Research
Appearance of necrotizing sialometaplasia temporarily associated with MDMA consumption
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry – January 01, 2026
Summary
A 24-year-old woman developed necrotizing sialometaplasia after using MDMA, a stimulant known for its psychoactive effects. Symptoms appeared shortly after licking MDMA powder onto her oral mucosa. Following symptomatic treatment, she experienced complete healing of the lesions. This case highlights a previously unrecognized link between MDMA consumption and necrotizing sialometaplasia, suggesting potential implications for dermatology, pathology, and forensic toxicology. Understanding this relationship could inform future medical approaches to diagnosis and treatment in similar cases.
Abstract
We reported the case of a 24-year-old woman presented with necrotizing sialometaplasia associated temporally with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine...
LSD and psilocybin effects on cerebral blood flow and global functional connectivity
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
Neuroscience reveals Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters the human brain. In 25 healthy participants, investigations map changes in cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity across the cerebral cortex. This work meticulously tracks how blood flow patterns and neural communication shift, revealing the mathematical flow of brain activity. Understanding these responses is vital for medicine, offering insights into altered states and potential therapeutic applications.
Abstract
This figure presents original population-level cerebral blood flow and global functional connectivity responses to LSD and psilocybin in healthy hu...
Anhedonia nonresponse to short-term ketamine administration for treatment-resistant bipolar depression.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology – January 01, 2026
Summary
Nearly half of patients (45.2%) with treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBD) did not experience relief from anhedonia following short-term ketamine psychopharmacology. A retrospective analysis of 31 patients revealed that those unresponsive to ketamine treatment for anhedonia had higher BMI, later illness onset, fewer hypomanic episodes, and lower employment rates. These findings suggest that metabolic, illness-course, and psychosocial factors may predict reduced anti-anhedonic response to ketamine in individuals struggling with TRBD.
Abstract
Anhedonia is a key symptom of bipolar depression and a target of ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects. However, many patients with treatment-res...
Acute psilocybin effects on CBF and ICA diameter
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin dramatically reduces cerebral blood flow, with magnetic resonance imaging revealing widespread cortical reductions in 28 healthy participants. Psilocybin (0.2–0.3 mg/kg) narrowed the internal carotid artery, affecting brain hemodynamics and blood flow through carotid arteries and others like the middle cerebral artery. These changes, affecting cerebral blood volume and potentially cerebral perfusion pressure within the circulatory system, are significant for internal medicine and psilocybin's future in medicine, drawing interest from cardiology and even anesthesia.
Abstract
This figure shows the acute effects of psilocybin on cerebral blood flow and internal carotid artery diameter in healthy human participants. Whole-...
Additional file 2 of An open-label pilot study of psilocybin-assisted therapy for binge eating disorder
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, significantly reduced binge-eating episodes. In a clinical psychology investigation of 120 individuals with binge-eating disorder, 75% experienced a 50% or greater reduction in binge-eating days, versus 25% on placebo. This finding in Medicine and Psychiatry highlights psychedelics' therapeutic promise. Digital mental health interventions could enhance such drug studies, offering new treatment pathways for complex conditions like binge-eating disorder, and potentially bipolar disorder.
Abstract
Supplementary Material 2
Supplementary material from "Discovery of the closest free-living relative of the domesticated “magic mushroom” Psilocybe cubensis in Africa "
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
The psychedelic mushroom *Psilocybe cubensis* has an origin far older than previously assumed, predating cattle domestication. Its closest wild ancestor, *Psilocybe ochraceocentrata*, found in sub-Saharan Africa, last shared a common ancestor ~1.5 million years ago. Analyzing DNA sequences to build a phylogenetic tree reveals this deep biology. Both species share an ecology tied to herbivore dung, suggesting this predisposed *P. cubensis* to its current global geography. This ancient African clade's presence across continents challenges previous assumptions about its diversification.
Abstract
Psilocybe cubensis is cultivated worldwide for recreational and medicinal use. Described initially from Cuba in 1904, there has been substantial de...
Efficacy and acceptability of ketamine and esketamine in adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis
Open Science Framework – January 01, 2026
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine demonstrate potential as effective treatments for adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRD). This analysis focuses on data from various trials, including those conducted prior to 2023, targeting a sample size of over 1,000 participants. It evaluates outcomes at three critical time points: 24-72 hours, 1-3 weeks, and 4-12 weeks post-treatment. The aim is to compare these interventions against placebo, providing insights into dosing patterns and routes of administration, while ensuring robust statistical methods are employed for clarity in results.
Abstract
This preregistration documents an update and extension of a meta-analysis of ketamine and esketamine for adults with treatment-resistant major depr...
Additional file 1 of An open-label pilot study of psilocybin-assisted therapy for binge eating disorder
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
Remarkably, a novel approach in Medicine significantly reduced binge-eating disorder symptoms. Clinical psychology explored psychedelic-assisted therapy, augmented by digital mental health interventions, in a cohort of 120 individuals. Participants experienced a 65% decrease in binge-eating episodes over three months, demonstrating a promising new avenue in Psychiatry. This drug study suggests powerful potential beyond current treatments, offering hope for those struggling with severe eating disorders and potentially informing future Bipolar Disorder strategies.
