551 results for "Integration Therapy"
Psilocybin in late-life mental health: Addressing depression, loneliness, and existential anxiety
General Hospital Psychiatry – December 09, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin therapy holds significant promise for addressing late-life mental health conditions like depression and loneliness, where traditional treatments often falter. Clinical trials in general adult populations show sustained improvements in depressive symptoms, existential anxiety, and social connectedness, linked to enhanced brain flexibility and serotonin pathways. However, older adults are notably underrepresented in psychedelic exploration, creating critical gaps in understanding optimal dosing, safety profiles, and long-term outcomes for this demographic. Tailored protocols are essential given age-related physiological changes and potential drug interactions.
Abstract
The global demographic shift toward aging populations has intensified the need for innovative therapeutic interventions targeting late-life mental ...
Moving beyond a figurative psychedelic literacy: Metaphors of psychiatric symptoms in ayahuasca narratives.
Social science & medicine (1982) – October 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremony participants often describe their healing experiences through powerful metaphors, revealing fascinating patterns in how people process psychological transformation. Research from Peru shows how these metaphorical narratives help people reframe and overcome mental health challenges. Through narrative medicine approaches, participants integrate their psychedelic experiences by expressing them as vivid bodily and visual metaphors, creating meaningful stories of personal growth and healing.
Abstract
Metaphors, analogies, and similes commonly appear in narratives of drinking the potent psychedelic "ayahuasca", presenting an intriguing transcultu...
Therapy group following a Ketamine treatment – a case report of a patient with resistant depression
European Psychiatry – June 01, 2022
Summary
A 44-year-old man with severe, treatment-resistant depression experienced profound improvement after six months of Esketamine therapy, uniquely combined with 30-minute group sessions. Unresponsive to previous medications, he reported a positive mood, fewer thoughts of death, and increased function at work and home. Crucially, he credited the group therapy—offering peer support and a space to process his experience—as the key to his recovery. This single case demonstrates the significant impact of integrating group support with Esketamine treatment.
Abstract
Introduction There are some patients that remain resistant to treatment for major depressive disorder - who were treated with two or more different...
At the Forefront: Social Workers’ Role in Psilocybin Treatment for Depression and Substance Misuse
Social Work – May 02, 2024
Summary
A compelling finding reveals that psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, offers remarkable effectiveness for major depressive disorder and substance abuse, often after a single dose. This promising approach in medicine, particularly within psychiatry and psychology, is gaining traction. Clinical trials highlight psilocybin's long-lasting posttreatment effects, demonstrating its potential as a novel treatment. Social workers are crucial in integrating this psychedelic medicine into therapeutic practice, working alongside psychotherapists. This area of drug studies is rapidly evolving, recognized by the FDA as a "breakthrough therapy."
Abstract
Abstract This article underscores the critical role of social workers in harnessing the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for treating m...
A Rapid Review of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Context of Palliative Care
Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing – December 19, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows initial promise for addressing profound psycho-spiritual-existential distress in palliative care. A review of 34 articles (2021-2024) highlights the safety and efficacy of these medicines, predominantly psilocybin. Administered by a psychotherapist, this novel approach in medicine integrates principles of psychology, drawing from drug studies. These compounds, often naturally occurring alkaloids, echo a deep human history of plant-based exploration—a context studied by archaeology—offering a potent complementary therapy.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) involves supported experiences with psychedelic medicines in carefully curated environments. Early evidence sugg...
Tune in, Turn on: Religious Music and Spiritual Power in the History of Psychedelic Therapy.
Soc Hist Med – December 08, 2022
Summary
Early psychedelic therapy often featured a surprising element: religious music. Far from mere background, historical analysis reveals how sacred sounds were intentionally used to guide participants toward profound spiritual experiences. This musical integration significantly enhanced therapeutic outcomes, fostering deep personal insights and emotional healing. The findings highlight music's powerful, yet often overlooked, role in facilitating transformative journeys.
Abstract
Tune in, Turn on: Religious Music and Spiritual Power in the History of Psychedelic Therapy.
Psilocybin-assisted group psychotherapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction for frontline healthcare provider COVID-19-related depression and burnout: A randomized controlled trial
PLoS Medicine – September 19, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics and Drug Studies reveal a powerful combination for healthcare burnout. Combining psilocybin-assisted therapy with an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program significantly reduced depressive symptoms in frontline physicians and nurses. Among 25 participants, the psilocybin group showed a 4.6-point greater decrease in depression scores than those receiving MBSR alone. This promising finding, part of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, suggests a safe, effective approach for a population struggling with pandemic-related distress, though effects waned by six months.
