1269 results for "Set and Setting"
5-MeO-DMT: An atypical psychedelic with unique pharmacology, phenomenology & risk?
Psychopharmacology – December 11, 2023
Summary
Unlike typical psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT shows unique effects that may mirror temporal lobe seizure activity, offering clues to its therapeutic potential. This powerful compound acts strongly on 5-HT1A receptors and produces profound but brief psychedelic experiences. Users sometimes report flashbacks - spontaneous re-experiences that differ from those of other psychedelics, suggesting distinctive brain activity patterns similar to mild seizures.
Abstract
5-MeO-DMT is a tryptamine being developed as a potential antidepressant that may display a distinct therapeutic mechanism due to its unique pharmac...
Single-Dose Synthetic Psilocybin With Psychotherapy for Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Type II Major Depressive Episodes
JAMA Psychiatry – December 06, 2023
Summary
A single 25 mg dose of the hallucinogen psilocybin, alongside psychotherapy, delivered striking results for treatment-resistant depression in Bipolar II disorder. Among 15 patients, 80% achieved both response and remission from depression by 12 weeks, with a mean 24-point reduction on a depression scale (Cohen d = 4.08) at three weeks. This advance in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, exploring chemical synthesis and alkaloids affecting neurotransmitter receptors, offers a promising new direction for Psychology, Psychiatry, and Medicine.
Abstract
Importance Bipolar II disorder (BDII) is a debilitating condition frequently associated with difficult-to-treat depressive episodes. Psilocybin has...
IUPHAR-review: The integration of classic psychedelics into current substance use disorder treatment models.
Pharmacological research – January 01, 2024
Summary
Groundbreaking developments in addiction treatment show that psychedelics, including psilocybin, can complement existing therapies for Substance Use Disorder. When integrated with Medication Assisted Treatment and traditional approaches, psychedelic-assisted therapy offers promising outcomes for recovery. Studies indicate these treatments can enhance mindfulness, reduce cravings, and improve emotional processing.
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) have an enormous impact on public health. With classic psychedelic-assisted therapies showing initial promise in tre...
Psychedelia: The interplay of music and psychedelics
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences – November 20, 2023
Summary
Music's profound ability to guide psychedelic experiences, from ancient shamanic rituals to modern therapy, is a compelling finding in Psychology and Drug Studies. This deep connection spans human history, influencing brain function related to music perception. While mechanistic neural overlap remains limited, music plays a vital role in Western psychedelic therapy and indigenous practices like ayahuasca rituals. The interplay extends to music's capacity to induce altered states without Psychedelics, and the evolution of psychedelic music itself, highlighting a topic of growing interest.
Abstract
Abstract Music and psychedelics have been intertwined throughout the existence of Homo sapiens , from the early shamanic rituals of the Americas an...
Ancient medicine for a modern disease: traditional Amazonian medicine to treat substance use disorders.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – November 02, 2023
Summary
In Peru's Amazon, traditional healing practices combined with modern psychotherapy offer promising results for addiction treatment. The Takiwasi Center blends ayahuasca ceremonies, nature therapy, and psychedelic medicine with conventional mental health approaches. Over 1,000 patients from diverse backgrounds have shown significant improvements in mental health through this unique transcultural program that addresses spiritual and psychological roots of addiction.
Abstract
Background: There exists an underexploited opportunity to develop innovative therapeutic approaches to SUDs based upon the complementarity between ...
Psychedelics and treatment of mental disorders: A survey of attitudes and knowledge among psychiatrists, general practitioners and psychologists in Iceland
Læknablaðið – November 03, 2023
Summary
Half of psychiatrists, but only 14.6% of general practitioners and 17.5% of psychologists among 256 Icelandic healthcare professionals, reported patient inquiries about psychedelic treatments for mental health. Professionals in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Family medicine largely lacked knowledge of Psilocybin and other substances, many of which are alkaloids. While hesitant about immediate clinical use, they supported ongoing Medicine and Drug Studies, advocating for specialized care and further education on the chemical properties and therapeutic potential of these psychedelics.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Interest in the use of psychedelics has increased following reports of their possible therapeutic potential. However, little is known...
The G protein biased serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonist lisuride exerts anti-depressant drug-like activities in mice.
Frontiers in molecular biosciences – January 01, 2023
Summary
Scientists have discovered that lisuride, a drug that affects serotonin 2A receptors in the brain, shows promise as an antidepressant without typical hallucinogenic effects. Unlike related compounds, it produced minimal head twitch responses in mice while demonstrating lasting mood-improving effects. The drug reduced depression-like behaviors and increased sugar preference, with fewer serotonin-syndrome symptoms than similar medications.