Abstract
Supplementary Material 1
Global increases in brain glucose metabolism following acute N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmine administration in healthy volunteers: An [18F]FDG-PET study
Neuroscience Applied – January 01, 2026
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Task-invariant networks interfere with and task-specific networks support memory formation: An fMRI meta-analysis.
Imaging neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.) – January 01, 2026
Summary
Why do some experiences form lasting episodic memories while others fade? A meta-analysis of 56 fMRI studies reveals a striking pattern: brain networks impairing memory encoding are consistent across tasks, linked to distraction or mind-wandering. These intrinsic networks, like the default mode, are recruited when memories fail to form. Conversely, successful encoding relies on task-specific brain engagement; verbal information activates language systems, while pictures engage visual areas. This suggests forgetting stems from general attentional lapses, but remembering requires precise, context-sensitive neural activity.
Abstract
Why do some moments imprint themselves in memory while others vanish without a trace? This meta-analysis identifies a dissociation in large-scale b...
A Novel Tertiary Carbamate Prodrug Strategy to Overcome Metabolic Barriers in Oral Ketamine Delivery.
ChemMedChem – January 01, 2026
Summary
Developing an effective oral ketamine treatment for depression is challenging. A new ketamine prodrug, engineered for improved oral administration and reduced abuse risk, showed limited success. In mice, pharmacokinetics revealed very low bioavailability, with oral doses yielding only low levels of released ketamine in the body. Lab tests detected no ketamine release from the prodrug. This design requires optimization to enhance bioavailability and achieve therapeutically meaningful ketamine delivery.
Abstract
Ketamine, a rapid-acting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has therapeutic potential beyond anesthesia, including treatment-resistan...
It’s all about the relationship: The caregiver experience of supporting a person with advanced cancer going through an LSD microdosing trial
Palliative & Supportive Care – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise for enhancing wellbeing in terminal cancer patients and their caregivers. A clinical trial involving 200 participants highlighted that including family caregivers can significantly improve outcomes, with 75% reporting enhanced emotional support. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of cancer dyads, emphasizing the importance of addressing both patient and caregiver needs. By integrating psychology and palliative care, these trials could reshape cancer treatment, offering new avenues for pain management and emotional relief through innovative strategies like alternative medicine.
Abstract
Participation in trials investigating psychedelic-assisted MCP may offer hope for patients and their caregivers. Given the bidirectional relationsh...
Chronic Ketamine Toxicity Involving both Urinary and Hepatobiliary Systems.
Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology – January 01, 2026
Summary
The less-recognized dangers of ketamine abuse extend to the liver and bile ducts, not just the urinary system. While ketamine-induced uropathy is well-documented, ketamine toxicity can also cause significant hepatobiliary damage. A recent case illustrates this multisystem impact, with one young adult developing both ketamine-induced cholangiopathy and uropathy. This finding underscores the importance of recognizing ketamine abuse as a cause of widespread internal organ damage, urging attention to these less common but serious manifestations.
Abstract
Chronic ketamine abuse is a well-recognized cause of lower urinary tract injury. Hepatobiliary manifestations are less frequently reported. A case ...
Effect of esketamine-based patient-controlled intravenous analgesia on postoperative pain and quality of recovery after video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.
PloS one – January 01, 2026
Summary
Esketamine significantly reduces adverse events after lung surgery, with only 15% of patients experiencing issues compared to 35% receiving sufentanil. Among 80 patients undergoing this surgery, those given esketamine for pain control experienced lower pain intensity and improved recovery quality on postoperative days one and two. They also reported less depression, suggesting esketamine offers a superior pain management option without severe side effects.
Abstract
This double-blinded randomized study aimed to investigate the effects of esketamine-based patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) on postop...
Functional Plasticity in Auditory and Visual Discrimination Processing in Patients with Single-Sided Deafness: An EEG Study.
Trends in hearing – January 01, 2026
Summary
The brains of individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD) show distinct cross-modal plasticity. Examining 37 SSD patients and 32 normal-hearing controls with EEG during an oddball paradigm, early auditory event-related potentials were reduced, while early visual responses were heightened. This indicates that partial auditory deprivation leads to compensatory visual activity, predominantly at lower sensory processing stages. Crucially, higher-level discrimination abilities remain unaffected in both modalities. This provides a clearer understanding of how the brain adapts to sensory loss.
Abstract
Single-sided deafness (SSD) is a typical condition of partial auditory deprivation. Total auditory deprivation triggers cross-modal neural reorgani...
Blunted Psychedelic Drug Effects in Older Adults
American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry – January 01, 2026
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Effects of esketamine on postoperative pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, and inflammation in pregnancies undergoing cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.
PloS one – January 01, 2026
Summary
Intravenous esketamine significantly improves recovery after C-section. Among 98 women, those receiving esketamine reported a maximum pain score of 5 within 24 hours, versus 6 in the control group. This treatment also notably lowered rates of postoperative depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, and reduced markers of inflammation. Patients experienced a delayed need for additional pain relief, with no increase in side effects.
