Acute and Sustained Reductions in Loss of Meaning and Suicidal Ideation Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for Psychiatric and Existential Distress in Life-Threatening Cancer Stephen Ross, Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Sharon Lo, Richard J. Zeifman, Leila Ghazal, Julia Benville, Silvia Franco Corso, Christian Bjerre Real, Jeffrey Guss, Anthony Bossis, and Sarah E. Mennenga ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, 2021, 4, 553−562. doi : 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00020 ABSTRACT: People with advanced cancer are at heightened risk of desire for hastened death (DHD), suicidal ideation (SI), and completed suicide. Loss of Meaning (LoM), a component of demoralization, can be elevated by a cancer diagnosis and predicts DHD and SI in this population. We completed [...]
Lire la suiteEfficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder : Prospective 12-month follow-up Natalie Gukasyan, Alan K Davis, Frederick S Barrett, Mary P Cosimano, Nathan D Sepeda, Matthew W Johnson and Roland R Griffiths Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2022, Vol. 36(2) 151–158. Doi : 10.1177/02698811211073759 Abstract Background : Preliminary data suggest that psilocybin-assisted treatment produces substantial and rapid antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), but little is known about long-term outcomes. Aims : This study sought to examine the efficacy and safety of psilocybin through 12 months in participants with moderate to severe MDD who received psilocybin. Methods : This randomized, waiting-list controlled study [...]
Lire la suitePsychedelic science in post-COVID-19 psychiatry J. R. Kelly, M. T. Crockett, L. Alexander, M. Haran, A. Baker, L. Burke, C. Brennan and V. O’Keane Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2020, 1-6. doi:10.1017/ipm.2020.94 The medium- to long-term consequences of COVID-19 are not yet known, though an increase in mental health problems are pre- dicted. Multidisciplinary strategies across socio-economic and psychological levels may be needed to mitigate the mental health burden of COVID-19. Preliminary evidence from the rapidly progressing field of psychedelic science shows that psilocybin therapy offers a promising transdiagnostic treatment strategy for a range of disorders with restricted and maladaptive habitual patterns of cognition [...]
Lire la suiteCannabis sativa research trends, challenges, and new-age perspectives, Tajammul Hussain et al., 2021
Cannabis sativa research trends, challenges, and new-age perspectives Tajammul Hussain, Ganga Jeena, Thanet Pitakbut, Nikolay Vasilev, and Oliver Kayser iScience, Cell Press, 2021,24, 103391, 1-13. Doi : 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103391 SUMMARY Cannabis sativa L. has been one of the oldest medicinal plants cultivated for 10,000 years for several agricultural and industrial applications. However, the plant became controversial owing to some psychoactive components that have adverse effects on human health. In this review, we analyzed the trends in cannabis research for the past two centuries. We discussed the historical transitions of cannabis from the category of herbal medicine to an illicit drug and back to a medicinal product post-legalization. [...]
Lire la suiteEffectiveness of Psilocybin on Depression : A Qualitative Study Redhwan Ahmed Al-Naggar, Hisham Alshaikhli, Gwen Erlam Electronic Journal of General Medicine, 2021, 18, (3), em296. doi : 10.29333/ejgm/10862 ABSTRACT Introduction : Psilocybin mushroom use is well documented in spiritual and religious ceremonies globally. This drug is now the most popular in Europe and the USA. Objective : The objective of this study is to explore the experiences and effects of psilocybin on patients with depression and anxiety. Method : A qualitative study was conducted interviewing ten participants currently taking psilocybin while experiencing depression and/or anxiety. Ethical approval was obtained from the University ethics committee. Participants were recruited [...]
Lire la suiteClassic psychedelics in the treatment of substance use disorder: Potential synergies with twelve-step programs David B. Yaden, Andrea P. Berghella, Paul S. Regier, Albert Garcia-Romeu, Matthew W. Johnson, Peter S. Hendricks International Journal of Drug Policy, 2021, Doi : 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103380 a b s t r a c t Several pilot studies have provided evidence supporting the potential of classic psychedelics like psilocybin in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). If larger trials confirm efficacy, classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may eventually be integrated into existing addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and medication-assisted therapies. Many individuals seeking treatment for SUDs also join twelve-step [...]
Lire la suiteOn the Relationship between Classic Psychedelics and Suicidality : A Systematic Review Richard J. Zeifman, Nikhita Singhal, Leah Breslow, & Cory R. Weissman ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, 2021, 4, (2), 436-451 Doi : 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00024 Abstract Use of classic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin, ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide) is increasing and psychedelic therapy is receiving growing attention as a novel mental health intervention. Suicidality remains a potential safety concern associated with classic psychedelics and is, concurrently, a mental health concern that psychedelic therapy may show promise in targeting. Accordingly, further understanding of the relationship between classic psychedelics and suicidality is needed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review [...]
Lire la suitePsilocybin, in 10 mg or 25 mg doses, has no short- or long-term detrimental effects in healthy people Patrick O'Brien King’s College London News Center, 2022 https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/psilocybin-in-10mg-or-25mg-doses-has-no-short-or-long-term-detrimental-effects-in-healthy-people Psilocybin can be safely administered at doses of either 10mg or 25mg to up to six participants simultaneously. New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, in partnership with COMPASS Pathways, has established that psilocybin can be safely administered at doses of either 10mg or 25mg to up to six participants simultaneously. The research, published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology, is an essential first step in demonstrating the safety and feasibility of [...]
Lire la suiteThe effects of psilocybin on cognitive and emotional functions in healthy participants : Results from a phase 1, randomised, placebo-controlled trial involving simultaneous psilocybin administration and preparation James J Rucker, Lindsey Marwood, Riikka-Liisa J Ajantaival, Catherine Bird, Hans Eriksson, John Harrison, Molly Lennard-Jones, Sunil Mistry, Francesco Saldarini, Susan Stansfield, Sara J Tai, Sam Williams, Neil Weston, Ekaterina Malievskaia and Allan H Young Abstract Background : Psilocybin, a psychoactive serotonin receptor partial agonist, has been reported to acutely reduce clinical symptoms of depressive disorders. Psilocybin’s effects on cognitive function have not been widely or systematically studied. Aim : The aim of this study was to [...]
Lire la suiteAssessing the risk-benefit profile of classical psychedelics : a clinical review of second-wave psychedelic research David Bender & David J. Hellerstein Psychopharmacology (Berl), 2022. Doi : 10.1007/s00213-021-06049-6 Abstract Rationale : A broad reassessment of the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs has led to the initiation of multiple major clinical trials in an effort to advance their status to become FDA-approved medications, as well as local legislative efforts to legalize or decriminalize their use. Objectives : To use recently published data to assess potential risks and benefits of psychedelic drugs as therapeutics, as well as to synthesize what is currently known in order [...]
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