Abstract
There is now evidence from multiple Phase II clinical trials that psychedelic drugs can exert long-lasting anxiolytic, anti-depressant, and anti-dr...
Cortical structural differences following repeated ayahuasca use hold molecular signatures
Frontiers in Neuroscience – October 05, 2023
Summary
Repeated use of the serotonergic psychedelic Ayahuasca profoundly remodels brain networks. Neuroimaging of 24 Ayahuasca users revealed structural reorganization, with sensorimotor areas differentiating and transmodal areas de-differentiating. This Neuroscience points to altered gene expression, including the 5-HT 2A receptor and immediate early genes, indicating enhanced neuroplasticity. Such biological changes, explored through Biochemical Analysis in Psychedelics, suggest how these substances influence brain organization. This macroscale effect, linked to Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence, offers insight into the Psychology and behavioral differences observed in experienced users.
Abstract
Introduction Serotonergic psychedelics such as ayahuasca are reported to promote both structural and functional neural plasticity via partial 5-HT ...
Use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide by Major Depression Status.
JAMA psychiatry – January 01, 2024
Summary
Recent data reveals a striking trend: LSD use among adults with depression tripled from 2008 to 2019, rising from 0.5% to 1.8%. This increase was notably higher than among those without depression. Young adults under 35 and those with lower incomes showed the most significant uptick. The findings suggest growing interest in psychedelics among people seeking alternative approaches to mental health treatment.
Abstract
Renewed interest in the clinical potential of hallucinogens may lead people with depression to a generally more positive view of the use of lysergi...
Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing: results from a prospective, longitudinal survey
Frontiers in Psychiatry – September 19, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a classic hallucinogenic alkaloid, shows promise for mental health. A large prospective survey of 2,833 individuals using psilocybin naturally reported lasting reductions in anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse, alongside increased wellbeing. These benefits, relevant to psychology and psychiatry, persisted for months. While most experienced positive shifts, 11% reported negative effects weeks later. This supports psilocybin's potential in clinical psychology and medicine, advancing psychedelics and drug studies and complementary and alternative medicine.
Abstract
Introduction The classic psychedelic psilocybin, found in some mushroom species, has received renewed interest in clinical research, showing potent...
Open-label study of consecutive ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT assisted-therapy for trauma-exposed male Special Operations Forces Veterans: prospective data from a clinical program in Mexico.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – September 03, 2023
Summary
Special operations veterans experiencing trauma showed remarkable improvements in mental health after receiving innovative psychedelic therapy. The treatment, combining ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, led to significant reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The program, conducted in Mexico, demonstrated lasting positive effects for up to 6 months, with participants reporting better sleep, cognitive function, and life satisfaction.
Abstract
Background: Research in psychedelic medicine has focused primarily on civilian populations. Further study is needed to understand whether these tre...
Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
JAMA – August 31, 2023
Summary
A single 25-mg dose of synthetic psilocybin dramatically reduced symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) in a study of 104 adults. Administered with psychological support, this psychedelic medicine led to a 12.3-point greater reduction on a key depression rating scale compared to placebo by day 43. While no serious adverse effects occurred, psilocybin treatment showed a higher rate of overall adverse events. This promising antidepressant, acting through neurotransmitter receptor influence, offers new hope in psychiatry for individuals without bipolar disorder or active suicidal ideation, significantly improving functional disability.
Abstract
Importance Psilocybin shows promise as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Objective To evaluate the magnitude, timing, and durability...
Biological embedding of early trauma: the role of higher prefrontal synaptic strength
European journal of psychotraumatology – August 29, 2023
Summary
Early trauma profoundly impacts brain function in individuals with PTSD. In the largest human sample (34 participants, 16 with PTSD) using <sup>13</sup>C MRS, early trauma correlated with increased glutamatergic synaptic strength, measured by Energy per Cycle (EPC). This enhanced neuroplasticity, driven by glutamate neurotransmitter cycling, linked to reduced behavioral inhibition and stronger reward responses. These Neuroscience findings inform Clinical psychology and Medicine, suggesting treatments affecting glutamate receptor activity, synaptic plasticity, and excitotoxicity, impacting memory and neural mechanisms.
Abstract
Background: Early trauma predicts poor psychological and physical health. Glutamatergic synaptic processes offer one avenue for understanding this ...