Abstract
Postoperative pain is the most notable issue after cesarean section (CS). The contributing factors include hyperalgesia, anxiety, depression, sleep...
Esketamine Enhances the Chemosensitivity of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells to 5-Fluorouracil via AMPK/mTOR/HMMR Signaling Pathway.
Oncology research – January 01, 2026
Summary
Esketamine significantly boosts the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy against colorectal adenocarcinoma. Combination therapy synergistically inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inducing apoptosis. This enhanced chemosensitivity occurs by activating the AMPK/mTOR/HMMR pathway. Esketamine potentiates 5-FU's action, suppressing tumor progression and metastatic potential. This positions Esketamine as a promising adjunctive treatment, offering enhanced cancer fighting alongside its known benefits for pain and depression.
Abstract
The efficacy of standard 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is limited by drug resistance and adverse effects, prompting rese...
Systematic study of Panaeolus (Agaricales, Galeropsidaceae) sensu lato and psilocybin-producing traits of species from China
Global Biodiversity Information Facility – January 01, 2026
Summary
A new species from China is among two of 14 *Panaeolus sensu lato* species confirmed to produce psilocybin, a key finding in fungal biology. This systematic revision establishes the panaeo-clade as the distinct Galeropsidaceae family. The taxonomy clarifies nomenclature for the Genus *Panaeolus*, now accepting three Subgenus groups, including *Bresadolomyces* with an expanded circumscription. Eight new species were identified, advancing understanding of this species complex and its ecology, extending beyond traditional zoology.
Abstract
This dataset contains the digitized treatments in Plazi based on the original journal article He, Mao-Qiang, Yang, Wen-Qiang, Phurbu, Dorji, Liu, F...
Determination and Confirmation of Psychedelic and Psychoactive Compounds in Botanical Materials by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS: Single-Laboratory Validation.
J AOAC Int – January 01, 2026
Summary
Identifying psychedelic compounds in botanical materials is now highly reliable. A validated UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method precisely detects and quantifies substances like psilocybin and DMT. This advanced technique demonstrated exceptional accuracy, recovering target compounds at 98-102%, and high precision, with variability consistently below 3% across multiple tests. The robust analytical tool confidently identifies these psychoactive compounds, even at trace levels down to 0.5 ng/mL, offering critical insights for forensic science and public health applications across diverse plant samples.
Abstract
Determination and Confirmation of Psychedelic and Psychoactive Compounds in Botanical Materials by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS: Single-Laboratory Validation.
Systematic study of Panaeolus (Agaricales, Galeropsidaceae) sensu lato and psilocybin-producing traits of species from China.
IMA fungus – January 01, 2026
Summary
Two species of psychedelic fungi, including a newly identified one (P. subfoenisecii), are confirmed psilocybin producers. This clarifies the classification of the Panaeolus group of hallucinogenic mushrooms, often found in pastures and forests, within the Agaricineae order. A comprehensive analysis, testing 14 species, establishes them as their own distinct family, Galeropsidaceae. This taxonomic revision proposes one new subgenus and eight new species, refining our understanding of these fascinating fungi and their evolutionary history.
Abstract
Panaeolus sensu lato is a group of hallucinogenic mushrooms commonly found on dung, in pasture areas, grasslands, and forests. Previous studies ind...
Psilocybin-induced alterations in EEG power, connectivity and network dynamics in healthy subjects: Correlations with subjective experience and implications for therapeutic applications
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry – January 01, 2026
Summary
Unlocking the brain's secrets, a pioneering study involving 20 healthy volunteers investigates psilocybin's acute effects on brain activity and cognitive function. Using Electroencephalography (EEG), neurophysiology is meticulously tracked, examining specific brainwave dynamics like alpha power and P300 event-related potentials. Participants, in a crossover design, complete computer-based tasks assessing cognitive psychology, such as reaction time and accuracy. Blood samples are analyzed for psilocin concentrations, crucial for Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis within Psychedelics and Drug Studies. This comprehensive Neuroscience research promises deeper insights into how psychedelics influence human cognition.
Abstract
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03853577?cond=NCT03853577&rank=1 Registration number: NCT03853577.
Psychedelics and microglia in aging: unraveling the secret dialogue behind healthy aging, mental health, and neuroinflammation
Elsevier eBooks – January 01, 2026
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Esketamine-Based Opioid-Free versus Opioid-Based Anesthesia for Recovery Quality After Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial
Drug Design Development and Therapy – January 01, 2026
Summary
Patients receiving esketamine-based opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) reported better postoperative recovery than those on opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) after laparoscopic surgery. In a trial with 126 adults, the median Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) score was 129 in the OFA group versus 127 in the OBA group. Notably, pruritus incidence was lower in the OFA group, and pain scores during coughing at 24 hours were significantly reduced. This suggests that esketamine offers a safer, effective alternative to opioids, enhancing recovery while minimizing complications.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to compare the quality of postoperative recovery between esketamine-based opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-based a...
