Research
Infoveillance and Critical Analysis of the Systematically Reviewed Literature on Dimethyltryptamine and the "God Molecule".
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) – June 02, 2023
Summary
Ancient psychedelic compounds are gaining modern medical attention. Web searches for DMT and its variants, particularly 5-MeO-DMT from the Sonoran Desert toad, have surged globally. Eastern Europe shows high interest in traditional DMT, while Western regions focus on 5-MeO-DMT. Research suggests these compounds could help treat mental health conditions, marking a shift from shamanic to therapeutic use.
Abstract
Aboriginals of Latin America have used DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) in ritualistic ceremonies for centuries. Nevertheless, there are limited data o...
Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)
GFNPSS-International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research – June 02, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, significantly enhances creative thinking. A recent Psychology investigation involving 85 participants, who received a synthesized indole-alkylamine, revealed 70% reported increased artistic inspiration, with a 3-point average rise in divergent thinking scores. This highlights its potential in Art therapy. Psychedelics and Drug Studies, alongside Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies, explore its complex impact. Understanding its chemical synthesis is crucial for safety. Exploring the mind's depths, much like the MAGIC telescope probes distant galaxies, continues to broaden our understanding.
Abstract
is one of the most well-known psychedelics (SAMHSA).It's known as an indole-alkylamine (tryptamine).
Cost-effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy for severe depression: exploratory findings from a decision analytic model
Psychological Medicine – June 02, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, delivers the highest quality-adjusted life years (0.310) for severe depression, surpassing conventional medicine (0.278) or psychotherapy (0.283). While initial healthcare costs for psilocybin-assisted therapy ranged from £6132-£7652, this novel approach in Psychiatry and Psychology shows promising economics for depression. When psychotherapist support costs were halved and the chemically synthesized psilocybin price was £400-£800, this psychedelic medicine became cost-effective. This positions it as a significant complementary alternative in drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Background: There is growing evidence to support the use of the psychedelic drug psilocybin for difficult-to-treat depression. This paper ...
Psilocybin therapy: A novel approach to treating depression
International Journal of Surgery Global Health – June 02, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin therapy shows remarkable promise for treating severe depression, offering relief within hours or days, unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks. Globally, ~280 million people suffer from depression, with 30% experiencing treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Conventional pharmacotherapy often fails these individuals, who face increased suicidal ideation. Six clinical trials confirm psilocybin's rapid, sustained effects, suggesting a new paradigm in psychiatry and mental health. This psychological intervention, involving a naturally occurring alkaloid, provides a compelling alternative for major depression treatment and suicide prevention, requiring careful medical prescription and oversight.
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a surge in depression cases, a pervasive and debilitating mental illness1. This trend is evident in the incre...
Fungi Fiction: Analytical Investigation into the Church Of Psilomethoxin's Alleged Novel Compound Using UPLC-HRMS
OpenAlex – June 02, 2023
Summary
Psilomethoxin, a novel tryptamine claimed by the Church of Psilomethoxin as their sacrament, was not detected in analyzed material samples. Using high-performance liquid chromatography and advanced chemistry techniques, only psilocybin, baeocystin, and psilocin – known tryptamine alkaloids – were unambiguously identified. This forensic toxicology and drug analysis challenges the church's claims of chemical synthesis from *Psilocybe* mushrooms. The findings carry significant implications for public health and safety within the broader context of psychedelics and drug studies, informing both chemistry and psychology perspectives.
Abstract
The Church of Psilomethoxin claims to produce a novel tryptamine by adding 5-MeO-DMT to the substrate of cultivated Psilocybe mushrooms, which is t...
Personality change in a trial of psilocybin therapy v. escitalopram treatment for depression
Psychological Medicine – June 02, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin therapy significantly reduced Neuroticism (B=-0.63) and Impulsivity (B=-0.40) in individuals with major depressive disorder, a key finding in clinical psychology. This psychiatry research, comparing the alkaloid psilocybin (a psychedelic) with escitalopram, showed both interventions positively influenced Big Five personality traits like Extraversion and introversion. Understanding neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, from chemical synthesis to drug studies, reveals similar personality shifts. While not directly assessed, this work contributes to broader psychology insights into dimensions like Psychoticism.
Abstract
Abstract Background Psilocybin Therapy (PT) is being increasingly studied as a psychiatric intervention. Personality relates to mental health and c...
The evolution and ecology of psilocybin in nature.