“But the reality is it's happening”: A qualitative study of eating disorder providers about psilocybin‐assisted psychotherapy
International Journal of Eating Disorders – August 08, 2023
Summary
Healthcare providers in Medicine and Clinical psychology show strong interest in psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, as a psychological intervention for eating disorders. Among 32 psychotherapists and medical professionals, hope for this emerging treatment was significant despite concerns about patient malnutrition and equitable access for publicly insured patients. Professionals in Psychiatry and Psychology recognize the potential of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, requesting more education on psilocybin therapy and its role in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Abstract Objective This study invited providers who care for patients with eating disorders to inform engagement, communication, and collaboration ...
Are the NPS commonly used? An extensive investigation in Northern Italy based on hair analysis.
Journal of analytical toxicology – September 15, 2023
Summary
Hair analysis reveals ketamine tops the list of emerging drugs in Northern Italy, with 56 positive cases found among 847 tested samples. Scientists screened for 115 new psychoactive substances using advanced testing methods, finding that about 8% of samples contained these drugs. Ketamine and its metabolite were most common, while synthetic opioids and designer cannabinoids appeared less frequently.
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are present on the Italian illicit markets, but data from the analysis of biological samples to evaluate their re...
A model training curriculum for psychedelic, psycholytic, and entactogen-assisted psychotherapy.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – June 10, 2025
Summary
As psychedelic therapy gains mainstream acceptance, healthcare providers need standardized training to safely guide patients through transformative experiences. This comprehensive framework outlines essential components for therapist education in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and other psychedelic treatments. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, including apprenticeship observation and supervised practice. Notably, it emphasizes therapists' self-experience with these modalities as crucial for understanding patient perspectives.
Abstract
The authors offer a model for curriculum for education and training in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAP), that is, psychedelic, psycholytic, a...
Outpatient Ketamine Prescribing Practices in Psychiatry in the United States: A Nationwide Survey Study.
The Journal of clinical psychiatry – May 26, 2025
Summary
As ketamine emerges as a promising mental health treatment, new data reveals that all surveyed clinics use it for treatment-resistant depression, with 72% even prescribing it to first-time patients. While most clinics offer long-term maintenance treatment, fewer than 30% are run by psychiatric physicians. Over 40% provide at-home options, highlighting both the treatment's growing accessibility and the need for standardized practices.
Abstract
Background: Ketamine is an increasingly popular tool for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Initially available in controlled studies at acade...
Ketamine in Neurocritical Care: New Potentials and Perspectives.
Cureus – June 01, 2025
Summary
Ketamine, once controversial in brain injury treatment, emerges as a game-changing medication in neurocritical care. This versatile drug offers unique benefits: it provides effective sedation while protecting brain cells from damage. Beyond its primary role, ketamine shows promising anticonvulsant properties and maintains stable blood pressure in critical patients, making it invaluable for neurological emergencies.
Abstract
Ketamine is an intravenous hypnotic anesthetic that acts primarily by inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, leading to a range of effec...
Implementation of a miniaturized sensor system using screen-printed carbon electrodes for on-site detection of MDMA in seized drugs.
Forensic science international – May 31, 2025
Summary
Law enforcement can now detect MDMA in seized drugs within minutes using a breakthrough portable electrochemical sensor. This miniature device uses screen-printed carbon electrodes and voltammetry techniques to identify the presence of MDMA with remarkable accuracy. Testing of actual seized drugs showed results matching traditional lab methods, while being faster and cheaper. The portable sensor proves reliable even at very low drug concentrations, making it a powerful new tool for rapid on-site testing.
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is a widely abused psychoactive substance, especially in the context of club a...
In adult patients presenting to ED with severe acute pain, is intranasal ketamine as effective as intravenous opiates for pain reduction?
Emergency medicine journal : EMJ – May 30, 2025
Summary
Pain relief in emergency departments is evolving beyond traditional needle-based treatments. Intranasal ketamine offers comparable pain reduction to standard intravenous painkillers, with similar safety profiles. Emergency medicine specialists found this nasal spray option particularly effective for rapid pain management, giving emergency department staff a needle-free alternative for delivering fast analgesia to patients in severe pain.
Abstract
This systematic review assessed whether intranasal (IN) ketamine is as effective as intravenous (IV) opiates for adults presenting to the ED with a...
Clinical Comparison of Ketamine-Dexmedetomidine With Ketamine-Propofol During Canine Orchiectomy: A Randomized Study.
Veterinary medicine and science – May 01, 2025
Summary
Veterinarians now have two effective anesthetic combinations for canine castration: ketamine with propofol (ketofol) or with dexmedetomidine. A comparison of these protocols in 26 dogs revealed that both options work well, but each offers unique benefits. Ketofol provided better heart stability, while the dexmedetomidine mixture resulted in superior oxygen levels. Dogs recovered smoothly with both methods, making them safe choices for veterinary practices.