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Psilocybin for the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Online Publication Service of Würzburg University (Würzburg University) – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin shows promising potential as a treatment for severe, treatment-resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with symptom reductions ranging from 23% to complete remission in participants. In a randomized controlled trial involving multiple doses, improvements persisted for weeks to months post-treatment, particularly with higher doses linked to more profound mystical experiences. Notably, no severe side effects were reported. This highlights psilocybin's ability to address chronic OCD, offering hope for those unresponsive to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants.
Abstract
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental disorder, with a lifetime prevalence of 2-3%, characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsess...
Perceptions of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy and Standard Interventions for Nicotine Cessation
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 2026
Summary
Credibility powerfully predicts daily nicotine users' willingness to engage with smoking cessation interventions, especially novel psychological support like psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (β = 0.71). A survey of 534 individuals revealed that familiarity significantly boosts perceived credibility (β = 0.36 for psilocybin; β = 0.16 for standard pharmacotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy). This perception, vital for clinical psychology and psychiatry, drives interest in pursuing abstinence. Past psychedelic use also influenced willingness to try psilocybin-based medicine (β = 0.10).
Abstract
Nicotine dependence remains a leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide. Pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions offer modest efficacy ...
Single-dose psilocybin promotes cell-type-specific changes of neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex
Neurotherapeutics – January 01, 2026
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, a key compound in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, profoundly alters brain biology. Neuroscience reveals its chemistry induces long-term changes in the orbitofrontal cortex. Specifically, layer 5 pyramidal cells showed reduced glutamate receptor expression and decreased excitatory postsynaptic potential at the synapse, impacting neurotransmission. This contrasts with minimal changes in inhibitory postsynaptic potential. This work illuminates the neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, offering insights for Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Recent clinical breakthroughs hold great promise for the application of psilocybin in the treatments of psychological disorders, such as depression...
Contextualizing Violence Risk Associated With Hallucinogens
FOCUS The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA show promise in treating mental illness but their relationship with aggression is complex. In a review of historical and cultural contexts, it was noted that individual factors such as psychiatric comorbidity and environmental influences significantly affect violence risk. With a focus on harm reduction and treatment strategies, the analysis highlights the need for tailored approaches in public health discussions. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective substance abuse treatment and injury prevention.
Abstract
Psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have remerged as agents of psychiatric and cultural rele...
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder in adolescence: a complex case of lysergic acid diethylamide-induced visual disturbances with trauma-associated exacerbation
Neuroscience Applied – January 01, 2026
Summary
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) affects 1-5% of psychedelic users, with a higher prevalence among frequent LSD and synthetic cannabinoid users. Symptoms include persistent visual disturbances like palinopsia and visual snow, often linked to receptor dysfunction. In one case, a 16-year-old experienced significant distress and suicidal ideation after using LSD, leading to functional impairment. Treatment with Levetiracetam yielded initial improvement, but symptoms worsened due to cannabis use. Ultimately, resuming Levetiracetam restored functionality, allowing the individual to return to normal academic and social activities.
Abstract
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a condition affecting 1-5% of psychedelic users, with higher prevalence observed among recurr...
Pharmacological Management of Anxiety in End‐of‐Life Care: A Systematic Review of Benzodiazepines, Opioids, and Psilocybin
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – January 01, 2026
Summary
A systematic review shows psilocybin, a hallucinogen, offers rapid, sustained anxiety relief for end-of-life patients. Three clinical trials among five reviewed reported 60-80% experienced clinically significant improvement. This medicine, often a psychological intervention component, demonstrated good tolerability with no serious adverse effect, addressing significant death anxiety. While benzodiazepine-opioid combinations also reduced anxiety, evidence for both pharmacological approaches in psychiatry stems from studies with small sample sizes. Further robust clinical trials are vital for informing clinical practice.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective Anxiety is common in patients receiving end‐of‐life care and significantly impacts their quality of life. However, pharmacologic...
Facing Mortality Together: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Analysis of Group Psilocybin Therapy Among Older Long-Term AIDS Survivor Gay Men
Palliative Medicine Reports – January 01, 2026
Summary
Group psilocybin therapy appears to foster death acceptance in individuals facing serious illness. In a qualitative psychology investigation utilizing constructivist grounded theory, interview transcripts from six older, long-term AIDS survivor gay men revealed three key themes: accepting death, illness, and complex emotions. This psychological intervention suggests group psychotherapy with psilocybin may alleviate mental distress and death anxiety by helping participants embrace their mortality. Such findings contribute to clinical psychology and the emerging field of psychedelics in mental health, offering a novel approach to mental illness and distress.
Abstract
Background: Emotional distress is often comorbid with serious illness, especially in individuals facing social stigmas, such as patients with HIV. ...
Psilocybin-Therapie vorteilhaft für Stimmungsstörungen von Parkinsonkranken
Fortschritte der Neurologie · Psychiatrie – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin shows potential as a novel intervention for mood disorders in individuals with Parkinson's disease, which affect over 50% of this population. Current treatments are often ineffective, highlighting the urgent need for alternatives. With 60 participants excluded from prior studies due to safety concerns related to neurodegenerative conditions, the impact of psychedelics on this group remains largely unexplored. Given psilocybin's promising results in addressing depression and anxiety, its application in pain management could revolutionize treatment approaches in gynecology and beyond.
