Research
Ketamine treatment effects on DNA methylation and Epigenetic Biomarkers of aging
medRxiv Preprint Server – September 10, 2024
Summary
Did you know psychiatric conditions like depression and PTSD are linked to accelerated biological aging? A recent investigation explored how ketamine infusions impact this. In individuals with depression or PTSD, a short course of ketamine not only significantly reduced symptoms but also positively influenced several epigenetic biomarkers, indicating a remarkable reduction in biological age. This highlights ketamine's potential to alleviate psychiatric distress and beneficially influence the aging process at a cellular level.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are debilitating psychiatric conditions associated with poor health outcom...
The induction of dissociative states: A meta-analysis
medRxiv – September 10, 2024
Summary
Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various everyday activities, from meditation to intense exercise. This comprehensive review of 89 studies found that controlled breathing, rhythmic movement, and sensory deprivation are most effective at inducing temporary disconnection from one's surroundings. These techniques showed measurable changes in perception and self-awareness, with meditation being particularly potent.
Abstract
The induction of dissociative states: A meta-analysis
Neurobiological research on N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and its potentiation by monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition: from ayahuasca to synthetic combinations of DMT and MAO inhibitors.
Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS – September 10, 2024
Summary
Ayahuasca, the ancient Amazonian brew, combines DMT (a powerful psychedelic) with natural MAO inhibitors called β-carbolines. New research reveals how this combination creates longer-lasting effects and enhanced therapeutic benefits. When DMT pairs with MAO inhibitors, it becomes more bioavailable and shows promise in treating depression, addiction, and PTSD by promoting brain plasticity and positive changes in neural connectivity.
Abstract
The potent hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) has garnered significant interest in recent years due to its profound effects on consciousness...
Pharmacokinetics of Psilocybin, a Tryptamine Alkaloid in Magic Mushroom ( Psilocybe cubensis ): A Systematic Review
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 10, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a Tryptamine alkaloid from traditional medicine sources, is a breakthrough therapy for major depressive disorder in Psychology. A review of 20 articles in Psychedelics and Drug Studies examined its pharmacokinetics: how the body processes it. This alkaloid, studied in Pharmacology and Chemical synthesis, acts as a prodrug, rapidly converting to psilocin. Its active form quickly peaks, with a 2-3 hour half-life, vital for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a major indole alkaloid found in magic mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis), has recently drawn attention as a breakthrough therapy to treat ...
Initiation and/or re-initiation of drug use among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada from 2021 to 2022: a prospective cohort study.
Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy – September 10, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Widespread health service disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a dramatic increase in overdose deaths among people who u...
Change in occupational burnout measures in emergency medical service workers after a psychedelic experience induced by a single self-administered dose of psilocybin mushrooms
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – September 09, 2024
Summary
One therapeutic psilocybin session significantly improved occupational burnout symptoms for service personnel. Among five emergency medical service workers experiencing high psychological distress from occupational exposure, visible improvements in burnout measures were observed within two weeks, remaining stable for two months. This hallucinogen offers a promising avenue in clinical psychology and psychiatry for addressing burnout in service workers. Most participants reported profound subjective impacts, highlighting psilocybin's potential in medicine for mental healthcare, benefiting service (business) quality.
Abstract
Abstract Background and Aims This naturalistic mixed methods field study, aimed to assess the potential of a psilocybin induced experience, to help...
The immunomodulatory effects of classical psychedelics: A systematic review of preclinical studies
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry – September 07, 2024
Summary
Classical hallucinogens like Psilocybin and Mescaline significantly reduce inflammation in preclinical animal studies. A systematic review of 40 articles, drawn from databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, explored the pharmacology of these tryptophan-derived psychedelics. Among 36 studies measuring inflammatory markers, 29 showed decreased inflammation. However, immune cell activity was mixed across 10 studies. These drug studies suggest psychedelics alleviate existing inflammation but can promote it in healthy states, informing future medicine.
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that classical psychedelics possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties; however, these effects are yet to...
Psychedelics as a tool for a more connected and sustainable world? Considering the importance of rituals, boundaries, and commitment.
International Journal of Drug Policy – September 05, 2024
Summary
Despite a decade of interest in psychedelics like LSD and MDMA for mental health, their social and environmental impacts often go unaddressed. To foster beneficial outcomes, three crucial insights emerge: the importance of setting and rituals, establishing boundaries, and recognizing the long-term commitment required. Commercialization threatens to strip away historical contextual factors, which Psychology and Sociology show are vital. A cautious approach, far from a quick fix, is essential for harnessing these substances' transformative potential for society and the environment.