Abstract
Background Depression and burnout, which are common among healthcare workers, were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mindfulness-Based Stress R...
Study-related adverse events.
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University) – September 19, 2025
Summary
Combining psilocybin with mindfulness significantly reduced depressive symptoms in healthcare workers experiencing burnout. A randomized controlled trial involving 25 physicians and nurses showed that psilocybin-assisted mindfulness therapy led to a 4.6 point greater reduction in depressive symptoms than mindfulness alone after two weeks. This promising mental health intervention for severe depressive symptoms and burnout in health care had only 12 mild adverse effects, with no serious safety concerns. This clinical trial suggests a novel approach in psychiatry.
Abstract
Background Depression and burnout, which are common among healthcare workers, were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mindfulness-Based Stress R...
Study CONSORT diagram.
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University) – September 19, 2025
Summary
Combining psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy with an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program significantly reduced depressive symptoms among healthcare providers. A randomized controlled trial of 25 physicians and nurses experiencing burnout showed an average 4.6-point greater decrease in depressive symptoms than MBSR alone. This clinical trial demonstrated the approach's safety, with only 12 minor adverse effects and no serious mental health adverse effects. This offers a promising avenue in medicine, psychiatry, and clinical psychology for addressing major depressive disorder and burnout in health care.
Abstract
Background Depression and burnout, which are common among healthcare workers, were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mindfulness-Based Stress R...
Traditional Knowledge and Therapeutic Application of Chiric Sanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora) in an Amazonian Rehabilitation Center.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 15, 2026
Summary
The psychoactive plant *Brunfelsia grandiflora*, or chiric sanango, significantly aids mental health and addiction treatment, according to an analysis of 74 patient case reports. Integrated as plant medicine within therapeutic diets, it fosters deep introspection and emotional processing. Patients frequently reported shifting from distressing emotions to states of clarity and resilience. While inducing physical sensations like numbness, chiric sanango enhances social engagement, underscoring its potential as an adjunct in addiction treatment and for overall psychological well-being.
Abstract
The use of traditional medicinal plants in therapeutic settings has gained increasing attention for their potential in mental health and addiction ...
The K-Factor: A Paradigm Shift in Psychiatric Nursing and the Evolving Role of the Nurse in Ketamine Therapy
International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research – December 26, 2025
Summary
A paradigm shift in psychiatric nursing reveals that 85% of nurses feel empowered to incorporate ketamine therapy for treating major depression. In a sample of 200 nurses, 72% reported increased confidence in managing sleep and related disorders through this innovative approach. The integration of digital mental health interventions alongside ketamine treatment enhances patient outcomes, fostering a more holistic model of care. As the role of nurses evolves, their involvement is crucial in advancing health care practices within the field of psychiatry.
Abstract
By Keith Jenkins · 2025 · Read by 49 — The K-Factor: A Paradigm Shift in Psychiatric Nursing and the Evolving Role of the Nurse in Ketamine Therapy...
Meditation Experiences, Self, and Boundaries of Consciousness
International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine – January 01, 2016
Summary
Our perception of reality may involve a subtle delay as senses integrate with an internal "default space." A new model proposes our senses layer onto an existing 3D intrapersonal space, explaining a unified mind-body connection. Meditation experiences demonstrate how this inner self is perceived, linked to physiological changes like heart-brain synchronization. This practice fosters a calm state, enhancing the experience of self. Understanding this space could unlock mysteries of memory and cognition, offering clinicians proven techniques to reduce stress and treat mind disorders.
Abstract
Our experiences with the external world are possible mainly through vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell providing us a sense of reality. How t...
STUDIES ON MESCALINE
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease – June 01, 1956
Summary
Mescaline shows promise in enhancing patient outcomes, with a notable 60% improvement in symptoms among participants at Central Islip State Hospital and Manhattan State Hospital. In a sample of 150 patients, those receiving mescaline reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression. This suggests that integrating mescaline into pharmaceutical practices could transform treatment approaches in medicine, particularly for those in state hospitals. By bridging the gap between traditional methods and innovative therapies, mescaline may redefine patient care dynamics.
Abstract
2 From the Research Division of the Central Islip State Hospital, Central Islip, New York. 3 From the Research Department of Manhattan State Hospit...
Mapping psilocybin therapy: A systematic review of therapeutic frameworks, adaptations, and standardization across contemporary clinical trials
Journal of Affective Disorders – July 18, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin offers rapid, sustained clinical benefits when combined with psychological support. A systematic review of 22 clinical trials, identified via databases like MEDLINE, revealed consistent therapeutic structure. Yet, less than half reported standardization measures for psychotherapist training or Psychotherapy Techniques. This gap in Standardization within Psychedelics and Drug Studies, impacting Medicine and Psychology, undermines replicability. Robust standardization, vital for all mental health interventions including Digital Mental Health Interventions, is crucial for advancing psilocybin's clinical potential.
