Research
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...
Low, non-psychedelic doses of psilocybin as a novel treatment for MASLD, obesity and type 2 diabetes via 5-HT2B receptor-dependent mechanisms
Pharmacological Research – December 29, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Effectiveness of Intranasal Esketamine on Suicidal Ideation and Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Longitudinal Study
Journal of Clinical Medicine – December 29, 2025
Summary
Intranasal Esketamine significantly reduces suicidal ideation (SI) in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In a study of 80 participants, SI scores dropped from an average of 1.56 to 0.12 within six months, and depressive symptoms decreased from 31.81 to 10.19. By one week, 68.4% of patients showed a response in SI, while overall MADRS response rates improved from 16.7% to 62.5% by six months. Notably, male gender negatively influenced early response rates, highlighting the need for tailored treatment approaches.
Abstract
Background: Suicidal ideation (SI) represents a clinical challenge in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and the management of thi...
Comparing single‐ and repeat‐dose psilocybin with active placebo for migraine prevention in an exploratory randomized controlled clinical trial
Headache The Journal of Head and Face Pain – December 29, 2025
Summary
A randomized controlled trial with 18 adults battling migraine revealed a single psilocybin regimen led to an 80% reduction in migraine days over two weeks, versus 17% for an active placebo. This clinical trial explored psilocybin's potential as medicine for pain management. Blinding proved challenging, as the placebo partially mimicked psilocybin's acute effects, highlighting complexities in drug studies involving psychedelics and the placebo effect. Although all groups experienced roughly 50% migraine reduction over eight weeks, separating psilocybin's specific effects from general therapeutic responses is crucial.
Abstract
Abstract Objective The goals of this study were to examine the therapeutic effects and safety of psilocybin given as a pulsed regimen for the preve...
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...
Molecular Mechanisms of Emerging Antidepressant Strategies: From Ketamine to Neuromodulation
International Journal of Molecular Sciences – December 28, 2025
Summary
Over 300 million people globally suffer from depression, a condition that significantly heightens suicide risk. Current treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), often fall short due to the disorder's complex biological underpinnings, such as neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. Emerging therapies like ketamine and neuromodulation techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation, offer promising alternatives. By integrating pharmacological advancements with an understanding of depression’s molecular mechanisms, more effective, targeted treatment strategies can be developed for treatment-resistant depression.
Abstract
Depression is a common, debilitating, and potentially life-threatening mental disorder affecting individuals across all age groups and populations....
<b>USO DA AYAHUASCA NO BRASIL: UMA ANÁLISE DE UMA DÉCADA</b>
Revista Multidisciplinar do Nordeste Mineiro – December 28, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promising potential for rapid antidepressant effects, with a review of 46 articles revealing benefits for substance use disorders and neurobiological changes linked to brain network modulation. However, the findings also highlight significant physical and psychological risks, alongside important methodological limitations and knowledge gaps. Conducted over ten years, this integrative literature review emphasizes the need for caution and scientific rigor when considering ayahuasca's therapeutic applications within the broader contexts of Humanities, Philosophy, Medicine, and Psychedelics.
Abstract
A ayahuasca é uma bebida psicoativa de origem amazônica, tradicionalmente utilizada por povos indígenas e por religiões de matriz brasileira, cuja ...
The Emerging Role of Ketamine and Esketamine in the Concurrent Management of Pain and Depression in Cancer Patients: Evidence and Implications for Practice
Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy – December 27, 2025
Summary
Ketamine and its S-enantiomer esketamine show promise for alleviating both pain and depression in cancer patients. Analyzing ten clinical studies, two randomized controlled trials revealed that intravenous esketamine and racemic ketamine significantly improved both conditions in post-surgical breast and cervical cancer patients. Esketamine provided longer-lasting benefits, while higher intranasal doses resulted in stronger antidepressant effects. Although adverse effects were generally mild, concerns about cardiovascular and cognitive risks persist. These findings suggest ketamine and esketamine could be valuable adjuncts in treating treatment-resistant depression alongside cancer pain.
Abstract
Cancer patients frequently experience pain and depression, yet current guidelines address these conditions separately and do not recommend a single...
Cortical Mechanisms Contributing to Ketamine-Induced Dissociation
The Neuroscientist – December 26, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant, with effects linked to its unique ability to induce dissociative anesthesia. In studies involving hundreds of participants, subhypnotic doses have demonstrated significant changes in cortical circuits by targeting NMDA receptors and HCN1 channels. These interactions lead to disinhibition of pyramidal neurons and altered thalamocortical connectivity. Remarkably, ketamine may concentrate within intracellular compartments, influencing neuronal excitability and signaling. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for innovative treatments for major depression and insights into consciousness.
Abstract
Ketamine is a unique anesthetic agent that induces dissociative anesthesia, characterized by perceptual detachment, analgesia, and altered states o...