Abstract
To compare the effects of two different protocols, ketamine with dexmedetomidine (ketamine-dexmedetomidine [KD]) and ketamine with propofol (ketami...
Esketamine mitigates lung injury in COPD rat models under mechanical ventilation: An RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of serum exosome miRNA profiles.
Gene – August 20, 2025
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, shows promise in protecting lungs during mechanical ventilation. This medication significantly reduced lung damage in COPD patients by altering tiny cellular messengers called exosomes and their miRNA content. The treatment improved breathing function and decreased inflammation, offering hope for better outcomes in ventilated COPD patients.
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the protective effects of esketamine on lung injury in rat models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) un...
Pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of ketamine after nasal administration.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis – October 15, 2025
Summary
Nasal spray delivery of ketamine shows promise for rapid depression treatment, reaching key brain regions within minutes. When administered through the nose, ketamine quickly enters the bloodstream and concentrates in areas linked to mood regulation, particularly the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Advanced testing revealed peak levels occur within 5 minutes, with the drug clearing naturally from the body within 3 hours.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a severe mental condition characterized by abnormalities in the structure and function of the brain. Ketamine is a nov...
Perioperative Pain Management for Complex Pancreatic Resections for Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis.
Pancreas – May 12, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusions prove equally effective as traditional epidurals for pain management in pancreatic surgery. This finding offers new hope for chronic pancreatitis patients undergoing complex procedures like total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation. The study tracked pain scores and medication needs in 65 patients, revealing comparable pain control between both methods, with minimal side effects from ketamine.
Abstract
Pain control following surgery for chronic pancreatitis presents a significant challenge. Options like epidurals used in parenchymal preserving pan...
Airway Management in Patients With Acute Brain Injury or Ischemia.
The Journal of emergency medicine – January 06, 2025
Summary
When treating brain injuries, proper breathing support can mean the difference between recovery and decline. Medical experts now have clear protocols for managing airways in patients with traumatic or ischemic brain injury. Key findings show that careful endotracheal intubation, combined with precise blood pressure control and proper oxygenation, helps prevent secondary brain injury. This approach has significantly improved patient outcomes.
Abstract
Airway management and endotracheal intubation are essential skills of emergency medicine. Patients with acute brain injury or ischemia have complex...
Intravenous Ketamine Treatment for Depression: One-year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Psychiatry Center from India.
Indian journal of psychological medicine – April 29, 2025
Summary
Ketamine infusion therapy shows remarkable promise in treating severe depression, with over 50% of patients experiencing significant improvement. In a groundbreaking year-long analysis, this rapid-acting treatment helped 39% of patients achieve full remission from depressive symptoms. Most notably, 71% reported reduced suicidal thoughts. The therapy proved especially effective for treatment-resistant depression, requiring only 4-5 sessions on average for meaningful results.
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. The emergence of ke...
Oral Ketamine as an Analgesic Therapy: Systematic Review of Randomised Clinical Trials.
Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy – April 30, 2025
Summary
While ketamine is traditionally given through IV, new research reveals promising results for oral administration in pain treatment. Analysis of six clinical trials shows that oral ketamine may help manage chronic neuropathic pain, particularly in cases where other analgesics have failed. Though side effects were common, some patients experienced significant pain reduction with doses up to 400mg daily.
Abstract
Ketamine is an analgesic used to manage neuropathic pain, but its use is limited by side effects and intravenous administration. Recently, the use ...
Feasibility of Closed-Loop TCI Based on New EEG Baseline in the Presence of Low Dose of Esketamine: A Randomized Controlled Equivalence Trial.
Drug design, development and therapy – January 01, 2025
Summary
Anesthesiologists can now maintain precise control over sedation levels even when using multiple drugs, thanks to innovative brain monitoring technology. A breakthrough automated system uses EEG signals to adjust anesthesia delivery in real-time. When combining traditional anesthetics with low-dose esketamine, this closed-loop controlled system successfully maintained optimal depth of anesthesia by adapting to a new baseline, reducing overall drug use while ensuring patient safety and comfort.
Abstract
This research aimed to quantify the impact of low dose of esketamine on BIS and validate the feasibility of closed-loop TCI system based on the new...
Efficacy of perioperative esketamine on postoperative depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Summary
Breakthrough findings show that esketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant, significantly reduces depression after surgery. Analysis of 1,724 patients across multiple studies revealed that those receiving esketamine during anesthesia had lower rates of postoperative depression at one week, two weeks, and long-term follow-up compared to control groups.