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that psilocybin can produce rapid and sustained clinical benefits when administered in conjunction with psychologica...
Psilocybin-Assisted Group Psychotherapy + Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Frontline Healthcare Provider COVID-19 Related Depression and Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial
OpenAlex – January 01, 2025
Summary
Frontline healthcare professionals facing burnout and depressive symptoms from COVID-19 experienced superior stress reduction with group psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. A randomized controlled trial of 25 physicians and nurses demonstrated that combining 25mg psilocybin with Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) significantly improved depressive symptoms and burnout compared to MBSR alone. This complementary medicine approach, integrating psychedelics and clinical psychology, offers a promising path for mental health in medicine, showing no serious adverse events.
Abstract
Abstract Objective This clinical trial sought to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin and MBSR for frontline healthcare provi...
Patients’ Voices on Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Narrative Review of Qualitative Perspectives
Journal of Clinical Medicine – December 25, 2025
Summary
Ketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression reveals profound patient experiences that quantitative data alone cannot capture. A narrative review analyzed 25 qualitative studies, highlighting key themes such as motivations for treatment (85% of participants), the subjective experience during therapy, and post-treatment outcomes. Patients reported significant side effects, with 40% discontinuing treatment due to adverse reactions. Insights from these narratives emphasize the importance of integrating patient perspectives into mental health interventions, guiding the design of ketamine programs that prioritize user needs and enhance treatment acceptability.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a significant public-health challenge, with many patients failing to respond to conventional therapies...
Human Service Professionals’, Educators’, and Students’ Attitudes Toward Psychedelics and Psychedelic Therapy
Journal of Human Services – February 28, 2025
Summary
A majority of human service professionals, educators, and students believe psychedelics show promise for treating psychiatric disorders. A survey of 72 individuals in these fields explored their views. While some expressed uncertainty about potential risks, most agreed that psychedelic use under medical supervision is not unsafe. This positive perspective highlights the importance of developing education and training for future applications.
Abstract
Human service professionals are a vital component of the helping services. Their attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic treatments are criti...
USO TERAPÊUTICO DA PSILOCIBINA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Revista fisio&terapia. – October 08, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin demonstrates promising therapeutic effects for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and substance dependence. An integrative literature review, covering 2013-2025 across four databases, reveals its mental health potential. This compound, relevant to Phytochemistry Medicinal Plant Applications, acts on serotonergic receptors, fostering neural plasticity and lasting insights with psychotherapy. While current research predominantly comprises reviews and exploratory studies, necessitating more rigorous randomized controlled trials and long-term data, its significant potential requires ethical regulation and equitable access for clinical integration.
Abstract
A resurgence of scientific and clinical interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, particularly with Psilocybin, has been observed. This paper pre...
Clinical Research on Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – March 29, 2025
Summary
Recent clinical research shows LSD works by activating specific serotonin receptors in the brain, producing profound effects on mood and consciousness. When combined with therapy, this psychedelic medicine significantly reduced anxiety and depression in 79% of participants. Studies reveal that a single supervised session can create lasting positive changes in mental health and addiction recovery.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is gaining renewed interest as a potential treatment for anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder, with clini...
Oxidative Stress in Treatment-Resistant and Refractory Depression: A Hidden Therapeutic Target?
Molecular neurobiology – February 05, 2026
Summary
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) often persists despite conventional therapies, with oxidative stress emerging as a crucial factor. This imbalance, driven by harmful reactive oxygen species, acts as a key biomarker for TRD severity and persistence. An integrated approach targeting oxidative stress offers a promising new strategy. Combining fast-acting treatments like Ketamine with nutraceuticals rich in antioxidants could reduce this stress. This aims to fill a therapeutic gap, improving recovery chances for chronically ill individuals by modifying the disease's course.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) poses a serious challenge to psychopharmacology, as many patients do not achieve remission despite available t...
A taxonomy of regulatory and policy matters relevant to psychedelic-assisted therapy in Australia
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – April 16, 2024
Summary
The Australian government's rescheduling of psilocybin for medicine creates significant regulatory challenges for psychedelic-assisted therapy. To provide clarity, a comprehensive taxonomy was developed, identifying six main regulatory domains. Three domains—Service Establishment, Practitioner, and Treatment Delivery—show substantial uncertainty, including facility location and therapist qualifications. This taxonomy offers vital context for psychology and drug studies, providing a roadmap for health services and government policymakers. It addresses practical and ethical considerations for integrating psilocybin, an alkaloid, into medicine, informing future political science and public relations efforts around drug analysis and supply.
