# publications

journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-12-13
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/xqzu2_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Mystical Experience,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:48
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"xqzu2_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
A Quantitative and Qualitative Report of Psilocybin Induced Mystical-Type Experiences and Their Relation to Lasting Positive Effects

abstract:
Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin are under investigation for the treatment of several psychiatric conditions. They also have the remarkable property of producing persisting positive psychological changes in healthy volunteers for at least several months. In this study, 35 medium-high doses of psilocybin were administered to 28 healthy volunteers (12 females). By the end of the dosing day, participants reported the intensity of their acute experience using the 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) and an open-form qualitative report from home. Persisting psychological effects attributed to the psilocybin experience were measured using the Persisting Effects Questionnaire (PEQ) three-months after administration. Using a linear latent-variable model we show that the MEQ total score is positively associated with the later emergence of positive PEQ effects (p = 3x10-5). Moreover, the MEQ subscales “Positive Mood” (pcorr = 4.1x10-4) and “Mysticality” (pcorr = 2.0x10-4) are associated with positive PEQ whereas the subscales “Transcendence of Time and Space” (pcorr = 0.38) and “Ineffability” (pcorr = 0.45) are not. Using natural language pre-processing, we provide the first qualitative descriptions of the “Complete Mystical Experience” induced by orally administered psilocybin in healthy volunteers, revealing themes such as a sense of connection with the universe, familial love, and the experience of profound beauty. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods, this paper expands understanding of the acute psilocybin induced experience in healthy volunteers and suggests an importance of the type of experience in predicting lasting positive effects.

keywords:
beauty, connection, entheogen, hallucinogen, mental health, mystical, neuroscience, pharmacology, psilocybin, psychedelic, Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience


publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359778
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:48
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
229. PSILOCYBIN WITH PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC SUPPORT FOR TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: A PILOT CLINICAL TRIAL

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359778","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359530
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:48
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
363. DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF PSILOCYBIN AND LISURIDE ON SEROTONIN AND DOPAMINE NEURONAL ACTIVITY AND BEHAVIOR

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359530","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: 694. INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL OF PSILOCYBIN FOR COMPULSIVE EATING IN A RAT MODEL OF BINGE EATING
publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359587
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359587","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Altered States, Enhanced Potential: Psychedelics and Physical Performance
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-06-11
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/txgq2_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Consciousness,Microdosing,Emotional Processing,Safety
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"txgq2_v2","version":2,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Interest in psychedelics has expanded beyond clinical treatment contexts, yet little empirical work has examined how users describe psychedelic use in relation to sport and physical activity. This study conducted a qualitative content analysis of Reddit discussions involving psychedelics and physical performance. A Reddit search for “sports psychedelics” returned 253 threads. After screening, 39 threads and 290 comments met inclusion criteria. Analysis identified eight content categories: physical performance enhancement; flow state/automaticity; perceptual and cognitive enhancement; risks, limitations, and safety concerns; reduced fatigue/pain perception; microdosing as strategy; psychological and emotional benefits; and fairness, ethics, and governance. Psilocybin mushrooms and LSD were the most frequently mentioned substances. Across accounts, users most often described psychedelics as enhancing performance indirectly through altered attention, increased mind-body connection, flow-like absorption, and reduced pain or fatigue. Some users reported greater perceived strength, speed, endurance, coordination, or overall capability during activity, while others described effortless movement, reduced self-consciousness, sharper perception, and improved focus. Reports were predominantly positive or mixed, with concerns about overexertion, injury risk, impaired judgment, and fairness in competitive settings. These findings suggest that psychedelics may be understood less as traditional performance-enhancing drugs and more as potential-enhancing substances that alter the subjective conditions under which performance occurs. However, because all accounts were self-reported, it remains unclear whether perceived performance gains correspond to measurable physiological or behavioral improvement. Future controlled research using objective performance outcomes is needed to clarify the relationship between psychedelic use, subjective experience, and physical performance.

keywords:
exercise, flow state, harm reduction, LSD, microdosing, pain perception, performance-enhancing drugs, physical performance, psilocybin, psychedelics, qualitative content analysis, qualitative research, Reddit, sport psychology, Neuroscience, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sport Psychology


title: Blunted psychedelic drug effects in older adults
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-09-03
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/yz4cd_v2
keywords: Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Social and Behavioral Sciences
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Aging,Longevity,Older Adults,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"yz4cd_v2","version":2,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Classic psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca/N,N-dimethyltryptamine, are increasingly being studied as therapeutics for myriad health conditions; however, predicting individual responses is notoriously difficult. An arguably underappreciated variable potentially moderating responses to psychedelics is age. Older adults exhibit unique pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric disorders and, accordingly, have unique treatment considerations. In the case of psychedelics, differences in life circumstances, peripheral physiology, polypharmacy, weight, and neurobiology may present unique theoretical risks and opportunities for older adults. Here, we overview increased interest in studying psychedelics in older adults and spotlight an overlooked but consistent trend that has emerged in the literature-blunted psychedelic drug effects across the lifespan.


title: Blunted psychedelic drug effects in older adults
authors: Aday JS, Carhart-Harris R, Boehnke KF.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-09-02
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/yz4cd_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/yz4cd_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Aging,Longevity,Older Adults,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Classic psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca/N,N-dimethyltryptamine, are increasingly being studied as therapeutics for myriad health conditions; however, predicting individual responses is notoriously difficult. An arguably underappreciated variable potentially moderating responses to psychedelics is age. Older adults exhibit unique pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric disorders and, accordingly, have unique treatment considerations. In the case of psychedelics, differences in life circumstances, peripheral physiology, polypharmacy, weight, and neurobiology may present unique theoretical risks and opportunities for older adults. Here, we overview increased interest in studying psychedelics in older adults and spotlight an overlooked but consistent trend that has emerged in the literature-blunted psychedelic drug effects across the lifespan.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1078724","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Luo W, Dai Q, van Beek TA, Zuilhof H, Chen B, Chen Z, Salentijn GI.
publication_date: 2025-06-27
doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145369
pubmed_id: 40639092
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145369
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Paper spray and direct mushroom spray mass spectrometry methods for the analysis of psycho-neurological disorder toxins.

abstract:
Fast screening approaches based on paper spray ionization were developed to identify psycho-neurological disorders mushrooms. Directly spraying from mushroom tissue already allowed direct identification of muscarine, psilocin, and ibotenic acid within 2-3 min. For quantitative analysis of the more challenging ibotenic acid, a new anion-exchange modified paper spray tandem mass spectrometry (AEPS-MS/MS) method was established to increase selectivity and sensitivity. The developed method was benchmarked against HPLC-MS/MS (with detection limits of 0.009 μg mL-1) and could reach detection limits of 1.3 μg mL-1 for ibotenic acid spiked in mushroom extract, with acceptable accuracy (-14.0 % to +5.1 %) and precision (10.8 % to 18.0 %). In addition, the developed method was compared with solid-phase extraction coupled with PS-MS/MS (with detection limits of 2.8 μg mL-1). Finally, the AEPS-MS/MS was applied for the quantitative analysis of ibotenic acid in Amanita griseopantherina, matching results from HPLC-MS/MS.

keywords:
Agaricales, Mycotoxins, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Food Contamination, Paper, Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Limit of Detection

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"40639092","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Altered States, Enhanced Potential: Psychedelics and Physical Performance
authors: Qarni Z, Richard J.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-06-11
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/txgq2_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/txgq2_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Consciousness,Microdosing,Emotional Processing,Safety
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Interest in psychedelics has expanded beyond clinical treatment contexts, yet little empirical work has examined how users describe psychedelic use in relation to sport and physical activity. This study conducted a qualitative content analysis of Reddit discussions involving psychedelics and physical performance. A Reddit search for “sports psychedelics” returned 253 threads. After screening, 39 threads and 290 comments met inclusion criteria. Analysis identified eight content categories: physical performance enhancement; flow state/automaticity; perceptual and cognitive enhancement; risks, limitations, and safety concerns; reduced fatigue/pain perception; microdosing as strategy; psychological and emotional benefits; and fairness, ethics, and governance. Psilocybin mushrooms and LSD were the most frequently mentioned substances. Across accounts, users most often described psychedelics as enhancing performance indirectly through altered attention, increased mind-body connection, flow-like absorption, and reduced pain or fatigue. Some users reported greater perceived strength, speed, endurance, coordination, or overall capability during activity, while others described effortless movement, reduced self-consciousness, sharper perception, and improved focus. Reports were predominantly positive or mixed, with concerns about overexertion, injury risk, impaired judgment, and fairness in competitive settings. These findings suggest that psychedelics may be understood less as traditional performance-enhancing drugs and more as potential-enhancing substances that alter the subjective conditions under which performance occurs. However, because all accounts were self-reported, it remains unclear whether perceived performance gains correspond to measurable physiological or behavioral improvement. Future controlled research using objective performance outcomes is needed to clarify the relationship between psychedelic use, subjective experience, and physical performance.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1251240","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: McCulloch DE, Olsen AS, Ozenne B, Stenbaek DS, Armand S, Madsen MK, Knudsen GM, Fisher PM.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2023-07-02
doi: 10.1101/2023.07.03.23292164
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.07.03.23292164
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Navigating the chaos of psychedelic fMRI brain-entropy via multi-metric evaluations of acute psilocybin effects

abstract:
A prominent theory of psychedelics is that they increase brain entropy. Thirteen studies have evaluated psychedelic effects on fMRI brain entropy; no findings have been replicated. Here we evaluated these metrics in an independent 28-participant healthy cohort with 121 pre- and post-psilocybin fMRI scans. We assessed relations between brain entropy and objective and subjective psychedelic drug effects using linear mixed-effects models. All metrics were evaluated using two parcellation strategies and 7 denoising pipelines. We observed consistent significant positive associations for Shannon entropy of the spatial eigendistribution of the time by voxel matrix, path-length, instantaneous correlations, brain-state switching, and sample entropy at short time-scales. We consistently did not observe significant effects for 8 of 14 entropy metrics and observe inconsistent positive effects for Lempel-Ziv complexity of the BOLD signal. Brain entropy quantifications showed limited inter-measure correlations. Our observations support a nuanced acute psychedelic effect on brain entropy, empirically demonstrating that these metrics do not reflect a singular construct.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR685475","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-09-29
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/kh3cx
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/kh3cx
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Emotional Processing,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression: Prediction of Clinical Outcome by Natural Language Processing

authors:
Dougherty RF, Clarke P, Alti M, Kuc J, Schlosser D, Dunlop BW, Hellerstein DJ, Aaronson ST, Zisook S, Young AH, Carhart-Harris R, Goodwin G, Ryslik GA.

abstract:
Background: Therapeutic administration of psychedelic drugs has shown significant potential in historical accounts and in recent clinical trials in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. A recent randomized double-blind phase-IIb study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of COMP360, COMPASS Pathways’ proprietary synthetic formulation of psilocybin, in participants with treatment resistant depression. While promising, the treatment works for a portion of the population and early prediction of outcome is a key objective. Methods: Transcripts were made from audio recordings of the psychological support session between participant and therapist one day post COMP360 administration. A zero-shot machine learning classifier based on the BART large language model was used to compute two-dimensional sentiment (valence and arousal) for the participant and therapist from the transcript. These scores, combined with the Emotional Breakthrough Index (EBI) and treatment arm were used to predict treatment outcome as measured by MADRS scores. Code and data are available at https://github.com/compasspathways/Sentiment2DResults: Two multinomial logistic regression models were fit to predict responder status at week 3 and through week 12. Cross-validation of these models resulted in 85% and 88% accuracy and AUC values of 88% and 85%. Conclusions: A machine learning algorithm using NLP and EBI accurately predicts long term patient response, allowing rapid prognostication of personalized response to psilocybin treatment and insight into therapeutic model optimization. Further research is required to understand if language data from earlier stages in the therapeutic process hold similar predictive power.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR553222","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Beck SA, Barlow C, Engel L, Barratt MJ.
publication_date: 2025-06-06
doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108450
pubmed_id: 40490153
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108450
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study,Adolescents
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
"Wood-lover paralysis": Describing a toxidrome with symptoms of weakness caused by some lignicolous "wood-loving" Psilocybe mushrooms.

abstract:
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms have long been used for their psychoactive effects, but emerging evidence suggests that certain lignicolous ("wood-loving") species may also induce a distinct toxidrome known as "wood-lover paralysis" (WLP). WLP is characterised by transient weakness following mushroom ingestion, but its aetiology and prevalence remain poorly understood. In this paper, we present an investigation of WLP, based on a retrospective online survey conducted in 2020 (N = 392: 71.8 % male; 34.1 % aged 26-35 years; mainly from Australia and New Zealand). We found that 42.1 % of respondents reported experiencing WLP, with onset typically occurring within 4 h of ingestion. Weakness primarily impaired mobility (80.4 %), with some reporting difficulties swallowing (26.7 %) and breathing (16.6 %). Symptoms persisted into the following day for nearly half of those affected (48.1 %), and 21.5 % experienced a fall or accident. WLP was reported across different methods of mushroom preparation and environmental growth conditions, with no significant associations observed between WLP occurrence and age, gender, health status, or allergies. While the true prevalence of WLP remains unclear, our results suggest it is an under-recognised potential adverse outcome that can occur with ingestion of certain lignicolous Psilocybe species. Given the increasing medical and recreational use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms following policy shifts toward decriminalisation and legalisation, further research is needed to elucidate the currently unknown mechanism of WLP and inform harm reduction strategies and healthcare responses. Awareness among consumers, service providers and regulators will be crucial in improving recognition, reporting, and appropriate responses to this toxidrome.

keywords:
Humans, Paralysis, Mushroom Poisoning, Retrospective Studies, Adolescent, Adult, Middle Aged, Australia, New Zealand, Female, Male, Psilocybe, Young Adult, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"40490153","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: EFFECT OF ACUTE PSILOCYBIN ON THERMAL AND NEUROPATHIC PAIN IN RODENTS
publication_date: 2025-01-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11814656
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC11814656","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Future Directions for Clinical Psilocybin Research: The Relaxed Symptom Network
authors: Lewis-Healey E, Laukkonen RE, van Elk M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-05-18
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/q3ymd
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/q3ymd
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Clinical Trial,Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Objective: Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin may have strong antidepressant effects, and may be effective in the treatment of depressive disorders when embedded in a psychotherapeutic protocol (psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy; PAP). However, despite promising results, the mechanism(s) that may be responsible for the antidepressant effects of PAP remain contested. Within this article, it is argued that the ‘Network Theory of Mental Disorders’ may be a useful tool for clinical research with psilocybin, and may help elucidate the antidepressant elements of PAP. Method: The clinical research using PAP for depressive disorders is briefly summarised, as are the potential mechanisms of PAP. In addition to this, the fundamental tenets of the network theory is presented, with particular reference to depression. In brief, the network theory proposes that depression is an emergent phenomenon, due to strong interactions in a complex dynamic symptom network. Results: A model of action based on a symptom network is proposed. It is hypothesised that, if PAP is successful, the connections between symptoms in a network will weaken, thereby rendering the patient less vulnerable to developing/relapsing into depression. It is argued that the application of the network theory may ultimately improve responsiveness and reduce relapse in PAP. Practical guidance in using the network theory for future clinical research with psilocybin is also provided. Conclusion: This article presents the primary hypothesis of the authors (The Relaxed Symptom Network), and intends to inform future researchers on how to integrate the network theory with future clinical studies using PAP.

