psychedelic therapy – Page 5

The psychedelic-peptide paradox: a hormetic hypothesis

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This review explores how psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin work through the body’s natural stress-response systems, particularly two brain chemicals called oxytocin and vasopressin. It explains why psychedelics initially cause uncomfortable feelings like nausea and anxiety, but these are followed by improved mood, sociability, and emotional healing. The theory suggests that this initial ‘stress’ response triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms, similar to how physical exercise makes you uncomfortable initially but builds strength over time.

Engaging Mood Brain Circuits with Psilocybin (EMBRACE): a study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled and delayed-start, neuroimaging trial in depression

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This research study is investigating how psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, affects the brain in people with depression. The study involves 50 participants who will receive either psilocybin or a placebo, with their brain activity monitored using advanced imaging scans. Researchers will examine how psilocybin changes blood flow and network activity in brain regions involved in mood regulation, and whether these changes are linked to improvements in depression symptoms.

A clinical protocol for group-based ketamine-assisted therapy in a community of practice: the Roots To Thrive model

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The Roots to Thrive ketamine-assisted therapy program is a 12-week group treatment that combines ketamine sessions with weekly group meetings, somatic practices, and emotional support. The program integrates both Western clinical approaches and Indigenous wisdom, treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD in groups of 20-40 participants. Over 750 people have participated with significant improvements in mental health symptoms and life functioning, demonstrating that this group-based approach is both safe and effective.

The development of psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression: an update

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Psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, is being studied as a potential treatment for severe depression that doesn’t respond to standard medications. In clinical trials, patients receiving psilocybin alongside psychological support showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms within days to weeks, with benefits lasting for months. Unlike daily antidepressant pills, psilocybin therapy involves one or more carefully supervised dosing sessions in a hospital setting with therapeutic support before and after. Larger studies are underway to confirm its effectiveness and safety before it could potentially become an approved treatment.

Safety, feasibility, and tolerability of psilocybin in older adults with amnestic MCI: Preliminary data from a SV2a PET imaging study

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Researchers investigated whether psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, could be safely used to treat memory problems in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In this early-stage study, participants received either psilocybin or a placebo while researchers used brain imaging to measure changes in synaptic connections. The preliminary results suggest psilocybin was well-tolerated with manageable side effects like dizziness, and participants were able to complete the study without serious problems.

Analysis of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Medicine: A Narrative Review

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This review examines how psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, may help treat difficult-to-treat conditions like smoking addiction, alcohol dependence, and depression. Clinical trials show psilocybin-assisted therapy achieves better smoking cessation rates (80%) than standard medications and reduces depression symptoms as effectively as common antidepressants. The treatment works differently than daily medications, requiring only a few supervised doses weeks apart, potentially offering a new option for millions of people.

Nature-themed video intervention may improve cardiovascular safety of psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder

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Researchers tested whether watching nature videos during psilocybin therapy could improve treatment for alcohol addiction. Twenty participants received psilocybin sessions while either watching nature videos or using standard procedures with eyeshades and music. The study found that nature videos significantly reduced the blood pressure increases that normally occur with psilocybin, while maintaining the same therapeutic benefits for reducing alcohol use and promoting meaningful experiences.

DNA Authentication and Chemical Analysis of Psilocybe Mushrooms Reveal Widespread Misdeterminations in Fungaria and Inconsistencies in Metabolites

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Researchers examined museum specimens of magic mushrooms and found that many are mislabeled and don’t reliably contain the psychoactive compounds they should. The study shows that psilocybin breaks down unpredictably during storage, and these mushrooms contain thousands of unknown chemical compounds. These findings suggest that current regulations and our understanding of these mushrooms need significant updates.

PsilOCD: A Pharmacological Challenge Study Evaluating the Effects of the 5-HT2A Agonist Psilocybin on the Neurocognitive and Clinical Correlates of Compulsivity

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This study is investigating whether psilocybin (an active compound in magic mushrooms) can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by improving their mental flexibility and brain plasticity. Participants will receive two doses of psilocybin—a low test dose and a slightly higher therapeutic dose—four weeks apart, while receiving professional psychological support. Researchers will measure changes in cognitive abilities and brain activity to understand how psilocybin might help reduce OCD symptoms like intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.

The phenomenology of psilocybin’s experience mediates subsequent persistent psychological effects independently of sex, previous experience, or setting

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A research study examined how psilocybin experiences affect long-term mental health and well-being in healthy volunteers. Participants received two doses of psilocybin in controlled medical settings while undergoing brain imaging. The study found that psilocybin consistently produced positive, lasting improvements in mood, well-being, and spiritual outlook, regardless of whether people had used psychedelics before, their sex, or the specific imaging setting used.

Research Keyword: psychedelic therapy