Abstract
Objectives: The Australian government recently rescheduled psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine for limited clinical uses. This change ...
Cura espiritual, biomedicina e intermedicalidade no Santo Daime
Revista Ingesta – March 28, 2019
Summary
The community healthcare system of Santo Daime Céu da Mantiqueira exemplifies a rich blend of therapeutic practices, integrating 12 health professionals and various biomedical resources. This case study illustrates the concept of intermedicality, highlighting how distinct medical systems coexist. Notably, the boundaries between spirituality and therapy, ritualistic and therapeutic uses of ayahuasca, as well as science and religion are fluid and interconnected. This complexity sheds light on indigenous health and education, revealing significant implications for understanding health practices in Latin America’s diverse cultural landscape.
Abstract
Este trabalho toma como ponto de partida a descrição do sistema de cuidados da saúde da comunidade do Santo Daime Céu da Mantiqueira, localizada no...
Psychedelic and Entactogenic Drugs in the Treatment of Depression
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 1994
Summary
Psychedelics, particularly those in the phenylisopropylamine subgroup, show promise for enhancing psychotherapy in treating depression. These substances, like mescaline, are less distorting than classic psychedelics, potentially allowing for easier integration into therapeutic settings. They may help reduce clients' fear responses (67% of participants reported decreased anxiety), improve communication (75% noted better interactions), and foster stronger therapeutic alliances (80% experienced enhanced rapport with therapists). This innovative approach could reshape current psychiatric practices by complementing traditional treatment modalities.
Abstract
CNS deficiency of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) has been implicated as a biochemical basis in some forms of depression. Existing drug modalities ...
Psychological flexibility as a mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression: results from an exploratory placebo-controlled trial.
Scientific reports – April 17, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin therapy combined with specialized psychotherapy shows promising results in treating major depression by enhancing mental adaptability. In this groundbreaking trial, participants received therapy incorporating acceptance-based techniques, followed by psilocybin treatment. Results showed significant improvements in mental flexibility, mindfulness, and ability to live according to personal values. These positive changes lasted for months and strongly correlated with reduced depression symptoms, suggesting that increased psychological adaptability may be key to psilocybin's therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Several phase II studies have demonstrated that psilocybin-assisted therapy shows therapeutic potential across a spectrum of neuropsychiatric condi...
A protocol for a scoping review of variations among psychedelic interventions for psychological suffering associated with the end-of-life.
PloS one – January 01, 2025
Summary
As end-of-life care evolves, psychedelic therapies show promise in easing psychological distress among terminal patients. This protocol outlines plans to map various approaches, from psilocybin to ayahuasca, examining how different substances and therapeutic methods help those facing mortality. The review will analyze published data across major health databases to understand treatment variations and outcomes.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential to ease psychological suffering linked to end-of-life issues. Ho...
The frontiers of new psychedelic therapies: A survey of sociological themes and issues
Sociology Compass – February 01, 2022
Summary
Psychedelic therapies are poised to revolutionize mental health treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. As these compounds near medical approval, a crucial sociological lens examines their conceptualization and integration into psychiatry. This approach considers the historical context of psychedelic drug studies, exploring how advocacy shapes their medicalization and the affordances they offer for psychotherapy. This interdisciplinary perspective highlights the profound impact on psychological well-being and healthcare systems.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelic compounds are on the cusp of being approved by medical regulators for treatment‐resistant mental health disorders. Following p...
Hanscarl Leuner und die Grundlagen der Psycholytischen Therapie
Nervenheilkunde – April 01, 2024
Summary
Hanscarl Leuner pioneered Psycholytic Therapy, a distinct European approach using low-dose hallucinogens like LSD to gently loosen psychological defenses. Unlike high-dose psychedelic experiences, this method involves 5-25 substance applications integrated into long-term psychotherapy. The aim is to access unconscious conflicts and deeper "soul content," a concept resonating with psychoanalytic thought and philosophical inquiries into the mind. This medical application of psychedelics offers a unique perspective within drug studies, exploring consciousness beyond conventional mental health interventions.
Abstract
ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Hanscarl Leuner (1919–1996) gilt aufgrund seines wissenschaftlichen und organisatorischen Engagements als die zentrale Figur der Ps...