raw_json:
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authors: Schmitz GP, Chiu Y, König GM, Kostenis E, Roth BL, Herman MA.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2022-11-14
doi: 10.1101/2022.11.15.516655
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.15.516655
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study,In Vitro Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psychedelic compounds directly excite 5-HT2A Layer 5 Pyramidal Neurons in the Prefrontal Cortex through a 5-HT2A Gq -mediated activation mechanism

abstract:
Summary Psilocin, the active compound in Psilocybe sp. mushrooms, is a serotonergic psychedelic that has recently gained renewed interest due to its potential as a therapeutic tool. Despite promising clinical findings, the underlying signaling mechanisms and brain region-specific effects of psilocin and other psychedelic drugs remain unclear. Psilocin, like other psychedelic compounds, is an agonist at many serotonin and other biogenic amine receptors; however, activation of serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) 2A receptors (5-HT2A Rs) is understood as the main molecular target for the psychoactive effects in animals and humans. 5-HT2A Rs are abundantly expressed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC); however, the biochemical actions of psilocin on PFC neurons remain poorly understood. In this study, we used in vitro slice electrophysiology to examine how psilocin acutely alters the activity and electrophysiological properties of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mouse PFC. Focal application of psilocin (10 μ M) onto nonspecified Layer 5 Pyramidal neurons in the prelimbic PFC of C57BL/6J mice produced variable effects on firing (increase, decrease, or no change). 5-HT2A R layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mouse prelimbic PFC were identified via labeling in a 5-HT2A-ERT2-Cre mouse crossed with an Ai9 tdTomato reporter. Focal application of psilocin increased firing in all identified 5-HT2A R neurons but did not result in any significant changes in synaptic transmission. Overall, the results demonstrate that psilocin evokes strong firing changes in the PFC that are 5-HT2A R and G α q dependent, thereby providing valuable insights into the effects of psilocin on a brain region implicated in mediating psychedelic drug actions.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR571939","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Gallardo LM.
journal: Preprints.org
publication_date: 2026-04-06
doi: 10.20944/preprints202604.0415.v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202604.0415.v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Altered States of Consciousness and the Subconscious Mind: A Comprehensive Comparative Review of Disciplines, Neurobiological Mechanisms, Clinical Applications, and Philosophical Frameworks - Including Life Between Lives and Transpersonal Hypnotherapy

abstract:
Altered states of consciousness (ASC) represent a universal human capacity for accessing and transforming the subconscious mind, employed across cultures and millennia through diverse contemplative, somatic, pharmacological, ritual, and technological modalities. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from over 25 distinct disciplines spanning five clusters: (A) contemplative and meditative practices (yoga, hypnotherapy, qigong, Tibetan meditation, mindfulness); (B) breathwork and somatic practices (holotropic breathwork, pranayama, somatic experiencing, trauma-release exercises, Wim Hof method); (C) plant-based and psychedelic practices (ayahuasca, psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, ibogaine, peyote, cannabis); (D) ritual, cultural, and energetic practices (shamanic drumming, Sufi whirling, sound therapy, sweat lodge, lucid dreaming); and (E) neurotechnology and sensory modulation (neurofeedback, TMS, tDCS, float therapy, VR therapy, EMDR). We provide the first in-depth scholarly treatment of transpersonal hypnotherapy modalities-Life Between Lives (LBL) hypnotherapy and Past Life Regression (PLR) therapy-as legitimate therapeutic frameworks warranting rigorous empirical investigation. Comparative neurobiological analysis reveals converging mechanisms across all disciplines: default mode network (DMN) suppression or modulation, autonomic nervous system regulation via vagal tone and heart rate variability, neuroplasticity enhancement through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) upregulation, memory reconsolidation enabling schema revision, interoceptive predictive coding that updates maladaptive priors, theta and alpha brainwave entrainment facilitating subconscious access, and ego dissolution permitting self-transcendence. Clinical evidence demonstrates strongest support for MDMA-assisted therapy in PTSD (Phase 3 RCTs, 67% response rate), psilocybin therapy in treatment-resistant depression (60-70% response in multiple RCTs), EMDR for trauma (WHO and APA endorsed), mindfulness-based interventions for depression relapse prevention and anxiety (multiple meta-analyses), and neurofeedback for ADHD and anxiety disorders (systematic reviews). Transpersonal modalities including LBL and PLR show preliminary evidence for existential distress, grief, depression, and life-purpose confusion in case series and open trials, though rigorous controlled trials are lacking. Philosophical frameworks from Vedantic (atman, samskaras, moksha), Buddhist (alaya-vijnana, anatta), Jungian (collective unconscious, archetypes), Platonic (anamnesis), transpersonal (Assagioli, Wilber), and neuroscientific (predictive coding, Bayesian brain) traditions offer complementary conceptualizations of the subconscious mind as the universal therapeutic target. All ASC disciplines converge on temporarily suspending ordinary critical consciousness to enable direct access to subconscious patterns-conceptualized variously as samskaras, unconscious complexes, predictive priors, conditioned schemas, or soul memories. LBL hypnotherapy uniquely targets the superconscious or Higher Self dimension, representing the only modality explicitly accessing soul-level knowing and between-lives experiences. Significant research gaps include absence of head-to-head comparative trials, lack of standardized ASC phenomenological and neurophysiological measurement protocols, limited mechanistic neuroimaging studies during deep transpersonal trance states, insufficient integration protocols, and need for personalized matching algorithms. We propose an integrative framework positioning ASC as a spectrum from subconscious (conditioned patterns) to superconscious (transpersonal wisdom), with diverse modalities as complementary vehicles for consciousness transformation. Future research priorities include rigorous RCTs for LBL and PLR, neurophenomenological studies combining EEG/fMRI with first-person phenomenology, replication of reincarnation research with modern methodology, quantum consciousness investigations, and culturally safe integration of indigenous healing practices. This review provides the most comprehensive synthesis to date of ASC-based therapeutics, establishing a foundation for integrative, cross-disciplinary, evidence-based practice in consciousness medicine.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Neuroplasticity,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Default Mode Network,Consciousness,Aging,Randomized Controlled Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article,Case Report,Treatment-Resistant Depression

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1175423","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Preprints.org","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Courtney Y, Anderson JM, Lagares-Linares C, Wenthur CJ, Lehtinen MK.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2025-09-30
doi: 10.1101/2025.09.30.677638
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.09.30.677638
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Biomarkers,Observational Study,Animal Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Gestational LSD exposure in mouse rapidly reaches embryonic CSF and is associated with altered choroid plexus signaling, cerebral cortical development, and offspring behavior

abstract:
Abstract Classic serotonergic psychedelics engage 5-HT receptors throughout the nervous system, but how maternal exposure intersects with embryonic brain interfaces is poorly defined. Here we tested in mice whether maternally administered lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) accesses embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and whether embryonic choroid plexus (ChP) - a CSF-secreting epithelium enriched for Htr2c - mounts an acute response. Following a single maternal injection (0.3 mg kg⁻¹, subcutaneous), LSD was detectable in embryonic CSF within 5-15 minutes at E12.5 and E16.5. Thirty minutes after maternal dosing, LSD induced Fos in embryonic ChP across ventricles and was accompanied by rapid apical remodeling and increased embryonic CSF protein. In parallel cohorts, psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and the 5-HT₂C agonist WAY-161503 elicited a similar Fos response in ChP. Prenatal LSD exposure during mid-gestation was associated with altered S1 cortical cellularity and projection-neuron subtype marker composition at P8; regimen-dependent effects included male-biased changes in SATB2⁺ and CTIP2⁺ populations after repeated exposure. In adulthood, offspring exhibited modest, male-predominant reductions in prepulse inhibition and increased rotational stereotypy. Together, these data identify embryonic CSF as a rapidly accessible compartment for maternal LSD and support a model in which serotonergic agonists can acutely engage ChP epithelium during cerebral cortical development. Significance Psychedelic use during pregnancy is increasing, but the speed and extent to which these drugs access the embryonic CNS remain unknown. We show that a single maternal dose of LSD appears in mouse embryonic cerebrospinal fluid within five minutes and provokes an immediate response in the choroid plexus, a serotonin receptor-rich epithelium that regulates CSF composition. Psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, and a selective 5-HT₂C agonist trigger a similar response. Mid-gestational exposure alters cortical neuron composition in neonates and produces persistent behavioral abnormalities in adult offspring, including stereotypies evident from weaning. These data reveal that maternal serotonergic agonists rapidly access embryonic CSF, acutely activate choroid plexus epithelium, and are associated with lasting changes in cortical composition and offspring behavior.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1094348","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin rescues sociability deficits in an animal model of autism
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2020-09-09
doi: 10.1101/2020.09.09.289348
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.09.09.289348
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Animal Study,Drug Interactions
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Mollinedo-Gajate I, Song C, Sintes-Rodriguez M, Whelan T, Soula A, Selimbeyoglu A, Hurley S, Knöpfel T.

abstract:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by core deficits in social interaction. The classic serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin has been suggested as a therapeutic agent that may ameliorate in the core symptomology of ASD. We found that the acute response to psilocybin was attenuated in the prenatal valproic acid exposure mouse model of ASD, and importantly, psilocybin rescued the social behavioural abnormalities present in these ASD model mice.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR212199","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-11-30
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12740486
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Aging,Older Adults,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Safety, feasibility, and tolerability of psilocybin in older adults with amnestic MCI: Preliminary data from a SV2a PET imaging study

authors:
Bukovsky D, Amaev A, Song J, Torres-Carmona E, Kyte S, Ueno F, Deluca V, Bowie C, Flint A, Husain I, Graff-Guerrero A, Gerretsen P.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12740486","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: McCulloch DE, Madsen MK, Stenbæk DS, Kristiansen S, Ozenne B, Jensen PS, Knudsen GM, Fisher PM.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2021-01-28
doi: 10.1101/2021.01.28.428377
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.01.28.428377
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Lasting effects of a single psilocybin dose on resting-state functional connectivity in healthy individuals

abstract:
ABSTRACT Background Psilocybin is a psychedelic drug that has shown lasting positive effects on clinical symptoms and self-reported well-being following a single dose. There has been little research into the long-term effects of psilocybin on brain connectivity in humans. Aims Evaluate changes in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) at one-week and three-months after one psilocybin dose in 10 healthy psychedelic-naïve volunteers and explore associations between change in RSFC and related measures. Methods Participants received 0.2-0.3 mg/kg psilocybin in a controlled setting. Participants completed resting-state fMRI scans at baseline, one-week and three-months post-administration and [ 11 C]Cimbi-36 PET scans at baseline and one-week. We examined changes in within-network, between-network and region-to-region RSFC. We explored associations between changes in RSFC and psilocybin-induced phenomenology as well as changes in psychological measures and neocortex serotonin 2A receptor binding. Results Psilocybin was well tolerated and produced positive changes in well-being. At one-week only, executive control network (ECN) RSFC was significantly decreased (Cohen’s d=-1.73, p FWE =0.010). We observed no other significant changes in RSFC at one-week or three-months, nor changes in region-to-region RSFC. Exploratory analyses indicated that decreased ECN RSFC at one-week predicted increased mindfulness at three-months (r =-0.65). Conclusions These findings in a small cohort indicate that psilocybin affects ECN function within the psychedelic “afterglow” period. Our findings implicate ECN modulation as mediating psilocybin-induced, long-lasting increases in mindfulness. Although our findings implicate a neural pathway mediating lasting psilocybin effects, it is notable that changes in neuroimaging measures at three-months, when personality changes are observed, remain to be identified.

topic_tags:
Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Wellbeing,Personality Change,Observational Study

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR275481","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The entropic brain today
authors: Carhart-Harris R.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-12-11
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/ubzq3_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ubzq3_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Aging,Wellbeing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Introduced in 2014 and revised in 2018, the entropic brain hypothesis has accrued a wealth of supportive evidence. The hypothesis states that- along a dimension of breadth of conscious experience- ‘expansive states’ reliably exhibit increased brain entropy whereas the inverse applies for states of no or reduced consciousness. Examples of expansive states include those of expert meditation, flicker light stimulation, the near-death experience, atypical breathing, rapid-eye-movement sleep, the pre-ictal aura, unmedicated early psychosis and psychedelic drug states. Example states of no or reduced consciousness with low brain entropy, include disorders of consciousness, deep sleep, the anesthetized state, seizure, post-stroke, ageing, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders. It is shown here that the entropic brain has convergent, correlative, predictive, discriminative and external validity. Regarding its predictive validity, increased brain entropy under psilocybin predicts subsequent improvements in mental health (improved well-being 1-month post-dose). Regarding its discriminative validity, changes in brain entropy selectively index the breadth of subjective experience versus alternative dimensions, such as arousal. Regarding portability/external validity, an entropy (temperature) function is used in generative artificial intelligence. In conclusion, the entropic brain is proving to be a useful model of conscious states.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1133707","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2021-04-06
doi: 10.1101/2021.04.02.21254838
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.02.21254838
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Evaluating the Risk of Psilocybin for the Treatment of Bipolar Depression: A Review of the Research Literature and Published Case Studies

authors:
Gard DE, Pleet MM, Bradley ER, Penn A, Gallenstein ML, Riley LS, DellaCrosse M, Garfinkle E, Michalak EE, Woolley JD.

abstract:
Growing evidence suggests that psilocybin, the active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms, can rapidly and durably improve symptoms of depression, leading to recent breakthrough status designation by the FDA and legalization for mental health treatment in some jurisdictions. Depression in bipolar disorder is associated with significant morbidity and has few effective treatments. However, there is little available scientific data on the risk of psilocybin use in people with bipolar disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder have been excluded from modern clinical trials, out of understandable concerns of activating mania or worsening the illness course. As psilocybin becomes more available, people with these disorders will likely seek psilocybin treatment for depression and have likely already been doing so in unregulated settings. Our goal here is to summarize the known risks of psilocybin use (and similar substances) in bipolar disorder and to systematically evaluate examples of published case history data, in order to critically evaluate the relative risk of psilocybin as a treatment for bipolar depression. We found 17 cases suggesting that there is potential risk for activating a manic episode, thereby warranting caution. Nonetheless, the relative lack of systematic data or common case examples indicating risk appears to show that a cautious trial, using modern trial methods focusing on appropriate ‘set’ and ‘setting’, targeted at those lowest at risk for mania in the bipolar spectrum (e.g., bipolar 2 disorder), is very much needed, especially given the degree to which depression impacts this population.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR308148","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359596
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
426. THE MGLUR2/3 ANTAGONIST ENHANCES THE BEHAVIORAL AND CELLULAR ANTIDEPRESSANT-LIKE EFFECTS OF PSILOCYBIN AND SCOPOLAMINE

