Research
Effects of psilocybin on uncertain punishment learning.
Neurobiology of learning and memory – September 01, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin shows promise in treating anxiety by changing how we process reward and risk. New research reveals that this compound affects decision-making differently during initial learning versus after mastering a task. When faced with situations mixing reward and potential punishment, psilocybin made subjects more cautious while learning but more confident after mastering the task, suggesting it helps optimize responses to conflict.
Abstract
Psilocybin may provide a useful treatment for mood disorders including anxiety and depression but its mechanisms of action for these effects are no...
Intellectual Property of Psychedelics for Addiction Treatment: Enabling Access and Protecting Innovation Opportunities Through Preserving the Public Domain.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Recent research has shown potential for psychedelic therapeutics as addiction treatments; however, some academic institutions, commercial entities,...
Exploring perinatal ketamine for postpartum depression following cesarean section: A systematic review.
PCN reports : psychiatry and clinical neurosciences – September 01, 2024
Summary
Promising new evidence suggests that perinatal ketamine could offer relief for new mothers experiencing postpartum depression after cesarean sections. When administered during C-sections, this medication showed significant potential in reducing depression symptoms in most studies. Analysis of multiple clinical trials revealed lower depression scores in mothers who received ketamine compared to those who didn't, offering hope for safer, more effective treatment options.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the use of perinatal ketamine to see if it can be used for the reduction of postpartum depression (PPD) follow...
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...
Emerging Illicit Drug "2C": A Case Report on Its Hallucinogenic and Stimulant Properties.
Cureus – September 01, 2024
Summary
A dangerous new party drug called "2C" combines the effects of multiple substances, creating both hallucinogenic experiences and stimulant effects. Doctors documented a young woman with bipolar disorder who experienced intense visual hallucinations and euphoria after using this emerging drug. Her case reveals how 2C differs from traditional hallucinogenic substances, highlighting the growing challenge of treating patients who use these potent new compounds.
Abstract
"2C," formally known as 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine, is an illicit drug that combines elements of ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine...
Pre-emptive Nebulized Ketamine Versus Lidocaine for Post-tonsillectomy Pain Management in Children: A Comparative Study.
Cureus – September 01, 2024
Summary
Nebulized ketamine shows remarkable promise in managing post-surgical pain in children. When administered before tonsillectomy, this innovative pain management approach reduced the need for rescue analgesia to just 14% of patients, compared to 86% with lidocaine. The nebulization method proved both safe and effective, offering parents a gentler option for their children's surgical recovery.
Abstract
Background Tonsillectomy is associated with significant pain, and postoperative pain control is often unsatisfactory. There have been several metho...
Emerging drugs in phase II and III clinical development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Expert opinion on emerging drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
New hope emerges in the fight against alcohol use disorder as researchers evaluate over 20 promising drugs in clinical trials. While traditional treatments have shown mixed results, several emerging drugs - from repurposed medications to innovative compounds - are showing potential. Some medications already used off-label may soon gain official approval for pharmacological treatment of alcohol addiction.
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses an ongoing significant global health burden. AUD is highly prevalent and affects not only the individuals with AUD...
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...
Purging to Cleanse: A Qualitative Study of Ayahuasca Healing at a Drug Treatment Center in Peru.
Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs – September 01, 2024
Summary
In the Amazon rainforest, traditional healers view therapeutic vomiting as more than just a physical reaction - it's considered a powerful cleansing ritual. At a Peruvian treatment center, healers combine ancient wisdom with modern therapy, using ayahuasca ceremonies to help people overcome addiction. The purging process is seen as releasing both physical and emotional toxins, with practitioners reporting significant therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Ayahuasca, an entheogen from the Amazon rainforest, has garnered growing interest for treating substance dependence. To date, there is little resea...
Refractory CRPS pain treated with psilocybin: A case report
Clinical Case Reports – September 01, 2024
Summary
A single patient with severe, refractory chronic regional pain syndrome experienced significant relief and functional improvement after receiving psilocybin. This powerful hallucinogen, traditionally studied in psychedelics and drug studies, demonstrated its potential as a novel medicine for pain management. Unlike conventional anesthesia, its pharmacology may target different pain mechanisms and treatments. While the placebo effect is always a consideration, this case suggests a promising new avenue for chronic pain, warranting further exploration beyond this individual experience.
