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This article discusses the connection between trauma and addiction and explores various treatment approaches that address both conditions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of trauma on the brain's reward system and how childhood adversity can contribute to addiction. The article highlights evidence-based therapies such as COPE and CPT that aim to address traumatic memories and distorted thoughts. It also mentions the potential benefits of neuroplasticity-based treatments and the use of psychedelic drugs like MDMA in treating PTSD and addiction. The article calls for more trauma-informed and compassionate approaches to addiction treatment. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the ongoing debate among researchers about what happens when a person takes a psychedelic drug. Boris D. Heifets, an associate professor of anesthesiology at Stanford University School of Medicine, explores the different factors that contribute to the psychedelic experience. He categorizes these factors into three groups: the biochemical drug effect, the conscious experience related to changes in sensation and feelings, and the nondrug factors such as expectations and the setting in which the drug is taken. Heifets conducted a study using ketamine during general anesthesia to examine the biochemical drug effect and found that nondrug factors, such as expectations and feelings of hope, can contribute significantly to the therapeutic effects. He also discusses the possibility of creating a reproducible and powerful experience without the use of a psychedelic drug. Overall, the article highlights the importance of understanding the various components of the psychedelic experience in order to develop effective therapies. [Extracted from the article]

Ketamine, a drug previously known as a horse tranquilizer and a rave drug, is now being repurposed as a therapy for mental health conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. It is being offered in therapeutic settings at clinics in the US and UK, and pharmaceutical companies are developing over-the-counter products. While there is evidence of its effectiveness, there are still uncertainties and risks associated with its use. Ketamine therapy works by increasing neuroplasticity in the brain, allowing for new ways of thinking about old problems. However, there are concerns about the addictive nature of ketamine and the potential for abuse. The availability of at-home treatments and the rise in illicit ketamine use are also causes for concern. Despite these issues, ketamine therapy is seen as a valuable option in the current mental health crisis. [Extracted from the article]

Psychedelics, long associated with altered perceptions and healing mental health conditions, are now gaining attention for their potential impact on business leadership. Prominent figures like Elon Musk and John Mackey credit these substances for their success, prompting a reevaluation of their utility beyond traditional settings. While some research and firsthand accounts suggest psychedelics can enhance creativity, focus, and fulfillment in professional contexts, opinions on their effectiveness vary widely. Despite the legal and ethical complexities, the growing interest in these substances invites individuals to consider whether they could play a role in unlocking personal and professional potential.

The article explores the growing interest in using psychedelic drugs for the treatment of mental health issues. It suggests that India should conduct its own clinical trials to better understand the effects and risks of these substances. Psychedelics have shown promise as alternative therapies for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. Some countries and states have already allowed the medicinal use of psychedelics. The article also discusses the involvement of a company called maps in clinical trials and raises concerns about conflicts of interest in industry-sponsored trials. It provides information on the history of psychedelic drugs and their potential use in treating mental health disorders, as well as possible side effects. The article concludes by suggesting that India could be a potential location for future clinical trials. [Extracted from the article]

Global temperatures in April 2024 reached a new record high, making it the 11th consecutive month to set a record, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. The average global surface air temperature for April was 15.03°C (59.05°F). A study in mice suggests that a compound emitted by the Colorado river toad may have similar benefits to LSD and psilocybin in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, researchers have discovered a faster method of brewing cold coffee using ultrasonic waves, which can produce a cold shot of coffee in less than 3 minutes. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the use of psychedelic substances in research and their potential impact on spiritual experiences and mental health. It discusses a study conducted with clergy members who volunteered to take psilocybin, a psychedelic substance found in "sacred mushrooms." It further aims to investigate the effects of psilocybin on spirituality and how it might deepen individuals' spiritual lives.