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359596","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359512
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Biomarkers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
620. IDENTIFICATION OF BLOOD BIOMARKERS OF PSILOCYBIN-ASSISTED THERAPY TREATMENT RESPONSE FOR GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359512","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Neurocomputational evidence of sustained Self-Other mergence after psychedelics
authors: Mallaroni P, Mason NL, Preller KH, Razi A, Ereira S, Ramaekers JG.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2025-10-07
doi: 10.1101/2025.10.07.25337510
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.07.25337510
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Wellbeing
study_type: Other
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Mental illness is often characterised by a maladaptive sense of self. The neurobiological basis of Self-Other distinction may provide targets for therapeutic interventions. Psychedelics alter the experience of selfhood, but the neurocomputational mechanism is unclear. We used a computationally-informed behavioural assay to investigate whether psychedelics disrupt Self-Other boundaries in belief formation. In a double-blind, crossover design, 22 participants received placebo, psilocybin or 2C-B (2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine). The next day, we fitted reinforcement learning models to probabilistic false-belief task behaviour, yielding objective Self-Other distinction measures. Compared to placebo, psychedelics induced a state of Self-Other mergence, associated with a multivariate signal of sustained psychosocial wellbeing. Effective-connectivity estimates from resting-state fMRI showed that Self-Other boundary disruption was associated with reduced inhibitory tone from right temporoparietal junction to dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. We show that psychedelics quantifiably act on the neural basis of Self-Other distinction, offering potential routes to precision therapeutics in psychedelic psychiatry.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1097555","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Ehmann S, Hager NM, Regier PS, Jones G, Allen JJ.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-11-01
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/jd2rk_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/jd2rk_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Observational Study,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Lifetime Psychedelic Use and Opioid Use Disorder Severity: Substance-Use Pattern Specific and Mental Health-Dependent Associations in a National Survey

abstract:
Background and AimsThe ongoing opioid epidemic remains a major public health crisis in the United States, with over 100,000 opioid-related deaths annually. Mental health disorders are strongly associated with opioid use disorder (OUD), compounding risks of misuse and overdose. Emerging evidence indicates that psychedelics may be associated with reduced risk of OUD. This study aimed to estimate the associations between lifetime psychedelic use and OUD severity, accounting for mental health impairment, and to test whether these associations vary by mental health status.DesignCross-sectional analysis of the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health using structural equation modeling with multiple-group moderation. Reporting follows STROBE guidelines for observational studies.SettingUnited States, nationally representative community survey.Participants45,133 adults aged ≥18 years (55% female; mean age = 35.6 years, SD = 13.7).MeasurementsThe primary dependent variable was OUD severity (no disorder, mild, moderate, severe). Independent variables were two psychedelic factors: mescaline/peyote (Psychedelic_F1) and LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, DMT (Psychedelic_F2). Mental health impairment was modeled as a latent construct (psychological distress, functional impairment, major depression) and also used to define high vs. low impairment groups. Covariates were age, sex, and household income.Findings Psychedelic_F1 was associated with lower OUD severity (β = -0.34, p =.001, 95%CI [-0.550, -0.153]), while the Psychedelic_F2 was associated with higher severity (β = 0.60, p <.001, 95%CI [0.429, 0.759]). Mental health impairment was positively associated with OUD severity (β = 0.21, p <.001, 95%CI [0.184, 0.256]). Multiple-group SEM indicated moderation by mental health impairment (Δχ²(6) = 22.29, p =.001): Psychedelic_F1 was associated with lower OUD severity only in the high mental health impairment group (β = -0.15, p =.041, 95%CI [-0.299, -0.006]), whereas the association of Psychedelic_F2 with higher OUD severity was attenuated in high mental health impairment (β = 0.38, p <.001, 95%CI [0.274, 0.521] vs. β = 0.48, p =.004, 95%CI [0.164, 0.847]). ConclusionsIn the United States, two distinct psychedelic use patterns were identified. The factor capturing lifetime mescaline/peyote use was associated with lower OUD severity, while the factor including LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT use was associated with higher severity. These associations differed by level of mental health impairment, with more favorable associations with OUD severity most evident among individuals with greater mental health impairment. More research on the context and intention of psychedelic use in the general public is warranted.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1112465","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo
authors: Shao L, Liao C, Gregg I, Davoudian PA, Savalia NK, Delagarza K, Kwan AC.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2021-02-16
doi: 10.1101/2021.02.17.431629
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.17.431629
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Neuroplasticity,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Summary Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic with untapped therapeutic potential. There are hints that the use of psychedelics can produce neural adaptations, although the extent and time scale of the impact in a mammalian brain are unknown. In this study, we used chronic two-photon microscopy to image longitudinally the apical dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mouse medial frontal cortex. We found that a single dose of psilocybin led to ∼10% increases in spine size and density, driven by an elevated spine formation rate. The structural remodeling occurred quickly within 24 hours and was persistent 1 month later. Psilocybin also ameliorated stress-related behavioral deficit and elevated excitatory neurotransmission. Overall, the results demonstrate that psilocybin-evoked synaptic rewiring in the cortex is fast and enduring, potentially providing a structural trace for long-term integration of experiences and lasting beneficial actions.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR285136","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Aquahenosis: A non-pharmacological altered state of consciousness induced by Floatation-REST
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-01-14
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/6mj8n_v1
keywords: Neuroscience, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Spirituality,Randomized Controlled Trial
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"6mj8n_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) systematically alters sensory and bodily input by combining neutral buoyancy, thermal and proprioceptive neutrality, attenuation of exteroceptive stimulation, and enhancement of cardiorespiratory signaling to the brain. Here we examined whether this non-pharmacological sensory perturbation induces altered states of consciousness and whether specific experiential dimensions are statistically related to changes in affect. In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled feasibility trial, 75 treatment-seeking adults with anxiety and depression were assigned to six sessions of floatation-REST with prescribed scheduling, floatation-REST with preferred scheduling and duration, or a zero-gravity chair comparison condition. Altered states of consciousness were assessed using the 5-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness questionnaire, alongside measures of interoceptive awareness and affect. Compared to the chair condition, Floatation-REST was associated with increased interoceptive awareness of cardiorespiratory sensations and an altered state of consciousness characterized by oceanic boundlessness, disembodiment, unity, and spiritual-type experiences-a pattern we refer to as “aquahenosis.” Effects were strongest among participants who selected longer and more flexible float sessions. Experiential profiles selectively overlapped with those reported for psilocybin and ketamine along boundary-dissolution dimensions. These findings identify Floatation-REST as a tractable, non-pharmacological method for inducing specific altered states of consciousness and highlight positively valenced boundary dissolution as a modality-invariant experiential dimension linking sensory context to affective change.


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-09-25
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/4cn5r_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"4cn5r_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
“So many relationships in the room”: Participant perspectives on the affordances and challenges of co-therapy in psychedelic assisted therapy

abstract:
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) frequently utilises a “cotherapy” model, in which two therapists jointly support participants or patients through preparation, dosing, and integration sessions. While common in clinical trials, the experience of cotherapy from the participant perspective remains underexplored. This qualitative study examined experiences of cotherapy within a trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for generalised anxiety disorder. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants (29 interviews in total) were analysed thematically, guided by Affordance Theory to consider how cotherapy dynamics shaped therapeutic possibilities. Three major themes were developed: (1) Dose day cotherapy: safety, trust and the realities of access; (2) Cotherapy influences therapeutic processes; (3) Cotherapy shapes the impact and credibility of therapeutic insights. Together, these findings position cotherapy in PAT as both a safety and supportive measure, and a potentiator of therapeutic processes. In the context of a single site with high levels of clinician qualification and training, participants generally valued cotherapy. Insights from this study can guide clinical practice and future research, so that feasibility and accessibility are enhanced while preserving the safety and therapeutic benefits afforded by cotherapy.

keywords:
clinical practice, cotherapy, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, psilocybin, psychedelic-assisted therapy, therapist dyad, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology


publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359495
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
164. PSILOCYBIN DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD INDUCES LONG-LASTING ADVERSE EFFECTS IN BOTH MOTHERS AND OFFSPRING

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359495","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359800
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
317. PSILOCYBIN DOES NOT INDUCE CONDITIONED PLACE PREFERENCE, BUT MODIFIES BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359800","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359594
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
631. PSILOCYBIN AND KETANSERIN VS RTMS IN TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION: ENHANCING TOLERABILITY BY MITIGATING PSYCHEDELIC EFFECTS

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359594","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Jones NT, Zahid Z, Grady SM, Sultan ZW, Zheng Z, Banks MI, Wenthur CJ.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2020-08-13
doi: 10.1101/2020.08.12.248229
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.08.12.248229
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Animal Study,Drug Interactions
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Delayed Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Psilocybin in Male Mice Are Supported by Acute Glucocorticoid Release

abstract:
Despite observed correlations between acute glucocorticoid release, self-reported anxiety, and long-term treatment outcomes for human studies using psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy approaches, the mechanistic relationship between psychedelic-dependent stress and subsequent behavioral responses remains unclear. Using rodents, direct manipulation of stress-associated hormone responses can be achieved with established pharmacologic models for the assessment of antidepressant and anxiolytic therapeutics. Here, chronic oral corticosterone-induced suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is used to assess the relevance of drug-induced glucocorticoid release on the acute, post-acute, and long-term effects of psilocybin in male C57BL/6J mice. In these studies, psilocybin-induced acute anxiogenesis was found to be correlated to post-acute anxiolysis in a dose-dependent manner. Psilocybin also displayed acute increases in plasma corticosterone, but a post-acute anxiolytic effect in the novelty suppressed feeding test. Both effects were lost when psilocybin was administered in animals pre-exposed to chronic oral corticosterone. A similar long-term interaction between chronic corticosterone and psilocybin administration was observed in an open field test occurring one week after drug administration. Psilocybin administration alone led to more time spent in the center of the arena, but animals spent less time in the center with chronic corticosterone exposure. Intriguingly, these interactive effects were absent in animals exposed to brief isoflurane anesthesia after drug treatment. Overall, these experiments identify acute glucocorticoid release as a relevant biological modifier for the post-acute and long-term behavioral effects of psilocybin in mice. Rodent studies are thus suggested as a tractable means to address neuroendocrine mechanisms supporting context-dependent psychedelic effects in mammalian species.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR200840","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A Review of Aeruginascin and Potential Entourage Effect in Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
authors: Chue P, Andreiev A, Bucuci E, Els C, Chue J.
publication_date: 2022-08-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9568164
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Epigenetics,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Introduction The 5-HT2A agonist classic psychedelic, psilocybin (O-phosphoryl-4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a tryptophan, indole-based alkaloid present in up to 2% of certain hallucinogenic “magic” mushroom species; typically Psilocybe azurescens, semilanceata, and cyanescens,. In addition, mushrooms may contain psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine). Both are indolylalkylamines (tryptamines); other naturally occurring tryptamine compounds include norbaeocystin, baeocystin, norpsilocin, and aeruginascin. A putative synergistic contribution of these compounds has been referred to as the “entourage” effect. Aeruginascin (N,N,N-trimethyl-4-phosphoryloxytryptamine) is found naturally in Inocybe aeruginascens and Pholiotina cyanopus mushroom species and ingestion reportedly invokes elevation in mood without accompanying hallucinogenic effects: Objectives To review the pharmacology of aeruginascin and putative entourage effect. Methods The extant literature on aeruginascin was reviewed and discussed. Results Methylation of aeruginascin results in an active metabolite, 4-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyltryptamine (4-HO-TMT) which has been shown to bind at 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2B receptors with Inhibition Constants (Ki) of 4400, 670, and 120 nM respectively; compared with psilocybin’s binding of 567.4, 107.2 and 4.6 nM respectively. Further, 4-HO-TMT does not bind at the 5-HT3 receptor, and as a quaternary trimethylammonium compound it is less likely to be able to cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Conclusions There are very limited data with respect to the pharmacology of aeruginascin. Its activity at serotonin receptors is less by several orders of magnitude than psilocybin and it has potentially less brain penetrance. Given that it is found in different mushrooms species the data would suggest that its direct contribution to any entourage effect is limited. Further research in needed into other naturally occurring tryptamine compounds. Disclosure PC is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Zylorion. AA, EB, JC, CE have no disclosures to report.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC9568164","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A virtual clinical trial of psychedelics to treat patients with disorders of consciousness
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2024-08-18
doi: 10.1101/2024.08.16.608251
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.16.608251
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Consciousness,Aging,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Alnagger NL, Cardone P, Martial C, Sanz Perl Y, Mindlin I, Sitt JD, Roseman L, Carhart-Harris R, Nutt D, Mallaroni P, Mason NL, Ramaekers JG, Bonhomme V, Laureys S, Deco G, Gosseries O, Nunez P, Annen J.

abstract:
Disorders of consciousness (DoC), including the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and the minimally conscious state (MCS), have limited treatment options. Recent research suggests that psychedelic drugs, known for their complexity-enhancing properties, could be promising treatments for DoC. This study uses whole-brain computational models to explore this potential. We created individualised models for DoC patients, optimised with empirical fMRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data, and simulated the administration of LSD and psilocybin. We used an in-silico perturbation protocol to distinguish between different states of consciousness, including DoC, anaesthesia, and the psychedelic state, and assess the dynamical stability of the brains of DoC patients pre- and post-psychedelic simulation. Our findings indicate that LSD and psilocybin shift DoC patients' brains closer to criticality, with a greater effect in MCS patients. In UWS patients, the treatment response correlates with structural connectivity, while in MCS patients, it aligns with baseline functional connectivity. This virtual clinical trial lays a computational foundation for using psychedelics in DoC treatment and highlights the future role of computational modelling in drug discovery and personalised medicine.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR897826","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2021-05-16
doi: 10.1101/2021.05.14.444193
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.14.444193
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
LSD and psilocybin flatten the brain’s energy landscape: insights from receptor-informed network control theory

authors:
Singleton SP, Luppi AI, Carhart-Harris RL, Cruzat J, Roseman L, Nutt DJ, Deco G, Kringelbach ML, Stamatakis EA, Kuceyeski A.

abstract:
Psychedelics like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin offer a powerful window into the function of the human brain and mind, by temporarily altering subjective experience through their neurochemical effects. A recent model postulates that serotonin 2a (5-HT2a) receptor agonism allows the brain to explore its dynamic landscape more readily, as reflected by more diverse (entropic) brain activity. We postulate that this increase in entropy may arise in part from a flattening of the brain’s control energy landscape, which can be observed using network control theory to quantify the energy required to transition between recurrent brain states measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in individuals under LSD, psilocybin, and placebo conditions. We show that LSD and psilocybin reduce the amount of control energy required for brain state transitions, and, furthermore, that, across individuals, LSD’s reduction in control energy correlates with more frequent state transitions and increased entropy of brain state dynamics. Through network control analysis that incorporates the spatial distribution of 5-HT2a receptors from publicly available (non-drug) positron emission tomography (PET) maps, we demonstrate the specific role of this receptor in reducing control energy. Our findings provide evidence that 5-HT2a receptor agonist compounds allow for more facile state transitions and more temporally diverse brain activity. More broadly, by combining receptor-informed network control theory with pharmacological modulation, our work highlights the potential of this approach in studying the impacts of targeted neuropharmacological manipulation on brain activity dynamics. Significance Statement We present a multi-modal framework for quantifying the effects of two psychedelic drugs (LSD and psilocybin) on brain dynamics by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion MRI (dMRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and network control theory. Our findings provide evidence that psychedelics flatten the brain’s control energy landscape, allowing for more facile state transitions and more temporally diverse brain activity. We also demonstrate that the spatial distribution of serotonin 2a receptors - the main target of LSD and psilocybin - is optimized for generating these effects. This approach could be used to understand how drugs act on different receptors in the brain to influence brain activity dynamics.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR341322","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-07-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12359785
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Eating Disorders
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
519. PSILOCYBIN ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER, BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER, AND ANOREXIA NERVOSA: STUDY PROTOCOL

