Research Keyword: PTSD

The psychedelic-peptide paradox: a hormetic hypothesis

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.

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Further education in psychedelic-assisted therapy – experiences from Switzerland

As psychedelic drugs show promise in treating serious mental health conditions like depression and PTSD, there is growing need to train therapists to safely administer these novel treatments. Switzerland’s leading medical association has developed a comprehensive three-year training program that combines classroom learning with hands-on practice to prepare doctors and psychologists. The program faces overwhelming demand, with far more people wanting to train than available spots, highlighting the urgent need for more specialized education programs as these treatments potentially become mainstream medications.

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

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.

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Psilocybin-assisted massed cognitive processing therapy for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: Protocol for an open-label pilot feasibility trial

This study tests whether psilocybin (a psychedelic compound) combined with intensive therapy can help treat chronic PTSD better than therapy alone. Fifteen patients with PTSD will receive one dose of psilocybin alongside 12 therapy sessions completed over a single week. Researchers will track feasibility, safety, symptom improvements, and use wearable devices to monitor physiological changes. The results will help determine whether larger trials should test this innovative combination therapy.

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Treating job-related stress with psychedelic group therapy: a case series on group ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for healthcare workers and first responders

Researchers tested a new group therapy approach using ketamine to help firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and healthcare workers dealing with job stress and burnout. Over seven weeks, 32 participants received three ketamine sessions combined with group therapy. The results showed significant improvements in anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and burnout within the group. This low-cost group approach not only helped individual symptoms but also created a supportive community where workers felt understood by others in similar situations.

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