ADVANCES DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE PHARMACOLOGY Magic mushrooms are undergoing a transformation from illicit recreational drug to promising mental health treatment. Some countries such as Jamaica never made magic mushrooms illegal, although the psilocybin molecule often is. "My worry is that people won't necessarily get that distinction … and turn up with horrible, treatment-resistant depression, expecting an expert in treating that condition", says Johns Hopkins University psychiatrist Natalie Gukasyan, who led a recent psilocybin trial. [Extracted from the article]

Psychedelic medicines are a very different class because nobody is seriously proposing that people should just be prescribed psilocybin for at-home use as we do with cannabis - at least not at significant doses. HOW PSYCHEDELIC-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY WORKS In most clinical studies with psilocybin, MDMA and other psychedelics, the medicine is used alongside talk therapy. Around the same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted "breakthrough therapy" classification to psilocybin, the so-called "magic" compound found in psychedelic mushrooms. We expect this is going to be a rulemaking period, and then, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy treatment for certain conditions will be legal to do by licensed clinicians in the state of Oregon only. [Extracted from the article]

This text explores the history of psychoactive drugs, focusing on their use in the 19th century and their impact on literature, philosophy, and psychology. It argues that the current conversation around psychedelics overlooks this rich history and the value of personal understanding. The text discusses various figures who engaged in self-experimentation with drugs, such as Coleridge, De Quincey, Moreau, Freud, and James. It also examines the stigmatization of drugs in the early 20th century and the current psychedelic renaissance. The author advocates for a diverse approach to studying psychedelics, encompassing medical, therapeutic, and recreational perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

In my lab, we're interested in flipping that and asking, what if someone doesn't need to take a drug every day, but a drug would help them with a particular therapy session or a particular therapy? But they don't think their own lifestyle might have biological effects on their mental health: obvious things like exercise, sleep and diet have effects on your biology and thus mental health. Views CAMILLA NORD, who heads up the Mental Health Neuroscience Lab at the University of Cambridge, has just published her first book, The Balanced Brain: The science of mental health (Penguin). [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the resurgence of psychedelic drugs, particularly psilocybin, in the U.S., as well as their commercial and therapeutic potentials. Also cited are the research work at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research on treatments of depression, addiction, and anxiety, and the comment of lead researcher Doctor Roland Griffiths on their work.

The article discusses Australia's historic decision to allow authorized psychiatrists to prescribe psychedelic medicines, such as MDMA and psilocybin, for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression. It explores the potential benefits of these treatments and the need for further research, while also addressing challenges such as cost and public subsidization.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently heard oral arguments in the case of Aggarwal v. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration regarding the DEA's process for considering the reclassification of controlled substances. The petitioner argued that the DEA unlawfully denied his petition to move psilocybin from Schedule I to Schedule II, citing evidence of its medical benefits. The DEA countered that the petitioner failed to address the agency's five-factor test for rescheduling. The court ultimately remanded the case for the DEA to either clarify its position or reevaluate the petition. [Extracted from the article]

Health SOME psychedelic drugs show promise for treating several mental health conditions, but people shouldn't self-medicate with them because they can sometimes trigger a psychotic breakdown, Jonathan Miff at University College London told New Scientist Live on 7 October. As a psychiatrist, Iliff has treated people admitted to hospital with acute psychosis triggered by taking magic mushrooms. [Extracted from the article]

Nudism is experiencing a decline in organized support, with membership decreasing from 65,000 to 34,000 over the past 25 years. Younger members are put off by strict rules and concerns about privacy and body image. However, there is a growing movement that combines nudism with eco-activism, Wicca, Gaia worship, Tantra, wild swimming, and experimentation with drugs. This movement aims to cleanse the body and soul through acts of nakedness. [Extracted from the article]

Then there is the touchy issue that some psychedelic therapies used to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction haven't proven as impressive in larger clinical trials, not to mention the small but significant (and often underreported) cases of bad trips. Science can only have one view of psychedelics, but, as virtual-reality pioneer Jaron Lanier tells Mitchell, objective science entails "a collapse of experience itself". Views Book Ten Trips Andy Mitchell Bodley Head DESCRIBING your psychedelic trip to other people is notoriously dull. [Extracted from the article]