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC12359785","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Raval NR, Johansen A, Donovan LL, Ros NF, Ozenne B, Hansen HD, Knudsen GM.
journal: Preprints.org
publication_date: 2020-11-29
doi: 10.20944/preprints202011.0742.v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202011.0742.v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
A Single Dose of Psilocybin Increases Synaptic Density and Decreases 5-HT2A Receptor Density in the Pig Brain

abstract:
A single dose of psilocybin, a psychedelic and serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist, may be associated with antidepressant effects. The mechanism behind its antidepressive action is unknown but could be linked to increased synaptogenesis and down-regulation of cerebral 5-HT2AR. Here, we investigate if a single psychedelic dose of psilocybin changes synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) and 5-HT2AR density in the pig brain. Twenty-four awake pigs received either 0.08 mg/kg psilocybin or saline intravenously. Twelve pigs (n=6/intervention) were euthanized one day post-injection, while the remaining twelve pigs were euthanized seven days post-injection (n=6/intervention). We performed autoradiography on hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) sections with [3H]UCB-J (SV2A), [3H]MDL100907 (5-HT2AR antagonist) and [3H]Cimbi-36 (5-HT2AR agonist). One day post psilocybin injection, we observed 4.4% higher hippocampal SV2A density and lowered hippocampal and PFC5-HT2AR density (-15.21% to -50.19%). These differences were statistically significant in the hippocampus for all radioligands and in PFC for [3H]Cimbi-36 only. Seven days post-intervention, there was still significantly higher SV2A density in hippocampus (+9.24%) and PFC (+6.1%) whereas there were no longer any differences in 5-HT2AR density. Our findings suggest that psilocybin’s antidepressive actions are linked to increased persistent synaptogenesis and possibly also to an acute decrease in 5-HT2AR density.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR246628","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Preprints.org","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Ben-Zion Z, Simon G, Lazebnik T.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2026-02-01
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8682370/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8682370/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Mystical Experience,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Can LLMs Get High? A Dual-Metric Framework for Evaluating Psychedelic Simulation and Safety in Large Language Models

abstract:
Abstract Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly consulted by individuals for support during psychedelic experiences ("trip sitting"), yet no framework exists to evaluate whether these models can accurately simulate or safely respond to altered states of consciousness. We aimed to determine if LLMs can be induced to generate narratives resembling human psychedelic experiences and to quantify this behavior using psychometric and linguistic metrics. We developed a dual-metric evaluation framework comparing 3,000 LLM-generated narratives (from Gemini 2.5, Claude Sonnet 3.5, ChatGPT-5, Llama-2 70B, and Falcon 40B) against 1,085 human trip reports sourced from Erowid.org. Models were prompted under neutral and psychedelic-induction conditions across five substances (psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca, and mescaline). We assessed outcomes using semantic similarity (Sentence-BERT embeddings) to human reports and the Mystical Experience Questionnaire-30 (MEQ-30). Psychedelic induction prompts produced a significant shift in model outputs compared to neutral conditions. Semantic similarity to human reports increased from a mean of 0.156 (neutral) to 0.548 (psychedelic), and mystical-experience scores rose from 0.046 to 0.748. While models demonstrated substance-specific linguistic styles (e.g., generating distinct semantic profiles for substances like LSD versus ayahuasca), they exhibited uniformly high mystical intensity across all substances. Contemporary LLMs can be "dosed" via text prompts to generate convincingly realistic psychedelic narratives. However, the dissociation between their high linguistic mimicry and lack of genuine phenomenology suggests they simulate the form of altered states without the experiential content. This capability raises significant safety concerns regarding anthropomorphism and the potential for AI to inadvertently amplify distress or delusional ideation in vulnerable users.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1149771","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2021-12-06
doi: 10.1101/2021.11.30.470657
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.30.470657
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Microdosing,Creativity
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Microevidence for microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo-controlled study of subjective effects, behavior, creativity, perception, cognition, and brain activity

authors:
Cavanna F, Muller S, de la Fuente LA, Zamberlan F, Palmucci M, Janeckova L, Kuchar M, Pallavicini C, Tagliazucchi E.

abstract:
The use of low sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics (“microdosing”) has gained popularity in recent years. Although anecdotal reports claim multiple benefits associated with this practice, the lack of placebo-controlled studies limits our knowledge of microdosing and its effects. Moreover, research conducted in laboratory settings might fail to capture the motivation of individuals engaged in microdosing protocols. We recruited 34 individuals planning to microdose with psilocybin mushrooms ( Psilocybe cubensis ), one of the materials most frequently used for this purpose. Following a double-blind placebo-controlled design, we investigated the effects of 0.5 g dried mushrooms on subjective experience, behavior, creativity, perception, cognition, and brain activity. The reported acute effects were significantly more intense for the active dose compared to the placebo, which could be explained by unblinding. For the other measurements, we observed either null effects or a trend towards cognitive impairment and, in the case of EEG, towards reduced theta band spectral power. Our findings support the possibility that expectation effects underlie at least some of the anecdotal benefits attributed to microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR429397","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Wood-loving magic mushrooms from Australia are saprotrophic invaders in the northern hemisphere
journal: Authorea Preprints
publication_date: 2023-11-16
doi: 10.22541/au.170019739.91075425/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.170019739.91075425/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Adverse Events,Genomics
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
McTaggart A, Scarlett K, Slot J, Barlow C, Appleyard C, Gardiner D, Fechner N, Tilden J, Hass D, Voogelbreinder S, Lording W, Lloyd R, Shuey L, Drenth A, James T.

abstract:
Magic mushrooms are fungi that produce psilocybin, a compound with breakthrough status for treatment of mental health disorders. Wood-degrading species of Psilocybe, such as P. subaeruginosa and relatives, have high concentrations of psilocybin but are discouraged for clinical production due to a temporary paralytic side effect known as Wood Lover’s Paralysis, the cause of which is unknown. We studied P. subaeruginosa over its partial distribution in Australia based on genomic analyses of 89 isolates to investigate population structure and species boundaries, examine allelic diversity at psilocybin loci, and test its centre of origin. Psilocybe subaeruginosa is structured by geography in Australia, but geographically separated populations are fully sexually compatible. Allelic diversity among populations, such as at mating compatibility loci, is likely a result of genetic drift and minimal gene flow since differentiation from a shared ancestor. Movement of woodchips, mulch, or plants has most likely spread genotypes of P. subaeruginosa locally within Australia and to the northern hemisphere. Species from the northern hemisphere, namely P. azurescens and P. cyanescens, clustered among Australian populations, indicating shared ancestry and supporting a hypothesis these taxa are conspecific with P. subaeruginosa. We identified high allelic diversity in genes of the psilocybin metabolic pathway and haplotypes of P. subaeruginosa with either one or two putatively functional paralogs of psiH, however the functionality of this gene duplication is yet to be determined. Our study provides insights into the evolutionary history and species boundaries of P. subaeruginosa, which has a centre of origin in Australasia.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR761560","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Authorea Preprints","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Rahman T.
journal: Preprints.org
publication_date: 2026-05-25
doi: 10.20944/preprints202605.1558.v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202605.1558.v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Environmental and Internal Gating of Memory: ARCH Multiplicative Threshold Framework for Encoding and Retrieval

abstract:
Memory encoding depends on the joint convergence of substrate readiness, internal drive, environmental input, and a permissive temporal-physiological state. The same logic recurs across vertebrate learning systems: hippocampal-dependent spatial and schema-modulated memory (the Navigia substrate in the Systema Behavorum taxonomy), filial imprinting in the chick intermediate medial mesopallium (Lorenz's prägung), vocal learning in the songbird auditory pallium, and Pavlovian conditioning in the basolateral amygdala and ventral striatum. Despite differences in substrate, timescale, and output, writing events are gated by the multiplicative convergence of substrate (A), drive (D), content/context (C), and a permissive state (Φ); retrieval is gated by a parallel conjunction on the same substrate; and behavioral output depends on the match between current input and the stored trace. The framework specifies f in Lewin's B = f(P, E) as the multiplicative threshold A × D × C × Φ ≥ T, decomposing person and environment into computationally separable terms with empirical signatures.Three contributions advance beyond descriptive integration. First, retrieval is formalized as ARCH × Φ-gated in the same form as encoding, generating dissociation predictions between trace-degradation and Φ-mediated retrieval failures that current accounts do not formalize. Second, inherited priors (ethology) and acquired schemas (Tse, Morris, and colleagues) are unified under the same conjunctive logic, both biasing C through Bayesian-like prior weighting. Third, the multiplicative form generates a quantitatively precise prediction - supra-additive failure under combined partial perturbations - that distinguishes the framework from interactionist accounts; a tractable 2 × 2 factorial in chick imprinting is developed in §4.7, with detection power calculated in Appendix A.The framework yields four testable predictions. Single-domain perturbation should cause categorical encoding failure regardless of other domains. Combined partial perturbations should produce supra-additive failure distinguishable from additive null models in factorial designs not yet performed in any of the four systems. Reading-event Φ-suppression should produce retrieval failures dissociable from trace-degradation failures. Pharmacological Φ-modulators (ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA) are reframed as substrate-state modulators that widen the retrieval envelope, converting reading events into writing events, and supply a clinical-translational test. The framework is offered as a falsifiable account of common computational structure across vertebrate memory systems.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1239766","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Preprints.org","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-08-12
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/u6v9y_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"u6v9y_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame)

abstract:
The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression provides researchers and therapists with methods, structure, and areas to consider regarding the use of psychedelic- assisted therapy in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). In particular, this manual illustrates a mode of utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a therapeutic framework for psilocybin-assisted therapy of depression.

keywords:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, depression, Major Depressive Disorder, psilocybin, psychedelic, psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Depressive Disorders


authors: Hoyer D.
journal: Authorea Preprints
publication_date: 2024-05-22
doi: 10.22541/au.171648613.31141136/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.171648613.31141136/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
On serotonin, psychedelics, entactogens and psychoplastogens in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and related disorders.

abstract:
There is controversy about a causal role of serotonin (5-HT) in depression, some arguing that there is no proof for impaired brain 5-HT function in depressed patients. Major depressive disorder comes with multiple endophenotypes; not surprisingly classical antidepressants (tricyclics, MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, SNRIs) are not universally effective. Most antidepressants target the 5-HT system, partially if not exclusively, but treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a major issue. The most recent and heavily investigated class of potential rapid acting antidepressant, anxiolytic, and/or anti PTSD drugs, namely psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca, etc..) or entactogens (MDMA, ibogaine), all target the 5-HT system, at least in part. Phase II / III clinical trials support psychedelics- and/or MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a new class of rapid acting treatments for GAD, MDD, TRD, PTSD, and other disorders. Psilocybin and MDMA have FDA breakthrough status for TRD/MDD and PTSD, respectively, whereas LSD just received FDA breakthrough status for GAD. All psychedelics act as 5-HT2A receptor agonists, although LSD, DMT, psilocybin may also target other 5-HT and/or dopamine receptors. Psychedelics produce rapid onset and long-lasting antidepressant effects after one or two administrations. They all promote synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Neuroinflammation plays a major role in anxiety, depression, PTSD. Interestingly, psychedelic-induced 5-HT2A receptor agonism has profound anti-(neuro)inflammatory effects. Altogether, the 5-HT system plays an essential, but not unique role in MDD and related disorders. MDD, TRD and PTSD may be considered as biochemical, neurological and immune conditions, given the emerging role of neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation, which until recently, have been overlooked.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Neuroplasticity,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Inflammation,Immune Function

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR857433","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Authorea Preprints","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Hirschfeld T, Schmidt TT.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2020-06-10
doi: 10.1101/2020.06.09.142802
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.09.142802
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Mystical Experience,Meta-Analysis,Review Article
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
How does it feel to be on psilocybin? Dose-response relationships of subjective experiences in humans

abstract:
Psilocybin is the active component of magic mushrooms and is well known for its psychoactive properties. Different questionnaires have been developed to systematically quantify altered states of consciousness induced by psychoactive drugs. The aim of this study was to obtain the dose-response relationships of the subjective experiences induced by psilocybin in healthy study participants. For this purpose, we applied a linear meta-regression approach on questionnaire ratings after oral administration of psilocybin in a controlled setting. Data was obtained from The Altered States Database, which contains psychometric data extracted from peer-reviewed articles published in MEDLINE-listed journals that used standardized and validated questionnaires. Our meta-analysis included data of the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30), and the Hallucinogen Rating Scale (HRS). We used the Robust Variance Estimation Framework to obtain linear dose-response relationship estimates for each dimension of the given questionnaires. Ratings on most dimensions and subscales of the included questionnaires correlated positively with dose. Since subjective experiences are not only determined by dose, but also by individual differences and environmental factors, our results do not necessarily generalize to recreational use, as our analyses are based on data from controlled laboratory experiments. The paper at hand could serve as a general literature citation for the use of psilocybin in experimental and clinical research, especially for the comparison of expected and observed subjective drug experiences.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR174204","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Finkelstein C, Soha O, Roy A, Phillipou A, Rossell S.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2023-07-26
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3189970/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3189970/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Eating Disorders,Aging,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
“Why would you open someone’s brain up?” Lived experience insights inform a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy treatment manual for body image disturbance

abstract:
Abstract Background: Body Image Disturbance (BID) is the distorted experience of one’s body. BID presents a risk for the onset, maintenance and relapse of body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa (AN). Current treatments tend to focus on the cognitive and behavioural aspects while overlooking the perceptual symptoms and BID frequently persists beyond physical recovery. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) may bridge the gap in current BID treatments by addressing perceptual and affective symptoms. This study sought to inform the development of a PAP treatment manual for BID in AN, through a co-design process informed by individuals with lived/living experience of AN. Methods: A Lived Experience Panel (LEAP) comprising six adult women who had a lived or living experience of AN and associated BID were presented with the proposed treatment protocol, including therapeutic interventions, and invited to provide feedback. An experiential, relativist framework informed reflexive thematic analysis of the LEAP data. Results: Reflexive thematic analysis of the LEAP data identified three central themes: enduring uncertainty; managing internal experience, and ambivalence in recovery. The LEAP also proposed strategies to address the challenges they identified and enhance the treatment manual more broadly. Conclusions: The LEAP identified challenges associated with intolerance of uncertainty, harm avoidance, alexithymia, and interoceptive impairment. The LEAP provided feedback that directly informed adaptations to the PAP treatment manual, including graduated interventions, the inclusion of nominated supports, and comprehensive psychoeducation for participants and their supports. Accordingly, a PAP treatment manual to treat BID for individuals with AN has been developed through lived experience co-design.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR698832","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2024-02-21
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3905152/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3905152/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Biomarkers,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Prefrontal Electrophysiological Biomarkers and Mechanism-Based Drug Effects in a Rat Model of Alcohol Addiction

authors:
Habelt B, Afanasenkau D, Schwarz C, Domanegg K, Kuchar M, Werner C, Minev IR, Spanagel R, Meinhardt MW, Bernhardt N.

