1269 results for "Set and Setting"
A critical evaluation of psilocybin-assisted therapy protocol components from clinical trial patients, facilitators, and caregivers.
Psychotherapy – January 13, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted therapy holds transformative promise for mental health, making rigorous protocol development crucial for psychiatry. A clinical trial with 10 patients, 7 psychotherapists, and 7 caregivers explored psychotherapy techniques. Findings from this psychology study highlight tailoring treatment protocols to individual needs and ensuring collaborative care, echoing principles in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This deep dive into psychedelics and drug studies offers critical insights for clinical psychology, emphasizing intention-setting and navigating treatment transitions. Effective protocol application is paramount.
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is an experimental treatment with transformative promise. Developing standards for PAT psychotherapy protocols is...
A Psilocybin Experience Gone Wrong: The Importance of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 07, 2025
Summary
A single patient's adverse psilocybin experience, a powerful hallucinogen, without a guiding psychotherapist resulted in inpatient psychiatry admission. This case, pivotal for Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, emphasizes the necessity of controlled settings. It highlights how experiential learning for prescribers, encompassing knowledge of chemical synthesis and alkaloids, is crucial. Such findings contribute to diverse academic research themes debating whether therapeutic support should be mandatory, especially as psilocybin nears FDA approval.
Abstract
As psilocybin awaits approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), scholars debate whether psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy should be requi...
Exploring the role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in enhancing spirituality and mystical experiences in patients with life-threatening illnesses: A systematic review.
Journal of psychosomatic research – February 01, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research shows that psychedelics can profoundly enhance spiritual well-being in patients facing life-threatening illnesses. Analysis of six clinical studies reveals that psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly improved spiritual coping and mystical experiences, particularly among cancer patients. In palliative care settings, these treatments helped patients find deeper meaning and peace during difficult times.
Abstract
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) is gaining traction as a novel approach to addressing the psychological and existential distress experienced by ...
Psychedelics as a tool for a more connected and sustainable world? Considering the importance of rituals, boundaries, and commitment.
International Journal of Drug Policy – September 05, 2024
Summary
Despite a decade of interest in psychedelics like LSD and MDMA for mental health, their social and environmental impacts often go unaddressed. To foster beneficial outcomes, three crucial insights emerge: the importance of setting and rituals, establishing boundaries, and recognizing the long-term commitment required. Commercialization threatens to strip away historical contextual factors, which Psychology and Sociology show are vital. A cautious approach, far from a quick fix, is essential for harnessing these substances' transformative potential for society and the environment.
Abstract
Despite the surge of interest in psychedelic research in the past decade, largely due to the promise of psychedelics for improving mental health ou...
Identifying Three Psilocybin Use Patterns by Frequency and Quantity
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs – August 23, 2024
Summary
Use of Psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, is remarkably varied outside clinical settings. Research uncovered three distinct user profiles, differing significantly in consumption frequency, quantity, and associated demographics. This understanding is crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, informing how this alkaloid might be developed as a future Medicine. Comprehensive insights into these patterns are essential, even for fields like forensic engineering, ensuring safe practices and preventing adverse events related to its chemical synthesis or use.
Abstract
Psilocybin use in nonclinical settings is heterogeneous. We identified three profiles that differed on frequency and quantity of use and their asso...
Current Perspectives on the Clinical Research and Medicalization of Psychedelic Drugs for Addiction Treatments: Safety, Efficacy, Limitations and Challenges.
CNS drugs – October 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelic medicines show promising results in treating addiction, with success rates significantly higher than traditional methods. Recent clinical trials reveal that substances like psilocybin and MDMA, when administered in controlled medical settings, can help break destructive patterns of substance use. These treatments work by promoting neuroplasticity and addressing underlying trauma, offering new hope for those struggling with addiction where conventional treatments have failed.
Abstract
Mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) in particular, contribute greatly to the global burden of disease. Psychedelics, includi...
Tripping into the unknown: Exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – August 01, 2024
Summary
First-time LSD experiences are overwhelmingly positive, with 97.7% of users reporting excitement during their psychedelic journey. Among 3,340 people surveyed, most chose to take the drug with trusted peers in comfortable settings. While brief feelings of fear were common, they were typically mild and didn't deter future use. Smart harm reduction practices, like having sober friends present, helped ensure positive outcomes - only 17 people needed medical help.
Abstract
The recreational use of LSD, a synthetic psychedelic drug, has surged in recent years, coinciding with a renewed research focus on its potential ps...
Safety and risk assessment of psychedelic psychotherapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review.
Psychiatry research – May 01, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin show remarkable safety profiles in controlled therapeutic settings, with only 9 serious adverse events reported across 1,000+ treatment sessions. Analysis of 30 clinical studies reveals that while patients may experience temporary side effects like elevated heart rate or mild nausea during treatment, severe adverse events are extremely rare. The data confirms psychedelic therapy's strong safety record when conducted with proper screening and medical supervision.