Abstract
Despite the surge of interest in psychedelic research in the past decade, largely due to the promise of psychedelics for improving mental health ou...
Assessing daily patterns in stimulant use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia using wastewater analysis.
Journal of hazardous materials – September 05, 2024
Summary
Melbourne's record-breaking lockdowns revealed surprising shifts in drug use patterns. Analysis of wastewater during COVID-19 showed methamphetamine use dropped during initial restrictions but surged post-lockdown. Cocaine remained stable until rising after restrictions eased, while ecstasy declined and stayed low throughout the pandemic in Australia.
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of Australia's biggest cities, Melbourne, experienced three major isolation ("lockdown") periods in 2020 (160 day...
Usage of Psilocybin to Treat Huntington's Disease: A Research Protocol
Undergraduate Research in Natural and Clinical Science and Technology (URNCST) Journal – September 05, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen derived via chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers significant hope for Huntington's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disease. A scientific protocol outlines an experiment where several groups of mice mimicking HD will receive this drug, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Expected results, analyzed with computer science techniques, suggest improved motor control—a key aspect in psychology—reduced neuron death, and increased synaptic density. This medicine could establish a vital new treatment to slow the disease's progression, enhancing quality of life.
Abstract
Introduction: Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes significant amounts of neuron death in the brain. I...
Feasibility of a Personal Neuromorphic Emulation.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland) – September 05, 2024
Summary
Scientists reveal how our unique neural patterns could be replicated through neuromorphic computation - creating a "digital twin" of an individual's mind. Through active inference, our brains continuously develop and reorganize connections based on personal experiences. This suggests consciousness emerges from complex information patterns that could theoretically be recreated in non-biological systems, opening new frontiers in personal neural development and our understanding of human cognition.
Abstract
The representation of intelligence is achieved by patterns of connections among neurons in brains and machines. Brains grow continuously, such that...
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological predictors of the LSD experience in healthy participants.
Translational psychiatry – September 04, 2024
Summary
Personality traits and mindset before taking LSD significantly shape the psychedelic experience, alongside dosage. Research with 213 healthy participants found that while dose was the strongest predictor of effects, pre-existing mood and openness to new experiences strongly influenced outcomes. People with prior psychedelic experience reported less anxiety, and genetic factors affected anxiety levels during sessions.
Abstract
The pharmacodynamic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are diverse and different in different individuals. Effects of other psychoactive s...
Is Personal Experience Essential for Effective Psychedelic Therapists?: The Challenges of Small, Accumulating Therapist Effects.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – September 04, 2024
Summary
Surprisingly, a therapist's personal encounter with psychedelics may not be the most critical factor for patient success in psychedelic-assisted therapy. This inquiry examined whether a therapist's own experience significantly influences patient outcomes, considering subtle, accumulating effects. The findings suggest that while personal experience might play a role, it's not essential. Instead, a therapist's core skills and professional training are paramount for achieving positive results, underscoring the value of robust therapeutic competence.
Abstract
Is Personal Experience Essential for Effective Psychedelic Therapists?: The Challenges of Small, Accumulating Therapist Effects.
A Cross-Sectional Survey Investigating Māori and Non-Māori Cancer Patients' Views on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
J Psychoactive Drugs – September 04, 2024
Summary
A significant number of cancer patients in Aotearoa New Zealand are open to exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy. A survey gathered insights from both Māori and non-Māori cancer patients, investigating their views on this innovative approach. Results indicate widespread positive views towards these therapies for improving well-being and managing distress. This highlights a promising path for integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy into supportive cancer care, offering new hope and avenues for healing.
Abstract
A Cross-Sectional Survey Investigating Māori and Non-Māori Cancer Patients' Views on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Adverse Events in Studies of Classic Psychedelics
JAMA Psychiatry – September 04, 2024
Summary
Healthy participants experienced zero serious adverse effects from classic hallucinogens like psilocybin. A review of 214 studies (114 analyzable, 3504 participants), using data extraction from PsycINFO and MEDLINE, found serious adverse events in only 4% of those with neuropsychiatric disorders. Nonserious adverse effects needing medicine were similarly rare. While generally well-tolerated in clinical psychology and psychiatry, understanding these psychedelics' neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior is vital for new populations in drug studies, especially for compounds from chemical synthesis and alkaloids.