abstract:
Abstract Current treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) show large heterogeneity in response and thus limited effectiveness and high relapse rates. A precision medicine approach with biomarkers responsive to new treatments is warranted to overcome this limitation. Promising biomarkers relate to prefrontal control mechanisms that are severely disturbed in AUD. This results in reduced inhibitory control of compulsive behavior and, eventually, relapse. We reasoned here that prefrontal dysfunction, which underlies vulnerability to relapse, is evidenced by altered neuroelectric signatures and should be restored by pharmacological interventions that specifically target prefrontal dysfunction. To test this, we applied our recently developed biocompatible neuroprosthesis to measure prefrontal neural function in a well-established rat model of alcohol addiction and relapse. We monitored neural oscillations and event-related potentials in awake alcohol-dependent rats during abstinence and following treatment with psilocybin or LY379268, agonists of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2), that are known to reduce prefrontal dysfunction and relapse. Electrophysiological impairments in alcohol-dependent rats are reduced amplitudes of P1N1 and N1P2 components and attenuated event-related oscillatory activity. Psilocybin and LY379268 were able to restore these impairments. Furthermore, alcohol-dependent animals displayed a dominance in higher beta frequencies indicative of a state of hyperarousal that is prone to relapse, which particularly psilocybin was able to counteract. In summary, we provide prefrontal markers indicative of relapse and treatment response, especially for psychedelic drugs.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR809495","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Martin HM, Cofre R, Destexhe A.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2025-10-19
doi: 10.1101/2025.10.20.683366
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.20.683366
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Simulated 5-HT2A receptor activation accounts for the high complexity of brain activity during psychedelic states

abstract:
Serotonergic psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, have strong effects on human brain activity, yet their mechanisms of action at the whole-brain level are only partially understood. Here, we present a biophysically-based mean-field model that integrates cellular and network-level details to simulate the effects of these compounds at different spatial scales. By incorporating the brain-wide distribution of 5-HT2A receptors, our model mechanistically links receptor activation to a reduction in leak membrane potassium conductance, consistent with electrophysiological data. Our simulations reveal that this microscopic perturbation leads to the emergence of a brain state characterized by asynchronous and irregular dynamics with increased firing rates, as well as significant alterations in spectral power. Specifically, we find a robust decrease in power within the delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands, a result consistent with empirical findings. This change in dynamics is accompanied by an increase in spontaneous complexity, as quantified by the Lempel-Ziv complexity index, as observed experimentally. Furthermore, our model accurately replicates experimental findings regarding the Perturbational Complexity Index (PCI), demonstrating that PCI does not increase significantly by psychedelic drug administration. This crucial dissociation, where spontaneous complexity and spectral power are increased while perturbational complexity is preserved, highlights the distinct neurophysiological substrates underlying different metrics in psychedelic states. Our multiscale model provides a robust, mechanistic framework for understanding how serotoninergic psychedelics modulate global brain activity, offering new insights consistent with empirical neuroimaging and electrophysiological data.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1104450","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Brouwer A, Brown JK, Erowid E, Erowid F, Thyssen S, Raison CL, Carhart-Harris RL.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2024-02-22
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3941205/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3941205/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
The Temporal Trajectory of the Psychedelic Mushroom Experience Mimics the Narrative Arc of the Hero’s Journey

abstract:
Abstract Psychedelic therapy has the potential to become a revolutionary and transdiagnostic mental health treatment, yielding enduring benefits that are often attributed to the experiences that coincide with peak psychedelic effects. However, there may be an underrecognized temporal structure to this process that helps explain why psychedelic and related altered states of consciousness can have a initially distressing but ultimately a distress-resolving effect. Here we present a qualitative analysis of the self-reported ‘comeup’ or onset phase, and ‘comedown’ or falling phase, of the psychedelic experience. Focusing on psilocybin or psilocybin-containing mushrooms, we show that the comeup is more often characterized by negatively valenced feeling states, while the comedown phase is more often characterized by positively valenced feeling states of the sort often observed following recovery from illness or adversity. In this way, the temporal trajectory of the psychedelic experience could be seen to mimic the narrative arc of the monomythical ‘Hero’s Journey’.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR810141","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Molecular, haemodynamic and functional effects of LSD in the human brain
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2025-06-17
doi: 10.1101/2025.06.17.25329677
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.17.25329677
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
McCulloch DE, Larsen K, Johansen A, Reveles Jensen KH, Nykjaer CH, Holze F, Falck N, Neufeld VAB, Steenstrup E, Skov-Andersen PM, Spangaard A, Geisler M, Randrup PP, Jensen PS, Shulganov V, Johansen SS, Nielsen MKK, Andersen TL, Stenbaek DS, Svarer C, Fisher PM, Knudsen GM.

abstract:
In this study, we provide the first study to integrate molecular and functional neuroimaging during psychedelic drug effects in humans. Using simultaneous PET-MRI technology, we describe multiple brain actions of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in healthy volunteers. We quantify the occupancy of LSD at cerebral serotonin 2A receptors and show that LSD increases global cerebral blood flow and internal carotid artery flow without affecting the diameter of the internal carotid artery, opposite effects to those observed following psilocybin. Functional connectivity analyses showed widespread decreases in global connectivity, particularly in visual networks, alongside increases in network-wise sample entropy and spatial complexity. We observed an anticlockwise hysteresis loop between plasma drug levels and subjective effects, suggesting atypical pharmacodynamic mechanisms. By establishing the dose-occupancy relation of LSD in humans, our findings provide critical insights for the clinical development of psychedelic compounds and demonstrate unique neurophysiological effects that distinguish LSD from related psychedelics. Our findings challenge the leading hypotheses of psychedelic brain-action, until now thought to be instrumental for therapeutic efficacy.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1039139","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Unsupervised Extractive Summarization of Psychedelic User Experience Reports
authors: Islam S, Salam S, Hasan MN.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2025-08-26
doi: 10.1101/2025.08.22.25334176
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.22.25334176
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
A bstract Contemporary psychedelic research highlights the value of user experience reports, yet their verbose, subjective nature poses challenges for clinical utility. This is the first study to pioneer unsupervised automatic text summarization of psychedelic user experience reports, a domain where no human-annotated reference summaries exist. To address this gap, we developed a custom scoring function that integrates semantic coverage, narrative coherence, and a novel experiential preservation metric, enabling effective model training and hyperparameter tuning. We utilized three established extractive methods: LexRank, LSA with HDBSCAN clustering, and SBERT with Maximal Marginal Relevance, on 1,200 reports involving LSD, psilocybin, and DMT. Using GPT-4 as a calibrated rater under a structured rubric, supplemented by TOPSIS aggregation, results showed LexRank achieving the highest overall balance with SBERT excelling in content coverage and experiential depth but lagging in coherence. Our findings revealed trade-offs between content richness and narrative fluency, with performance varying across substance types due to differences in narrative structure and phenomenology. Limitations included reliance on extractive methods, lack of reference data, and sensitivity to scoring design. Future work should extend to abstractive methods, alternative weighting schemes, and expert adjudication to develop clinically usable summarization systems for psychedelic science.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1074093","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Mapping Psilocybin-Assisted Therapies: A Scoping Review
authors: Shore R, Ioudovski P, Goldie C, McKeown S, Dumont E, Queen’s University, Kingston On.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2019-12-11
doi: 10.1101/2019.12.04.19013896
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2019.12.04.19013896
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
We conducted a scoping review on psilocybin-assisted therapy for addiction, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin is a naturally-occurring tryptophan derivative found in species of mushroom with psycho-active properties. From 2022 records identified by database searching, 40 publications were included in the qualitative synthesis from which we identified 9 clinical trials with a total of 169 participants. Trials used a peak-psychedelic model of therapy, emphasizing inward journey through the use of eyeshades, set musical scores and with medium to high doses of psilocybin. No serious adverse effects were reported; mild adverse effects included transient anxiety, nausea and post-treatment headaches. Overall, the 9 trials all demonstrated safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy in the treatments of obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorder, treatment-resistant unipolar depression, anxiety or depression in patients with life-threatening cancer and demoralization among long-term AIDS survivors.The literature was found to be early and exploratory, with several limitations: only 5 were randomized controlled trials, small and homogenous patient sample size, difficulties in blinding, and the confounding influence of psychological supports provided. Further research is indicated to establish effectiveness for these and other indications, with a more diverse range of patients, and with differing program and dosing modalities.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,OCD,End-of-Life Distress,Headache / Migraine,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Review Article,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR105649","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Wang Y, Li T, Reynolds E, Wang Z, Torrens-Spence M, Weng J.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2025-04-27
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6329392/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6329392/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: End-of-Life Distress,In Vitro Study
study_type: In Vitro Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Calcium Activation Mechanism of a Noncanonical Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase from Psilocybin Mushroom

abstract:
Abstract PcncAAAD is a calcium-activatable noncanonical aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) featuring a unique appendage C-terminal domain (CTD) and two metal-binding sites. In this study, we establish an in silico RMSD-based evaluation model through molecular dynamics simulations, validated by in vitro enzyme assays, to decipher the enzyme’s calcium activation mechanism. Between the two metal-binding sites, the site at the N-terminal domain/CTD interface (site A) is found to play a primary role in the calcium activation of PcncAAAD, whereas the secondary site within the unique CTD (site B) contributes to the calcium-mediated stabilization of enzyme structure. Binding of calcium, but not sodium, exerts a profound influence on PcncAAAD activity by stabilizing a "lid-rim" structure underlying site A, which in turn maintains the integrity of the substrate-binding environment. In silico mutations disrupting site A or the “lid-rim” structure show severe structural distortion of the active site, leading to reduced or even eliminated activity as demonstrated by in vitro assays. Collectively, our computational and experimental analyses pinpoint the molecular mechanism underlying the noncanonical activation of PcncAAAD by calcium. These findings deepen our understanding of metal-activatable enzymes and hold promise for the rational design of engineered enzymes for the synthesis of aromatic amino acid derivatives.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1011162","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Grandjean J, Buehlmann D, Buerge M, Sigrist H, Seifritz E, Vollenweider FX, Pryce CR, Rudin M.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2019-08-31
doi: 10.1101/751255
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/751255
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin exerts distinct effects on resting state networks associated with serotonin and dopamine in mice

abstract:
Hallucinogenic agents have been proposed as potent antidepressants; this includes the serotonin (5-HT) receptor 2A agonist psilocybin. In human subjects, psilocybin alters functional connectivity (FC) within the default-mode network (DMN), a constellation of inter-connected regions that is involved in self-reference and displays altered FC in depressive disorders. In this study we investigated the effects of psilocybin on FC in the analogue of the DMN in mouse, with a view to establishing an experimental animal model to investigate underlying mechanisms. Psilocybin effects were investigated in lightly-anaesthetized mice using resting-state fMRI. Dual-regression analysis identified reduced FC within the ventral striatum in psilocybin-relative to vehicle-treated mice. Refinement of the analysis using spatial references derived from both gene expression maps and viral tracer projection fields revealed two distinct effects of psilocybin: it increased FC between 5-HT-associated networks and elements of the murine DMN, thalamus, and midbrain; it decreased FC within dopamine (DA)-associated striatal networks. These results suggest that interaction between 5-HT- and DA-regulated neural networks contributes to the neural and therefore psychological effects of psilocybin. Furthermore, they highlight how information on molecular expression patterns and structural connectivity can assist in the interpretation of pharmaco-fMRI findings.

topic_tags:
Depression,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Default Mode Network,Animal Study,Drug Interactions

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR90802","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Assessing the potential cardiovascular risk of microdosing the psychedelic LSD in mice
authors: Effinger DP, Schalk SS, King JL, Strong JR, O’Connell CK, Calderon JR, McCorvy JD, Thompson SM.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2025-04-13
doi: 10.1101/2025.04.08.647757
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.04.08.647757
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Microdosing,Emotional Processing,Animal Study,Safety
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Summary Microdosing, the prolonged ingestion of psychedelics at sub-hallucinogenic doses, has gained popularity for its perceived cognitive and emotional benefits. Psychedelics have high affinity for 5-HT2B receptors, which cause heart disease with strong chronic activation. We investigated the effects of microdosed psychedelics on cardiovascular health in mice using electrocardiography after chronically administering either serotonin as a positive control or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) at two sub-hallucinogenic doses. Serotonin produced significant ventricular thickening at 4- and 8-weeks. No significant changes were observed in vehicle or LSD groups. We determined the affinity and potency of LSD, psilocybin, and norfenfluramine at mouse and human 5-HT2B Rs and observed no significant differences. We calculated that levels of 5-HT2B activation by low-dose LSD were substantial, but short-lived, compared to the cardiotoxin d -fenfluramine. Together, these data provide no evidence of cardiovascular risk associated with prolonged administration of low-dose LSD in mice.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1003831","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-12-30
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/6jf49_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Wellbeing,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:49
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"6jf49_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Self-Transcendent Perceptual Dynamics and the Effects of Dispositional Mindfulness on Altered States of Consciousness: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study of a Naturalistic Psychedelic Retreat

abstract:
Psychedelic substances reliably occasion transient self-transcendent states, including mystical-type experiences, which are theorized to support salutogenic psychological change and long-term well-being. Despite growing interest in these phenomena, little is known about how acute self-transcendent states translate into enduring trait-level changes, or whether individual differences such as baseline mindfulness shape these effects in real-world psychedelic settings. This naturalistic longitudinal study examined changes in mindfulness and multiple dimensions of self-transcendence during and following a medically supervised psychedelic retreat involving sequential psilocybin and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) administration. Fifty-four participants completed validated self-report measures of dispositional mindfulness, non-dual awareness (NDA), perceived body boundaries, spatial frame of reference, and acute psychedelic experiences at baseline, post retreat, and 1- and 2-month follow-ups. Linear mixed-effects models assessed longitudinal change, and regression analyses tested whether baseline mindfulness predicted acute psychedelic experiences or sustained self-transcendence. Results revealed sustained increases in mindfulness and NDA through the 2-month follow-up. Participants also reported increased bodily boundary transparency following the retreat and at the 1-month follow-up, as well as shifts toward a more allocentric spatial frame of reference that persisted across both follow-up assessments. Contrary to expectations, baseline mindfulness did not predict acute psychedelic experiences, nor self-transcendence outcomes at follow-up. Exploratory analyses revealed that acute mystical-type experiences were associated with greater bodily boundary transparency at both follow-ups and showed a trend-level association with NDA at 2 months. These findings suggest that brief, ecologically valid psychedelic retreat interventions can elicit transient selfless states that consolidate into enduring self-related trait changes, largely independent of baseline mindfulness.

keywords:
DMT, Mindfulness, Mystical Experiences, Psilocybin, Psychedelics, Psychedelic Service Center, Self-Transcendence, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Perception, Perceptual Organization, Quantitative Methods, Quantitative Psychology, Embodied Cognition, Health Psychology, Mental Health, Cognitive Psychology, Consciousness


title: Convergent evolution of psilocybin biosynthesis by psychedelic mushrooms
authors: Awan AR, Winter JM, Turner D, Shaw WM, Suz LM, Bradshaw AJ, Ellis T, Dentinger BT.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2018-07-24
doi: 10.1101/374199
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/374199
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Genomics,Transcriptomics
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound with clinical applications produced by dozens of mushroom species 1. There has been a longstanding interest in psilocybin research with regard to treatment for addiction 2, depression 3, and end-of-life suffering 4. However, until recently very little was known about psilocybin biosynthesis and its ecological role. Here we confirm and refine recent findings 5 about the genes underpinning psilocybin biosynthesis, discover that there is more than one psilocybin biosynthesis cluster in mushrooms, and we provide the first data directly addressing psilocybin’s ecological role. By analysing independent genome assemblies for the hallucinogenic mushrooms Psilocybe cyanescens and Pluteus salicinus we recapture the recently discovered psilocybin biosynthesis cluster 5,6 and show that a transcription factor previously implicated in its regulation is actually not part of the cluster. Further, we show that the mushroom Inocybe corydalina produces psilocybin but does not contain the established biosynthetic cluster, and we present an alternative cluster. Finally, a meta-transcriptome analysis of wild-collected mushrooms provides evidence for intra-mushroom insect gene expression of flies whose larvae grow inside Psilocybe cyanescens. These larvae were successfully reared into adults. Our results show that psilocybin does not confer complete protection against insect mycophagy, and the hypothesis that it is produced as an adaptive defense compound may need to be reconsidered.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR45710","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-01-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11814992
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN ESCITALOPRAM AND PSILOCYBIN THERAPY AND BRAIN RESTING-STATE FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC11814992","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-01-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11815225
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Metabolomics
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
BEHAVIORAL PHENOTYPING AND METABOLOMIC COMPARISON OF CHEMICALLY SYNTHESIZED PSILOCYBIN AND PSYCHEDELIC MUSHROOM EXTRACT IN A ZEBRAFISH DEPRESSION MODEL