Abstract
Psychotherapies assisted by psychedelic substances have shown promising results in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this systemat...
The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review.
Cureus – March 01, 2024
Summary
Ancient Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies show promising results in treating various mental health conditions. When administered in traditional ritual settings, this plant medicine helps people process childhood trauma and PTSD while reducing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues. Participants report profound mystical experiences that catalyze positive personality changes, leading to sustained improvements in mood and emotional wellbeing.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an original Amazonian brew made from the vines and leaves of Psychotroa viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Both P. viridis and B. caapi...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-Psilocybin.
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, shows remarkable potential in treating depression, with some early trials reporting remission rates of up to 57%. Recent research reveals this naturally-occurring compound is generally safe when used in controlled settings, causing mainly temporary effects like nausea. Clinical data suggests it's particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, substance use disorders, and end-of-life anxiety, with benefits lasting months after just 1-2 doses. While larger trials show more modest success rates of 25-29%, the significant reduction in depressive symptoms still outperforms many traditional treatments.
Abstract
The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, induces profound alterations in consciousness through the 5-HT2A receptor. This revie...
Psychedelics, epilepsy, and seizures: a review
Frontiers in Pharmacology – January 12, 2024
Summary
Psychedelics are proving clinically efficacious for various neurological and psychiatric disorders, yet all clinical trials exclude individuals with epilepsy or a history of seizures. This significant population, often overlooked in drug studies, faces exclusion without evidence that these compounds, many being alkaloids, induce seizures. Analysis of several cases suggests these substances, influencing behavior via neurotransmitter receptors, are safe in controlled clinical settings, even promoting seizure remission for some. This challenges current medicine, suggesting a broader role for psychedelic therapy.
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds have been utilized by humans for centuries for medicinal, religious, and tribal purposes. Clinical trial data starting from t...
Feasibility of a Hypnosis Intervention for a Mystical Experience.
The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis – May 15, 2025
Summary
Hypnosis can induce profound mystical experiences similar to those reported with psychedelics, but without drugs. In a groundbreaking exploration, highly hypnotizable participants underwent guided sessions in controlled settings. 70% achieved complete mystical experiences, reporting profound non-ordinary states of consciousness. The intervention proved both safe and effective, with participants unanimously expressing interest in future sessions.
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to determine feasibility and acceptability of a standardized hypnosis intervention for a mystical experience ba...
Health Benefits and Positive Acute Effects of Psilocybin Consumption: A Quantitative Textual Analysis of User Self-Reported Data
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 22, 2023
Summary
Profound mystical experiences driven by the hallucinogen psilocybin, including ego-dissolution, offer significant mental health benefits. An analysis of 846 public online self-reports revealed how context and setting profoundly shape these psychedelic experiences. The findings, relevant for clinical psychology and psychiatry, highlight somatic and visual alterations, connectedness, and cognitive shifts. Understanding these outcomes from a drug studies perspective is crucial for future psychotherapeutic applications, moving beyond basic biochemical analysis to inform safe and effective use of this alkaloid.
Abstract
There has been growth in the use of psychedelics by the global population in recent years. In addition to recreational and ritualistic use, recent ...
Adverse effects of ayahuasca: Results from the Global Ayahuasca Survey.
PLOS global public health – January 01, 2022
Summary
While 70% of ayahuasca users report physical effects like vomiting, most view their experiences as transformative. In a global study of 10,800+ participants across 50 countries, nearly 90% interpreted challenging mental effects as part of positive personal growth. Physical reactions were more common in older first-time users and unsupervised settings, while adverse mental effects decreased in religious contexts.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a plant-based decoction native to Amazonia, where it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Contemporary ritual use of aya...
The Therapeutic Potentials of Ayahuasca: Possible Effects against Various Diseases of Civilization
Frontiers in Pharmacology – January 01, 2016
Summary
The ancient Amazonian brew ayahuasca shows promise in treating modern health challenges through its unique combination of natural compounds. Research reveals its therapeutic potential stems from powerful serotonergic effects and anti-inflammatory properties. When used in appropriate settings, it's shown effectiveness against addiction and various stress-related conditions, working through multiple pathways to promote both physical and psychological healing.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychoactive brew of two main components. Its active agents are β-carboline and tryptamine derivatives. As a sacrament, a...
Safety pharmacology of acute mescaline administration in healthy participants.
British journal of clinical pharmacology – November 25, 2024
Summary
Mescaline, a naturally occurring psychedelic, shows promise as a safe therapeutic compound when administered in controlled settings. In healthy volunteers, doses up to 800mg produced positive experiences that outweighed negative ones. While moderate increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature occurred, they remained within safe ranges. Side effects like nausea were dose-dependent, and flashbacks were rare at 2% of sessions.
Abstract
Psychedelics, including mescaline, may serve as novel treatments for depression and anxiety. However, data is scarce on the safety of mescaline. Th...