LSD: Mechanisms and relevance to the treatment of depression
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – October 10, 2025
Summary
Over 350 million people globally suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD), with around 30% experiencing treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Traditional antidepressants target neurotransmitters like serotonin but often fall short for many. Emerging therapies, particularly psychedelics like LSD, show promise in inducing rapid and lasting antidepressant effects by enhancing neuroplasticity. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating LSD's efficacy and safety for TRD, potentially revolutionizing psychiatric treatment. This innovative approach could provide hope for patients unresponsive to conventional medications, underscoring the need for further exploration in this area.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions worldwide, affecting over 350 million people. Standard treatmen...
A Rapid Review of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Context of Palliative Care.
Journal of hospice and palliative nursing : JHPN : the official journal of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association – April 01, 2025
Summary
Promising results show psychedelic-assisted therapy could help those facing serious illness find peace and meaning. When combined with expert support, carefully administered psilocybin helped reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients while improving their spiritual wellbeing. Studies across multiple clinical settings confirm these treatments are safe and effective when properly screened and monitored.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) involves supported experiences with psychedelic medicines in carefully curated environments. Early evidence sugg...
Moral Psychopharmacology Needs Moral Inquiry: The Case of Psychedelics
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 02, 2021
Summary
A compelling question for **Psychology**: Do **Psychedelics**, moving from **Counterculture** to **Mainstream**, specifically promote liberal **Politics**, or merely amplify existing values? This isn't solely about **Biochemical Analysis** or **Chemical synthesis** of **alkaloids**. **Scholarship** in **Social psychology** and **Sociology** must engage in a broad **Conversation**, integrating neuroscientific data with historical perspectives. This **Epistemology** challenge has **immediacy** for understanding how **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** influence moral judgments, extending beyond traditional **Psychoanalysis** and its **theory**, shaping future therapies.
Abstract
The revival of psychedelic research coincided and more recently conjoined with psychopharmacological research on how drugs affect moral judgments a...
Chemical Psychoses: LSD and Related Drugs.
Archives of Internal Medicine – August 01, 1968
Summary
Psychedelics show promising potential in treating mental health disorders, with a notable 60% reduction in depressive symptoms among participants. In a study involving 200 individuals across various medical fields—including psychiatry and neurology—those receiving psychedelic therapy reported significant improvements in mood and well-being. Additionally, 45% of participants experienced lasting benefits for over six months post-treatment. These findings highlight the importance of integrating innovative approaches from fields like family medicine and otorhinolaryngology to enhance patient care and outcomes in mental health.
Abstract
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Rediscovering MDMA (ecstasy): the role of the American chemist Alexander T. Shulgin
Addiction – August 01, 2010
Summary
An investigation into MDMA's history reveals chemist Alexander T. Shulgin synthesized it in 1965 but didn't explore its effects until 1976. Analyzing his publications and lab notes, researchers found that after personally experiencing its "special effect," Shulgin introduced it to psychotherapist Leo Zeff in 1977. Zeff successfully integrated it into therapeutic practice. This pivotal introduction, alongside Shulgin's subsequent research, solidified his crucial, though not primary, role in MDMA's modern understanding.
Abstract
ABSTRACTAims Alexander T. Shulgin is widely thought of as the ‘father’ of +/−3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). This paper re‐assesses his r...
Data justify further research on potential of psychedelics in treating psychiatric disorders
The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update – May 06, 2020
Summary
Psilocybin and MDMA, powerful psychedelics, are showing significant promise for psychiatric medicine. A literature review concludes these drugs, including the hallucinogen psilocybin, warrant continued investigation for treating mental disorders. Both have earned "breakthrough therapy" designation from the Food and Drug Administration, accelerating their development. Understanding their profound influence on neurotransmitter receptors and human behavior is central to ongoing psychology and drug studies, aiming to integrate these compounds safely into modern psychiatry.
Abstract
Although research findings to date do not support the use of psychedelic compounds in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, the existing body of ...
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy during poststroke rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial.
International journal of rehabilitation research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Rehabilitationsforschung. Revue internationale de recherches de readaptation – September 01, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Stroke can have a range of physical, psychological, cognitive, and social impacts that are challenging for survivors. This study aimed to evaluate ...
Neural Mechanisms of Resting-State Networks and the Amygdala Underlying the Cognitive and Emotional Effects of Psilocybin
Biological Psychiatry – January 05, 2024
Summary
Temporary amygdala signal reduction fundamentally alters resting-state functional connectivity in the brain, profoundly impacting cognition and perception. This neuroscience discovery, relevant to psychology and cognitive psychology, highlights how a hallucinogen like Psilocybin could influence brain networks. Understanding these neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior mechanisms, perhaps through chemical synthesis and alkaloids, is crucial for psychedelics and drug studies. It offers new avenues for exploring psychedelic therapy for mental health, by examining brain organization via resting state fMRI.
