Psychedelics – Page 5

Identification of 5-HT2A receptor signaling pathways associated with psychedelic potential

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that psychedelic drugs work by activating a specific signaling pathway in the brain called the 5-HT2A-Gq pathway. By creating new drug-like molecules, they found that drugs need to strongly activate this particular pathway to produce psychedelic effects like hallucinations. This discovery could help researchers design new psychiatric medicines that have therapeutic benefits without the hallucinogenic side effects that worry doctors and patients.

Psilocin, LSD, mescaline, and DOB all induce broadband desynchronization of EEG and disconnection in rats with robust translational validity

mycolabadmin

Researchers tested how different psychedelic drugs affect brain electrical activity in rats using EEG recordings. They found that psilocin, LSD, mescaline, and DOB all produced similar patterns of decreased brain activity and reduced communication between brain regions. Importantly, these effects in rats closely matched what scientists observe in human brain studies, suggesting that rats can be useful for understanding how psychedelics work in the brain.

Serotonin and psilocybin activate 5-HT1B receptors to suppress cortical signaling through the claustrum

mycolabadmin

Researchers found that serotonin and psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) work through the same brain mechanism to suppress certain neural signals in a brain region called the claustrum. This region controls how different parts of the cortex communicate with each other. The study shows that psilocybin directly targets serotonin 5-HT1B receptors to quiet down signals from one brain area to another, which may explain how psychedelics change cortical network activity and alter consciousness.

Prediction of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder and thought disturbance symptoms following psychedelic use

mycolabadmin

Researchers followed 654 people planning to use psychedelics and measured their thinking patterns before and after. They found that delusional thinking actually decreased after use, while about one-third experienced visual effects like seeing trails or intensified colors. However, very few people (less than 1%) found these visual effects bothersome. Younger people, women, and those with psychiatric history were more likely to experience these visual effects.

Neural mechanisms underlying psilocybin’s therapeutic potential – the need for preclinical in vivo electrophysiology

mycolabadmin

Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, shows promise for treating depression and other mental health conditions. This review examines how psilocybin works in the brain, particularly by affecting brain regions involved in self-reflection and emotion regulation. The authors argue that new brain recording techniques are needed to fully understand how psilocybin produces its beneficial effects, which could help improve treatments for people with severe depression.

Recalled childhood trauma and post-psychedelic trajectories of change in a mixed-methods study

mycolabadmin

This study examined how childhood trauma can resurface during psychedelic experiences and what happens afterward. Researchers surveyed over 600 people who had difficult experiences after using psychedelics, and interviewed 18 of them in detail. They found that trauma surfaced in different ways—some people vividly relived events, others felt intense bodily sensations, and some experienced confusion. About half of participants found healing from the experience, while others struggled with ongoing trauma symptoms or mixed outcomes. The research emphasizes the importance of proper preparation, supportive settings, and follow-up integration work to help people process these experiences safely.

Psilocybin during the postpartum period induces long-lasting adverse effects in both mothers and offspring

mycolabadmin

Researchers tested whether psilocybin could help postpartum depression in mice, but found it actually made things worse for both mothers and their babies. While psilocybin normally reduces depression and anxiety, it had the opposite effect during the postpartum period, making mothers more anxious and disrupting their care of pups. Babies exposed to psilocybin through breastfeeding or direct exposure developed anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) as adults. These findings suggest that the postpartum period may be a particularly vulnerable time for psychedelic use, and more research is needed before considering these drugs for postpartum depression treatment.

Attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy among potential mental health service users and the general population in Australia

mycolabadmin

This Australian study surveyed over 500 people about their views on psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA for treating mental health conditions. Most people supported medical legalization of these substances, though many had safety concerns. Those with mental illness, those with prior psychedelic experience, and those with better knowledge of psychedelics were most supportive of their therapeutic use.

Developmental Neurotoxicity Screen of Psychedelics and Other Drugs of Abuse in Larval Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

mycolabadmin

Researchers tested 13 mind-altering drugs on developing zebrafish to see if they cause birth defects or behavioral problems. They found that psychedelics like psilocybin and ketamine were relatively safe for developing organisms, but traditional drugs of abuse like cocaine and methamphetamine caused significant behavioral changes without obvious physical defects. The study provides important safety information for these compounds, especially for pregnant or nursing individuals considering their use for therapeutic purposes.

Striking long-term beneficial effects of single dose psilocybin and psychedelic mushroom extract in the SAPAP3 rodent model of OCD-like excessive self-grooming

mycolabadmin

Researchers tested whether psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) could treat obsessive-compulsive disorder using genetically modified mice that exhibit excessive grooming similar to OCD in humans. A single dose of psilocybin or psychedelic mushroom extract significantly reduced the excessive grooming behavior and anxiety in these mice, with benefits lasting up to six weeks. These findings suggest psilocybin may be a promising new treatment for OCD in humans, offering longer-lasting effects from a single dose compared to current medications.

Research Keyword: Psychedelics