We hear how mRNA nanoparticles can be used to reprogram mice bone marrow, about innovative methods for rescuing coral in hot oceans and why your hands are heavier than you think. This eight-daytour, visiting astronomicaland geologicalsites,begins on 3 April2024 and costs £4399. newsdentist.comftours Podcasts Weekly On this week's podcast, the team discuss whether scientists really made a room-temperature superconductor or not. Are psychedelics the future of mentalhealth?. [Extracted from the article]

EARLY evidence suggests that psilocybin may help treat anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterised by distorted body image and food restriction. All participants had had an anorexia nervosa diagnosis for at least three years and were working with an eating disorder specialist. [Extracted from the article]

As a preliminary investigation, Muthukumaraswamy and his colleagues randomised 80 men aged 25 to 56 without mental health conditions to take a microdose (10 micrograms) of LSD or a placebo every third morning for six weeks. TAKING small doses of the illegal drug LSD increases the duration a person sleeps the following night, according to the largest study of its kind. A more curious finding was that the LSD group slept for the same length of time as the placebo group when they had microdosed that day, but went to bed earlier and slept for an extra 24 minutes on average the following night, even though physical activity levels were the same between the groups (medRxiv, doi.org/kjdx). [Extracted from the article]

An interview with Imran Khan, a Chief Executive at the Campaign for Science and Engineering, the British Science Association and Wellcome, is presented. Topics include how psychedelic drugs can help us better understand mental health and consciousness for the perception and regulation of substances changes; and growing evidence that psychedelics can improve conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when administered alongside therapy.

The article outlines a University of Auckland study protocol for a phase 2b randomized controlled trial assessing the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) microdosing on major depressive disorder (MDD). Topics include the trial's double-dummy, triple-blind, and active placebo-controlled design, as well as its methods for evaluating safety, efficacy, and treatment outcomes.

The article reviews the effectiveness of single-dose versus two-dose psilocybin in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). It finds both dosing strategies significantly reduce depressive symptoms, with two doses showing potentially more pronounced effects. It mentions the study that calls for standardized trials to clarify if these benefits are due to dosage alone or other factors.

The article investigates how peyote ceremonies influence personal transformation, focusing on changes such as reduced substance abuse and improved well-being. Topics include the psychological impact of peyote, alterations in mental and physical health, and the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics.

The article reports that the National Institutes of Health has awarded a 2.4 million U.S. dollars grant to a cross-disciplinary team from the Medical College of Wisconsin, UC San Diego, and LSU Health Shreveport to study psychedelics for treating methamphetamine addiction. Topics include the potential role of psychedelics in addressing stimulant use disorder, the focus on serotonin 5-HT2A receptor signaling, and the goal of developing targeted therapies with manageable psychedelic effects.

The article explores the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a revolutionary approach to addiction treatment, highlighting recent research suggesting that psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA, used alongside conventional therapy, can yield rapid and lasting benefits for substance use disorders. Topics include the promising outcomes of clinical trials, the need for more research and funding, and the importance of integrating psychotherapy with psychedelic treatment.

A preprint abstract from the Psychology & Psychiatry Journal discusses a study on the effects of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms. The study examined the acute experience and long-term effects of psilocybin in a small group of healthy individuals. The results showed that repeated administration of psilocybin induced positive and lasting effects, regardless of previous experience, sex, or the setting in which it was administered. The study suggests that psilocybin is psychologically safe and supports its use in clinical trials. However, it should be noted that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

Psyence Biomedical is paying $500,000 in shares to acquire Clairvoyant Therapeutics and its phase 2-stage alcohol use disorder candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has found that the prevalence of psychological distress (PD) among youth in Peninsular Malaysia is a growing concern. The study analyzed data from a cohort of 416 participants who underwent mental health assessments at ages 15 and 20. The prevalence of PD significantly increased from 15.9% at age 15 to 34.6% at age 20. Factors such as parental mental health problems, Indian and other ethnicities, lower maternal education attainment, and alcohol consumption were found to be significantly associated with PD in youth. The study highlights the need for increased access to mental health care and the improvement of surveillance and prevention programs to protect the psychosocial well-being of youth. [Extracted from the article]