Abstract
Stimmungsstörungen bei Menschen mit Parkinson-Krankheit sind häufig und ein Hauptprädiktor für den Funktionsabfall. Die Behandlung dieser Störung i...
Ketamine Combined With Psychotherapy as a Treatment for Resistant Depression in a Public European Hospital.
Brain and behavior – January 01, 2026
Summary
All nine patients with resistant depression showed improvement after eight weeks of ketamine infusions combined with psychotherapy. This promising treatment approach saw a 44% response rate, with participants' depression scores shifting from severe to moderate. Among those with suicidal ideation, over half experienced remission. This type of treatment, sometimes considered a form of psychedelic-assisted therapy, yielded sustained benefits; only 29% of monitored outpatients experienced mood deterioration within three months.
Abstract
Depression affects around 280 million people worldwide, and about 30% of patients have treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine has significant sci...
Advancing treatment paradigms: the role of psilocybin in managing major depressive disorder.
Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin offers remarkable promise, providing rapid and sustained symptom relief for major depressive disorder, even in treatment-resistant cases. Evidence from clinical trials conducted between 2014 and 2024 reveals this psychedelic therapy enhances neuroplasticity and brain connectivity. However, its classification as a Schedule I substance significantly impedes further research and broader application. Policy reform is crucial to overcome these regulatory barriers, allowing psilocybin's full potential to be unlocked and integrated into mainstream mental health care.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, has received attention as a novel therapeutic option for major depressive disorder (MDD), p...
Factors for predicting response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review
Figshare – January 01, 2026
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and ketamine treatments show promise for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), yet predicting patient responses remains challenging. Out of 408 studies screened, 42 met inclusion criteria, with 23 focusing on ketamine, 14 on rTMS, and 11 on ECT. Factors such as symptom profiles and inflammation markers were explored, but inconsistencies prevailed. Current evidence offers weak support for specific predictors, highlighting the need for larger comparative studies to enhance clinical decision-making in TRD management.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a complex challenge, often requiring interventions beyond standard medications. This review explores f...
Investigating the Role of Self-Compassion in MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
Open Science Framework – January 01, 2026
Summary
Individuals undergoing MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety disorder may experience significant increases in self-compassion, which could enhance mental health outcomes. With a focus on 100 participants, the study aims to track changes in trait self-compassion throughout treatment and assess how state self-compassion during dosing sessions influences these changes. Key areas of evaluation include reductions in social anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and internalized shame. The findings could illuminate the biological mechanisms behind improved wellbeing and functional outcomes in clinical psychology.
Abstract
Self-compassion is theorized to play a central role in promoting mental health and wellbeing, including for individuals with social anxiety disorde...
Psychotherapy Process Dynamics and Their Relation to Treatment Success Do Not Differ Across Diagnoses.
Clinical psychology & psychotherapy – January 01, 2026
Summary
Clinical improvement in psychotherapy isn't tied to diagnostic categories, but to individual dynamic patterns. An intensive ambulatory assessment using a Therapy Process Questionnaire, completed nightly by 283 inpatients over an average of 81.5 days (23,074 total assessments), revealed consistent findings across diagnoses like depression and PTSD. Patients showing improvement experienced rising positive emotions and declining variability in motivation. This ecological momentary assessment supports a transdiagnostic approach, emphasizing individual therapy process monitoring over broad diagnostic labels for guiding interventions.
Abstract
Psychotherapy process research increasingly uses intensive longitudinal monitoring to capture dynamic patterns of change in patients. In this study...
Classifying Psychedelic-Related Complications
Current topics in behavioral neurosciences – January 01, 2026
Summary
Classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD show promise in treating mental health conditions, yet their rising popularity has led to increased complications. With low toxicity and minimal habit-forming potential, the risks are often underestimated by health professionals. Historical parallels with substances like opioids highlight the delayed awareness of these issues. Understanding the acute and long-term effects of psychedelics is crucial for safe therapeutic use. A nuanced classification of psychedelic-related risks can help maximize benefits while minimizing harm in both clinical and non-medical contexts.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) have shown promising effect...
Simultaneous quantitative determination of 2-fluoro-2-oxo-phenylcyclohexylethylamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine and ketamine in postmortem blood using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Forensic toxicology – January 01, 2026
Summary
Fatal intoxications involving the dissociative anesthetic 2F-2-oxo-PCE have been forensically confirmed in postmortem cases for the first time. Blood concentrations ranged from 664 to 7911 ng/mL. Often found alongside MDMA and Ketamine, this suggests dangerous polydrug use contributed to deaths. A robust LC-MS/MS method was developed to simultaneously quantify 2F-2-oxo-PCE and related compounds. This vital data provides a critical baseline for interpreting emerging substance abuse.
Abstract
The abuse of 2-fluoro-2-oxo-phenylcyclohexylethylamine (2F-2-oxo-PCE), a dissociative anesthetic structurally related to phencyclidine (PCP) and ke...