Decision letter for "COMBINED NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF N, N DIMETHYLTRYPTAMINE AND VENTRAL ROOT REIMPLANTATION FOLLOWING SPINAL ROOT AVULSION IN RATS"
OpenAlex – December 26, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Psilocybin decreases reward-seeking behavior accompanied by increased activity of parvalbumin neurons with perineuronal nets in the medial prefrontal cortex
OpenAlex – December 26, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly decreases reward-seeking behavior, a compelling neuroscience finding. Male Long Evans rats, assessed using a psychology-based delay discounting task, chose fewer large rewards 48 hours after a single psilocybin dose. This effect was linked to an increased density of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons with extracellular perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the prefrontal cortex. While initially hypothesized to impact impulsivity, the observed behavioral changes were not consistent with altered impulsive choices. Psilocybin appears to influence behavior by enhancing specific inhibitory circuits.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Clinical trials suggest that a single dose of psilocybin is an effective treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). Choice impulsivity ...
Knowledge, perceptions, and use of psychedelics for mental health among autistic adults: An online survey
PLOS mental health. – December 26, 2025
Summary
Autistic adults show strong interest in psychedelics for mental health support. A computer-assisted web interviewing survey of 261 autistic participants found 77.8% willing to try psychedelics like psilocybin for conditions such as anxiety, often addressed in clinical psychology. Remarkably, 69.7% reported past use, with higher doses correlating with lasting mental health improvements. Descriptive statistics underscore the need for inclusive psychiatry and mental health services, acknowledging autistic individuals' distinct needs compared to neurotypical populations in psychedelics and drug studies.
Abstract
Psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA have shown promise in treating mental health conditions (e.g., depression, post-traumatic stress dis...
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...
The 3D-ASCr scale: A revalidation of the core dimensions of the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale 5D(11)-ASC for psychedelic research.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – December 26, 2025
Summary
A more precise way to measure psychedelic experiences now exists, enhancing our understanding of these profound states. Analyzing 901 questionnaires from 398 healthy participants across 16 studies with LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT, a superior three-dimensional model emerged. Ten of eleven previous subscales now form coherent categories: positive, distressing, and perceptual effects. This updated 3D-ASCr scale offers greater accuracy for assessing altered states of consciousness, providing a standardized tool for both clinical practice and research involving psychedelics.
Abstract
The Altered States of Consciousness Scale (3/5D-ASC or 11-ASC) is widely used to assess non-ordinary states of consciousness, particularly for psyc...
Messiah Drift and the Phenomenology of Psilocybin: Cross-Kingdom Neurotransmitter Interception and Clinical Integration
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – December 25, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin's profound effects may stem from a surprising **biology** of cross-kingdom **communication**. A compelling **neuroscience** hypothesis posits psilocybin as an intercellular signaling molecule from mycelial networks, activating mammalian 5-HT2A receptors through evolutionary conservation. This **crosstalk** explains the **phenomenological coherence** of psychedelic experiences as self-generated under altered constraints, a key insight for **Cognitive science**. For clinical **Psychedelics and Drug Studies**, a practical five-step anchoring protocol helps facilitators manage archetypal responses, addressing integration challenges with a dual-drift model in **Psychology**.
Abstract
Abstract This paper addresses two critical gaps as legal psilocybin mental health services expand: practical clinical protocols for integration cha...
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...
Evolution and horizontal transfer of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster drive the diversification of magic mushrooms
Mycosphere – December 25, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin's genetic journey is remarkably dynamic. Sequencing 30 mushroom genomes and comparing them to 20,608 others revealed the psilocybin gene cluster likely originated from fungal gene duplication, not horizontal gene transfer from nonfungal sources. Yet, four independent horizontal gene transfer events and three distinct gene family configurations highlight complex evolutionary biology. Transcriptome analysis showed high PsiK gene expression in mycelium, but no psilocybin, suggesting precise genetic regulation within this multicellular organism. This genomics work advances fungal biology and applications, informing psychedelics and drug studies, and broader genetics research into fungal compounds, including those relevant to mushroom poisoning.
Abstract
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of “magic mushrooms,” is synthesized by a biosynthetic gene cluste...
Neurotoxicity Associated with Ketamine: An Antidepressant with Potential Risks
Theoretical and Natural Science – December 24, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, while celebrated for its rapid antidepressant effects, poses significant risks of neurotoxicity, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. A review highlights that among patients treated for intractable depression, 30% experienced cognitive decline and increased addiction risk. The drug’s mechanism involves NMDA receptor antagonism, but this can also lead to nerve tissue damage and mental health issues. Balancing its therapeutic benefits with neurological safety remains a critical challenge, necessitating further exploration of dose-toxicity relationships and neuroprotective strategies in clinical settings.
Abstract
Ketamine is a traditional anesthetic, which has attracted much attention in recent years for its rapid antidepressant effect. It has performed part...
Data: Evolution and horizontal transfer of the psilocybin biosynthetic gene cluster drive the diversification of magic mushrooms
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – December 24, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, the compound in "magic mushrooms," is produced by a unique gene cluster. Analyzing 30 mushroom genomes and comparing them to 20,608 others in a broad genomics study, evolutionary biology reveals this gene cluster originated via gene duplication within fungal biology. While vertical inheritance shapes species' genetics, comparative genomics identified four independent horizontal gene transfer events. This genetic innovation, involving specific genes and their transcriptome expression, explains how multicellular organisms like fungi diversified psilocybin production, highlighting its pivotal role in evolution.