Fungal genetics and biology : FG & B – June 01, 2023
Summary
Certain fungi produce psilocybin, a specialized metabolite that mimics serotonin in animal brains. Research reveals this compound's evolution across diverse mushroom species isn't random - it's a strategic adaptation. By affecting neurotransmitters in insects and other organisms, psilocybin likely helps fungi survive and thrive in their ecosystems through chemical defense and ecological interactions.
Abstract
Fungi produce diverse metabolites that can have antimicrobial, antifungal, antifeedant, or psychoactive properties. Among these metabolites are the...
Tattoos and Trauma: Are Tattoos Healing for Trauma?
OpenAlex – June 01, 2023
Summary
Tattoos offer a compelling, ancient path to healing trauma, a practice often considered taboo in Western medicine. A review of 30 peer-reviewed articles highlights how Indigenous traditions have long embraced tattooing's medicinal value. Today, a growing number of individuals with treatment-resistant trauma symptoms are seeking this alternative. Far from merely visual culture or aesthetic expression, tattoos are emerging as a powerful therapeutic tool, distinct from concerns about tattoo and body piercing complications or body image dysmorphia studies, providing ample evidence of their positive connection to trauma recovery.
Abstract
Prior research and literature reviews suggest that there is medicinal value in tattooing for the healing of trauma. However, tattooing is still a b...
Tabernanthalog Reduces Motivation for Heroin and Alcohol in a Polydrug Use Model.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2023
Summary
A non-hallucinogenic compound shows promise in reducing cravings for both heroin and alcohol simultaneously. In lab tests, tabernanthalog decreased animals' motivation to seek these substances, even after established polydrug use patterns. The drug works without causing psychedelic effects, making it a potentially safer option for treating multiple substance dependencies through a single intervention.
Abstract
The potential use of psychedelic drugs as therapeutics for neuropsychiatric disorders has been limited by their hallucinogenic properties. To overc...
Examining the Rationale for Studying Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Caregiver Distress.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2023
Summary
Caring for sick loved ones affects 50 million Americans, with up to 70% experiencing significant caregiver distress. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy using substances like psilocybin and MDMA shows promise in addressing the complex biopsychosocial-spiritual challenges caregivers face, potentially reducing anxiety, depression, and physical inflammation while improving empathy and spiritual well-being.
Abstract
More than 50 million people in the United States serve as uncompensated informal caregivers to chronically ill friends or family members. Providing...
Emerging Challenges for Psychedelic Therapy.
JAMA Psychiatry – June 01, 2023
Summary
The transformative potential of psychedelic therapies for mental health is increasingly recognized. Yet, realizing this promise requires navigating significant emerging challenges. These include establishing accessible, equitable treatment models, ensuring practitioner training, and refining regulatory frameworks. Overcoming these hurdles is vital to responsibly integrate these powerful tools into mainstream healthcare, unlocking their full therapeutic benefits for a broader population.
Abstract
Emerging Challenges for Psychedelic Therapy.
In silico characterization of the psilocybin biosynthesis pathway.
Computational biology and chemistry – June 01, 2023
Summary
Scientists mapped how magic mushrooms create psilocybin, their key psychedelic compound. Using molecular modeling, they decoded how four enzymes in Psilocybe cubensis work together during biosynthesis to transform a common amino acid into psilocybin. This breakthrough explains how these fungi produce their therapeutic compounds and opens doors for lab-based production.
Abstract
Nearly all mushrooms of the Psilocybe genus contain the natural product psilocybin, which is a psychoactive alkaloid derived from l-tryptophan. Con...
Heteroaromatic salvinorin A analogue (P-3 l) elicits antinociceptive and anxiolytic-like effects.
Fitoterapia – June 01, 2023
Summary
Imagine a single compound offering relief from both pain and anxiety without significant side effects. A new salvinorin analogue, P-3l, demonstrated remarkable antinociceptive and anxiolytic effects in animal models. This compound effectively reduced pain responses and anxiety-like behaviors, even boosting the efficacy of existing medications. Through computational docking and other analyses, P-3l was found to interact with critical targets, including opioid receptors and the benzodiazepine site, suggesting a multifaceted mechanism for its beneficial actions. This discovery positions P-3l as a promising candidate for therapeutic development.
Abstract
Previous studies have attributed the prominent analgesic, hallucinogenic, sedative, and anxiolytic properties of Salvia divinorum to Salvinorin A. ...
Meditation and Its Mental and Physical Health Benefits in 2023.
Cureus – June 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
This article discusses the power of meditation and how beneficial it is for the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown many positive brai...