Exploring the Role of Ketamine Sedation in Critically Ill Patients: A Comprehensive Review.
Cureus – July 01, 2024
Summary
Ketamine offers unique advantages in critical care, maintaining vital signs while providing effective sedation. This groundbreaking medication preserves respiratory function and hemodynamic stability better than traditional sedatives, making it valuable for unstable patients. Studies show it reduces the need for blood pressure support while delivering reliable sedation. Its distinctive pharmacodynamics allow medical teams to keep patients comfortable without compromising breathing—a crucial benefit in intensive care settings.
Abstract
Sedation management in critically ill patients is a critical component of intensive care, aiming to balance the need for comfort and immobilization...
Should Subanesthetic Ketamine be Considered When Managing Opioid Refractory Cancer Pain?
Journal of pain and symptom management – August 01, 2024
Summary
When traditional pain medications fail, ketamine offers hope for cancer patients experiencing severe, treatment-resistant pain. Medical experts explored this alternative for patients with opioid tolerance, finding that low-dose ketamine may help reduce pain intensity in palliative care settings. While opinions varied among clinicians, the treatment shows promise in managing complex cancer pain, particularly when central sensitization makes standard therapies less effective.
Abstract
In the cancer pain setting, ketamine has been typically employed as a co-analgesic for opioid refractory and neuropathic pain. One controversial to...
Comparison of Nebulized Ketamine to Intravenous Subdissociative Dose Ketamine for Treating Acute Painful Conditions in the Emergency Department: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy Controlled Trial.
Annals of emergency medicine – October 01, 2024
Summary
New pain relief option proves as effective as traditional IV treatment! A breakthrough study shows nebulized ketamine (inhaled through a special device) works just as well as intravenous ketamine for managing severe pain in emergency settings. Among 150 patients with high pain levels, both methods reduced pain scores significantly - from 8.2 to around 3.7 - within 30 minutes. The inhaled version offers a gentler alternative to IV treatment, with no serious side effects reported in either group.
Abstract
We aimed to assess and compare the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of intravenous subdissociative-dose ketamine to nebulized ketamine in eme...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA).
American journal of therapeutics
Summary
MDMA, once known only as a party drug, shows remarkable promise in treating PTSD, with 67-71% of patients no longer meeting PTSD criteria after therapy. Recent clinical trials reveal it's 2-3 times more effective than traditional antidepressants. When used in controlled therapeutic settings, MDMA appears safe and could become a legal treatment option by 2024, offering hope to millions struggling with trauma.
Abstract
After becoming notorious for its use as a party drug in the 1980s, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methampetamine (MDMA), also known by its street names "molly"...
Novel Treatment Approaches for Substance Use Disorders: Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics and the Role of Psychotherapy
CORE – January 01, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows remarkable potential in treating addiction, combining traditional psychotherapy with carefully controlled psychedelic experiences. Studies reveal that substances like psilocybin and MDMA can enhance therapeutic breakthroughs when used in structured clinical settings. The treatment pairs drug administration with intensive therapy sessions, helping patients process trauma and break destructive patterns. Results show significant reductions in substance use and improved mental health outcomes.
Abstract
Purpose of Review: The use of psychedelics in a therapeutical setting has been reported for the treatment of various diagnoses in recent years. How...
Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study
PLoS ONE – October 24, 2023
Summary
Extended adverse experiences following psychedelic use can endure for years, a crucial finding for medicine and psychiatry. Among 608 individuals, one-third reported persistent difficulties for over a year, with one-sixth struggling for more than three years. These often involve intense feelings of anxiety, social disconnection, and depersonalization, highlighting a need in clinical psychology. Understanding drug type, dose, and guided settings can mitigate these challenges, informing harm reduction strategies for those exploring the neurotransmitter receptor influence of synthetic compounds like psilocybin.
Abstract
Long-term adverse experiences following psychedelic use can persist for weeks, months, or even years, and are relatively unexplored in psychedelic ...
NOVEL MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION USING KETAMINE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
medRxiv Preprint Server – September 23, 2021
Summary
Imagine rapid relief for severe depression, even in critical care. Researchers investigated if ketamine, an anesthetic, could effectively treat depression in Intensive Care Unit patients. Administered as a novel treatment, it led to significant improvements, demonstrating its potential to induce rapid remission. This offers a promising new strategy for managing depression in challenging medical settings.
Abstract
Background Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, induces remission of depression by antagonizing glutaminergic NMDA receptors. Ketamine has been use...
The phenomenology of psychedelic therapy
Philosophy of Psychedelics – August 01, 2021
Summary
Psychedelic therapy often unlocks profound psychological insight and beneficial self-perception. A review of experiences in controlled settings shows that while mystical visions occur, patients more commonly report intense emotional release and deep feelings of connection and acceptance. This suggests therapy's power lies in these internal shifts, not solely in spiritual epiphanies.
Abstract
‘The phenomenology of psychedelic therapy’ provides a selective overview of experiences commonly reported by those who take psychedelics in control...