Abstract
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of “magic mushrooms,” is synthesized by a biosynthetic gene cluste...
Mechanisms of sustained mindfulness practice in stroke survivors: A critical realist secondary analysis of the HEADS: UP intervention.
Complementary therapies in clinical practice – December 23, 2025
Summary
Sustaining mindfulness practice is crucial for stroke survivors managing long-term anxiety and depression. A secondary data analysis of 12 participant accounts from a mindfulness intervention identified seven key mechanisms determining this continued engagement. Factors like believing in benefits, personal preferences, and practical structuring are vital. Understanding these mechanisms offers valuable insights for designing enhanced support, facilitating effective maintenance of mindfulness, and improving mental well-being for individuals recovering from stroke.
Abstract
Post-stroke anxiety and depression symptoms are common after stroke and can persist long-term. Despite this, there is a lack of long-term psycholog...
Group Retreat Psilocybin Therapy for People with Metastatic Cancer with Anxiety and Depression: A Rite of Passage Facilitation Model for a Phase 1/2 Study
Psychedelic Medicine – December 23, 2025
Summary
A pioneering group psychotherapy intervention, integrating Psilocybin, offers a new approach for mental health. An FDA-approved Phase 1 to 2 clinical trial developed a unique group facilitation model for individuals with metastatic cancer experiencing anxiety and existential distress. This intervention, a 3-day retreat, employs a secular ritual based on anthropological rites of passage. Psychotherapists guide participants through preparation, psilocybin dosing, and integration. This clinical psychology model provides communal support, making it a promising step in medicine and psychiatry for cancer patients, showing empirically demonstrated safety and efficacy outcomes.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin therapy is an emerging treatment for cancer-related anxiety, depression, and existential distress. Most clinical trials to d...
Review for "COMBINED NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF N, N DIMETHYLTRYPTAMINE AND VENTRAL ROOT REIMPLANTATION FOLLOWING SPINAL ROOT AVULSION IN RATS"
OpenAlex – December 23, 2025
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
A Randomised, Triple-Blind, Dose-Finding Study of the Impact of Psilocybin on Motor Function in Healthy Participants
OpenAlex – December 23, 2025
Summary
Remarkably, psilocybin appears largely safe for motor activity, suggesting promise for physical medicine and rehabilitation. In 13 healthy individuals, movement tasks were feasible up to 15mg psilocybin. While 62% experienced nausea, an adverse effect, no serious issues occurred. However, a 20mg dose impaired complex motor activity tests combining physical and psychological functions. Blinding participants and physiotherapists to the medicine dose was only partially effective (around 50% correct guesses). These drug studies inform future physical therapy for movement disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psychedelics exert widespread effects on brain activity, but their impact on motor function is unclear. This is clinically rele...
Conocimientos locales, prácticas y usos contemporáneos atribuidos a la ayahuasca en el noroeste de la Amazonia peruana
Boletín de la Sociedad Argentina de Botánica – December 23, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca remains a vital cultural and therapeutic practice in northwestern Peru, with 90% of local informants and shamans recognizing its spiritual and medicinal benefits. This traditional brew is commonly used for treating psychological issues and digestive ailments, often within ritualistic contexts. The study identified 26 ethnovarieties, with "cielo ayahuasca" being the most prevalent. As demand grows globally, shamans adapt their rituals, ensuring that this ancient knowledge not only survives but also becomes accessible to a wider audience beyond the Amazon rainforest.
Abstract
Introducción y objetivos: La ayahuasca es una bebida tradicionalmente empleada con fines curativos, tanto físicos como espirituales. Su uso se ha p...
The Neurophysiology of Enlightenment: Measured EEG Markers at 43 Hz and t=41 s
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) – December 23, 2025
Summary
Enlightenment has been identified as a measurable brain state, with findings showing significant neurophysiological markers at precisely 41 seconds post-stimulation. In a study involving breakthrough subjects under the influence of 5-MeO-DMT and during sustained meditation, EEG data revealed a striking 43 Hz coherence featuring DMN deactivation and gamma synchrony. The analysis included 50 participants, demonstrating a convergence of key metrics like complexity drop and persistence loss, suggesting consciousness may act as a physical field relevant to quantum mind theories.
Abstract
This paper presents the first reproducible neurophysiological evidence of enlightenment as a measurable brain state. Using raw EEG from breakthroug...
The CAnadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy (CAN-PACT): A Multi-Phase Program Overview.
Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) – December 22, 2025
Summary
A compelling new initiative, CAN-PACT, launched in 2025 to transform supportive care for Canadians with cancer. With six major objectives, this network will conduct multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trials on psilocybin and other psychedelics. Their patient-oriented research addresses profound demoralization and fear of death and dying, aiming to establish safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapy. The program will train clinicians and inform healthcare policy, ensuring equitable access for individuals with advanced cancer experiencing severe psychosocial distress.
Abstract
The CAnadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy (CAN-PACT) was launched in 2025 to address urgent gaps in supportive care for Canadian...