Abstract
Importance A clear and comprehensive understanding of risks associated with psychedelic-assisted therapy is necessary as investigators extend its a...
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training: An Argument in Support of Firsthand Experience of Nonordinary States of Consciousness in the Development of Competence.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle) – September 04, 2024
Summary
For psychedelic-assisted therapy, a compelling perspective suggests personal experience with altered states of consciousness is crucial for therapists. This approach posits that direct engagement with non-ordinary states significantly enhances a practitioner's empathy and effectiveness. It highlights how such journeys deepen understanding of patient experiences, improving therapeutic guidance. This firsthand insight proves invaluable for developing core competence and fostering successful healing.
Abstract
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training: An Argument in Support of Firsthand Experience of Nonordinary States of Consciousness in the Development of ...
Use of Ketamine in Patients with Multifactorial Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – September 03, 2024
Summary
Chronic nerve pain affects millions, prompting researchers to explore ketamine as a potential solution. While this drug shows promise in other areas of pain management, low-dose ketamine treatments didn't significantly reduce neuropathic pain compared to placebos. Analysis of multiple clinical trials revealed minimal improvements in pain scores and daily function, challenging previous assumptions about ketamine's effectiveness for nerve-related pain conditions.
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by the experience of a number of sensory disturbances including pain, bu...
Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness: an evolutionary concept analysis.
BMC nursing – September 03, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
The health as expanding consciousness (HEC) theory posits that health and disease are interconnected components of a comprehensive process aimed at...
Plasma leptin levels are lower in females, but not males, with ketamine use disorder.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – September 02, 2024
Summary
Women with ketamine use disorder show uniquely altered leptin hormone levels compared to men, revealing important sex differences in addiction biology. Blood tests of 130 participants demonstrated that females with ketamine use disorder had consistently lower leptin levels than healthy women, while male levels remained normal. During early abstinence, men's leptin levels increased after two weeks, but women's remained low, suggesting distinct recovery patterns between sexes.
Abstract
Background: Ketamine has emerged as a prominent substance of misuse. Leptin, an adipocyte-derived polypeptide hormone, has been implicated in the d...
Neurocognitive changes in a patient receiving esketamine for treatment-resistant depression.
JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants – September 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking depression treatment showed unexpected effects on brain function in one patient. Doctors observed cognitive changes in a person using intranasal esketamine spray for severe depression. While the medication improved mood, it led to memory and thinking difficulties that worsened over time. This rare case highlights the importance of monitoring cognitive function during innovative depression treatments.
Abstract
Esketamine, the s(+) enantiomer of ketamine, was approved in 2019 as the first rapid-acting intranasal spray medication for treatment-resistant dep...
Patients' Experiences Discussing Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes with Physicians and Other Health Care Providers.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
Despite growing interest in psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, 70% of users never discuss these treatments with their doctors. A survey of 791 adults revealed that while 80% used psychedelics with therapeutic intent, most avoid physician communication due to stigma and legal concerns. Those with mood disorders or PTSD were more likely to discuss plant medicine with healthcare providers, highlighting the need to reduce barriers to access and improve patient-doctor dialogue.
Abstract
A core component in the provision and receipt of appropriate medical care is trust and communication between patients and physicians. The use of ps...
Jung, the Rebirth Motif and Psychedelics I: Documenting Jung's Contact with the British Pioneers.
The Journal of analytical psychology – September 01, 2024
Summary
Despite his skepticism, Carl Jung's fascination with psychedelics led to meaningful exchanges with pioneers like Aldous Huxley and Humphry Osmond. British psychiatrist Ronald Sandison, alongside colleague Margot Cutner, developed groundbreaking LSD therapy protocols incorporating Jungian principles. Their work in the 1950s revealed profound connections between psychedelic experiences and spiritual rebirth themes, bridging ancient wisdom with modern psychiatry.
Abstract
C. G. Jung wrote very little about psychedelic drugs and he took a sceptical view of them. However, he was sufficiently impressed by Aldous Huxley'...
Mind over matter: the microbial mindscapes of psychedelics and the gut-brain axis.