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Psilocybin shows promise as a treatment for CRPS, offering significant pain relief and functional improvement in a patient wit...
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 ...
[Psychedelic and dissociative agents in psychiatry: challenges in the treatment].
Der Nervenarzt – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine and psychedelics are emerging as groundbreaking options in mental health care. While ketamine shows remarkable success in treating depression, careful monitoring of side effects and addictive potential remains crucial. Recent approvals in multiple countries highlight growing acceptance, though treatment risks must be balanced against benefits. Current evidence suggests these therapies are safe when properly administered, but study quality varies and protocols need standardization.
Abstract
With the discovery of the antidepressive effects of ketamine and the increasing withdrawal of the pharmaceutical industry from the development of n...
Pretreatment Brain White Matter Integrity Associated With Neuropathic Pain Relief and Changes in Temporal Summation of Pain Following Ketamine.
The journal of pain – September 01, 2024
Summary
Brain structure may predict how well ketamine treats chronic nerve pain. New research shows that the integrity of white matter pathways, particularly in the default mode network and pain control regions like the periaqueductal gray, correlates with how effectively ketamine reduces neuropathic pain and pain sensitivity in patients.
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a prevalent condition often associated with heightened pain responsiveness suggestive of central sensitization. Neuroimagi...
The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics on Reducing Rumination: A Mini-Review.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Rumination is a well-established risk factor for the onset and maintenance of depression and anxiety and is associated with various other forms of ...
EEG signature of near-death-like experiences during syncope-induced periods of unresponsiveness.
NeuroImage – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
During fainting, disconnected consciousness may emerge in the form of dream-like experiences. Characterized by extra-ordinary and mystical features...
Newer Treatments for Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
The Medical clinics of North America – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
For more than 20 years, the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment for depression and anxiety disorders has been serotonin reuptake inhibitors and sel...
Suicide Following a Near-Death Experience.
Crisis – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Background: Sometimes during real or presumed life-threatening and/or near-death circumstances, an individual undergoes an altered state of conscio...
Ketamine and α-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazolepropionic Acid (AMPA) Receptor Potentiation in the Somatosensory Cortex: A Comprehensive Review.
Cureus – September 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine's remarkable effects on brain function go beyond its known anesthetic properties. New findings show it enhances sensory processing in the brain's touch-processing regions by boosting AMPA receptor activity. This dual action - blocking NMDA receptors while strengthening AMPA pathways - creates unique changes in synaptic plasticity, potentially explaining its rapid benefits in treating depression and sensory processing disorders.
Abstract
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic primarily recognized for its antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, has gained significant attent...
Perspectives and preliminary experiences of psychedelics for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic scoping review.
European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Research regarding the therapeutic application of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs) ha...
Effects of meditation on health promoting protective factors of persons with cardiovascular disease-a quasi-experimental pilot study with pre-post comparison.
Cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy – August 31, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study is to determine, in the context of a controlled intervention study, whether the health-promoting personal protective fa...
Intranasal esketamine versus esketamine-dexmedetomidine combination for premedication in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery: a randomized controlled trial.
Translational pediatrics – August 31, 2024
Summary
Easing children's anxiety before surgery can be achieved rapidly with intranasal esketamine. Among 180 preschool children (2-6 years) undergoing surgical preparation, a 2 mg/kg esketamine premedication induced sedation in just 11.4 minutes, significantly faster than esketamine-dexmedetomidine drug combinations (around 18 minutes). While providing quicker preoperative care and pediatric anesthesia, this specific sedative medication regimen led to more gastrointestinal events compared to the combinations. Both approaches offer valuable options for managing sedation.
Abstract
Preoperative fear and anxiety are prevalent in children undergoing surgery. The combination of esketamine and dexmedetomidine has been proposed as ...
A Case Report of Ketamine-induced Hypoglycemia in Treatment Resistance Depression.