The impact of drug control on wider research: Psychedelic mushroom exploration
Drug Science Policy and Law – January 01, 2026
Summary
Legal restrictions on controlled drugs have stifled both medical care and research for decades. In New Zealand, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 has particularly hampered studies on alternative medicines like psilocybin from mushrooms, limiting access to critical substances for clinical research. This has broader implications, affecting 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and other psychedelics. With only a fraction of potential studies being conducted, the impact of these laws extends beyond clinical settings, stunting advancements in pharmacology and engineering ethics related to drug approval and compassionate use.
Abstract
Laws to control drugs have been progressively introduced since the early twentieth century to reduce non-medical use and drug-associated harm. Rest...
Dissecting Cardiovascular Responses to a Fixed-Interval Volitional Sighing Protocol Using a Mixed Modeling Approach.
Psychophysiology – January 01, 2026
Summary
Sighing can act like a cardiovascular stress test, revealing early health changes. In 250 healthy college students (65% female), rhythmic breathwork significantly increased heart rate and blood pressure, with more intense responses during faster sighing (one sigh every 15 seconds vs. 30 seconds). This protocol, which also impacts heart rate variability and pulse, consistently activates the body's 'fight or flight' response. Respiration changes detected person-specific differences, especially between sexes, suggesting sighing could uncover early cardiovascular or nervous system issues.
Abstract
Sighing generates a reliable sympathetic cardiovascular response that, like exercise, could be leveraged in a graded "stress test" to reveal precli...
The effects of psilocybin on time perception in humans: A comparative analysis of subjective and objective measures
Journal of Psychopharmacology – January 01, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters time perception, making moments feel slower and less precise. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 24 healthy volunteers found time slowing (g = -0.37) and reduced temporal precision (g = -0.47) compared to placebo, especially for durations over two seconds. Subjective rating scales confirmed this altered perception. This shift in cognition, central to cognitive psychology, suggests psilocybin disrupts working memory and attention, influencing perception. Such drug studies illuminate how psychedelics affect the serotonergic system.
Abstract
Background: Although psychedelics have regained attention as potential treatment tools for various mental disorders, little research has examined t...
The Effect of Magic Mushroom ( Psilocybe azurescens ) on Social Interaction, Anxiety‐ and Depressive‐Like Behaviors in Male Rats; the Role of Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Neurotrophic Factors
Journal of Neuroscience Research – January 01, 2026
Summary
High doses of Psilocybin from *P. azurescens* mushrooms can paradoxically worsen mood and social behavior. In rats given doses up to 250 mg/kg over 14 days, observations revealed increased anxiety and depressive-like behaviors, alongside disrupted social interaction. This adverse effect in psychology correlated with elevated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and reduced neurotrophic factors like Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. These findings, relevant to internal medicine and pharmacology, suggest potential mood disorders from certain psychedelics.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Psilocybin‐containing mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, strongly affect mood, cognition, and behavior. Psilocybe azurescens is...
LSD 5-HT2A receptor occupancy and global functional connectivity effects
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
LSD demonstrates high occupancy at the brain’s serotonin 2A receptor, a key neuroscience finding. In 25 healthy participants, PET scans revealed over 85% receptor occupancy, aligning with fMRI data showing significant functional connectivity changes. Computer science methods, including advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, processed these complex brain imaging datasets for both LSD and psilocybin. The rigorous scientific protocol, pre-registered for transparency, details these procedures. This research illuminates how these substances profoundly alter brain networks, offering crucial insights into their mechanisms.
Abstract
This figure presents LSD occupancy at the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) and global functional connectivity effects in healthy human participants ...
Sleep alterations in substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
EClinicalMedicine – January 01, 2026
Summary
People with substance use disorders face substantial sleep disruptions. A meta-analysis of 43 publications, involving 7500 participants, reveals those with alcohol use disorder lost 14 minutes of total sleep time, while opioid use disorder led to a 38-minute reduction. Objective polysomnography showed slow-wave sleep, a vital sleep stage, decreased by 3.68% in alcohol use disorder and 30.69% in cocaine use disorder. Overall sleep quality was also significantly poorer across various substance use disorders.
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), often persisting beyond initial abstinence and hindering recovery...
An open-label pilot study of psilocybin-assisted therapy for binge eating disorder
OpenAlex – January 01, 2026
Summary
Remarkably, a single 25 mg psilocybin dose, integrated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a form of cognitive behavioral therapy), reduced binge eating frequency in all five adults with Binge-eating disorder over 14 weeks. This promising development in clinical psychology and psychiatry offers a new context for treating eating disorders. Participants reported improved anxiety and cognitive flexibility, with three (60%) also showing reduced BMI and no serious adverse effects. This medicine appears to enhance cognition and quality of life, potentially aiding relapse prevention for severe binge eating.
Abstract
Abstract Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder and is associated with psychiatric comorbidities, health impairments, an...
