Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
May 1, 2026
Grace Viljoen, Henrik Walter, Antonia Bendau et al.
3 citations
A systematic review of 54 studies found that the intensity of the acute psychedelic experience, particularly mystical-type experiences, is the most frequently reported predictor of therapeutic response in psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental disorders, though this was not consistent across all disorders or time points. Factors related to set, setting, and dose were associated with the likelihood and intensity of these experiences. The review included adult populations with substance-use disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and existential distress, as well as naturalistic samples.
Psychopharmakotherapie
January 1, 2026
Antonia Bendau, Felix Betzler, Twyla Michnevich et al.
1 citation
Party drugs are a diverse group of legal and illegal psychoactive substances used in social settings like clubs and festivals to alter mood, perception, and social interaction. Alcohol and cannabis are most common, followed by amphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine. These drugs act through various pharmacological mechanisms: alcohol affects GABAergic, glutamatergic, and dopaminergic systems; cannabis acts on the endocannabinoid system; stimulants increase monoaminergic neurotransmitters; MDMA has a strong serotonergic component; ketamine produces dissociative effects via glutamatergic mechanisms; and psychedelics alter sensory processing through serotonergic modulation. Polydrug use is frequent. Acute risks include cardiovascular strain, hyperthermia, and anxiety, while long-term consequences can involve cognitive impairments, dependence, and social complications.
The International journal on drug policy
April 1, 2022
Antonia Bendau, Leonard Viohl, Moritz Bruno Petzold et al.
During the early COVID-19 pandemic, use of party drugs (stimulants, dissociatives, GHB/GBL) shifted substantially. Among 1,231 users surveyed, 48.0–64.8% ceased or decreased use, 11.9–25.5% maintained, and 23.6–29.1% increased consumption. MDMA/ecstasy showed the strongest decrease; GHB/GBL and dissociatives the highest increase. Price, quality, and supply remained mostly unaffected. Mood-related motivations (e.g., feeling exhilarated or high) were common before and during the pandemic, but social and mood-related reasons declined while coping with boredom rose. 16.4–35.6% found drug use helpful for pandemic-related stressors, which was linked to increased consumption. The findings suggest that users who increased use as a coping strategy may need targeted preventive measures.