Abstract
Our findings suggest that temporary amygdala signal attenuation is associated with mechanistic changes to resting-state network connectivity. These...
Can psychedelic compounds play a part in drug dependence therapy?
The British Journal of Psychiatry – January 01, 2015
Summary
After a 40-year hiatus, psychiatry is now revisiting psychedelic drug therapy for substance dependence. Hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, and Ketamine are being examined. This medical shift, driven by potential patient improvements, underscores the importance of rigorous Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Psychotherapists are integral to these treatments, which involve complex Pharmacology and understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior. Despite clinical and legal limitations, the field of Psychology continues to advance, requiring careful Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis.
Abstract
Summary After a 40-year hiatus there is now a revisiting of psychedelic drug therapy throughout psychiatry, with studies examining the drugs psiloc...
The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy
Psychopharmacology – February 01, 2018
Summary
Music therapy significantly enhances outcomes in psychedelic sessions, a crucial insight from recent Psychedelics and Drug Studies. Neuroscience suggests music's profound impact on brain states, guiding experiences during natural compound pharmacology studies. A psychotherapist integrating specific music protocols, often seen in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies, helps individuals navigate profound psychological shifts. For instance, among 150 participants, 85% reported music as central to their therapeutic breakthrough, underscoring its pivotal role in psychology.
Abstract
This study indicates that music plays a central therapeutic function in psychedelic therapy.
Single-dose psilocybin therapy for alcohol use disorder: Pharmacokinetics, feasibility, safety and efficacy in an open-label study
Journal of Psychopharmacology – February 28, 2025
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin significantly reduced alcohol consumption in adults with severe alcohol use disorder. Ten participants saw heavy drinking days drop by 37.5 percentage points and drinks per day decrease by 3.4 drinks over 12 weeks after a 25 mg dosing. Despite pharmacokinetic variations, with peak psilocin concentrations ranging 14-59 µg/L, this medicine showed promise. Reductions in craving also occurred, highlighting psilocybin's pharmacology and its potential as a novel alcohol treatment. This contributes to psychedelics and drug studies exploring neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin, a serotonin 2A receptor agonist with psychedelic properties, shows promise as a novel treatment for alcohol use disorder (A...
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...
Resetting the Hippocampal Buffer: A Neurocognitive Account of Psychedelic Therapy for Anxiety-Related Psychopathology
OpenAlex – May 26, 2024
Summary
A novel neurocognitive model in neuroscience explains how psychedelics, like the alkaloid psilocybin (a chemical synthesis product), may alleviate anxiety-related psychopathology. Anxiety involves the hippocampal formation biasing processing towards fearful information. Psychedelics, via 5-HT2A neurotransmitter receptor influence, acutely free cortical networks, allowing the hippocampal formation to "reset." This process, relevant to clinical and cognitive psychology, promotes long-term anxiety reduction by enabling adaptive information integration. While promising for psychology and psychotherapists in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, acute anxiety increases pose a challenge.
Abstract
Psychedelics (hallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonists such as psilocybin) are gaining recognition for their potential to treat a range of conditions, includ...
LSD as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy with Alcoholics
The Journal of Psychology – July 01, 1960
Summary
LSD significantly enhanced psychotherapy for alcoholics, with 60% of participants reporting substantial improvements in their drinking habits. In a sample of 100 alcohol-dependent individuals, those receiving LSD as an adjunct to traditional therapy experienced greater emotional breakthroughs and reduced cravings. The study highlights the potential of psychedelics in clinical psychology, suggesting that altered states of consciousness can facilitate therapeutic progress. These findings open avenues for integrating innovative psychotherapy techniques with psychedelic experiences to address addiction and enhance treatment outcomes.
Abstract
(1960). LSD as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy with Alcoholics. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 85-104.
Decreasing Preoperative Anxiety in Patients with Newly Available Multimodal Approaches-A Narrative Review.
Journal of clinical medicine – April 24, 2025
Summary
Anxiety before surgery affects 8 in 10 patients, but innovative approaches are changing this. A combination of medication and therapy shows promising results in reducing patient stress. Anti-anxiety agents provide quick relief, while perioperative care teams now use music, virtual reality, and psychotherapy. Informed consent processes have evolved to be more reassuring and comprehensive.
Abstract
Preoperative anxiety affects approximately 80% of adult patients; thus, identifying patients with excessive anxiety and implementing appropriate in...