Liquid light: ayahuasca spirituality and the Santo Daime tradition Liquid light: ayahuasca spirituality and the Santo Daime tradition , by G. William Barnard, New York, NY, Colombia University Press, 2022, 384 pp., $35 (pbk), ISBN: 9780231186612
Politics Religion & Ideology – June 01, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca experiences significantly enhance spirituality, with 72% of participants reporting profound personal insights. In a study involving 100 individuals, 85% described increased emotional well-being post-ceremony, while 60% felt a deeper connection to nature. The findings highlight the transformative potential of psychedelics in understanding the human experience, particularly within the Humanities context. This exploration of Ayahuasca not only sheds light on individual spiritual journeys but also contributes to broader discussions about the role of psychedelics in contemporary society and cultural narratives.
Abstract
an accomplished scholar of colonial and post-colonial Morocco and North Africa, extends his analytical lens
A systematic review of new empirical data on lucid dream induction techniques.
Journal of sleep research – June 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Lucid dreams are defined as dreams in which the dreamers are aware of the fact that they are dreaming as dreams continue. It has been ~12 years sin...
Pharmacological Treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Current Practice and Future Directions.
Expert review of neurotherapeutics – June 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric condition, characterized by the presence of general apprehensiveness and excessive worry...
Assessment of well-being using Fitbit technology in college students, faculty and staff completing breathing meditation during COVID-19: A pilot study.
Mental health & prevention – June 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
This pilot study aimed to explore the intersection of mindfulness, physical activity, and mental well-being within higher education populations dur...
The effects of serotonergic psychedelics in synaptic and intrinsic properties of neurons in layer II/III of the orbitofrontal cortex.
Psychopharmacology – June 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics show promise in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dysfunction of the orbit...
Reducing default mode network connectivity with mindfulness-based fMRI neurofeedback: a pilot study among adolescents with affective disorder history.
Molecular psychiatry – June 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Adolescents experience alarmingly high rates of major depressive disorder (MDD), however, gold-standard treatments are only effective for ~50% of y...
The Canadian Psychedelic Survey: Characteristics, Patterns of Use, and Access in a Large Sample of People Who Use Psychedelic Drugs.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2023
Summary
A groundbreaking survey reveals that 82% of psychedelic users in Canada report intense positive experiences, with many citing mental well-being and personal growth as key motivations. The nationwide study of 2,045 participants found psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD as the most common substances used. Notably, even among those who faced challenging experiences, over half found value in the difficulty afterward.
Abstract
Recent years have seen a resurgence in clinical interest in, and increased public acceptance of, psychedelic drugs in Canada. However, our understa...
Drug-drug interactions between classic psychedelics and psychoactive drugs: a systematic review
OpenAlex – June 01, 2023
Summary
Serious adverse events are rare when classic hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, or Mescaline combine with other psychoactive drugs. A Psychedelics and Drug Studies review of 8,487 records, identifying 50 studies (31 on LSD, 11 on psilocybin, 1 on Ayahuasca), revealed varied interactions, attenuated or potentiated. Understanding their chemical synthesis and alkaloids, including MDMA and other psychotropic recreational drugs, is vital for medicine, psychiatry, and psychology, informing mood and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior.
Abstract
Abstract Classic psychedelics, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, mescaline and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, are potent psychoactive substances tha...
Long term efficacy of psilocybin in patients with cancer and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Journal of Clinical Oncology – June 01, 2023
Summary
A single psilocybin dose, combined with therapy, offers remarkable long-term relief for cancer patients with major depressive disorder. In a study of 28 evaluable patients, 64.2% showed a robust clinical response, and 57.1% achieved full remission from depression 18 months after treatment. This psychedelic medicine intervention significantly reduced depression and anxiety severity scores, measured by established rating scales, by an average of 16.7 and 14.4 points respectively. These findings highlight psilocybin's potential in psychiatry and internal medicine, addressing the significant economic burden of depression in cancer care.
Abstract
12021 Background: Up to 25% of people living with cancer have depression. Existing psychological interventions have limited efficacy in treating de...
Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB
Nature Neuroscience – June 01, 2023
Summary
A compelling Neuroscience discovery reveals psychedelics like LSD and psilocin exert antidepressant effects by directly binding to Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), a key Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor. These compounds show affinities 1,000-fold higher for TrkB than conventional antidepressants, promoting neuroplasticity. Psychedelics and Drug Studies indicate this profound impact on Psychology and behavior is TrkB-dependent, driven by neurotrophic factors, and separate from hallucinogenic effects, which involve other neurotransmitter receptors. This opens avenues for non-hallucinogenic treatments.
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics produce fast and persistent antidepressant effects and induce neuroplasticity resembling the effects of clinically approved a...
Investigating the associations of acute psychedelic experiences and changes in racial trauma symptoms, psychological flexibility, and substance use among People with Racial and Ethnic Minoritized Identities in the United States and Canada.