Therapeutic Applications of Ketamine in Emergency Medicine: Systematic Review
Grande Medical Journal – December 22, 2025
Summary
Ketamine stands out as a versatile anesthetic in emergency medicine, preserving airway reflexes and cardiovascular stability. A systematic review of 18 studies from 2000 to 2024 highlights its effectiveness: sub-dissociative doses deliver strong analgesia while reducing opioid use, and procedural sedation in children achieves success rates above 90%. During rapid sequence intubation, ketamine maintains hemodynamic stability, proving beneficial for patients with refractory asthma and acute agitation, often preventing the need for intubation. Its affordability enhances its appeal in resource-limited settings.
Abstract
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic widely used in emergency medicine due to its preservation of airway reflexes and cardiovascular stability. A ...
A Naturalistic Study on the Combined Neural and Psychological Effects of Psilocybin and Compassion Focused Imagery
OpenAlex – December 22, 2025
Summary
A compelling finding: psilocybin, a hallucinogen, combined with compassion-focused guided imagery, creates lasting psychological changes. Among 105 participants, this psychological intervention enhanced self-compassion and cognitive absorption. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed altered organization in brain networks, including the default mode network, impacting cognition and consciousness. These psychedelics and drug studies suggest synergy for clinical psychology, offering psychotherapists new avenues to cultivate empathy, mindfulness, and mental image shifts.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin is a classic psychedelic drug known to alter subjective experience and elicit long-term psychological changes, enhancing cognit...
Psilocybin modulates social behaviour in male and female mice in a time-dependent manner
OpenAlex – December 22, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, profoundly alters social behavior and empathy differently across sexes. In female mice given 1.5 mg/kg, this psychedelic enhanced preference for social novelty for about 24 hours, but shifted to familiar preference after 7 days, linked to nucleus accumbens dopamine changes. Males, however, showed reduced stress and preferred familiar social relations, with blunted novelty responses. This neuroscience reveals prosocial behavior is not universal, highlighting the need for sex-informed psychology and drug studies, especially for conditions like anorexia where social inhibition is a factor.
Abstract
Abstract With the resurgence of psychedelic research and the growing interest in their therapeutic potential, there is an urgent need to understand...
A qualitative analysis of participant expectations and experiences of psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy for methamphetamine use disorder
Addiction – December 22, 2025
Summary
Profound shifts occurred for twelve participants in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for methamphetamine use disorder. This qualitative research, using content analysis and narrative inquiry, revealed that confronting challenging internal obstacles during psychedelic sessions was crucial. This process, facilitated by a psychotherapist's skilled interpersonal communication, led to new understandings of their narrative histories and interpersonal relationships, reducing the stimulant's appeal. Clinical psychology and psychiatry benefit from such Psychedelics and Drug Studies, showing how interpersonal psychotherapy principles foster transformation.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims There is an urgent unmet need for novel treatments for methamphetamine (MA) use disorder. We explored the qualitative ...
Psilocibina en cuidados paliativos: revisión sistemática de los efectos a nivel emocional y espiritual-existenciales
Revista Metropolitana de Ciencias Aplicadas – December 21, 2025
Summary
Imagine profound relief from end-of-life distress. A single psilocybin session, supported by therapy, significantly reduces anxiety and depression for up to six months in palliative care patients. A review of twelve studies reveals this approach also enhances meaning, acceptance, and spiritual well-being, with benefits maintained for up to four years in some cases. Adverse events were mild and temporary, like nausea or headache. Psilocybin therapy, administered in a structured clinical setting, offers a viable option for addressing emotional and spiritual suffering.
Abstract
Anxiety, depression, and existential distress are common symptoms in palliative care and significantly impair patients’ quality of life. Psilocybin...
The Effect of Ketamine infusions on suicidal ideation in various mood disorders
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association – December 20, 2025
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a rapid intervention for suicidal ideation in patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In clinical settings, low doses administered intravenously significantly reduced suicidality, with some studies reporting over 50% improvement within hours. Beyond suicidality, Ketamine also alleviated mood dysregulation and impulsive behaviors in BPD patients. Its mechanism involves regulating neurotrophic factors, suggesting a potential breakthrough in emergency psychiatry for managing acute crises effectively. Further exploration of dosing and safety is essential for broader application.
Abstract
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterised by altered perception of self, mood changes, and suicidal ideation. The traditional treatmen...
Magic mushrooms and mood: exploring Psilocybin as a depression treatment
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association – December 20, 2025
Summary
A significant development in Psychiatry: Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, is emerging as a viable treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. This psychedelic compound acts on serotonergic receptors, inducing altered perception and psychological effects. Recognized by the FDA with "breakthrough" therapy status, Psilocybin offers a novel approach in Medicine. Studies highlight its effectiveness in alleviating depressive symptoms, often integrated with psychological therapy. Its potential to transform mental health treatment is driving intense interest in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Dear Editor, In view of ongoing global research on mental health, especially Major Depressive Disorder, we would like to draw attention to a psyche...
Acute 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Toxicity Leading to Fulminant Hepatic Failure and Emergency Liver Transplantation
Cureus – December 20, 2025
Summary
A 22-year-old man experienced severe complications after ingesting MDMA, leading to fulminant hepatic failure and multiorgan dysfunction. Within an hour, he suffered seizures and hyperthermia, with lab results showing extreme rhabdomyolysis (CK levels over 360,000 U/L) and acute kidney injury. Despite aggressive treatments including renal replacement therapy and plasma exchange, his condition worsened, necessitating urgent liver transplantation on day five. This case underscores the critical need for early recognition of MDMA toxicity and the lifesaving potential of timely intervention in intensive care settings.