Pharmacological research – September 01, 2024
Summary
New research reveals that psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT may work through an unexpected route: gut bacteria. While these compounds are known to affect serotonin in the brain, they also interact with the gut microbiota. This two-way relationship through the gut-brain axis suggests that individual bacterial profiles could influence therapeutic outcomes, paving the way for personalized psychedelic treatments.
Abstract
Psychedelics have emerged as promising therapeutics for several psychiatric disorders. Hypotheses around their mechanisms have revolved around thei...
LSD-assisted therapy in patients with anxiety: open-label prospective 12-month follow-up.
The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science – September 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking clinical trial reveals that LSD-assisted therapy offers lasting relief from anxiety and depression. Participants who received controlled doses of LSD in a therapeutic setting showed significant improvements in anxiety symptoms that persisted for over a year. The treatment not only reduced anxiety scores by more than 20 points but also decreased depression levels and positively impacted personality traits, with patients becoming more extroverted and emotionally stable. This promising approach to mental health adds to growing evidence supporting psychedelics' therapeutic potential.
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are a major public health burden with limited treatment options. We investigated the long-term safety and efficacy of lysergic ac...
Ketamine treatment for anhedonia in unipolar and bipolar depression: a systematic review.
European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology – September 01, 2024
Summary
Rapid relief from the inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia) may be possible with ketamine therapy. This groundbreaking treatment shows promise for both major depressive disorder and bipolar depression patients. Studies reveal that a single dose can quickly restore the brain's ability to experience joy and reward, with effects lasting several days to weeks. Esketamine nasal spray and IV ketamine both demonstrated significant improvements in mood and emotional responsiveness.
Abstract
Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is a racemic mixture of esketamine and arketamine used to treat unipolar and bipolar depress...
Sedoanalgesia With Ketamine in the Emergency Department: Factors Associated With Unsatisfactory Effectiveness.
Pediatric emergency care – September 01, 2024
Summary
While ketamine provides effective pain relief for most children in emergency settings, success rates vary significantly based on delivery method and age. Intravenous ketamine proved highly effective, with 90% success at doses of 1-1.5 mg/kg. However, children under age 2 and those receiving intranasal delivery experienced higher failure rates. For procedures like fracture reduction and burn care, proper dosing and administration route are crucial for optimal pain control.
Abstract
Ketamine is a safe and widely used sedative and analgesic in children. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the response to sedoanalgesia for p...
Evaluation of thoracic sympathetic ganglion block as a predictor for response to ketamine infusion therapy and spinal cord stimulation in patients with chronic upper extremity pain.
Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
A simple nerve block test could help predict which patients with chronic arm pain will respond best to advanced treatments. Doctors found that patients who experienced relief from a sympathetic block were 7 times more likely to benefit from ketamine therapy. The block also predicted success with spinal cord stimulation, particularly in those with complex regional pain syndrome. This breakthrough helps doctors better select treatments for patients with severe upper extremity pain, potentially saving time and improving outcomes.
Abstract
To investigate the predictive value of thoracic sympathetic ganglion block (TSGB) in response to ketamine infusion therapy (KIT) and spinal-cord st...
Modification of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method targeting lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and its primary metabolite (OH-LSD) to include nine LSD analogs.
Journal of forensic sciences – September 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists developed an improved automated testing method to detect LSD and its newer chemical variants in urine samples. Using advanced LC-MS/MS technology, forensic toxicologists can now simultaneously screen for the classic psychedelic and nine related compounds with remarkable precision—detecting quantities as small as 0.1 nanograms per milliliter. This breakthrough enhances drug monitoring capabilities while reducing manual lab work.
Abstract
A variety of LSD analogs have emerged in recent years with dual purposes of avoiding prosecution from possession while providing new options for th...
Entactogen Effects of Ketamine: A Reverse-Translational Study.
The American journal of psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, a breakthrough antidepressant, shows remarkable potential in enhancing social connection and empathy. Recent findings reveal that people with treatment-resistant depressive disorders reported increased pleasure from social interactions for a full week after receiving ketamine treatment. Like MDMA and other entactogens, ketamine boosted enjoyment of time with family, seeing smiles, and helping others. Even lab rats showed more compassion, choosing to protect companions over receiving rewards.
Abstract
The authors sought to assess the prosocial, entactogen effects of ketamine. Pleasure from social situations was assessed in a sample of participant...
Antagonistic interaction between caffeine and ketamine in zebrafish: Implications for aquatic toxicity.