Decreases in State and Trait Anxiety Post-psilocybin: A Naturalistic, Observational Study Among Retreat Attendees
Frontiers in Psychiatry – July 07, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound from truffles, significantly reduced anxiety in a supportive group setting. Among 46 participants, average psilocin consumption was 27.1 mg. State and trait anxiety measures showed medium reductions (effect sizes around 6) the morning after, persisting for a week (effect sizes around 7-8) in 23 individuals. This highlights psilocybin's potential in clinical psychology and psychiatry for anxiety management, possibly influencing neurotransmitter receptors. Mindfulness also increased, demonstrating broader psychological effects of psychedelics.
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric disorders among Western countries. Evidence-based treatment modalities including pharmaco...
Assessing the Attitudes of Dutch Mental Health Care Professionals Toward Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – June 23, 2025
Summary
Dutch mental health professionals largely embrace psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, a promising development in mental health care. A cross-sectional study of 198 clinicians revealed positive attitudes toward treatments using compounds like MDMA and psilocybin. This exploratory research in psychology found attitudes correlated with prior personal use of these natural compound pharmacology studies. Psychotherapists believe psychiatrists and clinical psychologists are ideal administrators, preferring specialized hospital settings within medicine. While supporting psychedelics and drug studies, including chemical synthesis and alkaloids, concerns persist about connecting with patients during altered states.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) constitutes a novel treatment paradigm in mental health care practice that is currently being evaluated fo...
Legally tripping: a qualitative profile of Salvia divinorum use among young adults.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – January 01, 2011
Summary
Many young adults perceive a popular legal hallucinogenic plant as having a remarkably low risk profile. An ethnographic project explored the experiences of young adults using Salvia divinorum, gathering qualitative data on how and why they use it. Most users enjoy the intense, brief hallucinogenic experience in home settings, though some also use it in social environments like parties. Crucially, the majority report no significant negative health effects, beyond occasional mental cloudiness, and observe no ill effects in their peers. This perceived safety, coupled with its legal availability, appears to reinforce social norms favorable towards its use.
Abstract
During recent years, there has been increasing interest in "legal highs" among youth and young adults. Salvia divinorum is a legally available hall...
Placebo Effects in the Treatment of Depression-Implications for the Psychedelic Renaissance.
Neurologic clinics – February 01, 2026
Summary
Remarkably, patient expectation alone can profoundly impact depression treatment outcomes. This review explores how the powerful placebo effect shapes results in trials for new antidepressant therapies, especially with emerging psychedelic compounds like Psilocybin, Ketamine, and MDMA. It highlights how trial design, therapeutic setting, and expectancy interact. The challenge of 'unblinding' and the need for better 'masking' techniques are crucial to accurately assess these promising psychedelic treatments, ensuring we understand their true benefits beyond the placebo response.
Abstract
The development of novel, rapid-acting treatments and the resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-like compounds has sti...
Psychological and neuropsychological assessment of regular hoasca users.
Comprehensive psychiatry – November 01, 2016
Summary
Intriguingly, individuals who regularly use the psychedelic hoasca within a religious setting demonstrate notable psychological benefits. They show lower depression and confusion, along with higher agreeableness and openness personality traits. These users also report an improved quality of life and better memory. Furthermore, they exhibit less recent alcohol use, pointing to positive effects on substance abuse. The findings suggest that this ritualistic practice does not negatively affect cognitive function and may enhance mood and overall well-being.
Abstract
Hoasca (also called ayahuasca) is a N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) - containing psychedelic brew originally used for magico-religious purposes by Ame...
LSD: Therapeutic Effects of the Psychedelic Experience
Psychological Reports – February 01, 1964
Summary
An impressive 80% of patients experienced significant improvement following psychedelic therapy. Individuals received LSD in a supportive setting, with benefits assessed via patient reports and objective psychological evaluations. Many reported a profound "greater awareness of ultimate reality" linked to their positive outcomes. This approach shows substantial therapeutic potential, with infrequent negative reactions and sustained benefits observed for up to two years.
Abstract
Preliminary results of a study of psychedelic therapy are reported. Patients receive LSD and mescaline in a supportive setting following intensive ...
Development and Validation of a Scale Assessing University Lecturers' Perceptions of Benefits of Yoga and Meditation and Their Willingness to Practice.
International journal of yoga therapy – November 21, 2025
Summary
Over 95% of university lecturers recognize the profound benefits of yoga and meditation, yet few integrate these practices daily. Researchers surveyed 162 lecturers in North India to understand their views and readiness to adopt these practices. The findings were overwhelmingly positive: nearly all acknowledged significant improvements in physical and mental health, stress reduction, sleep quality, and job satisfaction. While daily practice was low, an impressive 89.8% expressed strong willingness to participate in university-offered sessions. This indicates strong potential for successful well-being program implementation within university settings, enhancing staff wellness.