Clinical psychopharmacology and neuroscience : the official scientific journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology – August 31, 2024
Summary
While ketamine therapy shows promise for severe depression, a notable case reveals an unexpected side effect: significant drops in blood sugar. A patient with type 1 diabetes experienced multiple hypoglycemic episodes following ketamine treatments, despite having stable blood sugar control for two decades. Though the therapy successfully improved his depressive disorder, this adverse drug event highlights the need for careful monitoring of blood sugar levels during ketamine treatment.
Abstract
Ketamine therapy can reduce the risk of suicide and depression in the treatment resistant patient. Adverse effects of ketamine infusion include blu...
A Multi-Center, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study to Investigate the Early Effectiveness of Esketamine Nasal Spray in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression Using a Mobile Self-Monitoring Application.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – August 30, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking nasal spray treatment shows promise for people who haven't responded to traditional depression medications. Using mobile health technology for self-monitoring, researchers found that esketamine provided rapid relief, with patients reporting improved symptoms just one day after their first dose. The study tracked participants through a smartphone app while they received twice-weekly treatments, revealing significant mood improvements and reduced anxiety within two weeks.
Abstract
This study assesses the early effectiveness of esketamine nasal spray (ESK) in adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) 1 day after the fir...
The effect of mindfulness meditation on depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Scientific reports – August 30, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Currently, 280 million people worldwide experience depression, ranking it third in the global burden of disease. The incidence of depression has ri...
Therapeutic modulation of the kynurenine pathway in severe mental illness and comorbidities: A potential role for serotonergic psychedelics.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – August 30, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Mounting evidence points towards a crucial role of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the altered gut-brain axis (GBA) balance in severe mental illness...
Psychedelic‐assisted therapy for palliative care within a home treatment setting: A case report
Clinical Case Reports – August 30, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) demonstrates feasibility as a safe, home-based psychological intervention for severe existential distress in palliative care. A single patient with throat cancer, experiencing significant anxiety, tolerated this medicine well. This novel approach, integrating natural compound pharmacology with psychotherapist-led counseling, offers a promising avenue in psychiatry. Such interventions from psychedelics and drug studies could transform how we address end-of-life distress, providing comfort where traditional methods fall short. The successful application suggests a new frontier in medicine.
Abstract
Key Clinical Message This case study describes the feasibility and safety of psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT) as a home‐based intervention for a ...
Evaluation of SK-N-SH Cells as a Model for NMDA Receptor Induced Toxicity.
Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology – August 30, 2024
Summary
Rising glutamate levels in the brain can trigger nerve cell death, a process linked to conditions like Alzheimer's. Scientists found that SK-N-SH cells, when exposed to high glutamate concentrations, mirror neurotoxicity patterns seen in the brain. While the common anesthetic ketamine protected these cells by blocking NMDA receptors, more targeted treatments proved less effective.
Abstract
Over the years, the number of patients with neurodegenerative diseases is constantly rising illustrating the need for new neuroprotective drugs. A ...
Ketamine Analgo-sedation for Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Adults: A Rapid Practice Guideline from the Saudi Critical Care Society and the Scandinavian Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine.
Anesthesia and analgesia – August 29, 2024
Summary
New guidelines reveal ketamine, a powerful sedative, may not be the best solo option for critically ill patients on ventilators. Analysis of 26 studies covering 2,800+ patients shows that while ketamine combined with other sedatives might slightly reduce time on ventilation, its benefits as a standalone treatment remain unclear. Healthcare teams are advised to use ketamine as a supplement rather than primary sedative.
Abstract
This Rapid Practice Guideline (RPG) aimed to provide evidence‑based recommendations for ketamine analgo-sedation (monotherapy and adjunct) versus n...
Advancing past ketamine: emerging glutamatergic compounds for the treatment of depression.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience – August 29, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that glutamate, the brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter, holds the key to faster depression treatment. While ketamine opened new doors for rapid-acting antidepressants, scientists have identified several promising NMDA and AMPA receptor-targeting compounds. These new medications could revolutionize MDD treatment by working within hours instead of weeks, offering hope to millions who struggle with severe depression.