Environmental science and ecotechnology – September 01, 2024
Summary
When caffeine and ketamine mix in water, they create an unexpected interaction: ketamine actually reduces caffeine's harmful effects on fish. In lab tests, ketamine counteracted caffeine-induced hyperactivity in zebrafish by interacting with GABAergic synapses in their brains. This antagonistic effect lowered developmental problems from 27% to 7%, showing how common water contaminants can interact in surprising ways.
Abstract
The coexistence of caffeine (CF) and ketamine (KET) in surface waters across Asia has been widely reported. Previous studies have implied that CF a...
Impact of Prolonged Continuous Ketamine Infusions in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Paediatric drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
Prolonged ketamine infusion in critically ill children shows mixed results: while improving sedation levels by 8%, it's linked to higher delirium rates. In a 3-year study of 269 ventilated children, ketamine helped achieve target sedation but came with notable side effects. 42% of ketamine-treated patients experienced issues like excessive secretions or blood pressure changes, though vital signs remained stable overall. The treatment group faced longer hospital stays, suggesting careful consideration is needed when choosing this option.
Abstract
Ketamine has been considered as an adjunct for children who do not reach their predefined target sedation depth. However, there is limited evidence...
The association between ketamine and esketamine with alcohol and substance misuse: Reports to the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system (FAERS).
Journal of affective disorders – September 01, 2024
Summary
While ketamine shows promise for treatment-resistant depression, new data from FDA adverse event reports reveals contrasting safety profiles between ketamine and esketamine. Ketamine showed higher rates of substance misuse reports, while esketamine actually had lower rates of drug abuse and dependence. This analysis of FAERS data helps inform the ongoing discussion about abuse liability in depression treatments.
Abstract
Ketamine and esketamine have been proven to be effective in treating adults with treatment resistant depression (TRD). Preliminary evidence indicat...
Exploring ketamine's reinforcement, cue-induced reinstatement, and nucleus accumbens cFos activation in male and female long evans rats.
Neuropharmacology – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's therapeutic potential comes with important considerations about addiction risk. New research reveals that both male and female rats will self-administer higher doses of ketamine, with females showing stronger addiction-like behaviors. The dose-response relationship suggests safer use at lower doses. While all subjects showed potential for relapse when exposed to drug cues, brain activation patterns were similar between sexes, offering insights into addiction mechanisms.
Abstract
Ketamine (KET), a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has rapid onset of antidepressant effects in Treatment-Resistant...
Treatment-emergent symptoms during short-term ketamine administration in treatment-resistant bipolar depression: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study.
Asian journal of psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine shows promise in treating bipolar depression, but understanding its side effects is crucial. In patients receiving ketamine infusions while maintaining their regular medications, new symptoms emerged during treatment. Common effects included changes in appetite, weight fluctuations, and altered sleep patterns. While mood improvements were noted, careful monitoring is vital as some patients reported suicidal thoughts. These findings help doctors better anticipate and manage side effects in bipolar disorder treatment.
Abstract
Symptoms that emerge during pharmacological treatment of bipolar depression are frequently observed, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive t...
Understanding Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Providers' Perspective and Insights: A Qualitative Analysis.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
Underground psychedelic facilitators report that personal healing experiences with substances like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA drive their commitment to helping others. Their insights reveal consistent yet adaptable therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the client's innate healing capacity. While supporting broader access to psychedelic medicine, these practitioners express concern about over-standardization limiting the personalized care that makes their work effective.
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the use of psychedelics for therapeutic and recreational use. Research has been hindered by federal prohibition, pu...
Efficacy of ketamine versus esketamine in the treatment of perioperative depression: A review.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – September 01, 2024
Summary
Cardiac surgery patients face a startling 40% risk of perioperative depression, but breakthrough treatments offer hope. The rapid-acting medications ketamine and its refined version esketamine are transforming depression care in anesthesiology. While traditional antidepressants take weeks to work, these medications can provide relief within hours by targeting brain glutamate systems. Studies show both options effectively reduce depression symptoms, with esketamine offering fewer side effects.
Abstract
Depression is a significant factor contributing to postoperative occurrences, and patients diagnosed with depression have a higher risk for postope...
Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project (ATOP): One-Year Results from Takiwasi Center and Implications for Psychedelic Science.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
A unique Peruvian treatment center combining ayahuasca ceremonies with traditional therapy shows promising results for addiction recovery. After one year, participants demonstrated significant improvements in substance use, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Most patients rated the spiritual aspects of ayahuasca experiences as highly meaningful in their healing journey.