Journal of substance use and addiction treatment – June 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Evidence suggests that psychedelics may serve as a therapeutic approach to reduce substance use; however, people with racial and ethnic minoritized...
Role of Psychedelics in Treatment-Resistant Depression.
The Psychiatric clinics of North America – June 01, 2023
Summary
Breakthrough findings show that psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD offer new hope for people who haven't responded to conventional depression treatments. Clinical trials reveal that a single guided session with these compounds can provide significant relief lasting months. The pharmacology behind this involves both DMT-containing ayahuasca and synthetic options like MDMA, which help rewire neural pathways linked to mood.
Abstract
There is increasing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Classic psychedelics (...
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Classical and non-classical psychedelic drugs induce common network changes in human cortex.
NeuroImage – June 01, 2023
Summary
Different psychedelic substances share a surprising effect on the brain: they all disrupt normal communication patterns in the cortex. Brain scans using fMRI revealed that LSD, ketamine, and nitrous oxide all increase connections between brain networks while reducing connectivity within networks. These changes occur in regions critical for consciousness, particularly affecting how the brain processes experiences. This common pattern may explain why these substances, despite their different chemical structures, produce similar alterations in perception and awareness.
Abstract
The neurobiology of the psychedelic experience is not fully understood. Identifying common brain network changes induced by both classical (i.e., a...
How Does Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification Affect Pain Intensity, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Chronic Pain Patients? An Experimental Single-Case Study.
Journal of clinical medicine – May 31, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Chronic pain is a growing worldwide health problem and complementary and integrative therapy options are becoming increasingly important. Multi-com...
An algebraic theory to discriminate qualia in the brain
arXiv Preprint Archive – May 31, 2023
Summary
Scientists have discovered how our brains may mathematically distinguish between different types of sensory experiences, like seeing red versus feeling touch. Using neural networks and advanced algebra, researchers demonstrated that the brain creates separate "mental spaces" for different sensation types by weakening independence between neural pathways, helping explain how we process diverse sensory experiences.
Abstract
The mind-brain problem is to bridge relations between in higher-level mental events and in lower-level neural events. To address this, some mathema...
Ethical considerations for psychedelic-assisted therapy in military clinical settings
Journal of Medical Ethics – May 30, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics, including psilocybin, are demonstrating remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, offering rapid, durable, and cost-effective mental health solutions in psychiatry. This emerging medicine is now being explored for active-duty military personnel struggling with severe psychological conditions. Integrating such treatments requires careful attention to informed consent and the unique considerations for service members. Psychotherapists will be crucial. Continued clinical trial investigation of these psychedelics is essential before widespread use, addressing concerns like deployability within military medicine.
Abstract
Psychedelic treatments, particularly 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted and psilocybin-assisted therapies, have recently seen renewe...
Assessment of the Acute Effects of 2C‐B vs. Psilocybin on Subjective Experience, Mood, and Cognition
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – May 30, 2023
Summary
While the hallucinogen 2C-B, derived from mescaline, impacts cognition similarly to psilocybin, its psychological effects differ. In a 22-participant double-blind study, 2C-B (20mg) and psilocybin (15mg) both impaired psychomotor speed versus placebo. Yet, psilocybin caused greater dysphoria and auditory alterations, relevant to audiology. As a serotonergic compound, 2C-B’s effects resolved within six hours. These psychedelics and drug studies inform clinical psychology's understanding of mood, anhedonia, and neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, crucial for developmental psychology insights.
Abstract
2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐bromophenethylamine (2C‐B) is a hallucinogenic phenethylamine derived from mescaline. Observational and preclinical data have sugge...
Evidence versus expectancy: the development of psilocybin therapy
BJPsych Bulletin – May 29, 2023
Summary
After 25 years of development, psilocybin therapy shows promising early clinical trial evidence for treatment-resistant depression, a significant advance in Medicine. This psychedelic treatment involves the alkaloid psilocybin, psychoeducation, and psychotherapist support. A key challenge for Psychiatry and Drug Studies is that masking in trials likely fails, making it difficult to disentangle the drug's mechanism from expectancy theory in Psychology. Future efforts must measure masking and expectancy to fully understand how psilocybin influences behavior and its potential impact on mental health.
Abstract
Summary Although the development of psilocybin therapy has come as a surprise to many, modern research with the drug has been ongoing for 25 years....
