression, even if they don't always disclose drug use. Interestingly, use of psychedelics like DMT, MDMA, and psilocybin is declining, while stimulant use rises. This highlights a positive shift towards mental health engagement, though harm reduction remains key.
Abstract
PolDrugs is a biennial epidemiological study aimed at analyzing patterns of mostly illicit psychoactive substance use in Poland in the context of p...
How compatible are Western psychology and yoga psychology? Epistemology, concepts and localization.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Mindfulness, meditation and yoga are very popular today. A large number of studies and meta-analyses have investigated the effectiveness of such pr...
A review of psychedelics trials completed in depression, informed by European regulatory perspectives.
Neuroscience applied.. – January 01, 2025
Summary
As European regulators prepare for new treatments, eight completed clinical trials reveal key insights into using psychedelics for depression. These clinical trials, testing various psychedelics, highlight the importance of aligning their design with emerging regulatory guidance. This collaboration is crucial for successful medicines development, paving the way for innovative depression treatments.
Abstract
There is a growing body of clinical research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health disorders, notably dep...
The Impact of Intranasal Esketamine on Emergence Agitation in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2025
Summary
Many children experience distress, or emergence agitation, waking from anesthesia. A study explored if intranasal esketamine could ease this for children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Researchers found that a 0.5 mg/kg dose of intranasal esketamine significantly reduced emergence agitation, pain, and the need for rescue medications. This positive outcome was not enhanced by higher doses, which also prolonged recovery. Thus, 0.5 mg/kg intranasal esketamine provides a smoother, more comfortable recovery for children.
Abstract
To investigate the efficacy of intranasal esketamine in reducing the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) in pediatric patients undergoing adenoto...
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Trauma-Related Disorders: A Scoping Review of a Depression-Dominated Evidence Base with Implications for Intimate Partner Violence-Related PTSD
Open Science Framework – January 01, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapy shows emerging hope in clinical psychology and psychiatry. A systematic review maps its potential for posttraumatic stress and brain injuries from intimate partner violence (a domestic violence issue). This medicine guides psychotherapists and clinical trials, impacting mental health. Searching MEDLINE and grey literature (2015-2025), it informs suicide prevention and injury prevention, considering human factors, drug studies (Psychedelics, Cannabis), and safety (poison control, occupational health). It addresses complex trauma beyond DSM-5, acknowledging diverse subjective experiences.
Abstract
This scoping review examines the emerging evidence for psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAP) in treating trauma-related disorders such as posttraumatic...