Abstract
Changes in glutamatergic neuroplasticity has been proposed as one of the core mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of depression. In consequen...
Ketamine-assisted buprenorphine initiation: a pilot case series.
Addiction science & clinical practice – August 29, 2024
Summary
Low-dose ketamine shows promise in helping people transition to addiction treatment medication more comfortably. When starting buprenorphine treatment, patients often face difficult withdrawal symptoms, especially those using fentanyl or methadone. This innovative approach found that sublingual ketamine helped reduce these symptoms, allowing 67% of participants who tried it to successfully begin buprenorphine treatment, with most reporting minimal discomfort.
Abstract
Many people with opioid use disorder who stand to benefit from buprenorphine treatment are unwilling to initiate it due to experience with or fear ...
Psychedelics, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Employees’ Wellbeing
Journal of Management Inquiry – August 28, 2024
Summary
Breakthroughs in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlight the potential of compounds like psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide for mental health. Nearly 100 companies are developing these substances, which alter perception, for psychedelic-assisted therapy involving a psychotherapist. To improve global mental health, psychology-informed research is vital to assess economic factors, employee well-being, and how to mitigate the stigma surrounding these treatments. This work aims to support successful work participation, a key determinant of mental wellness.
Abstract
There is a psychedelic renaissance with key drugs that alter perception and mood being given breakthrough therapy status as potential treatments fo...
Mushroom poisoning of Panaeolus subbalteatus from Ningxia, northwest China, with species identification and tryptamine detection.
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology – August 28, 2024
Summary
In Northwest China, wild mushroom poisonings led to a breakthrough discovery: The hallucinogenic mushroom P. subbalteatus contains extremely high levels of natural tryptamines. Using advanced mass spectrometry, researchers identified psilocybin and psilocin in mushroom samples after several people experienced symptoms within 30 minutes of consumption. This data helps improve food safety and toxic mushroom identification.
Abstract
Mushroom poisoning is a significant contributor to foodborne disease outbreaks in China. This study focuses on two Panaeolus subbalteatus poisoning...
Anesthetic-like effects of ketamine in C. elegans
bioRxiv Preprint Server – August 28, 2024
Summary
Studying microscopic life often requires temporary stillness, but common methods can be harsh. New findings reveal that ketamine, an anesthetic, gently and reversibly immobilizes tiny worms for observation. Using video and automated tracking, scientists observed that worms treated with ketamine at effective concentrations recovered remarkably well, without showing signs of cellular stress. This offers a significantly safer and more humane approach for research.
Abstract
Transparency of C. elegans enables microscopic in vivo imaging of cellular processes, but immobilization is required due to high locomotor activity...
Can Psychedelic Use Benefit Meditation Practice? Examining Individual, Psychedelic, and Meditation-Related Factors
medRxiv – August 28, 2024
Summary
Many individuals report that psychedelic experiences can profoundly enhance their meditation. A recent investigation explored how personal traits, the psychedelic experience itself, and meditation habits interact to influence this connection. Researchers surveyed meditators with psychedelic experience, finding that specific factors like the intention set before a psychedelic journey and the subsequent integration practices significantly predicted improved meditation benefits, including deeper insights and sustained well-being. The findings suggest that when approached mindfully, psychedelics can positively contribute to deepening one's meditation practice.
Abstract
Can Psychedelic Use Benefit Meditation Practice? Examining Individual, Psychedelic, and Meditation-Related Factors
LSD Modulates Proteins Involved in Cell Proteostasis, Energy Metabolism and Neuroplasticity in Human Cerebral Organoids.
ACS omega – August 27, 2024
Summary
LSD's effects on the brain may extend beyond consciousness alteration - new research shows it influences fundamental cellular processes in lab-grown brain tissue. The drug impacts proteins involved in energy production, cellular maintenance, and the brain's ability to form new connections. These changes could explain how psychedelics potentially help treat mental health conditions.
Abstract
Proteomic analysis of human cerebral organoids may reveal how psychedelics regulate biological processes, shedding light on drug-induced changes in...
Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with esketamine improves early depressive symptoms in patients with postherpetic neuralgia: a single-center retrospective cohort study.
BMC psychiatry – August 27, 2024
Summary
Esketamine shows promise in treating both pain and depression in patients with postherpetic neuralgia, a painful condition following shingles. In a comparison of 83 patients, those receiving esketamine experienced significant improvements in depressive symptoms within the first week of treatment, alongside effective pain relief. The treatment proved especially beneficial for early anxiety and mood symptoms while maintaining strong pain management capabilities.
Abstract
Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) often exhibit depressive-like symptoms, significantly impacting their quality of life. Esketamine, known...
Smartphone swabs as an emerging tool for toxicology testing: a proof-of-concept study in a nightclub.
Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine – August 27, 2024
Summary
Your smartphone may reveal more than just your digital life. A groundbreaking analysis of smartphone surfaces at nightclubs found traces of recreational drugs with 73-97% accuracy. By simply swabbing phones, researchers detected MDMA, cocaine, and cannabis, plus new psychoactive substances. This innovative toxico-epidemiology method could revolutionize drug testing and harm reduction efforts.
Abstract
Smartphones have become everyday objects on which the accumulation of fingerprints is significant. In addition, a large proportion of the populatio...
Safe Ketamine Use and Pregnancy: A Nationwide Survey and Retrospective Review of Informed Consent, Counseling, and Testing Practices.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – August 26, 2024
Summary
Despite ketamine's growing use in psychiatric treatment, only 14% of clinics require contraception and less than half discuss pregnancy risks. A nationwide survey reveals significant gaps in pregnancy screening and counseling at ketamine clinics. While some facilities conduct regular testing, many lack standardized protocols. At academic centers, weekly pregnancy tests are routine, though only 50% of patients report using contraception during treatment. These findings highlight the need for better reproductive health protocols in ketamine therapy.
Abstract
Objective: Ketamine is contraindicated in pregnancy given the lack of knowledge about potential effects on a developing fetus. This study aimed to ...
The phenomenology of psilocybin’s experience mediates subsequent persistent psychological effects independently of sex, previous experience or setting
OpenAlex – August 26, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, safely induces lasting positive psychological effects. A placebo-controlled study of 40 healthy adults showed mostly pleasant altered states of consciousness, via visual analogue scale, with only one unpleasant instance. All experiences resolved positively, supporting its safety for repeated use in clinical psychology and psychiatry. This underscores Psychedelics and Drug Studies, revealing how chemical synthesis and alkaloids influence neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. Such psychology insights inform diverse fields, from developmental psychology to audiology.
Abstract
Abstract Background Recent studies have intensively explored the potential antidepressant effects of psilocybin. However, important variables such ...
A Systematic Review of Participant Diversity in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Trials
OpenAlex – August 25, 2024
Summary
A systematic review of 21 randomized trials (N=1034) reveals a stark lack of diversity in promising psychedelic-assisted therapies. Only 12.2% of participants were Black/African-American and 7.2% Hispanic/Latino, significantly underrepresenting these groups in clinical psychology. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies, involving chemical synthesis of alkaloids influencing neurotransmitter receptors, rarely reported gender identity or sexual orientation (9.5%). This lack of diversity limits generalizability for a psychotherapist, hindering equitable mental health outcomes in psychology.
Abstract
Limited participant diversity in mental health intervention research perpetuates mental health disparities. This issue has become a particularly sa...
LSDDEP2: study protocol for a randomised, double-dummy, triple-blind, active placebo-controlled, parallel groups trial of LSD microdosing in patients with major depressive disorder.
Trials – August 24, 2024
Summary
A groundbreaking trial explores microdosing LSD as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder. This first-of-its-kind randomized controlled trial will test sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics, with participants taking small amounts twice weekly at home. The 8-week study measures mood improvements while carefully monitoring safety and effectiveness through brain activity, blood markers, and sleep patterns.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) poses a significant global health burden with available treatments limited by inconsistent efficacy and notable sid...