A scoping review conducted by researchers in Hamilton, Canada, explores the available literature on the use of psilocybin for medical purposes. The study found that there has been a recent resurgence of interest in psychedelic drugs, which have been of interest in medicine since the 1950s. The review included 193 published studies and 80 ongoing studies, with the most common indication being depression. The researchers concluded that there is a need for high-quality randomized trials on psilocybin and to explore its potential use in other indications, such as chronic pain. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Victoria explored the use of psychedelics in athletes and their attitudes towards psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) for concussion recovery. The study found that psychedelics were the third most used substance among athletes, with 35.8% reporting use in the past year. The research also revealed that both athletes and staff members were willing to engage in or support PAT for concussion recovery. However, further research is needed to examine the effects of psilocybin on post-concussion symptoms and address concerns about long-term effects. [Extracted from the article]

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, could potentially be used to treat depression, according to new research published on Wednesday, the latest evide... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in Nature has found that psilocybin, the active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms, has a profound effect on the brain's neural activity. The study involved seven participants who underwent multiple functional MRI brain scans before, during, and after taking psilocybin. The results showed that psilocybin disrupted normal communication between brain regions, particularly in the default mode network (DMN), which is associated with our sense of self. The drug also temporarily erased the participants' unique neural fingerprints, although most of the changes were reversed within a day. The findings contribute to our understanding of how psychedelic drugs impact the brain and may have implications for the treatment of mental health disorders. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06512220, is currently underway to study the effects of psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms", on treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The trial aims to determine if psilocybin's antidepressant effects are linked to changes in synaptic density in adults with TRD. The study will administer psilocybin with or without risperidone and measure outcomes such as the feasibility of obtaining PET imaging scans and changes in synaptic density. The trial is expected to be completed by August 31, 2026. Additionally, another clinical trial is being planned to investigate the effects of combining psilocybin and risperidone in adults with non-psychotic major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not responded to previous antidepressant treatments. This trial will enroll 12 participants and is expected to be completed by August 2026. The eligibility criteria include being between 18 and 65 years old, having a diagnosis of non-psychotic MDD, and being willing to taper off current antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. The trial will take place in Canada. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, analyzed data from online psychedelic forums to gain insights into psychedelic consumption. The study categorized and analyzed self-reported consumption of psychedelic substances, dosages, and administration routes to inform care services and guide clinical work with psychedelics. The study found that there was a correlation between greater psychedelic purity, dosage intensity, and a perceived need for care. The researchers concluded that more research is needed to understand factors influencing psychedelic care practices and that educational information should be provided to consumers to emphasize risk management strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at the National University of Cordoba in Argentina explores the relationship between impulsivity, mental health, and alcohol and marijuana use. The study surveyed 1,507 Argentinean citizens about their alcohol and marijuana use, as well as their impulsivity traits, psychological distress, and emotion regulation strategies. The findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of impulsivity, depression symptoms, or lower use of emotional regulation abilities may be at a higher risk for alcohol or marijuana use. The study concludes that interventions aimed at enhancing emotion regulation could benefit individuals with risk factors for drug misuse. [Extracted from the article]