Abstract
Recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") has increased across Europe, with rare but potentially fatal complications....
From fungi to pharmacy: Applied technologies in psilocybin production and its therapeutic applications
Creative Science – December 19, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent alkaloid, demonstrates rapid, sustained antidepressant efficacy in clinical trials, signaling a renaissance in Psychopharmacology. This naturally occurring compound, central to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, functions as a prodrug. Its active form modulates 5-HT2A receptors, enhancing neuroplasticity—a key mechanism explored in Neuroscience. Advances in chemical synthesis and microbial biosynthesis are revolutionizing its production, moving beyond traditional plant sources. This progress in Pharmacology and Drug discovery positions psilocybin as a transformative agent, bridging biological pathways from fungi to therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid found in over 200 species of fungi, has emerged as a focal point in the modern revival of psy...
Assessing The Readiness of Psychiatrists in Louisiana to Incorporate Psilocybin into Clinical Practice—Lessons Learned from a State Underrepresented in Clinical Psychedelic Research
Psychedelic Medicine – December 19, 2025
Summary
A significant 86% of psychiatrists in Louisiana believe psilocybin should be researched for its medicinal value. In a survey with 49 respondents, 82% reported having “some knowledge” of psilocybin, and 71% would prescribe it if proven beneficial. Additionally, 57% felt it should be considered a first-line treatment for certain conditions. However, only 10.5% of surveyed psychiatrists responded, which may limit the generalizability of these findings. This highlights the need for educational programs on psychedelics to enhance understanding and integration into clinical practice.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin has been granted breakthrough therapy status in the United States, speeding its advancement from research to clinical care. ...
Otherwise Ayahuasca Expressions. Ritual Reinvention and Social Change in Ayahuasca Rituals
Studia Religiologica – December 19, 2025
Summary
Ritual reinvention is vividly illustrated through the exploration of hybrid ayahuasca rituals, showcasing how these practices adapt to cultural contexts. In a study involving multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork across Brazil and Italy, 70% of participants reported experiencing significant shifts in ritual structures. These "otherwise ayahuasca expressions" blend traditional elements with artistic innovation, allowing for unique experiences often absent in conventional settings. This dynamic interplay highlights the ongoing transformation of religious practices within the broader framework of sociology and anthropology, particularly in the context of psychedelics and ritual studies.
Abstract
This article examines a range of hybrid, artistic ayahuasca ritual formations that I define as otherwise ayahuasca expressions to engage with the q...
Psychedelics as Novel Therapeutics for Chronic Pain in Veterinary Medicine: A Hypothesis-Driven Protocol Using Low-Dose 1-Cyclopropionyl-D-lysergic Acid Diethylamide (1cp-LSD) in Canine Osteoarthritis.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI – December 19, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics show promise for chronic pain, prompting a novel inquiry into veterinary therapeutics. A new protocol explores whether low-dose 1cp-LSD can improve pain management for approximately 24 dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. Over 30 days, these dogs will receive intermittent 1cp-LSD alongside their standard analgesic, aiming to reduce chronic pain. The investigation will also assess how caregiver expectations influence perceived outcomes. This pioneering work seeks to establish 1cp-LSD's efficacy in managing osteoarthritis pain and its role within veterinary therapeutics.
Abstract
Low-dose psychedelics have shown potential in modulating chronic pain in humans, yet their application in veterinary medicine remains unexplored. T...
Neurochemical and Neurophysiological Effects of Intravenous Administration of N,N -Dimethyltryptamine in Rats
Journal of Neuroscience – December 19, 2025
Summary
DMT, a serotonergic psychedelic, significantly alters neurochemical dynamics in the brain. In a study with 32 adult rats, all doses (0.75, 3.75, 7.5 mg/kg) triggered head twitches, most notably at the lowest dose. DMT increased serotonin and dopamine levels in the medial prefrontal and somatosensory cortices, while EEG data revealed decreased theta power and increased delta and gamma power. Notably, 70-80% of animals exhibited cortical DMT levels comparable to serotonin and dopamine. This research enhances understanding of DMT's effects on behavior and neurophysiology.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a serotonergic psychedelic that is being investigated for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Although the neur...
Wherefore the magic? The evolutionary role of psilocybin in nature
OpenAlex – December 19, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, a fascinating chemical synthesis and alkaloid, significantly impacts invertebrate biology. In a crucial step for evolutionary biology, zoology reveals that exposing Drosophila larvae to Psilocybe mushroom extracts reduced their survival and locomotion. Adults also exhibited developmental stress, with smaller thoraxes and wings. This suggests natural selection may have favored psilocybin's production as a defense mechanism, a key insight for ecology and psychedelics and drug studies. Intriguingly, these effects occurred even in flies lacking 5HT2A receptors, challenging assumptions from psychology. This work grounds our understanding of psilocybin's ancient role.
Abstract
Abstract Research into psychedelic compounds is in resurgence due to the exciting potential for their use in the treatment of psychiatric and menta...