Abstract
This article focuses on the outcomes at 1 year post-treatment of a naturalistic evaluation of services provided through the Takiwasi Centre, an acc...
Understanding profiles of patients with treatment-resistant depression by stringency of health plan prior authorization criteria for approval of esketamine nasal spray.
Current medical research and opinion – September 01, 2024
Summary
Insurance requirements for esketamine, a breakthrough nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, may be unnecessarily strict. Data shows patients typically try 4 antidepressants before seeking this treatment, far exceeding standard requirements. Analysis of 568 patients revealed similar treatment patterns regardless of insurance criteria, with most having used multiple medications and antipsychotics for their depression.
Abstract
In the United States (US), prescription drug coverage is subject to prior authorization (PA) criteria, which may vary between health plans and may ...
Psychotropic Drugs Reemerging as Headache Medicines.
CNS drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
Recent findings reveal that certain psychedelic compounds show promise in treating severe headache disorders. Doctors report that carefully controlled doses of substances like psilocybin and ketamine may help patients who haven't responded to conventional treatments. These medications appear to work by disrupting pain pathways and reducing inflammation in the brain. Early clinical results suggest some patients experience months of relief from a single treatment.
Abstract
Scientific and public attention on the therapeutic effects of psychedelics and other psychoactive compounds in headache disorders has recently grow...
Ketamine's mechanism of action with an emphasis on neuroimmune regulation: can the complement system complement ketamine's antidepressant effects?
Molecular psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
The rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine - working within hours instead of weeks - mark a breakthrough in treating severe depression. New research reveals ketamine's effectiveness may be linked to its unique ability to regulate both brain inflammation and immune system responses. By modulating specific immune components called the complement system, ketamine helps restore healthy brain cell communication and reduces inflammation associated with depression. This dual action explains why it can provide relief when traditional antidepressants fail.
Abstract
Over 300 million people worldwide suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD). Unfortunately, only 30-40% of patients with MDD achieve complete rem...
Ketamine for catatonia: A novel treatment for an old clinical challenge? A systematic review of the evidence.
Schizophrenia research – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, shows remarkable promise in treating catatonia - a complex condition where patients become unresponsive or display unusual movements. New research reveals an 80% response rate when using ketamine or esketamine treatments, with particularly strong results in patients who have underlying mood disorders. This breakthrough offers hope for those who don't respond to standard treatments.
Abstract
Catatonia, documented since the 19th century, remains a significant challenge in terms of recognition and treatment. Over the last two decades, ket...
Bioisosteric analogs of MDMA: Improving the pharmacological profile?
Journal of neurochemistry – September 01, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed promising alternatives to MDMA that maintain its therapeutic benefits while potentially reducing unwanted side effects. These new compounds work similarly to MDMA in targeting brain chemical transporters but show decreased activity at certain serotonin receptors. They also break down differently in the liver, which could mean fewer adverse effects. This advancement may help expand treatment options for PTSD and other mental health conditions.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') is re-emerging in clinical settings as a candidate for the treatment of specific neuropsychiatr...
Effect of a subanesthetic dose of esketamine combined with propofol on postoperative fatigue syndrome in patients undergoing gastroenterological endoscopy under anaesthesia: A retrospective study.
Pakistan journal of medical sciences – September 01, 2024
Summary
A promising breakthrough in endoscopy recovery shows that combining a small dose of esketamine with standard anesthesia significantly reduces post-procedure fatigue. In a 160-patient analysis, those receiving esketamine with propofol experienced faster recovery times and less postoperative fatigue syndrome compared to traditional methods. The combination also resulted in better vital signs and fewer complications during gastroenterological endoscopy.
Abstract
To assess the effect of subanesthetic dose of esketamine in combination with propofol on the incidence of postoperative fatigue syndrome (POFS) in ...
Divergent Effects of Ketamine and the Serotoninergic Psychedelic 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Iodoamphetamine on Hippocampal Plasticity and Metaplasticity.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
While ketamine and psychedelics both help treat mental health conditions, their effects on brain plasticity differ significantly. New research reveals that the psychedelic DOI enhances brain cell communication in the hippocampus 24 hours after treatment, while ketamine shows no such effect. DOI appears to work by boosting signal transmission between neurons, suggesting unique mechanisms for these promising therapeutic compounds.