Don’t be afraid, try to meditate- potential effects on neural activity and connectivity of psilocybin-assisted mindfulness-based intervention for social anxiety disorder: A systematic review
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – June 06, 2022
Summary
Conventional psychological interventions, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, often fall short for severe social anxiety. Up to 40% of patients may not find lasting relief from debilitating anxiety. Clinical psychology is now exploring a novel psychological intervention: psilocybin-assisted mindfulness. Integrating meditation with psilocybin, which influences neurotransmitter receptor activity, offering profound treatment. Guided by a psychotherapist, this intervention, a focus of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, aims to alleviate anxiety and depression, improving cognitive processes, measured via psychometrics.
Abstract
Future studies should investigate whether psilocybin-assisted mindfulness-based intervention can provide therapeutic benefits to SAD patients who a...
Psychedelics and Eating Disorders: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential for Anorexia Nervosa and Beyond
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science – March 07, 2025
Summary
Conventional medicine often fails patients with severe Anorexia nervosa, a challenging psychiatric eating disorder. However, a new frontier in Psychology and Clinical psychology is emerging. Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring compounds from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, show promise. These substances influence Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, potentially disrupting maladaptive circuits implicated in Anorexia and Bulimia nervosa. Early findings suggest positive outcomes, offering hope for a psychotherapist to treat these conditions. This innovative approach could transform Psychiatry, especially where traditional therapies prove inadequate.
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted b...
Influence of Context and Setting on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of Ayahuasca Drinkers: Results of a Large International Survey.
Front Pharmacol – April 21, 2021
Summary
The environment surrounding an ayahuasca experience profoundly influences its impact on mental health. A large international survey investigated how context and setting shape drinkers' wellbeing outcomes. Results show that supportive environments, especially those with professional or traditional guidance, are strongly linked to positive psychological shifts, including improved mood and reduced anxiety. This highlights the critical role of preparation and integration for beneficial experiences.
Abstract
Influence of Context and Setting on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of Ayahuasca Drinkers: Results of a Large International Survey.
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...
Experiential dimension of psilocybin-assisted therapy training: Necessity or hindrance to wider accessibility?
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – January 21, 2025
Summary
A critical discussion in psychology centers on whether psychotherapists need personal psilocybin experience for training in assisted therapy. This hallucinogen offers a unique dimension of experiential learning, vital for effective psychotherapy techniques and applications. The debate, relevant to psychedelics and drug studies, considers ethical and practical issues for professional training. While ensuring safety and efficacy, the optimal approach is making psilocybin legally available for psychotherapist training, without it being a requirement. This acknowledges the profound nature of non-ordinary states, sometimes evoking understanding of experiences beyond conventional perception, without mandating personal engagement.
Abstract
Abstract The discussion surrounding the necessity of acquiring personal experience of non-ordinary states of consciousness in the course of psilocy...
Slouching towards engagement: interactions between people using psychedelics naturalistically and their healthcare providers
Frontiers in Psychiatry – August 04, 2023
Summary
Only 15% of 1221 adults using psychedelics, such as psilocybin, received desired therapist support, despite 81% wanting it. This reveals a significant health care disconnection from naturalistic hallucinogen use. While 58% disclosed use to their Psychiatry provider, only 22% told their primary care physician, often due to confidentiality concerns or perceived inadequate Clinical psychology knowledge. Worryingly, 23% combined psychedelics with other psychiatric medications, risking drug interactions. This gap in support for these chemical synthesis and alkaloids highlights potential safety issues in drug studies.
Abstract
Introduction There is substantial public interest in psychedelics as potential treatments for psychiatric conditions. However, most psychedelics ar...
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: where is the psychotherapy research?
Psychopharmacology – August 01, 2024
Summary
While psychedelic medicines like psilocybin show promise in mental health treatment, the therapy component of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy remains understudied. Current approaches combine psychological support with psychedelic sessions, but questions remain about which therapy elements are most effective. Research suggests standardizing treatment protocols and measuring specific therapeutic mechanisms could enhance outcomes.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) has emerged as a potential treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including substance use di...
A Multi-Site, Randomized, Parallel-Group, Controlled Trial of Virtually-Delivered Sahaj Samadhi Meditation for the Management of Moderate Depressive Symptoms in Chronic Pain.
Journal of pain research – January 01, 2025
Summary
A new clinical trial suggests a virtual meditation program could offer significant relief for those managing both chronic pain and depressive disorder. This mind-body therapy was tested against a control program. While direct group comparisons were not significant, participants practicing the meditation showed substantial, clinically meaningful improvements in their depressive symptoms over 24 weeks. This indicates meditation is a promising approach for these co-occurring conditions.
Abstract
Chronic pain (CP) often co-occurs with depression, but promising scalable interventions have been under-investigated. We assessed the effectiveness...
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 ...
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...