Abstract
Yoga and meditation are increasingly recognized for enhancing physical and mental well-being. However, there is limited research on university lect...
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the effect of psilocybin and methylenedioxymethamphetamine on mental, behavioural or developmental disorders
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – March 12, 2022
Summary
A meta-analysis in psychiatry reveals significant promise for psychedelics. MDMA, combined with psychological support, strongly reduced PTSD symptoms, with an effect size of -0.86 across four trials. Psilocybin in medicine proved equally effective as escitalopram for long-standing depression, also easing anxiety in life-threatening illness. These drug studies suggest clinical psychology could integrate such treatments, influencing neurotransmitter receptors to modify behavior. Unlike digital mental health interventions, these require supervised settings and intensive support.
Abstract
Objectives: There is an increasing interest in combining psilocybin or methylenedioxymethamphetamine with psychological support in treating psychia...
How does it feel to be on psilocybin? Dose-response relationships of subjective experiences in humans
OpenAlex – June 11, 2020
Summary
Higher doses of psilocybin, the potent hallucinogen, reliably intensify subjective psychological experiences. A comprehensive meta-analysis established a clear positive correlation between oral psilocybin dosage and ratings on scales like the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and Hallucinogen Rating Scale. This finding is vital for clinical psychology and psychiatry, guiding psychedelic use in therapeutic contexts. This work, relevant to drug studies and complementary medicine, helps standardize expected drug experiences in controlled settings, informing future research on chemical synthesis and alkaloids.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin is the active component of magic mushrooms and is well known for its psychoactive properties. Different questionnaires have bee...
Voice of the Psychonauts: Coping, Life Purpose, and Spirituality in Psychedelic Drug Users
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 01, 2011
Summary
Psychedelics, including Mescaline and Psilocybin, when used for self-knowledge, correlate positively with enhanced coping and spirituality. An investigation of 667 drug users and non-users revealed that purposeful engagement with these psychoactive drugs, often considered hallucinogens, is less associated with problems. This suggests a role for spirituality in psychology, where deliberate use of such drugs, outside typical clinical psychology settings, could foster self-enhancement. This perspective shifts the focus in drug studies from solely problematic use to potential benefits for psychological well-being.
Abstract
Psychoactive drug use shows great diversity, but due to a disproportionate focus on problematic drug use, predominant nonproblematic drug use remai...
Psilocybin induces sex- and context-specific recruitment of the stress axis
Current Biology – December 09, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin robustly activates the body's stress system via specific hypothalamic neurons, with more pronounced responses observed in female mice. This activation relies on serotonin receptors, involving dual mechanisms. Crucially, psilocybin surprisingly alters how these stress-regulating brain cells react to environmental changes, causing a decrease in activity where stress typically elevates it. This context-specific modulation may be a key mechanism explaining its therapeutic potential for conditions like depression, highlighting the considerable influence of "setting" on the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
Following decades of prohibition, psychedelic drugs have reemerged as promising therapeutics for stress-related conditions, including depression an...
Real-World Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: a Retrospective Observational Study
OpenAlex – December 10, 2025
Summary
Patients with severe treatment-resistant depression experienced significant symptom reduction after psilocybin treatment in a real-world setting. Nineteen patients in Switzerland saw average depression scores (MADRS) drop from 30.78 to 19.89, a large effect (Hedges’ *g* = 1.37). Another measure (BDI) showed scores decreasing from 32.33 to 23.28 (effect *r* = .80). A third achieved response (33.3% MADRS), with 22.2% achieving remission. No serious adverse events occurred, though these rates were lower than in controlled trials.
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin has demonstrated promising antidepressant effects in depression and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in controlled clinical...
Regulatory Challenges of Integrating Psychedelics into Mental Health Sector
Psychoactives – April 22, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics are emerging as a promising method for treating mental health conditions. Substances like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, when administered in controlled settings with psychological support, induce profound insights. These lead to long-lasting positive changes in mood, cognition, and behavior, addressing depression, anxiety, and addiction. This revolutionizes mental health treatment. However, ethical, social, and regulatory challenges in Drug Studies require rigorous inquiry for their therapeutic use within Psychology and mental health.
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have recently emerged as a promising method for treating mental health conditions, despite a history of stigmatization and r...
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians – Part IV. Psilocybin
OpenAlex – December 26, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows remarkable promise in Psychiatry. Initial clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression reported 42-57% remission, surpassing many antidepressant medications. While larger Phase II trials with over 100 participants observed 25-29% remission, significant symptom reduction was consistent. This medicine, derived from alkaloids, appears psychologically safe, with adverse effects largely preventable in controlled settings. Its pharmacology is well-understood, offering new avenues in Psychology for conditions like anxiety and depression, making it a leading psychedelic in drug studies.
Abstract
Background: The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin induces profound alterations in consciousness through its action at the 5-...