Identifying Three Psilocybin Use Patterns by Frequency and Quantity
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs – August 23, 2024
Summary
Use of Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, is remarkably varied outside clinical settings. Research uncovered three distinct user profiles, differing significantly in consumption frequency, quantity, and associated demographics. This understanding is crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, informing how this alkaloid might be developed as a future Medicine. Comprehensive insights into these patterns are essential, even for fields like forensic engineering, ensuring safe practices and preventing adverse events related to its chemical synthesis or use.
Abstract
Psilocybin use in nonclinical settings is heterogeneous. We identified three profiles that differed on frequency and quantity of use and their asso...
Single-Dose Psilocybin Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder: Pharmacokinetics, Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy in an Open-Label Study
OpenAlex – August 23, 2024
Summary
A single 25mg psilocybin dose significantly reduced alcohol consumption in adults with severe alcohol use disorder. Ten participants saw heavy drinking days drop by 37.5 percentage points and daily drinks by 3.4 units over 12 weeks. While pharmacokinetics varied, with peak psilocin concentrations from 14-59 µg/L, this medicine shows promise. Psychedelics, often from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, represent a growing area of pharmacology and drug studies, alongside Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, for treating alcohol and other conditions.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psilocybin, a serotonin 2A receptor agonist with psychedelic properties, shows promise as a novel treatment for alcohol use dis...
The role of psilocybin in depressive disorders
Current Medical Research and Opinion – August 23, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers rapid and lasting antidepressant effects for those battling Major depressive disorder. Reviews across Psychiatry and Clinical psychology highlight its promise in Medicine, particularly for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. This psychedelic, often combined with psychological support, has demonstrated sustained benefits up to 12 months post-treatment. With a favorable safety profile and low abuse potential, psilocybin could be a valuable Complementary and Alternative Medicine option, enhancing current pharmacological agents for severe depression.
Abstract
Depression is a serious psychiatric disorder with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality and psilocybin with psychotherapy has emerged as a pr...
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress: practical considerations for therapeutic application—a review
Annals of Palliative Medicine – August 22, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic medicine, specifically psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, offers a powerful new approach to profound existential distress for patients with life-threatening illnesses. Unlike traditional psychiatry approaches with limited efficacy, this treatment, combining a potent alkaloid with psychotherapist guidance, has led to rapid and sustained reductions in both existential and psychiatric distress. Decades of drug studies, including high-quality clinical trial data, underscore its potential. As interest in psychedelics grows, understanding its application in medicine is crucial.
Abstract
Existential distress is commonly experienced by patients diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. This condition has been shown to adversely impa...
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Entheogens in Postoperative Cognitive Decline and Psychological Resilience
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters – August 21, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin is emerging as a powerful tool in medicine. Patents highlight its potential in psychiatry and psychology to enhance psychological resilience and combat cognitive decline following sedation. For example, early indications suggest a 25% improvement in post-operative cognition and 80% greater psychological resilience. This innovative use of psilocybin, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offers new avenues for psychotherapist practice and drug studies. While distinct from materials science resilience, the focus is human well-being. The profound impact on cognition even touches on altered states, though not directly paranormal experiences.
Abstract
Recent advancements in medical research have focused on the utilization of entheogens, particularly psilocybin and its related compounds, as therap...
Current Trends in Psychedelic Science: Integrating Modified Lysergic Acid Derivatives and Psilocybin in Modern Medicine
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters – August 21, 2024
Summary
Revolutionary advances in psychedelic medicine are unfolding. Novel lysergic acid derivatives, products of sophisticated chemical synthesis and alkaloids, offer modified actions akin to Lysergic acid diethylamide. Innovative psilocybin dosing, guided by gene expression, promises personalized psychiatric care. These developments in hallucinogen drug studies present new strategies for treating conditions like binge eating disorder and enhancing emotional responses. This signals a transformative learning phase in psychology, empowering psychotherapists with precise tools for mental health treatment and personalized medicine.
Abstract
This article explores groundbreaking advancements in psychedelic research, highlighting the development of novel lysergic acid derivatives with mod...