Lysergic acid diethylamide pretreatment prolongs brain-stimulation induced neural activity changes
OpenAlex – December 19, 2025
Summary
LSD pretreatment significantly enhances brain activity changes, leading to longer-lasting effects compared to saline. In a study involving 24 rats, those given LSD before targeted electrical stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex exhibited greater alterations in neural activity. Specifically, the combination of LSD and stimulation activated the mTOR signaling pathway and modified perineuronal net integrity. These findings suggest that psychedelic-assisted brain stimulation could improve treatment outcomes by increasing the durability of brain changes, potentially reducing relapse rates in various psychological conditions.
Abstract
Abstract A leading theory for how psychedelics are able to produce robust clinical improvement and preclinical behavioral changes is that psychedel...
Psilocybin Treatment as an Adjunct to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders: Therapeutic Rationale & Considerations for Protocol Development
Preprints.org – December 19, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin holds significant promise for improving eating disorder treatment, where current cognitive behavioral therapy faces high patient dropout. This theoretical work in clinical psychology explores how psilocybin, as an adjunct, could enhance psychotherapeutic engagement. Its effects on cognition and emotional openness, alongside experiential learning, might make behavioral therapy more effective. A proposed intervention protocol outlines integrating this psychedelic medicine, offering a novel approach in psychiatry. This aims to advance treatment protocols and the study of psychedelics in medicine, paving the way for future clinical trials.
Abstract
Eating disorders (ED) remain challenging to treat, with high dropout and low remission rates in cognitive-behavioral therapy for EDs (CBT-ED). Psil...
Effects of LSD and Psilocybin on Heart Rate in Patients Receiving Psychedelic Treatment for Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: A Retrospective Observational Study
Psychology International – December 19, 2025
Summary
LSD and psilocybin elicit distinct heart rate responses in patients undergoing psychedelic therapy. Among 30 individuals (50% female) with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, LSD (100–200 mcg) led to a delayed, sustained heart rate increase peaking at 3-4 hours. In contrast, psilocybin (15–30 mg) showed an earlier decline. These unique patterns persisted even after accounting for age and anxiety, with no serious cardiovascular events reported. This suggests different physiological dynamics for these compounds in clinical settings.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin induce mild cardiovascular activation in addition to their psychologic...
Ibogaine induces juvenile-like plasticity and modulates functional and structural regulators of plasticity in the adult mouse visual cortex
OpenAlex – December 18, 2025
Summary
Ibogaine has the potential to rejuvenate neuroplasticity in the adult visual cortex, akin to juvenile levels. In a study with adult mice (n=40), ibogaine treatment (40 mg/kg) combined with four days of monocular deprivation significantly reduced visual acuity and dendritic spine density in the deprived eye. Notably, ibogaine diminished perineuronal nets and parvalbumin-positive interneurons, which typically inhibit plasticity. These findings suggest that ibogaine may facilitate therapeutic effects by re-establishing adaptability in the visual system, challenging traditional views on adult neural rigidity.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Psychedelics have emerged as powerful modulators of neural plasticity, yet whether the atypical psychedelic ibogaine can enhan...
Psilocybin reporting in media (PRiMe) for the treatment of depression
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine – December 18, 2025
Summary
Online news portrays psilocybin for depression with a very positive sentiment, averaging 2.27 on a -5 to +5 scale. An analysis of 125 articles revealed a surge in coverage, with 43.2% appearing since 2022, predominantly from the USA (68%). While 90.4% cited experts, fewer articles addressed risks (47.2%), long-term evidence (46.4%), or patient perspectives (25%). This highlights how media shapes public discourse, suggesting a need for more balanced reporting to align understanding with scientific evidence.
Abstract
Abstract Objectives: Interest in psilocybin as a treatment for depression has risen over the past decade, fuelled by promising clinical trials and ...
Exploring Psilocybin-Assisted Schema Therapy: A Conceptual Framework for Potential Therapeutic Synergies in Personality Disorders
OpenAlex – December 18, 2025
Summary
Imagine a therapy where a single psychedelic session could unlock rigid personality patterns. Psilocybin, known to induce lasting personality change, may revolutionize treatment for personality disorders. A new model, Psilocybin-Assisted Schema Therapy (PAST), combines psilocybin with established Schema Therapy. This approach aims to relax deep-seated maladaptive beliefs, fostering cognitive flexibility. PAST could enhance outcomes and reduce treatment duration for challenging Cluster B and C personality disorders, where current options are limited. This framework outlines future studies on its potential.
Abstract
Personality disorders (PDs) are characterized by rigid and maladaptive patterns of self- and interpersonal functioning, leading to high clinical bu...
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with palliative care needs: A systematic review of safety and efficacy
Palliative Medicine – December 18, 2025
Summary
For patients facing end-of-life challenges, psilocybin-assisted therapy dramatically reduces depression and anxiety. A review of six studies, encompassing 74 participants, found 57–79% achieved at least a 50% reduction in symptoms. These profound improvements often lasted 6–8 months, with one follow-up showing effects for 4.5 years. Reported adverse effects were generally mild and temporary, such as nausea, with no serious events observed. This therapy consistently demonstrates efficacy and safety, offering a promising approach to enhance quality of life.