The Psychedelic Integration Scales: Tools for Measuring Psychedelic Integration Behaviors and Experiences
Frontiers in Psychology – May 23, 2022
Summary
Understanding the post-experience journey with psychedelics is now clearer. New psychometric scales, developed in Psychology for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, precisely measure "integration"—both behavioral engagement and internal experiences following drug administration. Rigorous psychometrics, including expert input and methods like content validity, face validity, construct validity, convergent validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis, confirm their reliability. These scales, useful for applied settings, advance understanding of the powerful effects of these compounds, many originating from chemical synthesis or alkaloids.
Abstract
In this study, we describe the development and initial validation of two psychometric scales for measuring psychedelic integration. Psychedelic int...
Persisting decreases in state and trait anxiety post-psilocybin: A naturalistic, observational study among retreat attendees
OpenAlex – March 02, 2022
Summary
Psilocybin-containing truffles produced rapid, lasting anxiety reductions in a supportive group setting. For 52 volunteers, consuming an average of 27.1 mg of psilocin, an alkaloid, led to medium to large decreases in state and trait anxiety, persisting for a week. This offers a promising avenue for clinical psychology and psychiatry, where current treatments yield 51-58% response rates. The powerful psychedelic experience, influencing neurotransmitter receptors, enhanced mindfulness and reduced neuroticism, impacting behavior and psychological well-being.
Abstract
Abstract Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric disorders among Western countries. Evidence-based treatment modalities including...
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...
From Underground to Mainstream: Establishing a Medical Lexicon for Psychedelic Therapy
Frontiers in Psychiatry – June 17, 2022
Summary
Advancing psychedelics into mainstream medicine requires precise, non-stigmatizing terminology. A harmonized medical lexicon, distinguishing medical, recreational, and spiritual uses as a clear set, is crucial for public acceptance and scientific progress. This approach, informed by psychology and communications research (including cannabis and cannabinoid research), ensures ethical practices like informed consent. Replacing colloquialisms corrects misconceptions among professionals, impacting medical education and fostering cross-cultural understanding of ethical frameworks, even for engineering ethics, moving psychedelics beyond alternative medicine.
Abstract
We argue that non-stigmatizing and precise terminology grounded in the medical model will advance both the science and public acceptance of psyched...
Opening up a closed field:
The Journal of Educational Sociology – May 31, 2009
Summary
What if researcher bias isn't a flaw, but a powerful resource? This research challenges traditional sociology and epistemology, transforming perceived "contamination" into a vital interpretive resource. It develops a narrative mode for fieldwork, setting out methods for reading and writing first-person accounts. This approach, akin to defining new data structures for psychological inquiry, opens a new field. Practical applications from fieldwork on magic mushroom users demonstrate how this ordered interpretation process helps understand complex human experiences.
Abstract
This paper attempts to determine a method for making use of the “image of deviation,” which we fieldworkers possess and typically regard as a bias ...
Mindset over molecule: comparing self-transcendent and mystical experiences across recreational psilocybin, MDMA, and cannabis use
BMC Psychology – January 21, 2026
Summary
The profound impact of psychedelics, and even cannabis, hinges more on mindset than the molecule itself. Psychological research reveals a compelling "mindset-over-molecule" pattern: an individual's psychological context strongly shapes outcomes, transcending mere substance type. This insight, vital for applied and clinical psychology, highlights how social psychology informs our understanding of substance use and recreational use. Experiences, including mysticism or paranormal beliefs, are profoundly influenced by this context, gathered via experience sampling. Much like an archaeological site's significance, setting is paramount. A psychotherapist's guidance, not forensic toxicology, is key.
Abstract
Findings indicate a "mindset-over-molecule" pattern wherein psychological context ("set") is more strongly associated with psychedelic outcomes tha...
EFECTOS PSICOLÓGICOS DE LA PSILOCIBINA EN PACIENTES CON CÁNCER TERMICO: Una revisión del alcance
OpenAlex – January 24, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly reduces depression and anxiety for terminal cancer patients. A review of medical and pharmaceutic literature, encompassing 9 articles from an initial 340 in databases like MEDLINE, confirms its effectiveness as a medicine. In controlled health care settings, the drug reaction is well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. This highlights psilocybin's potential in psychology and psychiatry, driving psychedelics and drug studies. Such alternative medicine approaches, often indexed in scientific literature like PsycINFO, offer new perspectives beyond traditional pain management.
Abstract
Psilocybin is a natural substance with hallucinogenic properties that has recently been used in the field of health. It is an alkaloid that, when a...
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...
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy; Inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in the frontiers of PTSD treatment trials
Frontiers in Psychiatry – October 10, 2022
Summary
Transgender people face significant barriers in trauma-related mental health care, underscoring the need for inclusive approaches in medicine. A focus group study with 17 Transgender participants revealed frustrations with psychotherapists lacking cultural humility. For MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, vital for clinical psychology and psychiatry, recommendations include gender-affirming care, culturally safe settings, and diverse co-therapy teams. This ensures equitable inclusion for this population, informing future drug studies and psychotherapy techniques to address mental illness and improve mental health.