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC11815225","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-12-25
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/byms6_v1
keywords: Psychiatry
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"byms6_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians - Part I. Historical Perspective and Overview

abstract:
Background: Psychedelic drugs have recently emerged as plausibly effective pharmacological agents for the management of depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric conditions, including conditions that have not benefited from prior interventions. The latter half of the twentieth century marked a revolution in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and psychosis, exemplified by the introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, dopamine antagonists, and other pharmacological agents. Nevertheless, mental illness remains a major public health crisis, affecting nearly one billion individuals worldwide. Areas of Uncertainty: Due to the recency of the resurgence in psychedelic research, there are still only a small number of large, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials of psychedelics in psychiatric populations. While initial clinical trials of psychedelics for depression were very promising, trials of psilocybin with larger sample sizes (100+ participants) seem to suggest that it may not be more effective than antidepressants. Therapeutic Advances: Esketamine, a dissociative hallucinogen drug, was approved for the management of major depressive disorder by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019. As of December 2023, two Phase III trials of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a synthetic drug that inhibits the serotonin transporter, have been completed; the results indicate that MDMA is superior to existing pharmacological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder. A phase III trial of psilocybin, a naturally occurring serotonin receptor partial agonist, is currently underway. The following series details the current state of research in psychedelic therapeutics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N-N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and ayahuasca, psilocybin, ibogaine, MDMA, and ketamine. Conclusions: Psychedelic drugs and structural derivatives offer a great deal of promise for the management of a wide range of psychiatric morbidities. It is imperative that clinicians become familiar with these novel agents and learn how to implement psychedelic therapeutics as part of a patient-centered care paradigm.


authors: Biba B, O'Shea B.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-03-06
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/6xgu8_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/6xgu8_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Exploring Public Sentiments of Psychedelics Versus Other Substances: A Reddit-Based Natural Language Processing Study

abstract:
New methods that capture the public's perception of controversial topics may be valuable. This study investigates public sentiments towards psychedelics and other substances through analyzes of Reddit discussions, using Google’s cloud-based Natural Language Processing (NLP) infrastructure. Our findings indicate that illicit substances such as heroin and methamphetamine are associated with highly negative general sentiments, whereas psychedelics like Psilocybin, LSD, and Ayahuasca generally evoke neutral to slightly positive sentiments. This study underscores the effectiveness and cost efficiency of NLP and machine learning models in understanding the public’s perception of sensitive topics. The findings indicate that online public sentiment towards psychedelics may be growing in acceptance of their therapeutic potential. However, limitations include potential selection bias from the Reddit sample and challenges in accurately interpreting nuanced language using NLP. Future research should aim to diversify data sources and enhance NLP models to capture the full spectrum of public sentiment towards psychedelics. Our findings support the importance of ongoing research and public education to inform policy decisions and therapeutic applications of psychedelics.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1055659","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Horizontal gene cluster transfer increased hallucinogenic mushroom diversity
authors: Reynolds HT, Vijayakumar V, Gluck-Thaler E, Korotkin HB, Matheny PB, Slot JC.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2017-08-14
doi: 10.1101/176347
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/176347
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Drug Interactions,Genomics
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Secondary metabolites are heterogeneous natural products that often mediate interactions between species. The tryptophan-derived secondary metabolite, psilocin, is a serotonin receptor agonist that induces altered states of consciousness. A phylogenetically disjunct group of mushroom-forming fungi in the Agaricales produce the psilocin prodrug, psilocybin. Spotty phylogenetic distributions of fungal compounds are sometimes explained by horizontal transfer of metabolic gene clusters among unrelated fungi with overlapping niches. We report the discovery of a psilocybin gene cluster in three hallucinogenic mushroom genomes, and evidence for its horizontal transfer between fungal lineages. Patterns of gene distribution and transmission suggest that psilocybin provides a fitness advantage in the dung and late wood-decay niches, which may be reservoirs of fungal indole-based metabolites that alter behavior of mycophagous and wood-eating invertebrates. These hallucinogenic mushroom genomes will serve as models in neurochemical ecology, advancing the prospecting and synthetic biology of novel neuropharmaceuticals.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR15774","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Substance-induced manic psychosis in which delusions were corroborated by a chatbot - case report
authors: Shah S, Morrin H.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2026-03-07
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8919841/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8919841/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Spirituality,Case Report,Healthcare Workers,Safety,Drug Interactions
study_type: Case Report
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Abstract Background: This case describes a substance-induced manic episode with psychotic features in which interaction with an AI (artificial intelligence) chatbot appeared to corroborate and reinforce the patient’s delusional thought content and to contradict medical advice. Excerpts from the patient’s interactions with the AI chatbot provide novel clinical insight into this phenomenon, which to date has primarily been reported in news media. Case Presentation: A man in his 30s presented to the emergency department with a one-week history of escalating behavioural disturbance, severe insomnia, pressured and overinclusive speech, and grandiose beliefs. Symptom onset followed heavy polysubstance use at a recreational event, including psilocybin (dried mushrooms and liquid preparation), ketamine, cocaine, and alcohol. During this period, the patient reported extensive interaction with an AI chatbot (ChatGPT). The AI chatbot reportedly affirmed his perceived “spiritual awakening,” minimised the possibility that his presentation represented a manic episode, and provided medical advice, including discouragement of prescribed antipsychotic medication. Mental state examination was consistent with a manic episode with psychotic features, without evidence of perceptual disturbance. He was detained under mental health legislation for further assessment and commenced on olanzapine, with adjunctive sleep restoration and psychological interventions. Behavioural management included implementation of a care plan restricting AI chatbot use. Over several weeks, psychotic symptoms and behavioural disinhibition diminished, with subsequent improvement in insight. Conclusions: Concerns regarding potentially harmful interactions between AI chatbots and individuals with mental illness have largely been raised in news media. This case demonstrates that, in patients with psychotic symptoms, AI chatbots may reinforce delusional beliefs and impair the development of insight, and may also interfere with engagement with treatment by providing advice that conflicts with clinical recommendations. These observations raise clinical, ethical, and risk-management considerations regarding AI chatbot use during acute psychiatric illness. As AI chatbot use becomes increasingly widespread, clinicians should consider assessing their use and impact within clinical assessments and, where clinically indicated, implementing interventions to mitigate associated risks, ranging from psychoeducation to use-restriction strategies. Future population-level studies are required to establish the epidemiology of AI-associated mental health harms, and AI companies must bolster efforts to implement harm minimisation strategies and safeguards.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1163168","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Compounds for Substance Use Disorders
authors: Valdez T, Patel V, Senesombath D, Hatahet-Donovan Z, Hornick MG.
journal: Preprints.org
publication_date: 2024-10-16
doi: 10.20944/preprints202410.1406.v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.1406.v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Psychedelics have recently (re)emerged as therapeutics of high potential for multiple mental health conditions, including substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite early mid-20th century anecdotal reports and pilot studies demonstrating the possibility of these substances in efficaciously treating conditions such as alcohol and opioid use disorders, legal restrictions and social stigma have historically hindered further research into this area. Nevertheless, concurrent with the rise in SUDs and other mental health conditions, researchers have again turned their attention to these compounds, searching for differing pharmacological targets as well as more holistic treatments that might increase patient adherence and efficacy. The aim of this review is to examine the emerging evidence with regards to the therapeutic treatment of SUDs with the psychedelic compounds psilocybin, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), ayahuasca, ibogaine and peyote.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR926532","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Preprints.org","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2024-12-21
doi: 10.1101/2024.12.21.629922
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.21.629922
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Brain dynamics of classical psychedelics show paradoxical hierarchical flattening with increased complexity

authors:
Vohryzek J, Garcia Guzman E, Kringelbach ML, Lopez-Sola E, Timmermann C, Roseman L, Tagliazucchi E, Ruffini G, Carhart-Harris R, Deco G, Sanz Perl Y.

abstract:
Despite divergent behavioral and phenomenological profiles, both psychedelic states and reduced states of consciousness have been associated with a flattening of the brain's functional hierarchy. To address this apparent paradox, we developed a more specific definition of hierarchy based on the proximity of the brain to thermodynamic equilibrium and then applied it to investigate the changes to the functional hierarchy elicited by three classical serotonergic psychedelics: psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and dimethyltryptamine. We found that all three psychedelics consistently induced a global reduction in the functional hierarchy. In contrast to the flattening of the functional hierarchy observed during loss of consciousness, psychedelics displaced the brain towards equilibrium while simultaneously increasing the complexity of neural activity, indicating a unique mechanism linked to specific changes in the configuration and differentiation of resting-state networks. This work showcases how metrics based on statistical mechanics can be used for the specific characterization of different global brain states, contributing to the understanding of consciousness as a collective process emerging from complex neural interactions.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR958078","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Jylkkä J.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-06-05
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/ugr69_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ugr69_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Wellbeing,Mystical Experience
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Meditation and psychedelics facilitate similar types of mystical, psychological, and philosophical-existential insights predictive of wellbeing: A qualitative-quantitative approach

abstract:
Both psychedelic substances and meditation have been proposed to facilitate personally meaningful and transformative experiences, with insights playing a central role. However, previous research has mainly relied on questionnaires, limiting the range of insights that can be identified. In this study, we recruited participants who provided narrative reports of insights in personally meaningful psychedelic (n = 147) or meditation (n = 66) experiences. Psychedelic experiences were facilitated both by classic (e.g., LSD, psilocybin, DMT) as well as non-classic (e.g., MDMA, ketamine, cannabis) psychedelics. Qualitative analysis revealed three main insight themes: Mystical-type (subclasses Unity, Metaphysical, and Other), Psychological (subclasses Metacognitive, Value, and Compassion), and Philosophical-existential (subclasses Purpose, Value, and Other). Mystical-type insights were more frequent in reports of meditation experiences, while value insights were more common in psychedelic reports. Otherwise, the reported insights were highly similar across the two types of reports, and only minor differences were observed between classic and non-classic psychedelics. Regression analyses indicated that metacognitive and value insights were positively associated with perceived improvements in positive affect, while mystical-type insights predicted increased meaning in life. These findings suggest that both psychedelic substances and meditation can facilitate a broad range of insights that are not fully captured by existing questionnaires. The results highlight similarities between psychedelic and meditation experiences supporting the notion that transformative experiences are not exclusive to classic psychedelics but can be facilitated through various means.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1032791","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin kann offenbar Depressionen lindern.
authors: Müller T.
publication_date: 2023-09-30
doi: 10.1007/s15006-023-3025-6
pubmed_id: 37758991
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15006-023-3025-6
keywords: Humans, Depression, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"37758991","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and autobiographical memory - Six open questions
authors: Kangaslampi S, Lietz MP.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-03-10
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/su7ch_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/su7ch_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
RationaleSince the earliest LSD research, psychedelics have been claimed to enhance autobiographical memory. Revisiting and processing autobiographical memories has further been suggested to be a major component of the therapeutic action of psychedelics. However, modern psychedelic research has largely neglected autobiographical elements of psychedelic experiences, and many vital questions remain unanswered.ObjectivesWe present and discuss six open questions related to psychedelics and autobiographical memory: 1. Do psychedelics enhance autobiographical recall? 2. Is recall and processing of significant autobiographical (e.g., traumatic) memories a common part of psychedelic experiences? 3. Do psychedelics promote the development of false or inaccurate memories? 4. How do autobiographical memories change if they are recalled and reconsolidated under the effects of psychedelics? 5. What are memories of psychedelic experiences like? 6. Are autobiographical experiences under psychedelics of particular importance for their therapeutic effects?ResultsWe present the background and current limited state of evidence for each question and provide suggestions on how future studies could best address them. ConclusionsBesides advancing basic research, answering these pressing questions is highly relevant for the possible therapeutic use of psychedelics, both in terms of developing and optimizing new interventions and for avoiding iatrogenic harms. Ideally, future psychedelic-assisted interventions could harness the possible synergies between the effects of psychedelics and existing memory-based therapies. Keywords: Psychedelics, autobiographical memory, LSD, psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR988786","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-01-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11815219
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
ANXIOLYTIC- AND PROCOGNITIVE-LIKE EFFECTS OF A30-DAY CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH A LOW NON-PSYCHEDELIC DOSE OF PSILOCYBIN IN C57BL/6J MICE

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC11815219","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Girn M, Roseman L, Bernhardt B, Smallwood J, Carhart-Harris R, Spreng RN.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2020-05-02
doi: 10.1101/2020.05.01.072314
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.01.072314
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Serotonergic psychedelic drugs LSD and psilocybin reduce the hierarchical differentiation of unimodal and transmodal cortex

abstract:
LSD and psilocybin are serotonergic psychedelic compounds with potential in the treatment of mental health disorders. Past neuroimaging investigations have revealed that both compounds can elicit significant changes to whole-brain functional organization and dynamics. A recent proposal linked past findings into a unified model and hypothesized reduced whole-brain hierarchical organization as a key mechanism underlying the psychedelic state, but this has yet to be directly tested. We applied a non-linear dimensionality reduction technique previously used to map hierarchical connectivity gradients to pharmacological resting-state fMRI data to assess cortical organization in the LSD and psilocybin state. Results supported our primary hypothesis: The principal gradient of cortical connectivity, describing a hierarchy from unimodal to transmodal cortex, was significantly flattened under both drugs relative to their respective placebo conditions. Between-condition contrasts revealed that this was driven by a reduction of functional differentiation at both hierarchical extremes - default and frontoparietal networks at the upper end, and somatomotor at the lower. Gradient-based connectivity mapping confirmed that this was underpinned by increased unimodal-transmodal crosstalk. In addition, LSD-dependent principal gradient changes tracked changes in self-reported ego-dissolution. Results involving the second and third gradient, which respectively represent axes of sensory and executive differentiation, also showed significant alterations across both drugs. These findings provide support for a recent mechanistic model of the psychedelic state relevant to therapeutic applications of psychedelics. More fundamentally, we provide the first evidence that macroscale connectivity gradients are sensitive to a pharmacological manipulation, specifically highlighting an important relationship between cortical organization and serotonergic modulation.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR157921","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-11-21
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/9ev27_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Safety
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"9ev27_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Development of a Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP): a theory- and person-centred approach

abstract:
Psychedelic substances induce profound alterations in consciousness. Careful preparation is therefore essential to limit adverse reactions, enhance therapeutic benefits, and maintain user safety. This paper describes the development of a self-directed, digital intervention for psychedelic preparation. Drawing on elements from the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing complex interventions, the design was informed by a four-factor model of psychedelic preparedness, using a person-centred approach. Our mixed-methods investigation consisted of two studies. The first involved interviews with 19 participants who had previously attended a ‘high-dose’ psilocybin retreat, systematically exploring their preparation behaviours and perspectives on the proposed intervention. The second study engaged 28 attendees of an ongoing psilocybin retreat in co-design workshops, refining the intervention protocol using insights from the initial interviews. The outcome is a co-produced 21-day digital course (Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP)), that is organised into four modules: Knowledge-Expectation, Psychophysical-Readiness, Safety-Planning, and Intention-Preparation. Fundamental components of the course include daily meditation practice, supplementary exercises tied to the weekly modules, and mood tracking. DIPP provides a comprehensive and scalable solution to enhance psychedelic preparedness, aligning with the broader shift towards digital mental health interventions.

keywords:
co-design, digital intervention, meditation, preparedness, psilocybin, psychedelic, psychedelic therapy, qualitative, Psychiatry, Life Sciences


title: Understanding psychedelic 'mystical experience'-A case example
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-03-09
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/dh92g_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,PTSD,Wellbeing,Personality Change,Mystical Experience,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"dh92g_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
In recent psychedelic therapy research, the concept of 'mystical experience' has been highlighted, as in several studies it has been identified as a significant predictor of improved outcome. Many studies mentioning the concept, for example, reports of randomized clinical trials, typically do not provide detailed examples of such experiences, however. In order to make the concept easily understandable, this case study aims at exemplifying what kinds of unexplainable or 'mystical' phenomena may emerge in the process of psychedelic therapy, how these experiences are related to treatment outcomes, and what kinds of attitudes clinicians might want to adopt when facing such situations. The present case concerns a man in his forties with family trauma that happened before his birth. The trauma continually affected his life, leading to alienation from his parents after his teenage years. After more than two decades, interest in psychedelic therapy led him to attend a psilocybin session, in which he relived the family trauma. As a result, he rebuilt his relationship with his parents, as well as the relationship between his parents and his children. Another psilocybin session a year later led to an improved relationship with his wife. A third session with MDMA released embodied, job-related stress. Inspired by his experiences of such therapy, also his father attended a psilocybin session. Information was acquired from semi-structured retrospective interviews.