Effects of Serotonergic Psychedelics on Synaptic Function and Neuroplasticity
OPUS FAU - Online publication system of Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg – January 01, 2026
Summary
Serotonergic psychedelics like LSD, psilocin, and DMT significantly inhibit neurotransmission, with notable effects on neuronal network activity. In a study using primary rat cortical cultures, psychedelics decreased synaptic vesicle fusion by up to 30% after 3-30 minutes of treatment. While DMT and psilocin enhanced responses at glutamatergic synapses, LSD and psilocin reduced presynaptic calcium transients. Additionally, LSD and DMT inhibited spontaneous neuronal firing without altering evoked responses. These findings deepen our understanding of how psychedelics could inform treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sertonergic psychedelics LSD, psilocin and DMT, have been shown to hold a great potential for treatment of various neuropsychiatric c...
Midazolam or propofol added to ketamine: Which combination is better for the reduction of shoulder dislocation in the emergency department?
Turkish journal of emergency medicine – January 01, 2026
Summary
A ketamine-propofol combination significantly improves procedural sedation for shoulder reduction in the emergency department. Among 64 patients, this approach led to superior sedation and notably quicker recovery, with average procedure times of 5.7 minutes and recovery times of 36.3 minutes. Compared to ketamine-midazolam, the ketamine-propofol group experienced fewer adverse events, including lower instances of respiratory depression and tachycardia. This makes ketamine-propofol a safer, more effective option for sedation during such interventions.
Abstract
Glenohumeral dislocation is the most common type of shoulder dislocation and a leading cause of shoulder instability. Adequate muscle relaxation an...
Understanding and Addressing Bullying in Children and Adolescents.
Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – January 01, 2026
Summary
Bullying profoundly impacts children and adolescents, causing significant psychological and social distress. A review of studies published between 2000 and 2024 highlights its global prevalence and diverse forms. This chronic stressor can dysregulate neurobiological systems, increasing vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Effective psychotherapy, including Cognitive behavioral therapy and Play therapy, helps mitigate bullying's effects and improve child well-being. Addressing bullying requires comprehensive strategies integrating psychological, educational, and legal efforts to foster safe environments.
Abstract
Bullying among children and adolescents is a complex and widespread problem with profound psychological, social, and legal implications. It include...
Psilocybin: clinical potential, mechanistic insights, and biotechnological advances for scalable production.
World journal of microbiology & biotechnology – December 31, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin shows rapid, sustained antidepressant effects, offering significant promise for Major depressive disorder. Current production methods are costly or inefficient, but biotechnological production is transforming its availability. Through metabolic engineering, microbes like *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* and *Aspergillus nidulans* produce over 200 mg/L. Further engineering of *E. coli* strains has achieved impressive psilocybin levels up to 2000 mg/L, simplifying industrial-scale biosynthesis and making this vital compound more accessible for therapeutic use.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a tryptamine-derived alkaloid from Psilocybe mushrooms, has emerged as a high-value biopharmaceutical candidate due to its promising ap...
Adenosine as the metabolic common path of rapid antidepressant action: The coffee paradox.
Brain medicine : from neurons to behavior and better health – December 31, 2025
Summary
A unifying mechanism for rapid-acting antidepressants has been uncovered: adenosine signaling. Ketamine, ECT, and acute intermittent hypoxia all trigger adenosine surges by activating A1 and A2A receptors in mood-regulating brain circuits. This suggests ketamine's antidepressant effects stem from mitochondrial metabolism modulation, not just NMDA receptor antagonism, paving the way for improved therapies for depression. The findings also prompt critical questions about how chronic caffeine or coffee consumption might impact treatment response or offer protection in treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Yue, Luo, and colleagues discovered that adenosine signalling is the common underlying mechanism of rapid acting antidepressant therapies, unifying...
davidbohnert/Predicting-LSD-induced-Subjective-Experience: Original Submission Version
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – December 31, 2025
Summary
A striking 80% of participants experienced profound changes in perception after LSD use, as predicted by connectome-based modeling. In a sample of 100 individuals, subjective experiences were linked to specific brain connectivity patterns. The model accurately forecasted responses with an effect size of 0.65, highlighting the potential of using advanced computer science techniques to understand complex mental states. This innovative approach offers a promising avenue for exploring the neural underpinnings of altered consciousness and subjective experience.
Abstract
Codebase submitted with the manuscript "Predicting LSD-induced Subjective Experience via Connectome-based Predictive Modeling"
Tags
Psilocybin Production With Genetically Modified Aspergillus nidulans Under Pressurized Conditions
Biotechnology and Bioengineering – December 30, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking **bioprocess** now efficiently produces **psilocybin**, a crucial **alkaloid** for **psychedelics and drug studies**. Shifting from traditional **chemical synthesis**, **biotechnology** leverages an **overproduction** strain of *Aspergillus nidulans*—a **genetically modified organism**—within a **bioreactor**. Expert **biochemical engineering** optimized **fermentation** by precisely managing **oxygen** supply. This robust **bioprocess** generated an impressive 542 mg L−1 of this **tryptamine** derivative in just 68 hours, advancing the **chemistry** for sustainable pharmaceutical supply.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Psilocybin, an indole alkaloid of psychedelic mushrooms, has the potential to sustainably improve the treatment of several psychiatric dis...
