In recent years, there has been a significant surge of interest in psychedelic research. These studies encompass both neuroscience and their potential clinical applications. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "Psychedelic Renaissance", includes studies on compounds such as psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, and LSD used for the treatment of depression, post-traum...
Abstract Background and Aims Networks of so-called underground, or illegal, psilocybin mushroom practitioners are popularly known to exist, though few systematic investigations of their practices have been conducted. We sought to uncover the experiences of a hidden community of psilocybin practitioners in order to inform scientific and policy dialogues about...
Psilocybe cubensis, a widely recognized psychoactive mushroom species, has played a significant role in both historical and modern therapeutic practices. This review explores the complex interplay between genetic diversity, strain variability and environmental factors that shape the biosynthesis of key psychoactive compounds, including psilocybin and psiloci...
Abstract The discussion surrounding the necessity of acquiring personal experience of non-ordinary states of consciousness in the course of psilocybin-assisted therapy training is crucial, as it can affect treatment safety, effectiveness and accessibility. As such, the ethical and practical issues associated with such a training standard require timely consi...
Known for their capacity to alter perception and consciousness, psychedelics are increasingly being explored for therapeutic applications in treating conditions such chronic pain, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.1,2 Despite historical stigmas and legal restrictions, recent changes in legislation and the United States Food and Dr...
Abstract Interest in psychedelic research in the West is surging, however, clinical trials have almost exclusively studied synthetic compounds such as MDMA, ketamine, DMT, LSD, ibogaine, and psilocybin. To date, few clinical trials have utilized whole mushroom/plant material like Psilocybe mushrooms, Iboga, or Ayahuasca. Individuals participating in the Root...
Abstract Background and Aims This article examines the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as the result of sexual abuse. PTSD is a prevalent form of mental distress resistant to most conventional treatment methods. Methods Through an in-depth analysis of the narratives of two individuals with longstanding, treatm...
Abstract Background and Aims This naturalistic mixed methods field study, aimed to assess the potential of a psilocybin induced experience, to help Emergency Medical Service Workers (EMSW) to address psychological and stress related symptoms stemming from a challenging working environment, known to contribute to occupational burnout (OB). Methods This explor...
OBJECTIVE: Patterns of psilocybin use in nonclinical settings are not well described in the literature. Psilocybin use can involve infrequent, large (i.e., macro) doses that produce hallucinogenic effects. In addition, some people report psilocybin use at particularly small (i.e., micro), sub-perceptual doses. Given the heterogeneity in reported use metrics,...
Abstract Background Psychedelic use and its impact on well-being is garnering a lot of research attention, however, little has been done to understand the potential associations between multiple characteristics of the psychedelic experience and psychological flexibility (PF), which encompasses a conscious awareness of thoughts and behavior, allowing individu...
Abstract Background and aims Online communities provide insights into psychedelic consumption, assisting in identification of trends, informing both harm reduction provisions and clinical research. This study extracts forum data on psychedelic substances, dosages, and administration routes, categorising and analysing self-reported consumption to inform care ...
Abstract Background Previous international clinical trials have indicated that mystical experiences resulting from the consumption of classic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, may represent a subjective psychological mechanism of action associated with therapeutic effects for various mental disorders. The revised 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnair...
Psychoactive substances obtained from botanicals have been applied for a wide variety of purposes in the rituals of different cultures for thousands of years. Classical psychedelics from N,N'-dimethyltryptamine, psilocybin, mescaline and various lysergamides cause specific alterations in perception, emotion and cognition by acting through serotonin 5-HT2A re...
Abstract Psychological flexibility has been proposed as a core process of change when psychedelics are used for therapeutic purposes, but to date empirical outcomes have only documented changes on the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), a very general measure of psychological flexibility. This pilot study measured outcomes from psilocybin administe...
Abstract Background and aims Interest in psychedelic research has grown significantly in recent years and the naturally derived substance psilocybin, in combination with therapy, has shown promising results as a treatment for a range of psychiatric conditions. However, the negative effects and risks of psilocybin-assisted treatment are not well-established. ...
Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Editor's DeskFull AccessPsychedelic Renaissance: Evidence and CultureAdrian Preda, M.D.Adrian Preda, M.D.Published Online:21 Mar 2024https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2024.04.4.39The ebb and flow of societal beliefs often resemble a pendulum's swing, oscillating between acceptance and rejection. This phen...
Abstract This annotated bibliography comprises 49 texts concerning psilocybin mushroom practices developed by Indigenous peoples. The books and articles have been selected for their academic rigor, relevance, and historical significance, and to foreground overlooked research and subject matter. This includes research on a plurality of contemporary practices ...
This study is to find out about whether two sessions of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy are safe and will help people who are anxious as a result of having stage IV melanoma and will involve two sessions of psychotherapy combined with either 4 or 25 mg psilocybin. The study will measure anxiety, depression, quality of life and spirituality before and after...
Abstract Background and aims Psychedelic-assisted therapy (P-AT) has been shown to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms, and is likely to be approved in the United States (US) in the coming years. However, concerns about participant safety in these early trials have surfaced, including allegations of sexual misconduc...
Recent years have seen a global explosion in the field of psychedelic research, popularizing of use of non-ordinary states of consciousness to aid in PTSD, anxiety and depression, end of life and a growing sense that the use of substances like MDMA, psilocybin and others may become mainstream approaches to treating persistent challenges in these marginalized...