Abstract
Postoperative depression (POD) represents a serious complication in surgical patients, exacerbating morbidity and mortality rates while imposing a ...
Nebulized ketamine for acute pain management in the Emergency Department: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The American journal of emergency medicine – April 22, 2025
Summary
Inhaled ketamine shows promise as a safe alternative to traditional pain medications in emergency rooms. When delivered through nebulization, ketamine provides effective acute pain relief comparable to IV morphine, with similar safety profiles. This method offers emergency departments a valuable non-invasive option for managing severe pain, potentially transforming how we approach emergency pain treatment.
Abstract
Ketamine administered in sub-dissociative doses has been effective in managing a variety of painful conditions in the emergency department (ED) and...
Neural mass modelling of brain stimulation to Alleviate Schizophrenia biomarkers in brain rhythms.
Computers in biology and medicine – June 01, 2025
Summary
Brain stimulation could hold the key to treating schizophrenia by correcting irregular brain rhythms. Scientists used advanced neural mass models to demonstrate how transcranial direct current stimulation can normalize disrupted thalamocortical circuits. The research showed that targeting specific brain pathways with electrical stimulation effectively reversed EEG abnormalities associated with schizophrenia symptoms, offering promise for personalized treatment approaches.
Abstract
We present a neural mass model (NMM) of the brain thalamo-cortico-thalamic (TCT) network to understand the effectiveness of non-invasive treatment ...
Pre-exposure to eutylone attenuates its own aversive effects but has no impact on cocaine or MDMA: A possible role of eutylone's hybrid pharmacology.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior – July 01, 2025
Summary
Prior exposure to drugs can change how the body responds to them. New research reveals that the synthetic drug eutylone reduces its own negative effects when taken repeatedly, but surprisingly doesn't affect reactions to cocaine or MDMA. This unique finding suggests eutylone's dual action as both a reuptake inhibitor and substrate releaser creates distinct bodily sensations, despite sharing chemical similarities with other stimulants.
Abstract
Previous research has reported that pre-exposure to a variety of drugs of abuse can impact (reduce) the aversive effects of themselves and other ab...
Etomidate versus ketamine for in-hospital rapid sequence intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine – June 01, 2025
Summary
When seconds count in emergency care, choosing the right medication for rapid sequence intubation matters. A comprehensive analysis of nearly 24,000 critically ill patients revealed that both etomidate and ketamine are equally effective for emergency breathing tube placement. While etomidate showed lower need for blood pressure support, ketamine had less impact on hormone function. This finding gives doctors confidence in using either medication based on individual patient needs.
Abstract
Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a critical procedure in emergency and intensive care settings. Etomidate has been favored for its hemodynamic st...
Combined ketamine and psychotherapy provide no additional benefit beyond ketamine alone in treating depression or PTSD: Evidence from a help-seeking sample.
Journal of affective disorders – July 15, 2025
Summary
Ketamine treatment shows remarkable success in reducing symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress, with new research revealing that adding psychotherapy doesn't significantly enhance outcomes. When administered alone, ketamine produced rapid symptom improvements in over 600 patients across multiple treatment sessions. Both standalone ketamine and combined therapy approaches yielded similar positive results, suggesting the medication's effectiveness doesn't require additional therapeutic support.
Abstract
Depression and PTSD are prevalent psychiatric conditions that often co-occur and significantly impact quality of life. Ketamine has emerged as a pr...
Women's experiences of the transition phase of physiological labour during freebirth: A qualitative study.
Sexual & reproductive healthcare : official journal of the Swedish Association of Midwives – June 01, 2025
Summary
During unassisted birth, women experience labor's peak intensity in deeply personal ways. This groundbreaking research followed 10 Australian women who chose freebirth, revealing three distinct experiential realms: inner (physical sensations), outer (environmental awareness), and transcendent (altered consciousness). Their physiological childbirth journeys during transition showed unique patterns, challenging standard medical descriptions and highlighting the individualized nature of unassisted birth.
Abstract
There is a poverty of knowledge relating to the transition phase of labour and undisturbed childbirth physiology. This study explored women's exper...
Nonequilibrium brain dynamics elicited as the origin of perturbative complexity.
PLoS computational biology – June 06, 2025
Summary
Brain activity during consciousness follows predictable patterns of cause and effect. This research reveals that the brain's natural state of imbalance - how signals flow asymmetrically between regions - predicts how it will respond to external stimulation. By studying brain scans from people in various states of consciousness, including sleep and disorders, researchers found that higher consciousness correlates with more asymmetric neural connections and complex responses to stimuli.
