
UP-TO-DATE, RESEARCH BASED INFORMATION ABOUT PSYCHEDELICS.
Safety and early efficacy studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy for chronic pain in older adults (UG3/UH3 clinical trial required)
This NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) invites applications to support a clinical trials network involving multiple institutions to collect safety and early efficacy data of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) in defined groups of older adults living with specific chronic pain conditions. This NOFO uses the UG3 / UH3 Exploratory/Developmental Phased Award Cooperative Agreement activity code. Applications must include a research plan describing both UG3 and UH3 phases.
Psychedelics and the ‘inner healer’: Myth or mechanism?
Inner healer scores were higher after the high versus placebo dose of psilocybin (t = 3.88, p < 0.001). Within the high-dose sub-sample only, inner healer scores predicted improved depressive symptomatology at 2 weeks post-dosing. Conclusions: The principle of activating inner healing mechanisms via psychedelics is scientifically nascent; however, this study takes a positivist and pragmatic step forward, asking whether it warrants further examination.
A psychedelic researcher’s approach to creating a psilocybin session playlist
Psychedelic music session playlists have been utilized consistently for modern psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials, and more recently researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College of London have specifically studied the effect of these music playlists on participants in trials.
Trauma under psychedelics: MDMA shows protective effects during the peritraumatic period
These novel findings suggest that the influence of MDMA during the TE may carry protective effects into the peritraumatic period, possibly mediated through the known effects of MDMA in reducing negative emotions and elevating prosociality. These protective effects in turn may mitigate the development of early psychopathology-related symptoms.
Acute adverse effects of therapeutic doses of psilocybin: A systematic review and meta-analysis
In this meta-analysis, the acute adverse effect profile of therapeutic single-dose psilocybin appeared to be tolerable and resolved within 48 hours. However, future studies need to more actively evaluate the appropriate management of adverse effects.
Why we need to talk about psychedelic dispensaries
Cultural attitudes toward psychedelics are evolving due to promising research about their potential as mental health treatments. Without legal access to match the growing demand for these substances, consumers seek access through an unregulated underground market and may expose themselves to harm. Dispensaries offer a potential solution to this problem.
Are psychedelics safe enough for recreational use?
By the standard measures of drug safety, psychedelics are less dangerous than caffeine. So, the risks must lie elsewhere.
Trainees unprepared for advances in psychedelic medicine: A survey study
As psychedelics are becoming increasingly available and research into their use in medicine advances, inclusion of relevant material in academic training programs will be essential to prepare future professionals to effectively educate and counsel patients.
Psychological flexibility as a mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression: results from an exploratory placebo-controlled trial
Increasing psychological flexibility may be an important putative mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for MDD and potentially, other mental health conditions.
Psilocybin for dementia prevention? The potential role of psilocybin to alter mechanisms associated with major depression and neurodegenerative diseases
In this narrative review, we focus on the evidence base for the effects of psilocybin on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and microglial form and function; which may suggest that psilocybin has the potential to modulate multiple mechanisms of action, and may have implications in altering the progression from major depression to dementia in those at risk.
Psilocybin enhances insightfulness in meditation: a perspective on the global topology of brain imaging during meditation
Together, these findings provide a novel perspective on meditation and psychedelics that may reveal potential novel brain markers for positive synergistic effects between mindfulness practices and psilocybin.
Psilocybin pulse regimen reduces cluster headache attack frequency in the blinded extension phase of a randomized controlled trial
This study shows a significant reduction in cluster attack frequency in a repeat round of pulse psilocybin administration and suggests that prior response may not predict the effect of repeated treatment.
Improvements in well-being following naturalistic psychedelic use and underlying mechanisms of change in older adults: A prospective cohort study
A psychosocial measure of Communitas emerged as a predictor in older adults (OA), suggesting that the relational components in psychedelic group settings may hold particular value for OA.
Efficacy of a single low dose of esketamine after childbirth for mothers with symptoms of prenatal depression: randomised clinical trial
For mothers with prenatal depression, a single low dose of esketamine after childbirth decreases major depressive episodes at 42 days post partum by about three quarters.
Medicinal cannabis for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid depression: real-world evidence
Conclusions Depression is common among individuals seeking CBMPs to treat PTSD and is associated with greater symptom severity and poorer quality of life. Effectiveness of CBMPs for treating PTSD does not appear to be impaired in people with comorbid depression.
In defence of the decriminalisation of drug possession in the UK
We argue that decriminalisation offers a feasible first step towards reducing the harm of drug control which would not increase drug-related harm.
An exploration of psilocybin use in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Participants often turned to psilocybin after conventional treatments had failed. Long diagnosis times and insufficient care from the health sector calls for systemic change; - Experiences with, and approaches to psilocybin were diverse, with most reporting improved quality of life and reduced symptoms, though this was not without challenges.
Music centered psychedelic integration
The idea for Music Centered Psychedelic Integration (MCPI) came about through the slow accumulation of insights and practical ideas based on our clinical training and practice from 2017 up to the present.
The next great psychedelic state
A new bill approved this week will allow Utah doctors to prescribe MDMA and psilocybin for their adult mental health patients. That makes Utah the first state in the US to authorize the use of psychedelics as a medical treatment.
Perceived attachment history predicts psychedelic experiences: A naturalistic study
Our findings suggest that perceptions of early attachment experiences may be relevant to psychedelic phenomenology. However, subjective experiences associated with naturalistic psychedelic use do not typically attenuate links between a perceived insecure attachment history and attachment insecurity at present.