keywords:
C-PTSD, family therapy, MDMA, neonatal death, psilocybin, psychedelics, psychedelic therapy, PTSD, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Anxiety Disorders, Social and Personality Psychology, Social Well-being, Trauma and Stress


title: Visual Hallucinations in Serotonergic Psychedelics and Lewy Body Diseases
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-07-14
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/7x8q4_v3
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/7x8q4_v3
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
authors:
Heller NH, Barrett FS, Buchborn T, Collerton D, Dupuis D, Halberstadt AL, Jardri R, Noorani TN, Preller KH, Taylor J, Waters F, Winston B, Leptourgos P.

abstract:
Background and HypothesisVisual hallucinations (VH) are a core symptom of both Lewy body diseases (LBDs; e.g., Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies) and serotonergic psychedelics (SPs; e.g., psilocybin and mescaline). While these classes of VH differ in etiology, shared pathways are suggested by overlapping phenomenology and neural mechanisms. This review explores similarities and differences in VH between LBDs and SPs, focusing on phenomenology, cortical function, and serotonergic modulation.Study DesignThis narrative review synthesizes findings from neurology, cognitive neuroscience, and systems neuroscience to compare VH in LBDs and SPs. The literature includes studies with both human subjects and animal models that examine cortical activity patterns, neuromodulatory mechanisms, and VH phenomenology.Study ResultsBoth LBDs and SPs exhibit distinct visual aberrations, ranging from minor metamorphopsias to complex hallucinations. Specific classes of VH in LBDs resemble those induced by SPs (e.g., illusory motion and entity encounters), suggesting shared neural mechanisms. Neuroimaging studies indicate a common pattern of hyperactive associative cortex and hypoactive sensory cortex. At the neuromodulator level, SP-induced VH involves serotonin 2A and 1A receptor (5-HT₂AR and 5-HT₁AR) modulation, while in LBDs, 5-HT₂AR upregulation correlates with increased VH, and its inhibition (e.g., with pimavanserin) reduces VH. Two shared cortical signatures are highlighted: reduced visual evoked responses and shifts toward visual excitation.ConclusionsExamining cortical and neuromodulatory similarities between LBD- and SP-induced VH may elucidate the link between visual degradation, excitation, and hallucinogenesis. Future research should employ real-time neuroimaging of discrete hallucinatory episodes to identify shared mechanisms and develop targeted interventions for LBD hallucinations.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1051705","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Schuman HD, Deleemans JM, Nguyen T, Savard C, Mina R, Carlson LE.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2025-08-18
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6941009/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6941009/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: End-of-Life Distress,Observational Study,Cancer Patients,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Attitudes Toward Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Cancer-Related Psychosocial Symptoms: A Multi- Stakeholder Analysis

abstract:
Abstract Background Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is gaining attention as a potential treatment for cancer-related psychosocial symptoms. While growing evidence highlights its promise, little is known about how different stakeholder groups perceive its use in oncology and palliative care. Objectives This study aimed to assess stakeholder-specific perspectives on PAT, including attitudes, perceived knowledge, agent-specific beliefs, safety and effectiveness, implementation barriers, and interest in training and access. Predictors of positive attitudes were also examined. Methods A national cross-sectional survey was conducted across Canada. Measures included the Attitudes to Psychedelics Questionnaire (APQ), self-rated knowledge, perceived effectiveness and safety of psychedelic agents, implementation barriers, and views on appropriate patient populations. Group comparisons were conducted using Kruskal-Wallis tests, ANOVA, and post hoc analyses; multivariate linear regression identified predictors of attitudes. Results A total of 742 participants were included: cancer patients (PLWC; n = 519), healthcare providers (HCP; n = 187), and policymakers (PM; n = 36). PLWC reported the most favourable attitudes toward PAT, significantly higher than both HCP and PM. Despite their positive views, PLWC self-reported the lowest knowledge. PM reported the highest perceived knowledge but also the greatest safety concerns. Across all groups, psilocybin was viewed as the most effective agent. PLWC and HCP supported PAT use across the cancer continuum, while most PM favoured restricting use to advanced-stage cases. Conclusion Stakeholder perspectives on PAT reveal high interest tempered by role-specific concerns about safety, legitimacy, and readiness. Effective and ethical integration of PAT into oncology will require stakeholder-informed education, regulatory guidance, and attention to contextual implementation needs.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1070146","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-03-26
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/mzkyv_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Personality Change,Emotional Processing,Spirituality
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"mzkyv_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Ayahuasca in the treatment of the consequences of chronic childhood sexual abuse in a religious community

abstract:
This retrospective case study features a woman in her mid-50s who spent her childhood in a religious community plagued by sexual abuse of children. She was abused by her father for more than a decade. The church and her mother ignored her reports about it. In her early twenties, she enrolled herself in the Erhard Seminars Training program that destabilized her, inducing a first-onset psychosis, decades later used as the main rationale for diagnosing her with bipolar disorder. For the following decades, she suffered from severe depression and emotional isolation but was functional professionally and became a medical doctor. 35 years of talk therapy helped somewhat but did not resolve trauma ingrained in her body nor her at-times catatonic depression. In her early 50s, she experimented with psilocybin, which resulted in somatic improvement but did not resolve her depression. She wanted to attend underground ayahuasca ceremonies but was rejected because of her bipolar diagnosis. Eventually, she decided not to disclose her diagnosis and attended four ceremonies in two different ceremony groups, with excellent outcomes. She considered that the core of her embodied trauma had dissolved. The rationale for assigning diagnoses is questioned; a focus on etiology combined with the broad-spectrum nature of psychedelic therapy may mostly eliminate the need to discern between 'psychiatric conditions'. Trauma is considered socially contagious, similar to infectious diseases. The prohibition of psychedelic therapies is interpreted as a society-wide refusal to recognize trauma: a refusal to see what actually happened and happens.

keywords:
ayahuasca, bipolar disorder, childhood sexual abuse, C-PTSD, incest, medical malpractice, psilocybin, psychedelics, psychedelic therapy, psychosis, psychotherapy, sexual assault, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Social and Personality Psychology, Religion and Spirituality, Sexuality


title: A systematic review to assess the use of psilocybin in the treatment of headaches
authors: Bhanot S, Lin M, Bains S, Monroe A, Tsang V.
publication_date: 2023-07-18
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10660046
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Headache / Migraine,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC10660046","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The therapeutic potential of psilocybin in depression resistant to psychotropic drugs
authors: Ramírez González J, Fernández Márquez I, Ferreiro González S, Ruíz E.
publication_date: 2023-07-18
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10479004
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC10479004","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Olami A, Peled-Avron L.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2024-05-04
doi: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592231
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.02.592231
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Emotional Processing,Meta-Analysis,Review Article,Drug Interactions
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Effects of Classical Psychedelics on Implicit and Explicit Emotional Empathy and Cognitive Empathy: A Meta-analysis of MET task

abstract:
This meta-analysis investigates the effect of classic psychedelic drugs on empathy and focuses on cognitive and emotional empathy measured using the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET). Empathy entails the ability to understand and share the feelings of another and is a significant component of social interaction. Several studies have examined the effects of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin and ayahuasca on empathy, yet their overall effect has not been studied so far. In this meta analysis, we reviewed data from studies up to November 2023 with the aim of examining the effects of various psychedelic drugs on empathic abilities broadly. Our findings suggest that classical psychedelics significantly enhance explicit and implicit emotional empathy without affecting measures of cognitive empathy. The results emphasize the need to continue testing the therapeutic potential of classic psychedelic drugs.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR848109","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Egger K, Meling D, Polat F, Seifritz E, Avram M, Scheidegger M.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2025-07-29
doi: 10.1101/2025.07.30.25332422
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.30.25332422
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Wellbeing,Emotional Processing,Randomized Controlled Trial
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Meditation, Psychedelics, and Brain Connectivity: A Randomised Controlled Resting-State fMRI Study of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and Harmine in a Meditation Retreat

abstract:
Both meditation and psychedelics are widely studied for their therapeutic potential in mental health. Recent research suggests potential synergies between mindfulness practice and psychedelics, though empirical studies have primarily focused on psilocybin. This study investigates the distinct and combined effects of mindfulness practice and an ayahuasca-inspired formulation containing N,N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and harmine on brain functional connectivity (FC), with implications for advancing clinical interventions. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmaco-fMRI study, 40 meditation practitioners participated in a three-day meditation retreat. They were randomized to receive either placebo or buccal DMT-harmine (120 mg each) and underwent fMRI scans two days before and after administration. Neural changes were assessed using multiple connectivity metrics, including within- and between-network connectivity, network and global connectivity, and cortical gradient analyses. Within-group changes showed that meditators in the placebo group exhibited increased network segregation across several resting-state networks, while the DMT-harmine group showed increased FC within the visual network (VIS) and between VIS and attention networks. Between-group differences similarly showed increased FC between VIS and the salience network (SAL) in the DMT-harmine group compared to placebo post-retreat. No evidence of prolonged cortical gradient disruption, which is characteristic of acute psychedelic action, was observed. This suggests a return to typical brain organization shortly after the experience. These findings reveal distinct neural mechanisms underlying meditation and psychedelic-augmented meditation. While meditation alone reduced FC between networks, DMT-harmine increased within- and between-network connectivity. Given the potential of meditation and psychedelics for improving mental health, further exploration of their synergistic potential in clinical contexts is warranted. This study advances the understanding of how psychedelics and mindfulness practice shape brain function, offering insights into their complementary roles in emotional and psychological well-being.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1058004","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Rajwani K, Almonte MT, Feroz F, Hokanson J, Jacobs E, Savulescu J, Singh I, Yaden DB, Earp BD.
journal: Wellcome Open Res
publication_date: 2025-07-07
doi: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.24181.1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.24181.1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Review Article,Observational Study,Adolescents
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Clinical Psychedelic Therapy Research Involving Adolescents: Protocol for a Scoping Review of Intervention Studies

abstract:
Background: Recent years have seen renewed clinical interest in the therapeutic potential of classical psychedelics, such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT, and mescaline. While modern studies have focused on adult populations, adolescents under 18 are routinely excluded due to regulatory, legal, and ethical challenges. Although there exists observational data and historical studies from 1959 to 1974 focusing on persons under 18, these earlier trials do not meet contemporary scientific and ethical standards. Hence, despite growing interest in the intersection of adolescent mental health and psychedelic therapy, it is unclear whether any controlled clinical research has been conducted with adolescents in the 21st century. To address this gap, we intend to conduct a scoping review of clinical studies involving psychedelic drug administration, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, in adolescent populations. The present contribution is a protocol for this scoping review. Methods Our scoping review will adhere to the methodological framework of Arksey & O’Malley (2005), which involves five stages: (1) identifying the research question, (2) developing the search strategy, (3) setting inclusion criteria, (4) extracting data, and (5) presenting and analysing the results. We will include both peer-reviewed sources and study protocols that explicitly present evidence of an interventional study involving the administration of psychedelic drugs to adolescents under the age of 18 in the years 2000 - present. We will search for relevant studies in Pubmed (includes MEDLINE), EMBASE, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Review Library, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Google Scholar. Clinical trial registers will also be searched, including the USA-based ClinicalTrials.gov and other global registers. Two raters will independently assess articles for eligibility, with disagreements to be resolved by a third reviewer. Data from eligible articles will be charted using a standardized data extraction form. The data will be reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1081211","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Wellcome Open Res","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: 5-MeO-DMT modifies innate behaviors and promotes structural neural plasticity in mice
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2022-11-02
doi: 10.1101/2022.11.03.515044
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.03.515044
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
authors:
Jefferson SJ, Gregg I, Dibbs M, Liao C, Wu H, Davoudian PA, Sprouse JS, Sherwood AM, Kaye AP, Pittenger C, Kwan AC.

abstract:
ABSTRACT Serotonergic psychedelics are gaining increasing interest as potential therapeutics for a range of mental illnesses. Compounds with short-lived subjective effects may be clinically useful because dosing time would be reduced, which may improve patient access. One short-acting psychedelic is 5-MeO-DMT, which has been associated with improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms in early clinical studies. However relatively little is known about the behavioral effects and neural mechanisms of 5-MeO-DMT in animal models. Here we characterized the effects of 5-MeO-DMT on innate behaviors and dendritic architecture in mice. We showed that 5-MeO-DMT induces a dose-dependent increase in head-twitch response that is shorter in duration than that induced by psilocybin at all doses tested. 5-MeO-DMT also substantially suppresses social ultrasonic vocalizations produced during mating behavior. 5-MeO-DMT produces long-lasting increases in dendritic spine density in the mouse medial frontal cortex that are driven by an elevated rate of spine formation. However, unlike psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT did not affect the size of dendritic spines. These data provide insights into the behavioral and neural consequences underlying the action of 5-MeO-DMT and highlight similarities and differences with those of psilocybin.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR566748","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Varley T, Carhart-Harris R, Roseman L, Menon DK, Stamatakis E.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2019-01-10
doi: 10.1101/517847
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/517847
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Consciousness
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Serotonergic Psychedelics LSD & Psilocybin Increase the Fractal Dimension of Cortical Brain Activity in Spatial and Temporal Domains

abstract:
Psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin and LSD, represent unique tools for researchers in-vestigating the neural origins of consciousness. Currently, the most compelling theories of how psychedelics exert their effects is by increasing the complexity of brain activity and moving the system towards a critical point between order and disorder, creating more dynamic and complex patterns of neural activity. While the concept of criticality is of central importance to this theory, few of the published studies on psychedelics investigate it directly, testing instead related measures such as algorithmic complexity or Shannon entropy. We propose using the fractal dimension of functional activity in the brain as a measure of complexity since findings from physics suggest that as a system organizes towards criticality, it tends to take on a fractal structure. We tested two different measures of fractal dimension, one spatial and one temporal, using fMRI data from volunteers under the influence of both LSD and psilocybin. The first was the fractal dimension of cortical functional connectivity networks and the second was the fractal dimension of BOLD time-series. We were able to show that both psychedelic drugs significantly increased the fractal dimension of functional connectivity networks, and that LSD significantly increased the fractal dimension of BOLD signals, with psilocybin showing a non-significant trend in the same direction. With both LSD and psilocybin, we were able to localize changes in the fractal dimension of BOLD signals to brain areas assigned to the dorsal-attentional network. These results show that psychedelic drugs increase the fractal character of activity in the brain and we see this as an indicator that the changes in consciousness triggered by psychedelics are associated with evolution towards a critical zone. Author Summary The unique state of consciousness produced by psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin (the active component in magic mushrooms) are potentially useful tools for discovering how specific changes in the brain are related to differences in perception and thought patterns. Past research into the neuroscience of psychedelics has led to the proposal of a general theory of brain function and consciousness: the Entropic Brain Hypothesis proposes that consciousness emerges when the brain is sitting near a critical tipping point between order and chaos and that the mind-expanding elements of the psychedelic experience are caused by the brain moving closer to that critical transition point. Physicists have discovered that near this critical point, many different kinds of systems, from magnets to ecosystems, take on a distinct, fractal structure. Here, we used two measures of fractal-quality of brain activity, as seen in fMRI, to test whether the activity of the brain on psychedelics is more fractal than normal. We found evidence that this is the case and interpret that as supporting the theory that, psychedelic drugs are move the brain towards a more critical state.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR67170","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2025-07-26
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7099164/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7099164/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Aging,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Global Increases in Brain Glucose Metabolism Following Acute N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and Harmine Administration in Healthy Volunteers: An [¹⁸F]FDG-PET Study

authors:
Egger K, Bozsak R, Aicher H, Sari H, Poetzsch S, Rominger A, Martin-Soelch C, Dornbierer D, Quednow B, Scheidegger M, Cumming P.