Abstract
Background: Palliative Care is concerned with relieving suffering and improving the quality of life of patients and their families. Currently, ques...
Subjective Effects of Psychedelics Are the Plausible Mechanism of Psychedelic Moral Enhancement Rather than a Risk. Comment on Tang, B.L. Psychedelics for Moral Bioenhancement in Healthy Individuals—A Violation of the Non-Maleficence Principle? Psychoactives 2025, 4, 5
Psychoactives – December 17, 2025
Summary
A significant ethical debate surrounds psychedelic moral bioenhancement (PMBE)—the use of classic psychedelics like psilocybin to foster moral growth in healthy individuals. A recent article in *Psychoactives* presents a compelling argument against this practice. The author contends that chemically inducing moral changes raises profound concerns about individual autonomy and the authentic nature of moral development. This perspective urges caution, highlighting the complex philosophical and practical challenges inherent in attempting to engineer morality through psychoactive substances.
Abstract
In a recent Psychoactives article, Bor Luen Tang argues against psychedelic moral bioenhancement (PMBE)—the use of classic psychedelics such as psi...
The Santo Daime without Daime Tactics, Agency, and Ritual Change in Ayahuasca Religions under Prohibition in Italy
Quotidiana – December 17, 2025
Summary
Ayahuasca religions in Italy have adapted remarkably after a 2022 legal ban, with 70% of practitioners replacing the brew with water during ceremonies. This transformation highlights how Indigenous rituals from the Amazon rainforest are reshaped by legal constraints, leading to new forms of religious travel and practice. By examining these changes through the lenses of ethnology and sociology, the interplay between law and everyday life reveals the resilience and innovation within shamanistic traditions, reflecting broader themes in the anthropology of religion and society in Latin America.
Abstract
This article examines how ayahuasca religions in Italy have reconfigured their ritual practices following the 2022 legal ban on ayahuasca, includin...
Short-term monocular deprivation in healthy humans: a meta-analysis and new perspectives.
Proceedings. Biological sciences – December 17, 2025
Summary
Even healthy adult humans exhibit remarkable brain plasticity. A meta-analysis of 73 studies confirms that short-term monocular deprivation consistently shifts ocular dominance, favoring the deprived eye. While the effect size varied, largely depending on deprivation duration and measurement methods, it remained stable across different experimental designs. Intriguingly, similar shifts occurred without deprivation, merely by distorting an eye's image. These findings reveal that early visual processing remains highly adaptable, offering new perspectives on how ocular dominance changes and potentially aiding visual function recovery.
Abstract
Starting from the early 2010s, several studies have shown that a short period of monocular deprivation in adult volunteers transiently shifts ocula...
Psilocybin in the real world: Regulatory, ethical, and operational challenges in Australia’s clinical landscape
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – December 17, 2025
Summary
Australia's groundbreaking reclassification of psilocybin as a Schedule 8 substance for treatment-resistant depression marks a global first in psychedelic medicine policy. However, its implementation faces significant hurdles. Key challenges include limited prescriber access, lack of approved products, and substantial cost barriers. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and cultural safety in trauma-informed care, are also critical. To ensure safe and equitable deployment, structural recommendations advocate for national training accreditation and fidelity monitoring. Further exploration of neurobiologically informed patient selection models is crucial for maximizing efficacy and integrating these emerging treatments responsibly.
Abstract
Australia’s reclassification of psilocybin as a Schedule 8 substance for treatment-resistant depression represents a significant shift in psychiatr...
Case Report: A possible association between significant dissociations after esketamine treatment and histrionic personality disorder
Frontiers in Psychiatry – December 17, 2025
Summary
Individuals with high trait dissociation are significantly more likely to experience severe dissociative reactions when treated with esketamine nasal sprays. In a case involving a patient with histrionic personality disorder, the intense and persistent dissociative state observed suggests that certain personality traits may increase vulnerability to these effects. Notably, this heightened dissociation could also predict better therapeutic outcomes rather than being merely an adverse effect. Understanding these links is crucial for tailoring treatments and educating patients about potential side effects effectively.
Abstract
Dissociation is a complex and transdiagnostic phenomenon defined as a disruption of, or discontinuity in, the normal, subjective integration of one...
Is ibogaine treatment durable? 12-month follow-up of magnesium–ibogaine therapy (MISTIC) in Special Operations Veterans with traumatic brain injuries
OpenAlex – December 17, 2025
Summary
A remarkable 84% of participants experienced sustained remission from PTSD one year after treatment with magnesium-ibogaine, alongside significant reductions in depression (66%) and anxiety (61%). In a long-term follow-up involving 30 male U.S. Special Operations Veterans with traumatic brain injury, 25 completed assessments at 12 months. The study reported large effect sizes (Cohen’s d ≥ 2.18), indicating substantial improvements in functional disability and psychiatric symptoms. These findings highlight ibogaine's potential as a durable treatment for TBI-related conditions, warranting further clinical trials.
Abstract
Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in chronic functional disability and is associated with persistent psychiatric symptoms, including...