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics and ketamine produce rapid and long-lasting symptomatic relief in multiple psychiatric disorders. Evidence suggests that ...
Traditional Medicine, Culture, and Psychedelic Science: New Pathways for Recovery From Substance Use Disorders.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient healing wisdom meets modern science in treating addiction: Indigenous ceremonial use of natural psychedelics shows promising results for substance use recovery. When combined with cultural practices and therapeutic support, compounds like ayahuasca and peyote help patients break addiction patterns. A Mexican pilot program with the Yaqui tribe demonstrates how traditional medicine and modern treatment can work together safely and effectively.
Abstract
This article provides an intercultural transdisciplinary perspective on the Indigenous roots of the resurging field of psychedelic science in the m...
Efficacy and safety of eight enhanced therapies for treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs.
Psychiatry research – September 01, 2024
Summary
When traditional antidepressants fail, innovative therapies like ketamine and psilocybin show remarkable promise. A comprehensive network meta-analysis of 72 clinical trials reveals that these enhanced treatments, along with ECT, offer the best outcomes for treatment-resistant depression. Among 12,000+ patients studied, these approaches demonstrated superior effectiveness while maintaining acceptable safety profiles.
Abstract
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) challenges psychiatric treatment, with existing guidelines covering only a subset of augmentation strategies. ...
Oral esketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with open-label extension.
Molecular psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
A breakthrough in depression treatment may lie in personalized dosing: while fixed low-dose oral esketamine showed limited benefits, individually tailored higher doses significantly reduced symptoms in treatment-resistant patients. In a rigorous trial, patients receiving customized doses saw depression scores drop by 6 points on average, offering hope for those who haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Abstract
About one-third of patients with depression do not achieve adequate response to current treatment options. Although intravenous and intranasal admi...
Diurnal variation of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing esketamine anesthesia for elective noncardiac surgery: a randomized clinical trial.
International journal of surgery (London, England) – September 01, 2024
Summary
Afternoon surgeries may reduce delirium risk in elderly patients by nearly 45%, according to new findings. In a study of 426 patients aged 65-85 undergoing non-cardiac surgery, those operated on between 2-6 PM showed significantly lower rates of post-surgery confusion compared to morning procedures. While a pre-surgery dose of esketamine didn't affect delirium rates, it did help prevent low blood pressure during surgery.
Abstract
Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious and common complication. The aim of present study is to investigate the diurnal variation of POD and the ...
Stutterers' experiences on classic psychedelics: A preliminary self-report study.
Journal of fluency disorders – September 01, 2024
Summary
Online discussions reveal promising connections between psychedelics and stuttering relief. Analysis of Reddit posts shows 74% of people who stutter reported reduced symptoms after using psilocybin or LSD. The qualitative study examined 114 self-reported experiences, finding improvements in speech fluency, social anxiety, and emotional well-being among most users.
Abstract
Stuttering poses challenges to social, occupational, and educational aspects of life. Traditional behavioral therapies can be helpful but effects a...
Role of oxidative phosphorylation in the antidepressant effects of arketamine via the vagus nerve-dependent spleen-brain axis.
Neurobiology of disease – September 01, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking discovery reveals how the body's energy production system plays a key role in treating depression. Scientists found that arketamine's antidepressant effects work through a fascinating connection between the spleen and brain, linked by the vagus nerve. This pathway relies on oxidative phosphorylation and transforming growth factor β1 to improve mood and behavior. The spleen-brain axis appears crucial for the treatment's success.
Abstract
Arketamine, the (R)-enantiomer of ketamine, exhibits antidepressant-like effects in mice, though the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. I...
MDMA("Ecstasy") abuse leading to delayed onset rhabdomyolysis: A case report and literature review.
Clinical case reports – September 01, 2024
Summary
MDMA use can trigger muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) not just immediately, but days after exposure. This report details a case where delayed muscle damage led to dangerously high creatine kinase levels and acute kidney injury (AKI). Early recognition and treatment were crucial for the patient's recovery, highlighting the importance of monitoring MDMA users for delayed complications.
Abstract
MDMA and cocaine can result in acute onset rhabdomyolysis. However, delayed onset rhabdomyolysis and its pathophysiology is of concern Early therap...