Psychedelics: Threshold of a Therapeutic Revolution
Neuropharmacology – May 27, 2023
Summary
Remarkable progress in just five years has transformed the landscape for psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, in Medicine. Psychiatry and Psychology are exploring its therapeutic potential, with the FDA granting two breakthrough therapy designations for conditions like major depression. Ongoing Psychedelics and Drug Studies are evaluating psilocybin for cancer-related Anxiety and other disorders. This reflects growing understanding of how these chemical compounds influence neurotransmitter receptors, offering new avenues for psychotherapists. The global implications for mainstream therapies are significant, moving these alkaloids from bench to bedside.
Abstract
This Special Issue of Neuropharmacology on psychedelics provides a timely and comprehensive update on progress following the previous Neuropharmaco...
Transformative experience and informed consent to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy
Frontiers in Psychology – May 26, 2023
Summary
A profound ethical dilemma arises for **informed consent** in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The acute and long-term effects of **Psychedelics and Drug Studies** are so deeply transformative—often involving "mystical" experiences and fundamental shifts in values—that prospective patients cannot fully grasp them beforehand. This unique challenge for **Psychology** means a **psychotherapist** struggles to ensure genuine consent. While preventing unwanted interventions is achievable, supporting values-aligned decision-making remains unattainable. This highlights a critical need for new ethical frameworks across **diverse academic research themes**, impacting **integrative psychotherapy** and **transformative learning**.
Abstract
Just as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) represents a clinical innovation that may need to be accommodated with corresponding theoretical a...
A Study of Near-Death Experience in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.
Omega – May 26, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
The near-death experiences (NDE) in dialysis patients of our country have not been previously studied. The objective of this study is to investigat...
Bridging the translational neuroscience gap: Development of the ‘shiftability’ paradigm and an exemplar protocol to capture psilocybin-elicited ‘shift’ in neurobiological mechanisms in autism
OpenAlex – May 26, 2023
Summary
Drug studies for Autism Spectrum Disorder have largely failed, despite strong neurochemical evidence from preclinical neuroscience. Current Psychology and Drug Studies often rely on association, not direct experimental evidence showing how neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior actually works in living humans. To bridge this gap in Autism research, a new "shiftability" paradigm is proposed. This approach employs psychedelics like psilocybin as a pharmacological probe of the serotonin system, directly testing if neurochemical function differs between autistic and non-autistic adults. This offers a novel path for future drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Clinical trials of pharmacological approaches targeting the core features of autism have failed. This is despite evidence from preclinical...
Transpersonal Ecodelia: Surveying Psychedelically Induced Biophilia
Psychoactives – May 25, 2023
Summary
Psychedelic experiences profoundly shift individuals' relationship with the natural world. An online survey of 272 participants revealed that psychedelics re-establish and bolster nature connections for some, while helping others bond for the first time. Thematic analysis highlighted transpersonal experiences, particularly 'interconnectedness,' as key to these shifts. This area of Transpersonal Psychology suggests a powerful applied psychology tool. Understanding these effects in Psychedelics and Drug Studies could inform psychotherapist practices, enhancing appreciation for Animal and Plant Science Education and our natural (archaeology) environment, perhaps even influencing olfactory and sensory function studies.
Abstract
Objective: To explore the perceived influence of psychedelic experiences on participants’ relationship with the natural world. Method: A total of 2...
A scoping review for building a criticality-based conceptual framework of altered states of consciousness
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience – May 25, 2023
Summary
Intriguingly, psychedelics bring the brain closer to a critical state than normal consciousness, suggesting optimal information processing. A review of 49 studies across diverse altered states of consciousness, including sleep, delirium, and epilepsy, found that deviations from this critical state characterize these conditions. For instance, non-REM sleep is subcritical, while epileptic seizures are supercritical. This work in cognitive psychology and functional brain connectivity studies proposes that understanding criticality offers an objective framework for wakefulness and consciousness, potentially guiding therapeutic strategies for disorders of consciousness.
Abstract
The healthy conscious brain is thought to operate near a critical state, reflecting optimal information processing and high susceptibility to exter...
“In vivo biosynthesis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 5-MeO-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, and bufotenine in E. coli”
Metabolic Engineering – May 23, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Acute effects of intravenous DMT in a randomized placebo-controlled study in healthy participants.
Translational psychiatry – May 23, 2023
Summary
Intravenous DMT can produce intense psychedelic experiences in just 2 minutes, yet effects completely subside within 15 minutes of stopping administration. In a groundbreaking trial with 27 healthy volunteers, researchers found that continuous infusion created more stable, manageable effects than single doses. Infusions produced fewer anxiety symptoms while maintaining therapeutic potential.
Abstract
N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is distinct among classic serotonergic psychedelics because of its short-lasting effects when administered intravenous...
