Psychedelics – Page 4

Single-dose psilocybin alters resting state functional networks in patients with body dysmorphic disorder

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Researchers gave eight patients with body dysmorphic disorder (an excessive preoccupation with appearance flaws) a single dose of psilocybin and measured their brain activity before and after treatment. They found that psilocybin increased communication between key brain regions involved in decision-making and attention control. Patients whose brains showed these changes experienced significant symptom improvement within a week, suggesting psilocybin may help by enhancing mental flexibility and emotional regulation in BDD.

Psilocybin During the Postpartum Period Induces Long-Lasting Adverse Effects in Both Mothers and Offspring

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A new study shows that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound being tested for postpartum depression, may actually cause harm during the breastfeeding period. While the drug helped non-pregnant mice feel less anxious, it made postpartum mothers more anxious and worsened their caregiving behaviors. Even more concerning, baby mice exposed to psilocybin through breast milk developed mood and social problems as adults, suggesting potential lasting risks for human infants.

Knowledge, perceptions, and use of psychedelics for mental health among autistic adults: An online survey

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This survey studied how autistic adults feel about using psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms for mental health. Nearly 70% of participants had tried psychedelics before and most found them helpful for anxiety and depression. Many participants were interested in trying them or participating in research, though legal and practical barriers stood in the way. The study suggests that psychedelics could be a promising treatment option for autistic people with mental health challenges.

Sex-specific role of the 5-HT2A receptor in psilocybin-induced extinction of opioid reward

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Researchers discovered that a single dose of psilocybin can reduce opioid addiction-related behaviors in male mice by activating serotonin receptors in specific brain circuits, but this effect does not work the same way in females. The study reveals that psilocybin changes how the brain processes opioid rewards and withdrawal symptoms, suggesting psychedelics could become a new treatment approach for opioid addiction. However, important sex differences in how the brain responds mean treatments may need to be tailored differently for men and women.

Corrigendum: Ayahuasca-induced personal death experiences: prevalence, characteristics, and impact on attitudes toward death, life, and the environment

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This article corrects errors in a research study about ayahuasca, a traditional plant medicine. The study examined how experiences with ayahuasca that involve confronting death affect people’s attitudes about mortality, the environment, and life fulfillment. The corrections clarify how often participants used ayahuasca and adjust how the data was visualized in graphs, but the main findings about ayahuasca’s effects remain unchanged.

We need to talk about shrooms

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The article discusses how psychedelic mushrooms have transformed from being seen as dangerous drugs in the 1960s to being studied as potential psychiatric treatments today. While research shows promise for treating depression, trauma, and addiction, the author warns against oversimplified narratives that ignore important context about how these experiences work and potential risks. The piece calls for careful, balanced discussion about psychedelics that considers both benefits and concerns.

Love (Drugs), Happiness, and Morality

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This paper argues that love, happiness, and moral behavior create a self-reinforcing cycle: moral actions increase happiness, happiness promotes loving feelings, and love encourages more moral behavior. The author proposes that psilocybin and other love-enhancing drugs could strengthen this beneficial cycle, making them an ethical way for people to voluntarily improve themselves and society without requiring government mandates.

Survey of Massachusetts peer recovery coaches’ attitudes toward the use of psychedelics to treat substance use disorders

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Researchers surveyed peer recovery coaches in Massachusetts about their views on using psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine to treat addiction. Most coaches felt comfortable supporting this approach and believed they should receive training, but many worried about potential risks and felt that traditional 12-step programs wouldn’t approve. Coaches with personal experience using psychedelics were more supportive than those who hadn’t tried them.

Direct comparison of the acute effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects

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This study directly compared two popular psychedelic drugs, LSD and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), in 28 healthy volunteers. Researchers found that these substances produce very similar mental effects when given at equivalent doses, with the main difference being that LSD lasts longer. The study establishes that about 20 milligrams of psilocybin is roughly equivalent to 100 micrograms of LSD. These findings could help guide dosing for future psychiatric treatments using these psychedelics.

Evaluation of the Indazole Analogs of 5-MeO-DMT and Related Tryptamines as Serotonin Receptor 2 Agonists

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Researchers synthesized new drug candidates based on psychedelic molecules like 5-MeO-DMT, replacing the indole core with indazole scaffolds to potentially improve drug properties. While the lead compound VU6067416 showed excellent potency for serotonin receptors and favorable pharmacokinetics, it also activated 5-HT2B receptors strongly, raising safety concerns about heart problems. The study highlights the challenge of developing selective serotonin drugs and emphasizes the need for rigorous safety testing of psychedelic-based therapeutics.

Research Keyword: Psychedelics