Abstract: Aims: Symptoms of depersonalization (DP) and derealization (DR) are commonly reported during the acute effects of classic psychedelics. In some individuals, these symptoms persist, resulting in depersonalization-derealization disorder (DDD), associated with distress and help-seeking behavior. This case series seeks to underscore some of the diagnos...
Interest and use of psychedelic substances is on the rise in the general population. Research has mainly focused on therapeutic applications in formal treatment settings, and little is known about persistent negative effects in naturalistic use. The aim of this paper is to present a clinically relevant overview of the phenomenology and symptoms of enduring m...
Abstract Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are highly prevalent in patients seeking psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and correlate strongly with baseline depression and anxiety. This study characterized EMS in 192 adults and longitudinally followed 74 patients receiving psilocybin- or LSD-assisted therapy. We found that baseline schema burden, particularly r...
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition leading to significant personal and societal burden. Standard treatments frequently demonstrate limited efficacy, leading to persistent symptoms and high dropout rates. Psilocybin has shown promise in treating depression, a condition that is often comorbid with PTSD. We aimed to ex...
This randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluates the Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP), a novel 21-day self-guided program designed to prepare individuals for psychedelic experiences. Forty healthy volunteers will be randomly assigned to either a meditation-based intervention or a music-based control condition. Both groups will fo...
The etiology of OCD is complex and appears to involve multiple biological pathways. Imbalances in central serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate activities are widely thought to play a causative role. Despite strong evidence supporting first-line OCD pharmacotherapies, approximately 40-60 % of OCD patients remain unresponsive and are considered treatment resista...
BACKGROUND: The use of psychedelics is currently increasing in the United States. Awareness of clinical trials investigating the therapeutic applications of psychedelics may result in a record number of people who use psychedelics for the first-time. This study aimed to develop a harm-reduction resource to facilitate safe and successful psychedelic experienc...
Background: Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) may be an effective intervention for a range of mental disorders. However, there appears to be a relative lack of qualitative evidence to complement emerging quantitative findings. To our knowledge, no reviews have systematically mapped the literature on qualitative studies on PAP for the treatment of menta...
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, has received attention as a novel therapeutic option for major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in cases where traditional treatments prove ineffective. The study aims to evaluate psilocybin's therapeutic potential by examining its efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action as well as addressing ...
Renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics has led to increased research, but this work often lacks diverse representation. This study examined the relationships between subjective psychedelic experiences and self-reported improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use among Spanish-speaking individuals. A global sample...
Abstract This study explores the first-time use of psychedelic macrodoses among Latin American adults, addressing a gap in the literature regarding naturalistic use outside clinical settings. A total of 4,810 participants from six Latin American countries completed an online survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics, substances used, consumption cont...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent distressing thoughts and substantial anxiety, accompanied by repetitive behaviors or mental rituals. Individuals with OCD often have diminished quality of life, and functional impairment. The disorder cause high personal, societal and economic costs. Current availab...
First-hand experience with psychedelics may help clinicians develop skills and knowledge needed to work with the profound changes to conscious awareness occasioned by psychedelics. However, the topic remains contentious and underexplored. In this world-first study, we investigated the utility of psilocybin experiential therapist training in a sample of 14 me...
Abstract Natural variation in psilocybin content across mushroom samples presents a significant challenge to consistent dosing in both research and retreat settings. In this observational report, we describe a pragmatic approach for quantifying psilocybin content in naturally sourced material to ensure more standardized dosing across participants. Eleven ind...
Serotonergic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD have shown potential therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, and addiction. However, research remains limited due to regulatory barriers and a lack of diversity in study populations. Spanish-speaking individuals, despite their significant global and U.S. presence, are un...
Highly stressful events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-a significant public health concern which existing treatments (e.g., psychotherapy and traditional medications) have shown marginal efficacy for.Psychedelics-alternatively called hallucinogens-are psychoactive substances that cause perception, mood, and cognitive changes.Because they a...
Amid an evolving psychedelic drug policy landscape and limitations of existing substance use disorder (SUD) treatments, a novel addiction recovery paradigm has emerged involving augmentation of 12-Step program engagement with therapeutic psychedelic use. A preliminary qualitative analysis was initiated to describe this movement by examining real-world experi...
Abstract For many, cognitive and affective health declines through typical aging. Although cognitive and affective symptoms are often studied in isolation, they share substantial overlap, and arise, in part, from common biological processes. Aging is accompanied by diminished neural plasticity, heightened neuroinflammation, and widespread alterations in the ...
Importance: Psilocybin use has surged in the US following decriminalization efforts and promising clinical trial results. Mirroring early cannabis legalization, public access and enthusiasm are outpacing regulatory oversight and scientific understanding, posing potential risks to public health. Objective: To review emerging evidence on the public health impl...
OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) for demoralisation in terminally ill patients receiving home hospice care. METHODS: In this open-label pilot trial, 4607 home hospice patients at a large community hospice were screened over 22 months; 66 were approached, 15 enrolled and 10 received ps...