Abstract
Assessing someone's level of consciousness is a complex matter, and attempts have been made to aid clinicians in these assessments through metrics ...
Therapeutic benefit versus epistemic risk: Need for empirical research in psychedelic epistemology.
Journal of psychiatric research – August 01, 2025
Summary
Psychedelic therapy shows promise for mental health treatment, but it may significantly alter how people form and validate their beliefs. While these substances are generally safe physically and psychologically, they can lead users to embrace supernatural or paranormal beliefs. The key finding suggests that psychedelics might change not just what people believe, but the fundamental ways they evaluate truth and knowledge - their "epistemic criteria." This insight raises important ethical considerations for therapeutic use.
Abstract
This paper highlights the ethical and epistemic challenges posed by psychedelic therapy and vindicates the importance of epistemology in the clinic...
Emotion, Motivation, Reasoning, and How Their Brain Systems Are Related.
Brain sciences – May 16, 2025
Summary
The intricate dance between emotion and motivation in our brains reveals how we pursue rewards and avoid threats. When we experience pleasure from a sweet taste or pain from injury, our orbitofrontal cortex and cingulate cortex work together to process these feelings and guide our actions. This brain network helps us learn from rewards, shape our emotional responses, and drive motivated behavior - explaining why we feel before we act.
Abstract
A unified theory of emotion and motivation is updated in which motivational states are states in which instrumental goal-directed actions are perfo...
EEG Response to Sedation Interruption Complements Behavioral Assessment After Severe Brain Injury.
Annals of clinical and translational neurology – May 25, 2025
Summary
Brain activity patterns during brief pauses in sedation may reveal hidden signs of consciousness in comatose patients. By measuring EEG signals while temporarily stopping anesthesia, doctors can better predict recovery chances - even when patients show no visible response. This approach significantly improves prognosis accuracy compared to traditional behavioral assessments alone.
Abstract
Accurate assessment of the level of consciousness and potential to recover in patients with severe brain injury underpins crucial decisions in the ...
Contemplating on human dignity: who counts as human?
Journal of medical ethics and history of medicine – January 01, 2024
Summary
The quest to define what makes us uniquely human goes beyond biology. While we can identify human species through physical traits, the philosophical definition centers on consciousness and personal autonomy. This analysis reveals that self-awareness and freedom of choice are the core attributes that define human identification, rather than purely biological classifications. These findings reshape our understanding of human dignity and rights.
Abstract
The fundamental topic in humanities is clearly the study of humans. Neglecting the understanding and recognition of humans can hinder us from achie...
Sensitivity to visual features in inattentional blindness.
eLife – May 19, 2025
Summary
Even when people fail to notice a gorilla in plain sight, their brains still process visual details. Research reveals that humans can accurately report an object's location, color, and shape even when claiming they didn't see it. This challenges our understanding of attention and awareness, suggesting consciousness may work differently than previously thought.
Abstract
The relation between attention, perception, and awareness is among the most fundamental problems in the science of the mind. One of the most striki...
Object relations are processed with, but not without, awareness.
Neuroscience of consciousness – January 01, 2025
Summary
Your brain processes relationships between objects differently when you're aware of them versus not. EEG measurements revealed that while people could easily recognize connections between visible object pairs, these object relations weren't processed when items were hidden from conscious awareness. The N400 brain response only appeared when participants were consciously aware of what they saw, challenging theories about unconscious processing.
Abstract
The scope of unconscious integration is widely debated. Here, we examined this question, focusing specifically on deciphering the relations between...
Pictorial representation of illness and self measure (PRISM): A putative transdiagnostic tool for evaluating therapeutic effects of psychedelic treatments.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) – May 01, 2025
Summary
A novel tool reveals how psychedelic experiences can help people separate their identity from their health conditions. Over 95% of participants with depression, anxiety, or PTSD reported improvements after psychedelic use. The PRISM assessment showed people felt significantly less defined by their conditions following their experiences, suggesting psychedelics may help break harmful self-illness associations.
Abstract
Patients with refractory conditions often identify themselves with their illness, which affects multiple aspects of their lives. The pictorial repr...
Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Intervention (TCTSY). Improving Conditions for Incarcerated Women in Latin America.
Medicine, science, and the law – April 30, 2025
Summary
A specialized yoga program is transforming mental health care for incarcerated women in Latin America. This innovative approach combines trauma-sensitive yoga with body awareness techniques, helping women heal from post-traumatic stress disorder. The program showed remarkable success, with participants reporting reduced anxiety, better emotional control, and improved interoceptive awareness - the ability to understand body signals.