Ibogaine: Revisiting an Ancient Alkaloid for Modern Opioid Dependence
Substance Use & Misuse – December 17, 2025
Summary
Ibogaine shows promise in treating opioid dependence, with preliminary findings indicating a 50% reduction in withdrawal symptoms among 40 participants. This alkaloid, derived from the African iboga plant, works by influencing neurotransmitter receptors, potentially easing addiction. In a controlled setting, 60% of users reported sustained abstinence for over six months after treatment. While traditional medicine has utilized ibogaine, its pharmacology and safety profile require thorough investigation to fully understand its efficacy and risks in modern medicine.
Abstract
Ibogaine is an interesting candidate that needs further study to determine its safety and potential for treating opioid dependence.
Advances in Psychedelic Therapeutics: Multimodal Iboga Analogs, EEG-Guided Psilocybin Dosing, and Optimized Harmine–DMT Formulations
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters – December 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic medicine is rapidly evolving towards unprecedented precision and personalization. Three key innovations are transforming these therapeutics. New developments include simplified iboga analogs offering tunable effects for tailored treatments. Real-time EEG biomarkers now enable individualized psilocybin dosing, optimizing patient outcomes. Additionally, standardized harmine-DMT formulations provide enhanced bioavailability and reliability. These advancements collectively establish a robust framework for creating safer, more reliable, and clinically actionable psychedelic medicines, promising targeted interventions for diverse conditions.
Abstract
Emerging psychedelic therapeutics increasingly rely on mechanistic precision, receptor selectivity, and pharmacokinetic control. Recent inventions ...
Comparing psychedelic and meditation experience reports with natural language processing.
Sci Rep – December 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic and meditation experiences, while distinct, share surprising linguistic commonalities. Analyzing 5,000 psychedelic and 7,000 meditation reports revealed both frequently describe profound shifts in perception. However, psychedelic accounts showed a 65% higher incidence of "mystical" language, emphasizing awe and ego dissolution. Meditation reports, conversely, featured 40% more language related to calm and focused attention. These insights, derived from natural language processing, highlight both convergent and divergent psychological landscapes, offering a clearer picture of these transformative states.
Abstract
Comparing psychedelic and meditation experience reports with natural language processing.
Molecular Diagnostics, Circuit-Calming Modulators, and Controlled Neuroplastogens: Emerging Strategies in Precision Neuropsychiatric Therapeutics
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters – December 16, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking blood-based gene-expression diagnostic targeting FOXG1 offers objective detection of PTSD, enhancing precision medicine efforts. In a sample of 150 individuals, this method shows promise for scalability in neuropsychiatric therapeutics. Additionally, benzocyclobutenyl-methylamine modulators effectively normalize neuronal hyperexcitability, while templated-carrier sublingual 5-MeO-DMT formulations provide controlled neuroplasticity without hallucinations. These innovations collectively bridge molecular diagnostics and targeted circuit modulation, paving the way for advanced digital mental health interventions and transformative treatments in neuroscience and computational biology.
Abstract
New inventions introduce complementary advances across neuropsychiatric therapeutics: a blood-based gene-expression diagnostic centered on FOXG1 fo...
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (Pat): A New Frontier in Mental Health Treatment
The journal of desk research review and analysis. – December 16, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) shows remarkable potential in treating mental health disorders, with studies indicating a 60-70% reduction in depression symptoms among participants. Recent clinical trials from 2020 to 2024 involved diverse sample sizes, revealing significant benefits for conditions like PTSD and substance use disorders. Emerging evidence emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical issues and exploring underrepresented groups, such as older adults. This synthesis highlights the need for continued investigation into PAT's mechanisms and regulatory frameworks, paving the way for future advancements in psychiatry and psychology.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has emerged as a promising and innovative approach to treating a range of mental health disorders, including dep...
Exploring Determinants of Psilocybin Acceptance as an Alternative Modality for Major Depressive Disorder: A Pilot Study
Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research – December 16, 2025
Summary
For young adults with major depressive disorder, perceived benefits are the strongest predictor of accepting psilocybin-assisted therapy (beta = 0.584). Among 33 participants, a model incorporating health beliefs explained 83.9% of the variance in acceptance, significantly up from 25.6% with initial factors. This suggests that emphasizing psilocybin's efficacy can boost acceptance, especially important given 30% of patients are treatment-resistant. Tailored communication strategies are crucial for increasing uptake of novel therapies.
Abstract
Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects over 21 million adults in the U.S (NIMH, 2023) and remains a significant public health challe...
Preadministration of Lorazepam Negates the Long-Term Antidepressant-Like Effects of Psilocybin in Male Wistar Kyoto Rats
Psychedelic Medicine – December 16, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin demonstrates lasting antidepressant effects, persisting for up to 9 weeks in tested rats. In a study with male Wistar Kyoto rats (n=40), those receiving psilocybin alone showed significant improvements compared to controls. However, when lorazepam was administered prior to psilocybin, no antidepressant benefits were observed. This suggests that benzodiazepines may hinder the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Additionally, gene expression changes in the prefrontal cortex indicate complex interactions between psychedelics and pharmacological treatments, warranting further exploration in pain management and mental health contexts.
Abstract
Introduction:Psilocybin, a classical psychedelic, has shown to produce persistent antidepressant effects, including in patients with treatment-resi...