Abstract
Introduction Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people experience stigma, discrimination, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at hi...
Efficacy of Oral Ketamine in Patients with Depression and Suicidality: A Retrospective Study.
Indian journal of psychological medicine – January 22, 2026
Summary
Oral ketamine shows promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant, significantly reducing depression and suicidality. In 41 patients, oral ketamine therapy led to an average 8.19-point drop in depression scores and a 4.95-point reduction in suicidality after just three sessions. This suggests its potential for immediate benefit in outpatient settings, especially considering diverse sociocultural factors. Common side effects included dizziness and nausea. This effective treatment offers a new avenue for managing severe depression and its associated suicidality.
Abstract
Depression is a significant global health issue, often accompanied by suicidality, which requires urgent and effective interventions. Oral ketamine...
Long-term effectiveness and side-effects of intranasal esketamine in treatment-resistant depression: real-world, single-arm study of over 100 sessions.
BJPsych open – January 23, 2026
Summary
Intranasal esketamine offers hope for treatment-resistant depression. In a real-world setting, 85% of 20 patients receiving maintenance therapy for an average of 2.5 years (129 sessions) saw improved depressive severity, with 25% achieving remission. Anxiety also improved for 65%, with 20% reaching remission. This demonstrates esketamine's long-term effectiveness. Side effects were mild, though 20% experienced urinary symptoms, underscoring monitoring needs for this crucial treatment.
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) poses a significant clinical challenge, with limited evidence guiding long-term pharmacological strategies. Es...
Effectiveness of Anapanasati Meditation on Internal Locus of Control, Psychological Well-being, Resilience and Altruism Among Orphan Adolescents.
Annals of neurosciences – January 10, 2026
Summary
Anapanasati meditation significantly boosts well-being, altruism, and internal locus of control among vulnerable orphan adolescents. A three-month program, implemented with 54 orphan adolescents (compared to 54 non-orphan peers aged 13-17), demonstrated marked improvements in resilience from the second month. This simple, low-cost meditation effectively supports holistic growth, enhancing positive psychosocial performance for adolescents facing unique challenges. It offers a practical solution for resource-constrained settings, fostering a stronger sense of self-direction and compassion.
Abstract
Orphan adolescents face multiple vulnerabilities, including a lack of parental guidance, poor educational opportunities, socio-economic disadvantag...
The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics – November 11, 2008
Summary
LSD, synthesized in 1938, has generated nearly 10,000 scientific papers exploring its complex pharmacology and effects on consciousness. Initially used for psychiatric research, it became an illegal substance by the mid-1960s. Despite its controversial history, recent interest has surged in its potential therapeutic applications, particularly for cluster headaches and terminal illness. While LSD is generally well-tolerated in controlled settings, uncontrolled use can lead to complications. This renewed focus highlights the need for careful study of its influence on neurotransmitter systems and behavior.
Abstract
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was synthesized in 1938 and its psychoactive effects discovered in 1943. It was used during the 1950s and 1960s as...
LSD before Leary: Sidney Cohen's Critique of 1950s Psychedelic Drug Research
Isis – March 01, 1997
Summary
In 1962, Sidney Cohen highlighted the dangers of LSD, a drug initially celebrated for its potential to induce mystical experiences. By the late 1950s, over 1,000 psychiatrists and psychologists were using it to treat neuroses and alcoholism. While Cohen's earlier work suggested LSD was safe in medical settings, he later cautioned against its widespread use outside of these environments, noting risks from black market distribution. This shift prompted government regulations that shaped the trajectory of psychedelic research and public perception during the 1960s.
Abstract
In 1962 Sidney Cohen presented the medical community with its first warning about the dangers of the drug LSD. LSD had arrived in the United States...
Return of the lysergamides. Part V: Analytical and behavioural characterization of 1‐butanoyl‐d‐lysergic acid diethylamide (1B‐LSD)
Drug Testing and Analysis – May 13, 2019
Summary
1-butanoyl-LSD (1B-LSD) exhibits intriguing psychedelic properties, showing about 14% of LSD’s potency in inducing the head-twitch response in C57BL/6J mice. In a controlled setting, 1B-LSD produced a dose-dependent increase in this behavior with an effective dose of 976.7 nmol/kg compared to LSD's 132.8 nmol/kg. This suggests that 1B-LSD may mimic the effects of other serotonergic hallucinogens. With growing interest in novel LSD analogs, understanding their pharmacological profiles is crucial for both therapeutic and recreational contexts.
Abstract
Abstract The psychedelic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have captured the imagination of researchers for many years and its redisco...
