Pharmaceuticals
November 24, 2021
Robertas Strumila, Bénédicte Nobile, Laura Korsakova et al.
35 citations
Current interventions for people at risk of suicide have limited efficacy. This review examines whether psilocybin, a psychedelic compound with a long history of human use, could modulate thoughts and behavioral patterns in individuals at risk of suicidal behaviors. The authors summarize evidence that psilocybin directly stimulates the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2A), targeting inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, which may lead to rapid increases in brain plasticity, cognitive flexibility, spirituality, and empathy, while suppressing inflammation. Preliminary epidemiological data are presented, and the review calls for clinical studies to test psilocybin in individuals with suicidal ideation or at risk of suicidal behaviors.
European journal of psychotraumatology
December 1, 2026
Maud Rothärmel, Lila Mekaoui, François Kazour et al.
1 citation
In a retrospective study of 22 adults with treatment-resistant depression and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder who received esketamine nasal spray, trauma re-experiencing episodes occurred during treatment sessions. For 16 patients (72.7%) these episodes disappeared as sessions progressed. Treatment was stopped for 6 patients (27.3%) due to re-experiencing. Among those who continued esketamine, depression response rate was 45.5% and remission 22.7%; PTSD improvement rate was 45.5% and remission 18.2%. The findings suggest esketamine can be safely administered in this comorbid population and that trauma re-experiencing does not prevent clinical improvement.
Medecine sciences : M/S
May 1, 2025
Aiste Lengvenyte, Emilie Olié, Marion Leboyer et al.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors form a distinct dimension that cuts across psychiatric diagnoses, supported by genetic, biomarker, and preclinical evidence. Key endophenotypes include impulsivity, anhedonia, and hopelessness, with emerging mechanisms in inflammation, stress response, serotonin function, and neuroplasticity. Treatments like lithium and ketamine target these pathways. The French Minds cohort within the PEPR PROPSY project will use multimodal approaches to identify biological signatures and trajectories of this dimension.