Abstract
Female prisoners in Latin America experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues compared to their male counterparts. The most preva...
Racial Differences in Naturalistic Psychedelic Use - Motivations for Use, Communication with Health Care Providers, and Outcomes.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – April 22, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking survey reveals that people of color are equally interested in psychedelic therapy as white individuals, challenging assumptions about trust barriers in healthcare. While analyzing responses from over 4,300 participants across different race groups, researchers found that people of color were just as motivated to use psychedelics with healthcare providers and reported similar positive outcomes. Though fewer accessed professional support, they disclosed use to doctors at equal rates and sought treatment for comparable issues.
Abstract
People of Color have been under-included in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) research. Researchers have argued that systemic issues resulting in ...
Electrophysiological Correlates of Lucid Dreaming: Sensor and Source Level Signatures.
The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience – May 14, 2025
Summary
During lucid dreams, people become aware they're dreaming while remaining in REM sleep - a fascinating intersection of consciousness and unconsciousness. Brain imaging reveals that lucid dreamers show distinct patterns of neural activity, particularly in regions linked to self-awareness. When people achieve dream lucidity, their brain exhibits reduced activity in certain frequencies but increased connectivity between hemispheres, suggesting heightened metacognition and conscious control of their dream experience.
Abstract
Lucid dreaming (LD) is a state of conscious awareness of the ongoing oneiric state, predominantly linked to REM sleep. Progress in understanding it...
Developing a method for training clinical psychologists to recognize and repair alliance ruptures: a pilot study focusing on trainee experiences.
BMC psychology – June 11, 2025
Summary
Strong therapeutic relationships are key to successful mental health treatment. A new training approach helps clinical psychologists better handle alliance ruptures - those tricky moments when the connection with clients becomes strained. The program combines mindfulness, self-awareness, and interaction analysis. Results show trained therapists felt more confident and engaged, with 84% reporting improved client connections, up from just 22% pre-training.
Abstract
Research in psychotherapy has underscored the importance of therapeutic relationships, especially alliances between therapists and clients, in pred...
Integrating mindfulness into the academic curriculum: A qualitative study.
Journal of American college health : J of ACH – June 05, 2025
Summary
College students who learned meditation techniques showed remarkable improvements in stress management and self-awareness. Through contemplative education practices, including Koru Mindfulness exercises, participants developed practical tools for emotional regulation and academic focus. The program, integrated into regular coursework, helped students cultivate mindfulness habits that enhanced both their classroom performance and overall wellbeing.
Abstract
Objective: Most undergraduate students experience high stress levels, necessitating university support. Meditation-based programs can encourage stu...
A longitudinal mixed-methods examination of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and burnout among Chinese educators.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2025
Summary
Chinese educators who practiced mindfulness for just 15 minutes daily showed significant reductions in emotional exhaustion and improved well-being over a 12-month period. Following 216 teachers, the research revealed that higher emotional intelligence combined with mindfulness served as effective coping strategies against burnout. Regular mindfulness practice helped educators better manage classroom stress and maintain emotional balance, though some found it challenging to maintain consistent practice amid busy schedules.
Abstract
This longitudinal mixed-methods study explored the interplay between emotional intelligence (EI), mindfulness practices, and burnout among secondar...
Psychedelic medicines for end-of-life care: Pipeline clinical trial review 2022.
Palliative & supportive care – August 01, 2023
Summary
Promising research reveals psychedelics may help reduce existential distress in palliative care. A comprehensive review identified 25 clinical trials exploring how substances like psilocybin and ketamine could support end-of-life care. Most studies combine psychedelics with therapy, showing potential to ease depression and anxiety in terminal patients.
Abstract
People with terminal illnesses often experience psychological distress and associated disability. Recent clinical trial evidence has stimulated int...
The G protein biased serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor agonist lisuride exerts anti-depressant drug-like activities in mice.
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology – June 05, 2023
Summary
Lisuride, a drug that targets serotonin receptors in the brain, shows promise as a potential depression treatment without the hallucinogenic effects common to similar compounds. In experiments with mice, the drug reduced signs of depression, including improved mood-related behaviors and increased interest in rewarding experiences. Unlike related substances, lisuride didn't cause significant head twitches or unusual motor activity, suggesting fewer side effects.
Abstract
There is now evidence from multiple Phase II clinical trials that psychedelic drugs can exert longlasting anxiolytic, anti-depressant, and anti-dru...
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...