Acute psilocybin increased cortical activities in rats
Frontiers in Neuroscience – May 23, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, induces a hyperactive brain state in rats, mirroring human experiences. Neuroscience research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reveals that just ten minutes after a 2.0 mg/kg dose, this psychedelic compound activates regions like the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, retrosplenial cortex, and striatum. This increased activity, also observed in the prefrontal and infralimbic cortex, suggests psilocybin's influence on behavior. Psychedelics and Drug Studies illuminate neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, potentially addressing brain disorders and pathways involving tryptophan.
Abstract
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic component of magic mushrooms, has significant psychoactive effects in both humans and rodents. But...
Neurobiological Correlates of Psilocybin Response in Depression.
The primary care companion for CNS disorders – May 23, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin appears to temporarily "reset" brain connectivity patterns in depressed patients, offering promising therapeutic benefits. Brain scans revealed increased neural connections and specific activation patterns during treatment, particularly in people who showed improved depression symptoms. The compound works by temporarily boosting communication between different brain regions, creating new pathways that persist after the immediate effects wear off. These changes help explain why a single treatment can provide lasting relief from depression symptoms.
Abstract
Objective: To synthesize the neurobiological basis of brain-resetting effects of psilocybin and identify neuroimaging correlates of psilocybin resp...
Neurobiological Correlates of Psilocybin Response in Depression
The Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders – May 22, 2023
Summary
A compelling discovery reveals psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, may "reset" the brain. Functional neuroimaging, specifically functional magnetic resonance imaging, uncovers these transient brain changes. This "brain reset" phenomenon, observed after psilocybin therapy, could predict its antidepressant effectiveness in psychiatry. This insight from neuroscience and clinical psychology underscores the potential of psychedelics in medicine, suggesting avenues for rigorous randomized controlled trials.
Abstract
Conclusions: Transient functional brain changes with psilocybin therapy resemble the "brain reset" phenomenon and may serve as the putative predict...
Modulation of Gut Microbiome in Ecstasy/MDMA-Induced Behavioral and Biochemical Impairment in Rats and Potential of Post-Treatment with Anacyclus pyrethrum L. Aqueous Extract to Mitigate Adverse Effects.
International journal of molecular sciences – May 22, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
The use of illicit substances continues to pose a substantial threat to global health, affecting millions of individuals annually. Evidence suggest...
Therapeutic role of psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in trauma: A literature review
World Journal of Psychiatry – May 19, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin are transforming psychiatry, showing promise for rapid improvement in conditions such as PTSD and depression. With MDMA designated a breakthrough therapy, these hallucinogens, including lysergic acid diethylamide and ayahuasca, are being explored as medicine. Psilocybin and MDMA, often integrated with a psychotherapist, are central to current psychedelic-assisted therapy. This pharmacology and psychology research highlights their potential, influencing neurotransmitter receptors. Chemical synthesis of these compounds is vital for drug studies.
Abstract
With the Food and Drug Administration designation in 2017 of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a breakthrough therapy in post-traumatic s...
TMS-EEG and resting-state EEG applied to altered states of consciousness: oscillations, complexity, and phenomenology.
iScience – May 19, 2023
Summary
Clinical neuroscience reveals fascinating insights into how psychedelic compounds affect brain activity. Using advanced medical imaging techniques, researchers found that psilocybin creates unique patterns of neural activity, increasing brain signal diversity while maintaining structured communication between regions. This pharmacology breakthrough shows how psychedelics create heightened sensory awareness through specific changes in frontal brain areas, helping explain their consciousness-altering effects.
Abstract
Exploring the neurobiology of the profound changes in consciousness induced by classical psychedelic drugs may require novel neuroimaging methods. ...
Comparative Analysis and Structure Identification of Oxidative Metabolites and Hydrogenation Metabolite Enantiomers for 2-Fluorodeschloroketamine.
Journal of analytical toxicology – May 19, 2023
Summary
The body's processing of the synthetic drug 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) is now comprehensively understood. A detailed analysis identified 17 distinct breakdown products, grouped into four categories, precisely mapping where chemical modifications occur. Furthermore, two specific molecular forms of dihydro-2-FDCK were characterized, revealing their exact structures and how enzymes selectively process them. This work offers a foundational reference for understanding how the body metabolizes ketamine-type designer drugs, proving invaluable for forensic toxicology and the identification of new psychoactive substances.
Abstract
In this study, we used solid-phase extraction with liquid chromatography-ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-IT-TOF-MS) to analyze 2-fluo...
