
UP-TO-DATE, RESEARCH BASED INFORMATION ABOUT PSYCHEDELICS.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, psychedelic methodologies, and the impregnable value of the subjective—a new and evolving approach
We hypothesize that at subanesthetic doses, ketamine produces a unique spectrum of altered states, ranging from psychoactive to deep ego-dissolving experiences, that are intrinsic to ketamine’s therapeutic effects.
The therapeutic alliance between study participants and intervention facilitators is associated with acute effects and clinical outcomes in a psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for major depressive disorder
These findings highlight the importance of the therapeutic relationship in PAT. Future research should explore therapist and participant characteristics which maximize the therapeutic alliance and evaluate its relationship to treatment outcomes.
Survey of those practising psychedelic-assisted therapy
This study aims to reconcile this knowledge gap by surveying PAT practitioners on the dimensions of their treatment that vary across the field, such as dosages and session durations. This input will help us develop a better understanding of the landscape of PAT approaches and strengthen the methods used in future psychedelic trials.
Effect of chemically synthesized psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract on molecular and metabolic profiles in mouse brain
In conclusion, our synaptic protein findings suggest that PME (mushroom extract) has a more potent and prolonged effect on synaptic plasticity than PSIL (synthesized psilocybin).
Will a court ruling push the DEA to reschedule psilocybin?
"The obvious gap in the palliative care toolbox is a tool for the relief of nonphysical suffering, and psilocybin is that tool." "It's really essential that everyone in patients' rights, hospice and the palliative care movement stand up and insist that it be available sooner rather than later."
Self-reported psychedelic retreat survey findings on participant benefits for depression & anxiety
This report is from a non-medical psychedelic retreat centre documenting participant responses to a series of surveys on continuing benefits for depression and anxiety symptoms.
Hidden trauma: Do psychedelics reveal memories or create fake ones?
Alongside what are undoubtedly some real and heart-rending personal accounts, there’s reason to be skeptical about the veracity of the memories retrieved while under the influence of psychedelics.
Incannex announces positive topline results from phase 2 Psi-GAD1 clinical trial of psilocybin in generalised anxiety disorder
This is the first time psilocybin has been investigated for treatment of generalised anxiety disorder, and the reduction in HAM-A scores we have observed are far greater those reported from trials on established medicines for treatment of anxiety.
MindMed announces positive 12-week data from phase 2B study of MM120 for GAD
FDA has granted breakthrough designation to its MM120 (lysergide d-tartrate) program for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)."
Exploring mechanisms of psychedelic action using neuroimaging
An interesting review has been published exploring the different technologies that are assisting psychedelic research. This review (2024) discusses the pivotal role of neuroimaging in modern psychedelic research, providing insights into the acute and longer-term therapeutic effects of these substances. Evidence from ffMRI, PET, and MEG/EEG studies informs computational models, offering a comprehensive understanding of the effects of psychedelics on human consciousness as well as supporting the advancement of psychedelic therapies.
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant depression: A randomized clinical trial evaluating repeated doses of psilocybin
Conclusions PAP was feasible in complex patients with preliminary antidepressant efficacy and adequate safety and tolerability. Repeated doses were associated with greater reductions in depression severity.
Subjective long-term emotional and social effects of recreational MDMA use: the role of setting and intentions
Our findings suggest that the long-term social-emotional benefits of MDMA are associated with whether users seek self-insight or have mixed intentions.
What predicts beneficial outcomes in psychedelic use? A quantitative content analysis of psychedelic health outcomes
Path analysis using structural equation modeling showed that psychological insight, not metaphysical beliefs, uniquely predicted beneficial outcomes. Moreover, beneficial outcomes’ positive relation to ego dissolution and therapeutic intent was fully mediated by psychological insight.
Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring ‘psychedelic preparedness’
Our studies provide compelling evidence for the existence of a measurable psychological state of psychedelic preparedness, which is predictive of positive acute and long-term outcomes associated with psychedelic use.
News just out ... the US FDA plans to respond to MAPS/Lykos MDMA licensing application on August 11th
The FDA has granted the application priority review and has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of August 11, 2024 to make the review determination.
Preliminary evidence for the importance of therapeutic alliance in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder
Among individuals with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder, therapeutic alliance predicted changes in posttraumatic stress disorder severity following MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Therapeutic alliance may play a key role in facilitating therapeutic improvement within MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Further research remains necessary to confirm these preliminary findings and the role of therapeutic alliance in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
Psychedelics and sexual functioning: a mixed-methods study
Despite focusing on different populations and settings, this is the first research study to quantitively investigate the effects of psychedelics on sexual functioning. Results imply a potential positive effect on post-acute sexual functioning and highlight the need for more research on this.
Call for evidence-based psychedelic integration
This article calls for scientific efforts to the development, examination, and evaluation of psychedelic integration models/methods ... and also briefly summarizes the current literature on psychedelic integration, provides a list of exemplary avenues that research on psychedelic integration might take, as well as anticipates and discusses the limitations and challenges of PI-focused research.