Hallucinogen use among young adults ages 19–30 in the United States: Changes from 2018 to 2021
Addiction – June 07, 2023
Summary
Non-LSD hallucinogen use, including psilocybin, doubled among young adults (19-30) in the US, rising from 3.4% in 2018 to 6.6% in 2021. This longitudinal cohort study of 11,304 individuals found Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) use remained stable. An odds ratio of 1.86 (95% confidence interval 1.52–2.26) revealed males had higher odds of non-LSD hallucinogen use. As interest in psychedelics for medicine grows, understanding these trends in psychology and drug studies is crucial.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Given the shifting landscape of hallucinogen use, particularly with increased therapeutic use, understanding current 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...
Psilocybin prevents reinstatement of alcohol seeking by disrupting the reconsolidation of alcohol-related memories.
Psychopharmacology – July 01, 2023
Summary
Psychedelics may help break the cycle of alcoholism by disrupting how the brain stores drinking-related memories. Research with alcohol-dependent rats shows that psilocybin, when given during memory reconsolidation, significantly reduced alcohol-seeking behavior. While it didn't affect immediate drinking habits, it proved effective at weakening the powerful memories that often trigger relapse in addiction.
Abstract
For most psychiatric conditions, including alcohol use disorder (AUD), FDA-approved pharmacological treatments are limited and their efficacy is re...
Effect of psilocybin on marble burying in ICR mice: role of 5-HT1A receptors and implications for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Translational psychiatry – May 10, 2023
Summary
New findings reveal that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, reduces compulsive behavior in mice without relying on the same brain receptors that cause psychedelic effects. Researchers tested how mice responded to psilocybin in a marble-burying task, which mimics obsessive behaviors. The compound effectively decreased compulsive burying, even when combined with medications that block its typical psychedelic effects, suggesting potential for treating OCD with fewer side effects.
Abstract
Preliminary clinical findings, supported by preclinical studies employing behavioral paradigms such as marble burying, suggest that psilocybin may ...
The thalamus in psychosis spectrum disorder.
Frontiers in neuroscience – January 01, 2023
Summary
The thalamus, a deep brain structure that acts like a neural switchboard, plays a crucial role in psychosis. Recent discoveries show how disrupted connections between the thalamus and cortex affect cognition and perception. Studies combining brain imaging and pharmacology reveal that this disruption mirrors effects seen with psychosis-inducing drugs. The mediodorsal nucleus appears particularly important, suggesting new treatment paths for mental health conditions.
Abstract
Psychosis spectrum disorder (PSD) affects 1% of the world population and results in a lifetime of chronic disability, causing devastating personal ...
Use of Selective Alternative Therapies for Treatment of OCD.
Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment – January 01, 2023
Summary
Groundbreaking research reveals that psychedelic compounds like psilocybin may offer hope for those struggling with severe obsessions and compulsions. Alternative treatments, including certain psychoactive substances, showed remarkable success in reducing OCD symptoms. Cannabis, nicotine, and morphine demonstrated positive outcomes, with psilocybin users reporting the most significant improvements in managing intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors.
Abstract
About 40% of the people with the obsessive-compulsive-disorder do not experience the desired outcome after the existing treatment, and its several ...
Cannabis-assisted psychotherapy for complex dissociative posttraumatic stress disorder: A case report
Frontiers in Psychiatry – February 09, 2023
Summary
A young woman with complex dissociative posttraumatic stress disorder achieved a 98.5% reduction in pathological dissociation after ten sessions of cannabis-assisted psychotherapy. This psychotherapist-guided treatment combined cognitive and exposure therapies to address severe depersonalization and derealization, common in dissociative and panic disorders. Improved cognition and psychosocial functioning were sustained for over two years. Offering a promising avenue for clinical psychology and psychiatry, it links cannabis to psychedelics and their Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior.
Abstract
Background A dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder, known as “D-PTSD”, has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual o...
Psychotherapeutic and neurobiological processes associated with ayahuasca: A proposed model and implications for therapeutic use
Frontiers in Neuroscience – January 31, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca, a powerful hallucinogen, offers significant therapeutic potential by facilitating five distinct psychotherapeutic processes, according to a large qualitative study of its drinkers. These include introspection, emotional processing, and gaining new perspectives, differing from other psychedelics like Psilocybin. This traditional medicine, increasingly studied in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, shows promise for mental health. Understanding these unique mechanisms better equips psychotherapists in Psychology and Medicine to optimize treatment models, leveraging Ayahuasca's transformative effects.
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive Amazonian plant brew. It is usually made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (Spruce ex Griseb. Morton, Malpighiaceae), ...