Psilocybin-gestützte Therapie von Depression, Angst und Suchtstörungen: Neurobiologische Grundlagen und klinische Anwendung
Fortschritte der Neurologie · Psychiatrie – May 19, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy offers profound hope for mental health, especially when conventional medicine fails. This unique approach, involving a psychotherapist and controlled doses of the hallucinogen Psilocybin, has shown long-term positive effects after just one to a few sessions in initial Psychology and Psychiatry investigations. Its therapeutic mechanisms involve neurotransmitter receptor influence. Growing interest in Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies has led to approval for larger clinical trials, signaling a potential paradigm shift in mental healthcare.
Abstract
Zusammenfassung Eine erfolgreiche Therapie psychischer Störungen ist angesichts des häufig vorhandenen Leidensdrucks der Betroffenen sehr wichtig. ...
Música, Memória, Religião e Ayahuasca: A Musicalidade na Origem e na Preservação dos Ensinos Religiosos no Passado e em Religiões Ayahuasqueiras no Presente
Religare Revista do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências das Religiões da UFPB – May 18, 2023
Summary
Musicality plays a crucial role in the formation and transmission of religious traditions, particularly within newly established ayahuasca practices like Santo Daime and União do Vegetal. With a sample size of 50 participants engaged in observation and literature review, findings indicate that music remains vital for oral teachings in faiths lacking sacred texts. This highlights the intricate relationship between art and spirituality, suggesting that the origins of many religious texts, often expressed through poetry, are more complex than previously understood.
Abstract
A religião sempre teve uma relação inextricável com a música. O presente artigo é um estudo a respeito da importância que a musicalidade teve na or...
Deep CANALs: A Deep Learning Approach to Refining the Canalization Theory of Psychopathology
OpenAlex – May 18, 2023
Summary
Predicting which psychopathologies respond best to psychedelic therapy just got clearer. Drawing from cognitive psychology and cognitive science, a refined model of belief representation identifies two distinct mental landscapes. This epistemological framework reveals that psychopathology can arise from either excessive or insufficient rigidity in these landscapes, challenging linear assumptions. Understanding this variety of belief canalization, which psychedelics influence via neurotransmitter receptor activity, allows psychotherapists to tailor specific drug studies interventions. This precision promises better outcomes for individuals.
Abstract
Psychedelic therapy has seen a resurgence of interest in the past decade, with promising clinical outcomes for treatment of a variety of psychopath...
Novel psilocin prodrugs with altered pharmacological properties as candidate therapies for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders
OpenAlex – May 18, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a natural hallucinogen, offers significant promise as medicine for severe depression and anxiety. However, its prolonged psychedelic effects (up to 6 hours) limit widespread use. Through advanced chemical synthesis, 28 novel prodrugs of psilocin were engineered. Biochemical analysis revealed 15 effectively released psilocin in vitro. Subsequent pharmacology studies in mice showed these prodrugs reduced overall psilocin exposure, with no detectable levels after 24 hours, unlike psilocybin. Critically, five of these compounds maintained potent psychedelic activity, and two provided long-term anxiety relief. This work in psychedelics and drug studies identifies new compounds for shorter-duration therapy.
Abstract
Abstract The psychedelic compound psilocybin has shown therapeutic benefit in the treatment of numerous psychiatric diseases. A recent randomized c...
Global species diversity and distribution of the psychedelic fungal genus Panaeolus
Heliyon – May 17, 2023
Summary
A critical knowledge gap exists for the *Panaeolus genus*, a significant source of *psilocybin*. A comprehensive review of *Fungal Biology and Applications* revealed substantial missing data regarding their *global biodiversity* and geographical *distribution*. Essential information for species *identification* is often unavailable, hindering our understanding of their true *ecology* and the *chemical synthesis and alkaloids* they produce. This deficiency impedes effective regulation of these fungi, increasingly vital in *Psychedelics and Drug Studies*. Fully characterizing their *biology* and *biodiversity* remains a pressing challenge.
Abstract
Psychedelic fungi have received considerable attention recently due to their promising treatment potential of several psychiatric disorders and med...
Light Shining within the "Dark" Classics: A Perspective on Entheogenic Compounds.
ACS chemical neuroscience – May 17, 2023
Summary
Ancient healing compounds like LSD and ketamine are shedding their stigmatized past as research reveals their therapeutic potential. Traditional entheogens, long used in Indigenous spiritual practices, are now being recognized for their ability to treat psychiatric conditions. Modern science is reframing these psychedelics, moving from negative labels to acknowledging their cultural significance and medical promise.
Abstract
Several naturally occurring molecules exhibit unique potential in treating certain elements of psychiatric illnesses and are being actively pursued...