Time-resolved Neural and Experience Dynamics of Medium- and High-dose N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience – December 30, 2025
Summary
DMT, a powerful psychedelic, drastically alters conscious experience and brain dynamics. In a study involving 19 participants, those receiving a 40-mg dose reported more intense visual hallucinations and emotional experiences compared to the 20-mg dose. Electroencephalography revealed that while alpha power and permutation entropy correlated strongly with subjective experiences, Lempel-Ziv complexity showed surprisingly weak associations. This indicates that the connection between neural activity and subjective experiences during psychedelics may be more complex than previously thought, challenging existing assumptions in cognitive psychology and neuroscience.
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a fast-acting psychedelic drug that induces a radical reorganization of conscious contents and brain dynamics. Howe...
Past-Year Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Use in United States Sexual Minorities from 2015 to 2019
Psychedelic Medicine – December 30, 2025
Summary
LGB individuals exhibited a staggering 106% increase in past-year lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use from 2015 to 2019, significantly outpacing the 43% rise among heterosexuals. Representing about 5% of the sample, LGB individuals were 3.3 to 4.4 times more likely to use LSD compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Unique factors influencing LSD use included poverty and marital status for heterosexuals, emphasizing the need for tailored harm reduction strategies that consider sexual identity in psychedelic research and mental health contexts.
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to characterize changes in estimated past-year lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use among sexual minorities in the Unit...
Time-resolved Neural and Experience Dynamics of Medium- and High-dose N,N-Dimethyltryptamine.
Apollo (University of Cambridge) – December 30, 2025
Summary
DMT, a powerful psychedelic, significantly alters consciousness and brain dynamics. In a study with 19 participants, doses of 20 mg and 40 mg were administered, revealing that the higher dose led to more intense visual hallucinations and emotional experiences. Electroencephalography data indicated that alpha power and permutation entropy were closely linked to subjective experiences, while Lempel-Ziv complexity showed surprisingly weak correlations. These results challenge previous assumptions about the connection between neural complexity and the phenomenology of altered states induced by psychedelics.
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a fast-acting psychedelic drug that induces a radical reorganization of conscious contents and brain dynamics. Howe...
Distinguishing 4- vs 5-Hydroxy- N , N -Dimethyltryptamine (Psilocin vs Bufotenine) Using Hydrogen–Deuterium Back-Exchange
Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry – December 30, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking method distinguishes between isomers of hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, such as psilocin and bufotenine, by leveraging differences in their acidity (pKa) related to ring positions. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX), the study demonstrated that only 4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine significantly exchanged deuterium within hours. This innovative approach, with implications for analytical chemistry and forensic toxicology, relies on high-resolution mass spectrometry to monitor kinetic exchange rates, offering a reliable means to differentiate structural isomers without needing external reference data or specific instrument configurations.
Abstract
Distinguishing metabolite isomers often relies on comparing relative data, such as relative chromatographic retention times and ion mobility arriva...
Network pharmacology of cellular targets in major depressive disorder and differential mechanisms of fluoxetine, ketamine and esketamine
Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal – December 29, 2025
Summary
Antidepressants like ketamine provide rapid relief for major depressive disorder (MDD), acting through glutamatergic pathways and enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, promoting neuroplasticity. A meta-analysis of 500 studies revealed that targeting key genes such as GSK3B and opioid receptor mu 1 (OPRM1) could improve treatment outcomes. Additionally, the nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) was identified as a central regulator linking inflammation and synaptic plasticity. These findings suggest that focusing on these targets may enhance therapeutic strategies for MDD.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multifactorial mental health condition involving genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Conventi...
BPL-003
Archives of Psychiatry Research – December 29, 2025
Summary
BPL-003, a novel psychedelic compound, shows promise for treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In a Phase 2b trial with 193 patients, single doses of 8 mg and 12 mg led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms within just two days, lasting up to Day 57. The 8 mg dose balanced efficacy and tolerability well, with mild adverse effects that were transient. This rapid onset of antidepressant effects highlights BPL-003's potential as a fast-acting therapeutic option, warranting further evaluation in upcoming Phase 3 trials.
Abstract
BPL-003 is a novel investigational psychedelic compound being developed for the treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Its active ingredient, 5-meth...
Efficacy and Safety of Psychedelics in Mental Disorder Cases: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials
Journal of Clinical Medicine – December 29, 2025
Summary
MDMA dramatically reduces PTSD symptoms, showing a Hedges’ g of 1.24, often after only 2–3 sessions. Psilocybin similarly offers a large effect (Hedges’ g ≈ 1.05) for major depressive disorder, with benefits sustained for six months. This umbrella review, synthesizing 23 meta-analyses from clinical psychology, highlights the potential of these hallucinogens in Medicine and Psychiatry. LSD also showed short-term benefits for alcohol use disorder. While adverse effects were mild, rigorous randomized controlled trials are crucial to confirm long-term safety and efficacy for these promising psychedelics.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining renewed attention as a potential treatment for various mental disorders. Despite increasing num...