A meta-analysis suggests that high-dose psilocybin may provide greater relief from depressive symptoms compared to placebo or escitalopram, without an increased risk of severe adverse events. The study included 811 participants across 15 psychedelic trials and 1968 participants across five escitalopram trials. High-dose psilocybin performed better than placebo in antidepressant trials, but the effect size was similar to that of current antidepressants. The study did not assess long-term effects and the sample size of the psychedelic trials was small. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has found that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, disrupts a critical network of brain areas involved in introspective thinking. This disruption explains the mind-altering effects of the drug and lays the groundwork for the development of psilocybin-based therapies for mental illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study provides a roadmap for evaluating the effects of psychoactive drugs on brain function and may accelerate drug development efforts for psychiatric illnesses. However, it is important to note that psilocybin is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and self-medication with the drug is not recommended. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that a 41-year-old fully vaccinated female with Long-COVID syndrome experienced significant relief from her symptoms after self-medicating with psilocybin and MDMA. Long-COVID, which refers to symptoms that persist after the acute phase of COVID-19, currently lacks effective holistic treatment options. The researchers emphasize the need for further research to assess the safety and efficacy of this therapy. This information is available in a case report published in Clinical Case Reports. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Brazil investigated the adverse event profile of psilocybin mushrooms and their potential for abuse and risk to public health. The study analyzed data from 2007 to 2022 and found that psilocybin mushrooms accounted for a very small percentage of adverse events, with no fatalities reported. The study suggests that psilocybin mushrooms have a low-risk profile, but acknowledges the possibility of underreporting. The researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based regulatory discussions to ensure safe access to psilocybin for clinical and ceremonial purposes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Montreal discusses the use of psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, as a potential treatment for difficult-to-treat depression. The report presents a case study of an adult patient with depression who received psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in combination with two serotoninergic antidepressants. The patient experienced mild adverse effects, such as headaches, but overall, the combination of psilocybin and antidepressants appeared to be safe. The researchers suggest that future studies should explore the possibility of administering psilocybin concurrently with antidepressants to improve treatment acceptability and accessibility. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China explores the potential use of psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The researchers discuss the pharmacological effects of psilocybin and its potential mechanisms for positively impacting AD, such as increased neural plasticity, reduced inflammation, and improvements in cognitive functions. They also address the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the use of psilocybin for AD treatment. The study suggests that psilocybin may have therapeutic potential in the management of AD, but further research is needed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre explores the potential of psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) and persistent depressive disorder (PDD). The study aims to investigate how psilocybin affects brain networks associated with depression and whether it can induce neuroplastic changes that have lasting effects. Fifty participants diagnosed with MDD or PDD will be randomly assigned to receive either psilocybin or a placebo, and neuroimaging assessments will be conducted to measure changes in brain activity and blood flow. The study hopes to provide insights into the antidepressant mechanisms of psilocybin and identify early predictors of treatment response. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Hedi Chaker Hospital in Tunisia examined the mental health and psychological distress among medical residents. The study found that residents are exposed to high levels of stress and psychological pressures, with factors such as workload, addictive habits, and fatigue contributing to psychological distress. The research highlights the need for comprehensive support systems within medical training programs to address these challenges. The study provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by medical residents and emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions and support mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Zaragoza in Spain explores the relationship between recreational drug use and suicidal behavior. The study examines the impact of various substances, including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, nicotine, ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD, on suicidal behavior. The research suggests that most substances have a negative effect on suicidal behavior, with the exception of ketamine and psilocybin, which may have a protective effect. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship between MDMA, LSD, and suicide. [Extracted from the article]

The patent application titled "Purified Psychoactive Alkaloid Extraction Using Acidified Acetone" discusses the potential therapeutic uses of psychoactive substances and the challenges in extracting and producing standardized preparations of these compounds. The inventors specifically focus on extracting psychoactive alkaloids from Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. The process involves acid extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, and purification steps to obtain a refined, natural product that can be formulated for oral administration. The patent application also describes the extraction process for psychoactive alkaloids from various sources, including mushrooms and plants, providing detailed steps and variations. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract reports on a study that investigated the effects of psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviors in mice. The study found that mice treated with psilocybin or psychedelic mushroom extract showed a decrease in self-grooming behaviors, head-body twitches, and anxiety compared to mice treated with a vehicle control. The beneficial effects of a single treatment persisted for up to 7 weeks in mice that responded to psilocybin or psychedelic mushroom extract. These findings suggest that psilocybin may be a potential treatment for OCD and warrant further clinical trials. [Extracted from the article]

A study from the University of California San Diego has found that the interest in microdosing, which involves taking small doses of psychedelics, has increased among Americans as restrictions on cannabis and psychedelics have eased. The study analyzed Google search behaviors as a proxy for public interest and found that microdosing-related searches grew by 1250% from 2015 to 2023. The researchers also found that policy changes decriminalizing or authorizing the use of psychedelic substances in therapy and permitting recreational cannabis use were associated with increased interest in microdosing. However, the study highlights the need for rigorous research to establish the safety and efficacy of microdosing and warns about the legal risks and potential dangers associated with unproven alternative therapies and impure products. [Extracted from the article]