depression – Page 7

Transient destabilization of whole brain dynamics induced by N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)

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This study used computer models of brain activity to understand how the psychedelic drug DMT rapidly changes how the brain works during an acute experience. Researchers found that DMT pushes brain dynamics into a special state where the brain becomes hypersensitive to small changes or stimuli. This heightened sensitivity is strongest in brain regions rich in serotonin receptors and matches the expected timing of the drug’s effects, suggesting that brief psychedelic experiences may create lasting changes in the brain through this temporary destabilization window.

Exploring psychedelic use in athletes and their attitudes toward psilocybin-assisted therapy in concussion recovery

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This study surveyed athletes and sports staff in Canada and the United States about their views on using psilocybin-assisted therapy to treat concussion symptoms. Researchers found that about 36% of athletes had used psychedelics in the past year, with psilocybin being the most common. Most athletes (61%) and staff (71%) said they would be willing to try or support psilocybin therapy for concussion recovery if research showed it was beneficial. The main factor influencing willingness was knowledge about psilocybin and positive attitudes toward it.

Antidepressant Switching as a Proxy Phenotype for Drug Nonresponse: Investigating Clinical, Demographic, and Genetic Characteristics

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This study examined why some people don’t respond well to common antidepressant medications called SSRIs. Researchers used prescription records from over 38,000 people to identify those who switched to different antidepressants as a sign of poor response. They found that people with higher education and income were less likely to switch medications, and that genetic factors influenced who responded poorly to treatment. The research demonstrates that switching medications can serve as a reliable marker for identifying nonresponders, potentially helping doctors personalize antidepressant prescribing in the future.

The central role of the Thalamus in psychosis, lessons from neurodegenerative diseases and psychedelics

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This paper explores how the thalamus, a key brain structure controlling attention and perception, malfunctions in Parkinson’s disease and similar neurological conditions, causing hallucinations and delusions. Interestingly, these symptoms resemble the altered mental states produced by psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin. By studying both conditions together, researchers found that a common mechanism called thalamocortical dysrhythmia disrupts how the brain filters information and processes reality, offering new insights for treating psychotic symptoms.

PolDrugs 2025: results of the third edition of the nationwide study on psychoactive substance use in the context of psychiatry and harm reduction

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This Polish study surveyed nearly 2,500 recreational drug users about their substance use patterns and mental health. The survey found that marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, but worryingly, most users don’t test what they’re taking or measure doses carefully. The study also revealed increasing use of mephedrone and other stimulants that are sending more people to hospitals, while interest in psychedelics is declining. Importantly, more people are now seeing psychiatrists and being honest about their drug use.

Microbes’ role in environmental pollution and remediation: a bioeconomy focus approach

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Microbes like bacteria and fungi can break down pollutants and transform harmful waste into useful products through biological processes called bioremediation. By employing these naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms, we can clean up contaminated soil and water while producing valuable products like proteins and biofuels. This approach offers an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable solution to waste management that reduces pollution while creating a circular bioeconomy.

Microdosing Psychedelics to Restore Synaptic Density in Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia involves excessive loss of connections between brain cells in areas responsible for emotion and thinking, leading to negative symptoms and cognitive problems. Research shows that small doses of psychedelics like psilocybin can promote the growth of new brain connections and reduce inflammation. The authors suggest that microdosing psychedelics alongside standard treatments might help restore these lost connections and improve symptoms that don’t respond well to current medications.

The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study

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This study examined whether Lion’s mane mushroom supplements could improve thinking speed and reduce stress in healthy young adults. Researchers found that a single dose improved how quickly people completed a mental challenge, and four weeks of daily supplements showed a trend toward reducing subjective stress. However, the study was small and found mixed results, including some negative effects on memory tasks, so more research with larger groups is needed to confirm these findings.

Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes

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This study surveyed over 250 million representative American adults about their use of psychedelic mushrooms. Researchers found that about 1.7% of US adults used psychedelic mushrooms in the past year, primarily for general mental health and well-being. Interestingly, those who used them reported higher levels of depression and anxiety, suggesting people with mental health challenges may be self-treating with mushrooms. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines as more Americans explore psychedelics for health purposes.

A comprehensive overview of the effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the gut-brain axis

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This comprehensive review examines how probiotics (beneficial live bacteria), prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria), and synbiotics (combinations of both) can influence communication between the gut and brain. These interventions can produce beneficial compounds like GABA and serotonin, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation, potentially helping with mood, anxiety, cognition, and various digestive disorders. However, effects vary greatly depending on the specific strain used, dosage, and individual differences in gut bacteria, and more large-scale studies are needed to confirm long-term clinical benefits.

Disease: depression