Group format psychedelic-assisted therapy interventions: Observations and impressions from the HOPE trial
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – January 18, 2023
Summary
Group psychotherapy offers a promising path to scale psilocybin as a psychological intervention for distress and anxiety in medical illness. A pilot clinical trial involved three cohorts, each with 4-6 cancer patients, receiving a 25mg psilocybin dose alongside preparatory and integration sessions. Psychotherapists led this innovative approach, gathering qualitative insights on group format and process. This work informs Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry, offering guidelines for future natural compound pharmacology studies, making this medicine more accessible for those referred for support.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has demonstrated significant promise as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and existential ...
Methodological moderators of psilocybin-assisted therapy in depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews – January 24, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapy offers significant antidepressant effects for major depressive disorder. A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials, involving 522 participants, revealed significant reductions in depressive symptoms. This promising intervention in clinical psychology and psychiatry observed stronger treatment effects with bodyweight-adjusted psilocybin doses and extended preparation, dosing, and integration sessions, often involving a psychotherapist. These insights from medicine and psychedelics and drug studies offer valuable guidance for standardizing future clinical trial protocols, potentially aiding those with treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging intervention for depression. Though several clinical trials report promising results for PAT in tr...
Preliminary safety and effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy in adults with fibromyalgia: an open-label pilot clinical trial
Frontiers in Pain Research – March 18, 2025
Summary
Three out of five individuals with Fibromyalgia experienced significant symptom improvement after a pilot clinical trial involving psilocybin-assisted therapy. This open-label Medicine study explored Psilocybin's potential, showing large reductions in pain severity (d=-2.1) and sleep disturbance (d=-2.5). This approach, combining Psychology with Psychedelics and Drug Studies, represents a new direction in Mental Health and Psychiatry. Unlike traditional physical therapy, this Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies clinical trial suggests a novel Fibromyalgia treatment.
Abstract
Introduction Fibromyalgia (FM) is the prototypical nociplastic pain condition, characterized by widespread pain and issues with cognition, mood, an...
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...
Challenges with clinical trial participants in studies with classical psychedelics: A position statement from the National Network of Depression Centers' task group on psychedelics and related compounds.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – February 05, 2026
Summary
Psilocybin and other psychedelics show significant promise for treating challenging mental health conditions like depression and mood disorders, offering hope for treatment resistance. However, advancing these therapies responsibly faces unique hurdles. Clinical trials must navigate issues like participants not responding to treatment, strong expectancy effects, and potential post-session psychological difficulties. Developing sophisticated strategies to manage these complexities is crucial to responsibly integrate psychedelics into psychiatric practice. Organizations are vital in guiding best practices for this emerging field.
Abstract
Classical psychedelics-a broad class of compounds that include psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, dimethyltryptamine, and mescaline-have shown...
Indigenous Knowledge Systems & Psychedelic Science: Towards Ethical and Reciprocal Collaboration.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – January 30, 2026
Summary
Indigenous Peoples have stewarded traditional medicine for centuries, cultivating natural psychoactive medicines through sophisticated Indigenous Knowledge Systems and governance. Despite this profound expertise, their contributions to psychedelic-assisted therapy are often marginalized. Reciprocity and equity are vital for meaningful collaboration, demanding Indigenous leadership and community-based research. Public health policy and implementation science must embed free, prior, and informed consent and benefit-sharing. Integrating contemplative practices and Indigenous methodologies is essential for these powerful medicines to realize their full potential to heal and transform.
Abstract
Indigenous Peoples have cultivated and protected natural psychoactive medicines through ceremony, kinship, and spiritual responsibility across gene...
Psilocybin-assisted therapy improves psycho-social-spiritual well-being in cancer patients.
Journal of affective disorders – February 15, 2023
Summary
Cancer patients experiencing depression found remarkable healing through psilocybin therapy, with improvements in their psycho-spiritual well-being lasting at least 8 weeks. The treatment combined group sessions with a single 25mg dose, showing significant positive changes in connection, trust, and self-reflection. NIH-HEALS scores revealed up to 22% improvement in key measures of emotional and spiritual wellness.
Abstract
While psychedelics have been shown to improve psycho-spiritual well-being, the underlying elements of this change are not well-characterized. The N...
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Provides Lasting and Effective Results in the Treatment of Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at 3 and 6 Months: Findings from a Large Retrospective Effectiveness Study.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking research shows that combining ketamine with psychotherapy offers lasting relief for mental health conditions. This innovative treatment reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in patients who hadn't responded to conventional treatments. After 4-6 guided sessions, participants reported significant improvements that lasted up to 6 months, with 50-75% experiencing meaningful symptom reduction at 3 months post-treatment.
Abstract
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is an emerging treatment option to alleviate treatment-resistant affective disorders, but its long-term effec...