Comparative oral monotherapy of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ayahuasca, and escitalopram for depressive symptoms: systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
BMJ – August 21, 2024
Summary
High-dose psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly outperformed escitalopram for depressive symptoms in a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. This medicine, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, showed a greater effect than 10mg escitalopram (4.66 points) and 20mg (4.69 points). While better than placebo, psilocybin's effect size was small (0.31) when compared to traditional antidepressant trials. Crucially, no severe adverse effect, unlike some psychiatry drugs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Risperidone), was more common than placebo. Such psychedelics and drug studies, including chemical synthesis, are vital for internal medicine.
Abstract
Abstract Objective To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and acceptability of oral monotherapy using psychedelics and escitalopram in patients ...
Pharmacogenomics of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): A Narrative Review of the Literature.
Pharmaceutics – August 20, 2024
Summary
Genetic differences may explain why MDMA affects people differently, with some experiencing stronger therapeutic benefits than others. Research shows that variations in genes controlling MDMA metabolism and brain response influence individual reactions to the drug. Key findings reveal that specific genetic markers affect cognitive performance, cardiovascular response, and mood changes when MDMA is used. Understanding these genetic factors could help optimize therapeutic dosing and safety.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic amphetamine derivative with notable psychoactive properties and emerging therapeutic potent...
Psilocybin, moralization and psychotherapy: a scoping review and a case report
Philosophical Psychology – August 20, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin and other hallucinogens offer a profound shift in psychiatric care. Their therapeutic effect, a key insight for Psychology, Cognitive science, and even Psychoanalysis, is not solely pharmacological but significantly enhances psychotherapy. Integrating these substances with a psychotherapist's guidance, as explored in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, moves beyond historical hype. This diverse academic research, examining chemical synthesis and alkaloids, advocates for rigorous, ethical practice, establishing these treatments as legitimate alternatives for conditions like depression.
Abstract
The resurgence of interest in psychedelic substances for psychiatric treatment has sparked both excitement and scepticism within the scientific com...
A virtual clinical trial of psychedelics to treat patients with disorders of consciousness
OpenAlex – August 19, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking computational psychology models suggest psychedelic compounds could help restore consciousness in patients with disorders like a persistent vegetative state. Using individualized brain models informed by fMRI and DWI data, virtual simulations of LSD and psilocybin administration showed these alkaloids shift brain activity closer to a state conducive to consciousness. This effect was more pronounced in minimally conscious patients. This work provides a computational foundation for future clinical psychology interventions and drug studies exploring psychedelics' potential, offering new hope for complex neurological conditions.
Abstract
Disorders of consciousness (DoC), including the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and the minimally conscious state (MCS), have limited treat...
Effect of esketamine on serum neurotransmitters in patients with postpartum depression: a randomized controlled trial.
BMC anesthesiology – August 19, 2024
Summary
A single dose of esketamine shows promise in treating postpartum depression by boosting key brain chemicals. The treatment increased serotonin, dopamine, and growth factors in new mothers, leading to significant mood improvements within three days. While the effects were temporary, the treatment proved as safe as a placebo and offered quick relief from depressive symptoms.
Abstract
The development of postpartum depression has been linked to fluctuations in the levels of neurotransmitters in the human body, such as 5-hydroxytry...
Plant drugs: Transcending the mescaline biosynthesis.
Current biology : CB – August 19, 2024
Summary
Scientists have decoded how peyote cacti produce mescaline, revealing a complex natural process that transforms simple amino acids into this powerful compound. This breakthrough in understanding plant chemistry opens doors for sustainable production methods, potentially reducing pressure on wild cacti populations while ensuring availability for legitimate medical research.
Abstract
Our knowledge of the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds from plants remains limited. A new study has deciphered the complete metabolic pathway lea...
Psilocybin in the Treatment of Mental Disorders
OpenAlex – August 19, 2024
Summary
A powerful breakthrough is emerging in mental health: psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, offers significant hope for treating six distinct conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. This comprehensive review analyzes its therapeutic effects and mechanisms, crucial for advancing drug studies. It illuminates the ethical and legal landscape surrounding psilocybin, an alkaloid often produced via chemical synthesis. The insights provided are vital for shaping future clinical applications and developing innovative mental health strategies.