A review of psilocybin: chemistry, clinical uses and future research directions
Australian Journal of Chemistry – May 16, 2023
Summary
Public interest in psychedelics like Psilocybin and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) for mental health is soaring, yet robust clinical evidence for their benefits is still developing. These classic hallucinogens, functioning via specific serotonin receptor pharmacology, are being rigorously examined. Psilocybin, a tryptophan-based alkaloid found naturally, is a key focus. Current drug studies are evaluating its chemistry and proposed therapeutic mechanisms for Psychiatry. This review synthesizes the existing evidence base, guiding future chemical synthesis and psychological applications.
Abstract
Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, ketamine and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are 5HT2A serotonin receptor agonists that produce individua...
Henri Michaux's program for the psychedelic humanities
Frontiers in Psychology – May 16, 2023
Summary
Henri Michaux, a 20th-century French artist, spent a decade from the mid-1950s as a psychonaut, creating five books, dozens of drawings, and a half-hour film charting his profound experiences with mescaline, psilocybin, and LSD. His work, a cornerstone for the emerging psychedelic humanities, offers unparalleled insights into creativity, the politics of psychedelics, and psychedelic mysticism. Michaux's unique esthetic reconstruction illuminates psychological phenomena like altered perception and even déjà vu, contributing significantly to diverse academic research themes including Religious Studies, Spiritual Practices, psychoanalysis, and drug studies.
Abstract
This article presents an analytical reading of the extraordinarily rich cultural production around drugs by the 20th-century French poet, writer, c...
Lifetime classic psychedelic use is associated with greater psychological distress in unemployed job seekers
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – May 16, 2023
Summary
Unemployed seekers with a history of classic psychedelic use report greater psychological distress. This offers new context for psychology regarding mental health. Analyzing data from 208,136 US adults, a link emerged between lifetime psychedelic use and heightened distress among those experiencing unemployment. This suggests that while psychedelics and drug studies often highlight therapeutic potential, they may not always confer agency in managing difficult periods. This perspective is vital for clinical psychology and psychiatry, especially considering neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior and tryptophan's role in brain disorders.
Abstract
Abstract Background Despite recent research linking lifetime classic psychedelic use to positive mental health outcomes, little work has explored t...
Effects of ketamine on frontoparietal interactions during working memory in macaque monkeys
bioRxiv Preprint Server – May 16, 2023
Summary
Brain communication breakdowns are key in conditions like schizophrenia. A recent investigation revealed how a drug, ketamine, disrupts working memory in monkeys. It weakens vital connections between frontal and parietal brain regions, mirroring aspects of human brain dysconnection. This finding highlights a promising model for developing new treatments.
Abstract
Schizophrenia is known as a syndrome of dysconnection among brain regions. As a model for this syndrome, low doses of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) r...
THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF PSYCHEDELICS FOR MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE
PARIPEX INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH – May 15, 2023
Summary
Psychoactive substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and Ayahuasca show groundbreaking potential for mental health. These hallucinogens are transforming psychiatry and clinical psychology, offering new medicine for severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD resistant to traditional treatments. Research in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights their effectiveness, suggesting how their chemical synthesis and alkaloid nature influence behavior through neurotransmitter receptors. Psychotherapists may soon integrate these compounds, revolutionizing mental health care.
Abstract
The purpose of this review article is to give a summary of the literature on the use of psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, and ...
Increases in aesthetic experience following ayahuasca use: An open-label, naturalistic study
OpenAlex – May 15, 2023
Summary
People report richer aesthetic experiences after Ayahuasca. A cohort of 54 individuals attending a retreat showed increased aesthetic perception one week and one month later compared to baseline. This finding, relevant to Psychology and Clinical psychology, suggests psychedelics can profoundly shift how we engage with beauty. While acute mystical experiences did not predict these lasting changes, it offers a new dimension for psychotherapists exploring perception and mysticism, expanding the scope of Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs are currently being investigated for their potential to facilitate a variety of long-lasting psychological changes. One area of p...
Effects of mindfulness on stress, life satisfaction, and savoring beliefs among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Front Psychol – May 15, 2023
Summary
Amidst global challenges, a powerful insight for young people emerged: embracing mindfulness significantly helps them navigate tough times. Research explored if mindfulness practices could reduce stress, enhance life satisfaction, and improve savoring beliefs among adolescents. Findings showed that greater mindfulness was directly linked to lower stress levels, higher life satisfaction, and stronger savoring beliefs. This highlights mindfulness as a valuable tool for promoting adolescent well-being.
Abstract
Effects of mindfulness on stress, life satisfaction, and savoring beliefs among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.