LSD and Psychiatric Inpatients
Archives of General Psychiatry – May 01, 1967
Summary
LSD use in nonmedical settings can lead to severe psychological consequences, including panic attacks and psychotic episodes. In a sample of 100 hospitalized psychiatric patients with a history of LSD use, 60% experienced significant adverse reactions, such as prolonged psychosis or suicidal behavior. This contrasts sharply with only 20% of those without LSD history exhibiting similar issues. The findings highlight the urgent need for awareness regarding the potential dangers of recreational LSD use, particularly concerning mental health outcomes in vulnerable individuals.
Abstract
THE USE of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in nonmedical settings is currently receiving a great deal of attention. Reports in the literature have...
Therapeutic Effects of Ritual Ayahuasca Use in the Treatment of Substance Dependence—Qualitative Results
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 01, 2014
Summary
Ayahuasca may be a powerful ally in addiction treatment, as indicated by insights from 29 participants, including 13 therapists and 14 individuals who experienced ayahuasca-assisted therapy. The findings suggest that, within structured settings, ayahuasca can trigger neurobiological and psychological processes beneficial for recovery, potentially reducing relapse rates. Key variables influencing treatment outcomes were identified, alongside strategies to minimize side effects and address ritual transfer. This traditional medicine offers promising avenues for clinical psychology and psychiatry in addressing substance dependence.
Abstract
This qualitative empirical study explores the ritual use of ayahuasca in the treatment of addictions. Ayahuasca is an Amazonian psychedelic plant c...
Ayahuasca and Public Health: Health Status, Psychosocial Well-Being, Lifestyle, and Coping Strategies in a Large Sample of Ritual Ayahuasca Users
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – February 07, 2019
Summary
Long-term ayahuasca users report significant health benefits, with 56% reducing prescription drug use. A study involving 380 participants in Spain employed a self-administered questionnaire to assess health status through public health indicators. Results showed that those using ayahuasca over 100 times scored higher in personal values and exhibited a healthier lifestyle compared to normative data. This suggests that controlled use of psychedelics in communal settings may positively impact public health, offering valuable insights into the psychosocial effects of ayahuasca.
Abstract
Assessing the health status of ayahuasca users has been challenging due to the limitations involved in randomized clinical trials and psychometric ...
Stability Evaluation of DMT and Harmala Alkaloids in Ayahuasca Tea Samples
Molecules – April 29, 2020
Summary
Ayahuasca tea, used in religious contexts, shows promise for treating mental health disorders. A study analyzed the stability of its key alkaloids—DMT, harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline—under various conditions. After a year in refrigeration, DMT remained stable, while harmala alkaloids exhibited significant degradation after high-temperature storage and freeze-thaw cycles. Specifically, concentrations of harmine and harmaline varied greatly, with some increasing. These findings highlight the necessity of quantifying ayahuasca's alkaloids before use in clinical settings to ensure effective outcomes.
Abstract
Ayahuasca tea is a hallucinogenic beverage used for religious purposes in Brazil and many other countries that has therapeutic potential in the tre...
Ayahuasca, a potentially rapid acting antidepressant: focus on safety and tolerability
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety – March 18, 2022
Summary
Ayahuasca shows promise as a relatively safe treatment in controlled settings, with no serious adverse effects reported among participants. Common side effects included nausea (30%), vomiting (25%), and headaches (20%). Despite its potential antidepressant properties, the field lacks large clinical trials to confirm these effects. Challenges remain, including dose standardization and legal issues surrounding possession of its components. Additionally, addressing how traditional communities are compensated if ayahuasca is approved as a medicine is crucial for its future therapeutic use.
Abstract
There were no reports of serious AEs, indicating a relative safety of ayahuasca administration in controlled settings. Most common AEs included nau...
Pre-clinical interaction of ayahuasca, a brew used in spiritual movements, with morphine and propofol
Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences – June 07, 2018
Summary
Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage, demonstrated significant interactions with anesthetics in a study involving 60 mice. When combined with morphine, ayahuasca enhanced its pain-relieving effects, evidenced by a notable increase in antinociception during the hot plate test. In contrast, when paired with propofol, ayahuasca intensified its depressant effects but surprisingly reduced the duration of sleep induced by propofol. These findings suggest complex pharmacological interactions that could influence the use of ayahuasca alongside conventional anesthetics in medical settings.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a beverage with psychoactive properties used in religious and ceremonial rituals by some religious groups. The main active co...
Paradoxes of ayahuasca expansion: The UDV–DEA agreement and the limits of freedom of religion
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy – August 25, 2011
Summary
In a landmark agreement signed in 2010, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Brazilian ayahuasca religion União do Vegetal (UDV) settled a long-standing dispute over the psychoactive brew used as a religious sacrament. Despite winning a Supreme Court decision in 2006, which favored the UDV, the DEA classified ayahuasca as a toxic substance. This agreement reflects the UDV's shift from its Amazonian roots toward formalization and bureaucratization, raising critical questions about religious freedom and human rights amidst increasing governmental control over spiritual practices.
Abstract
This article comments on the agreement signed in 2010 between a US branch of the Brazilian ayahuasca religion União do Vegetal (UDV) and the US Dru...