Psychopharmacology
January 9, 2021
C. J. Healy
95 citations
Classic psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca produce dose-dependent impairments in memory task performance—low doses cause no impairment while higher doses increase impairment—across spatial and verbal working memory, semantic memory, and non-autobiographical episodic memory. These impairments may be less pronounced in experienced users. Simultaneously, psychedelics increase the vividness of autobiographical memories and frequently stimulate recall or re-experiencing of affectively intense memories that had been avoided or forgotten. The findings are relevant to understanding psychological mechanisms in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Drug Science Policy and Law
January 1, 2024
Ksenia Cassidy, C. J. Healy, Eva Henje et al.
10 citations
A history of childhood trauma does not increase the risk of having a challenging experience during acute ayahuasca effects, nor does it affect posttraumatic growth afterward. In a survey of 231 adults (average age 40, 48% women), those with childhood trauma histories reported no more adverse or challenging experiences during ayahuasca use than those without such histories. Additionally, the degree of challenge during the acute experience was not linked to greater ayahuasca-related posttraumatic growth. These findings suggest that childhood trauma exposure may not carry the same risk for poor treatment response to ayahuasca as it does for other interventions.
July 26, 2024
C. J. Healy, Aaron Frazier, Stephen Kirsch et al.
5 citations
preprint
Adults with childhood maltreatment histories who used psychedelic drugs with therapeutic intent at ceremonies or raves showed significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, complex PTSD symptoms, trait shame, social connectedness, and general connectedness from before the experience to two months afterward, with effect sizes ranging from 0.73 to 1.12. The degree of improvement was linked to specific acute subjective effects of the psychedelic experience, suggesting that the psychosocial context of these group settings may contribute to therapeutic benefits.
Psychedelic Med (New Rochelle)
March 12, 2024
Jacob S. Aday, Natasha L. Mason, Bo Jarrett Wood et al.
Early-career researchers in psychedelic science discuss the challenges and opportunities of building a career in this emerging field. They describe obstacles such as stigma, funding hurdles, and professional uncertainty alongside the potential for innovation and profound impact. The roundtable highlights the need for mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and perseverance to advance the field and develop sustainable professional paths.