Abstract
Psilosibin, klasik bir serotonerjik psikedelik madde olup, depresyon, anksiyete, travma sonrası stres bozukluğu, obsesif kompulsif bozukluk, yeme b...
Comparison between Single-Dose and Two-Dose Psilocybin Administration in the Treatment of Major Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Current Clinical Trials
Brain Sciences – August 18, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, offers significant hope for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 clinical trial studies found this psychological intervention highly effective. Current medicine often fails many, but analyzing 287 screened records, the review confirmed both single and two-dose psilocybin regimens substantially reduced depressive symptoms. While two-dose administration sometimes provided more lasting effects, further clarity on optimal dosing strategies is needed for psychiatry. This represents a compelling advance in mental health treatment.
Abstract
Current pharmacological treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) are often only partially effective, with many patients experiencing no signi...
Combined Effects of Nasal Ketamine and Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Case Series.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) – August 16, 2024
Summary
Nasal ketamine combined with trauma-focused psychotherapy shows promising results for treating stubborn PTSD cases. In this groundbreaking approach, patients received ketamine-assisted therapy over 8 weeks, leading to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression. All participants showed marked improvements in anxiety, emotional regulation, and trauma processing, with benefits lasting beyond treatment completion.
Abstract
This pilot case series investigated the feasibility and efficacy of an eight-week therapy program, combining nasally administered ketamine (0.5 mg/...
Psychedelic use and psychological flexibility: The role of meaningful intention and decentering
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – August 16, 2024
Summary
Meaningful intention and decentering during psychedelic experiences significantly enhance psychological flexibility, a crucial aspect of mental well-being. Data from 114 individuals using classic psychedelics reveal how conscious preparation fosters adaptability, akin to robust **flexibility (engineering)** in mental systems. This **psychology** research offers insights for **psychotherapists**, emphasizing self-awareness and insight, concepts explored in **psychoanalysis**. **Psychedelics and drug studies** demonstrate these substances, by influencing **neurotransmitter receptors**, profoundly reshape behavior. Such findings integrate **social psychology** perspectives on user communities, highlighting the complex interplay of mind and substance.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psychedelic use and its impact on well-being is garnering a lot of research attention, however, little has been done to underst...
Innovative disposable pipette extraction for concurrent analysis of fourteen psychoactive substances in drug users' sweat.
Journal of chromatography. A – August 16, 2024
Summary
Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to detect multiple psychoactive substances in sweat, offering a non-invasive way to monitor drug use. Using innovative DPX-SCX extraction and GC-MS analysis techniques, researchers successfully tested sweat patches from 30 volunteers, detecting various substances including cocaine and MDMA with over 70% accuracy. This efficient approach could revolutionize drug testing in rehabilitation settings.
Abstract
Widespread consumption of drugs of abuse worldwide has caused concern: it adversely affects public health, individual safety, and social structures...
What's next for psychedelics after MDMA rejection?
Science (New York, N.Y.) – August 16, 2024
Summary
Despite a recent setback in MDMA therapy approval, the psychedelic medicine field continues advancing. Major pharmaceutical companies are now exploring alternative compounds and refined treatment protocols for mental health conditions. The focus has shifted to developing more targeted therapies, improved safety profiles, and shorter treatment durations while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Abstract
Lykos's failure to win FDA approval for PTSD therapy may accelerate a strategic shift among its competitors.
Participation of Ca2+-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II in the Antidepressant-Like Effects of Melatonin.
Molecular pharmacology – August 16, 2024
Summary
The sleep hormone melatonin may be a powerful ally in fighting depression through its effects on brain chemistry. New findings show that melatonin activates important proteins in the brain that help regulate mood, memory, and neural connections. People with depression often have lower melatonin levels, but supplementation can boost brain plasticity and enhance the effects of other antidepressants, particularly when combined with ketamine.
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine secreted by the pineal gland during the dark phase of the photoperiod. Its main function...