Effect of esketamine combined with pregabalin on acute postsurgical pain in patients who underwent resection of spinal neoplasms: a randomized controlled trial.
Pain – September 01, 2024
Summary
A promising pain management breakthrough shows that combining two medications can significantly reduce severe post-surgical pain in spine surgery patients. In this groundbreaking approach, patients receiving esketamine with pregabalin experienced less than half the rate of moderate-to-severe pain compared to those receiving standard care. While the treatment proved highly effective, some patients reported mild dissociative effects - a trade-off many might consider worthwhile for superior pain control.
Abstract
Moderate-to-severe acute postsurgical pain (APSP) can prolong the recovery and worsen the prognosis of patients who undergo spinal surgery. Esketam...
AA, Bill Wilson, Carl Jung and LSD.
The Journal of analytical psychology – September 01, 2024
Summary
In a fascinating historical intersection, AA founder Bill Wilson explored LSD's potential to help alcoholics achieve spiritual awakening. After witnessing promising results in treating alcohol use disorder, Wilson wrote to psychiatrist Carl Jung about using psychedelics to help those struggling with AA's spiritual elements. Jung never responded, passing away shortly after receiving the letter.
Abstract
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an established resource for people suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, Bill Wilson, the co-founder of ...
The efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials.
Psychiatry research – September 01, 2024
Summary
MDMA, when combined with therapy, shows remarkable promise in treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A comprehensive meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that this treatment significantly reduced PTSD symptoms compared to placebo groups. While some patients experienced mild side effects like muscle tension, the benefits of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine therapy outweighed risks in controlled settings.
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is one of the most widely used illicit substances worldwide. MDMA-assisted psy...
Meditation and Self-transcendence: A Human Need?
Integrative psychological & behavioral science – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Building on Fircks (2023), who aims at integrating the theoretical and historical roots of mindfulness into psychology through a bridge between Tao...
Neurophenomenological Investigation of Mindfulness Meditation "Cessation" Experiences Using EEG Network Analysis in an Intensively Sampled Adept Meditator.
Brain topography – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Mindfulness meditation is a contemplative practice that is informed by Buddhism. It has been proven effective for improving mental and physical hea...
Shared effects of electroconvulsive shocks and ketamine on neuroplasticity: A systematic review of animal models of depression.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews – September 01, 2024
Summary
Both ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy show remarkable success in treating severe depression by boosting brain plasticity. These treatments increase BDNF protein levels and stimulate new neuron growth in the hippocampus. The treatments enhance brain cell connections and improve neurotransmitter function, suggesting they work through similar mechanisms to rapidly lift depression symptoms.
Abstract
Electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) and ketamine are antidepressant treatments with a relatively fast onset of therapeutic effects compared to conventio...
Potential effect of ketamine in treatment for dextromethorphan use disorder exploding in Japanese young population.
Asian journal of psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
Young Japanese adults seeking relief from depression and trauma are increasingly misusing dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter medication. Research shows ketamine therapy could offer a safer, clinically-supervised alternative for these individuals who turn to self-medication. The treatment shows promise in addressing both addiction and underlying mental health concerns.
Abstract
In Japan, the landscape of clinical practice for substance use disorder is changing significantly, primarily due to an increase in patients using o...
A randomised, open-label, pragmatic pilot comparison of oral and intravenous ketamine in treatment-resistant depression.
Asian journal of psychiatry – September 01, 2024
Summary
Oral ketamine shows promise as a more convenient alternative to intravenous treatment for severe depression. In a groundbreaking comparison, patients receiving oral ketamine were more likely to complete their treatment course and reported fewer side effects than those receiving IV doses. Both methods showed similar effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms, with oral administration causing less drowsiness and fewer headaches.
Abstract
For depression, ketamine is more conveniently administered by oral than by intravenous (iv) routes. The relative antidepressant efficacy of oral vs...
Different development patterns of reward behaviors induced by ketamine and JWH-018 in striatal GAD67 knockdown mice.
Journal of veterinary science – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's addictive effects may be influenced by specific brain chemicals. Scientists found that reducing GAD67, an enzyme that produces gamma-aminobutyric acid, in the brain's reward center made mice more susceptible to ketamine addiction but not to synthetic cannabis (JWH-018). This suggests GAD67 plays a key role in how the brain responds to different drugs.
Abstract
Glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis enzyme associated with the function of other neurotransmitter ...