abstract:
Abstract Classical psychedelics such N,N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT), psilocybin, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) modulate consciousness via serotonergic receptor agonism, and are increasingly investigated for their psychotherapeutic potential. When combined with the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitor harmine-mimicking the pharmacological profile of ayahuasca-oral DMT induces a psychedelic experience lasting 4-5 hours. While neuroimaging studies have examined changes in brain activity, connectivity, and cerebral perfusion under psychedelics, their effects on cerebral glucose metabolism remain largely unexplored. Here, we used positron emission tomography with [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([¹⁸F]FDG-PET) to assess the cerebral metabolic rate for glucose consumption (CMRglc) following buccal DMT + harmine (90 mg DMT, 120 mg harmine) versus placebo in a single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design in (n = 14) healthy males. Scans were acquired during peak drug effects, i.e., 100-170 min post-administration. Global CMRglc increased by 12% under DMT + harmine compared to placebo ( t = 2.57, p

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1056074","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Barnett BS.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2024-10-12
doi: 10.1101/2024.10.12.24315367
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.12.24315367
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
A survey investigating United States federal grant submissions proposing to investigate therapeutic applications of psychedelics

abstract:
This study surveyed researchers to assess the contents and funding success of federal grant applications for research into therapeutic applications of psychedelics in the United States. The author emailed an anonymous survey to the corresponding authors of the 50 most-cited articles on psychedelics published after 2000 and disseminated it via Twitter. Ten researchers responded, reporting on 24 grant submissions for psilocybin, ibogaine, LSD, MDMA, and other psychedelics, all to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), from the early 1990s onward. The number of grant applications rose noticeably starting in 2006. Of all grant applications assessed,16.7% were funded, lower than the NIH’s 23.4% average funding rate for R-01 equivalent grants between 1998-2023. More specifically, while no relevant grant applications submitted prior to 2006-2010 were funded by NIH, the funding rate of applications since then, estimated at 19.05% to 22.2%, is close to the average annual NIH funding rate of 20.6 ± 1.9% for R-01 equivalent grant applications from 2006 to early 2023. Respondents generally believed applications for this line of research had a lower chance of success compared to other lines of research, although they felt the funding landscape has improved in recent years, in line with this study’s other findings.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR923451","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin zeigt Wirkung bei Depression.
authors: Julia Mertens L.
publication_date: 2023-03-31
doi: 10.1007/s15006-023-2540-9
pubmed_id: 37016226
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15006-023-2540-9
keywords: Humans, Depression, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"37016226","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-10-17
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/u9yeg_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Pharmacology,Emotional Processing,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"u9yeg_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Aesthetic quality of psychedelic experience is linked to greater insight and improved psychological outcomes.

abstract:
Objective: The aesthetic qualities of psychedelic experiences have long been documented, but their specific contribution to therapeutic outcomes remains unexplored. This study investigates the role of psychedelic-induced aesthetic experiences in predicting positive psychological outcomes. Methods: Using a cross-sectional naturalistic survey, participants who had recently used classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, or DMT completed measures assessing their acute experiences, including the novel Psychedelic Aesthetic Experience Questionnaire (PAEQ), the Mystical Experience Questionnaire, the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (EBI), and the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Post-experience psychological outcomes were evaluated using the Psychological Insight Scale (PIS) and general outcome measures, such as depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Results: We found significant positive correlations and predictive relationships between aesthetic experiences and emotional breakthroughs, psychological insight, mystical experiences, and general outcomes, while negative correlations and predictions were observed between aesthetic quality and challenging experiences such as fear and paranoia. Conclusions: These findings suggest that aesthetic enhancements during psychedelic sessions are associated with positive emotional engagement and cognitive shifts, which contribute to lasting psychological benefits. The inverse relationship between aesthetic quality and challenging experiences highlights the potential of optimizing the aesthetic environment during psychedelic therapy to improve therapeutic outcomes.

keywords:
aesthetic experience, anxiety, depression, emotion, insight, mystical experience, neuroaesthetics, observational study, perception, psychedelics, psychological outcomes, psychometric, quality of life, self-report, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Emotion, Quantitative Methods, Psychometrics, Clinical Psychology, Assessment, Psychopharmacology, Cognitive Psychology, Imagery, Health Psychology, Mental Health


authors: Hooper J, Gyongyosi E, Hutchison K, Mueller R.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-10-17
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/u9yeg
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/u9yeg
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Emotional Processing,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Aesthetic quality of psychedelic experience is linked to greater insight and improved psychological outcomes.

abstract:
Objective: The aesthetic qualities of psychedelic experiences have long been documented, but their specific contribution to therapeutic outcomes remains unexplored. This study investigates the role of psychedelic-induced aesthetic experiences in predicting positive psychological outcomes. Methods: Using a cross-sectional naturalistic survey, participants who had recently used classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, or DMT completed measures assessing their acute experiences, including the novel Psychedelic Aesthetic Experience Questionnaire (PAEQ), the Mystical Experience Questionnaire, the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (EBI), and the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Post-experience psychological outcomes were evaluated using the Psychological Insight Scale (PIS) and general outcome measures, such as depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Results: We found significant positive correlations and predictive relationships between aesthetic experiences and emotional breakthroughs, psychological insight, mystical experiences, and general outcomes, while negative correlations and predictions were observed between aesthetic quality and challenging experiences such as fear and paranoia. Conclusions: These findings suggest that aesthetic enhancements during psychedelic sessions are associated with positive emotional engagement and cognitive shifts, which contribute to lasting psychological benefits. The inverse relationship between aesthetic quality and challenging experiences highlights the potential of optimizing the aesthetic environment during psychedelic therapy to improve therapeutic outcomes.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR927055","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Visual Hallucinations in Serotonergic Psychedelics and Lewy Body Diseases
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-03-28
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/7x8q4_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/7x8q4_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
authors:
Heller NH, Barrett FS, Buchborn T, Collerton D, Dupuis D, Halberstadt AL, Jardri R, Noorani TN, Preller KH, Taylor J, Waters F, Winston B, Leptourgos P.

abstract:
Background and HypothesisVisual hallucinations (VH) are a core symptom of both Lewy body diseases (LBDs; e.g., Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies) and serotonergic psychedelics (SPs; e.g., psilocybin and mescaline). While these classes of VH differ in etiology, shared pathways are suggested by overlapping phenomenology and neural mechanisms. This review explores similarities and differences in VH between LBDs and SPs, focusing on phenomenology, cortical function, and serotonergic modulation.Study DesignThis narrative review synthesizes findings from neurology, cognitive neuroscience, and systems neuroscience to compare VH in LBDs and SPs. The literature includes studies with both human subjects and animal models that examine cortical activity patterns, neuromodulatory mechanisms, and VH phenomenology.Study ResultsBoth LBDs and SPs exhibit distinct visual aberrations, ranging from minor metamorphopsias to complex hallucinations. Specific classes of VH in LBDs resemble those induced by SPs (e.g., illusory motion and entity encounters), suggesting shared neural mechanisms. Neuroimaging studies indicate a common pattern of hyperactive associative cortex and hypoactive sensory cortex. At the neuromodulator level, SP-induced VH involves serotonin 2A and 1A receptor (5-HT₂AR and 5-HT₁AR) modulation, while in LBDs, 5-HT₂AR upregulation correlates with increased VH, and its inhibition (e.g., with pimavanserin) reduces VH. Two shared cortical signatures are highlighted: reduced visual evoked responses and shifts toward visual excitation.ConclusionsExamining cortical and neuromodulatory similarities between LBD- and SP-induced VH may elucidate the link between visual degradation, excitation, and hallucinogenesis. Future research should employ real-time neuroimaging of discrete hallucinatory episodes to identify shared mechanisms and develop targeted interventions for LBD hallucinations.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR996323","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Latin American adults who regularly use macrodoses of psychedelics: a cross-sectional study
authors: Véliz-García O, Domic M.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2024-07-31
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4706910/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4706910/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Wellbeing,Spirituality,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Abstract Psychedelics have a complex history marked by traditional use among indigenous cultures, early scientific interest, and subsequent prohibition. Despite their classification as controlled substances, recent decades have witnessed a resurgence of research into their therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions. However, most studies have focused on controlled clinical settings, leaving a significant gap in understanding how these substances are used in naturalistic contexts, particularly in Latin America. This study investigates the regular use of macrodoses of psychedelics among Latin American adults. We aimed to characterize the sociodemographic profiles, consumption practices, and subjective effects experienced by individuals who use psychedelics regularly. Data were collected via an online survey from 4,270 participants across several Latin American countries. Results indicated a diverse user base with varied motivations, predominantly psychological and spiritual well-being. The most frequently used substance was psilocybin mushrooms, with significant associations found between demographic variables and specific psychedelics used. The study provides new insights into the naturalistic use of psychedelics in Latin America, highlighting the need for informed, safe, and legal use frameworks.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR889998","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Knocking on the Doors of Perception: the role of psilocybin in substance use disorder treatment
authors: Sousa R, Costa L, Brás J, Vaz R, Martins J, Abreu J, Almeida E, Castro N, Andrade R, Cunha N.
publication_date: 2023-07-18
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10596667
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC10596667","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-07-06
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/w8j6t_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Wellbeing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"w8j6t_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
From Relaxed Beliefs Under Psychedelics (REBUS) to Revised Beliefs After Psychedelics (REBAS): Preliminary Development of the RElaxed Beliefs Questionnaire (REB-Q)

abstract:
Background: The Relaxed Beliefs Under pSychedelics (REBUS) model proposes that serotonergic psychedelics decrease the precision weighting of neurobiologically-encoded beliefs, and offers a unified account of the acute and therapeutic action of psychedelics. Although REBUS has received some neuroscientific support, little research has examined its psychological validity. We conducted a preliminary examination of two psychological assumptions of REBUS: (a) psychedelics foster acute relaxation and post-acute revision of confidence in mental-health-relevant beliefs; (b) this relaxation and revision facilitates positive therapeutic outcomes and is associated with the entropy of EEG signals (an index of neurophysiological mechanisms relevant to REBUS). Method: Healthy individuals (N=11) were administered 1 mg and 25 mg psilocybin 4-weeks apart. Confidence ratings for personally held negative and positive beliefs were obtained before, during, and 4-weeks after dosing sessions. Acute entropy and self-reported subjective experiences were measured, as was well-being (before and 4-weeks after dosing sessions). Results: Confidence in negative self-beliefs decreased following 25 mg psilocybin and not following 1 mg psilocybin. Entropy and subjective effects under 25 mg psilocybin correlated with decreases in negative self-belief confidence (acute and 4-weeks after dosing). Particularly strong evidence was seen for a relationship between decreases in negative self-belief confidence and increases in well-being at 4-weeks. Conclusions: We report the first empirical evidence that the relaxation and revision of negative self-belief confidence mediates positive psychological outcomes; a psychological assumption of REBUS. Replication within larger and clinical samples remains necessary. We also introduce a new measure, the Relaxed BEliefs Questionnaire (REB-Q), for examining the robustness of these preliminary findings and the utility of the REBUS model.

keywords:
beliefs, mechanism of action, psilocybin, Psychedelic, REBUS, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Therapy, Psychopharmacology


title: Drug-drug interactions between classic psychedelics and psychoactive drugs: a systematic review
authors: Halman A, Kong G, Sarris J, Perkins D.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2023-05-31
doi: 10.1101/2023.06.01.23290811
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.01.23290811
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Systematic Review,Review Article,Case Report,Drug Interactions
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Classic psychedelics, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, mescaline and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, are potent psychoactive substances that have been studied for their physiological and psychological effects. However, our understanding of the potential interactions and outcomes of using these substances are used in combination with other psychoactive drugs is limited. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on drug-drug interactions between classic psychedelics and other psychoactive drugs in humans. We conducted a thorough literature search using multiple databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and other sources to supplement our search for relevant studies. A total of 8,487 records were screened, and studies involving human data describing potential interactions (as well as the lack thereof) between classic psychedelics and other psychoactive drugs were included. In total, we identified 50 studies from 34 reports published before April 20, 2023, encompassing 31 studies on LSD, 11 on psilocybin, 4 on mescaline, 3 on DMT and 1 on ayahuasca. These studies provide insights into the interactions between classic psychedelics and a range of drugs, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilisers, recreational drugs and others. The findings revealed various effects when psychedelics were combined with other drugs, including both attenuated and potentiated effects, as well as instances where no changes were observed. Except for a few case reports, no serious adverse drug events were described in the included studies. In-depth discussion of the results is presented, along with an exploration of the potential molecular pathways that underlie the observed effects.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR668775","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The Birth of the Psychedelic Industry: Capitalizing on the Psychedelic Renaissance
authors: Yoo M, Sakopoulos S.
journal: Authorea Preprints
publication_date: 2024-08-28
doi: 10.22541/au.172496618.87990987/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.172496618.87990987/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Recent scientific findings spanning the past two decades have prompted a reevaluation of psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA, as potent tools for mental health treatment. While these substances were historically associated with countercultural movements, concerns and excitement arise as they become commercialized. Based on in-depth interviews of relevant stakeholders of the scene, this study investigates the emergence of the pharmaco-psychotherapy industry and explores the ambiguity between a supposedly ‘impartial scientific community’ and ‘profit-driven pharmaceutical companies’ in the context of Western psychedelia. The paper unveils the intricate network of relationships between researchers, academics, and venture capitalists (VCs), emphasizing the dual role of VCs as financial backers and conduits for regulatory insights and industry knowledge. The study also uncovers the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists in psychedelic medicine, including their mixed interests with private investors, where transformative qualities of psychedelic experience perturb the clear-cut line between objectivity and subjectivity. In particular, researchers’ hesitancy to disclose personal experiences with these substances throughout the interviewing process reflects a shift from the ’illegality’ paradigm to ’intellectual property’ in pharmaceutical innovation. Based on the findings, we suggest a need to reconsider the ethical dynamics in scientific practices, by taking into account the economic preconditions of infrastructural designs, particularly the impact of public/private fundraisers, to whom scientists are likely to make efforts to align with their expectations.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1199440","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Authorea Preprints","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Neural mechanisms of psychedelic visual imagery
authors: Stoliker D, Preller KH, Novelli L, Anticevic A, Egan GF, Vollenweider FX, Razi A.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2022-09-08
doi: 10.1101/2022.09.07.22279700
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.07.22279700
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Visual alterations under classic psychedelics can include rich phenomenological accounts of eyes-closed imagery. Preclinical evidence suggests agonism of the 5-HT2A receptor may reduce synaptic gain to produce psychedelic-induced imagery. However, this has not been investigated in humans. To infer the directed connectivity changes to visual sensory connectivity underlying psychedelic visual imagery in healthy adults, a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was performed, and dynamic causal modelling was applied to the resting state eyes-closed functional MRI scans of 24 subjects after administration of 0.2mg/kg of the serotonergic psychedelic drug, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), or placebo. The effective connectivity model included the early visual area, fusiform gyrus, intraparietal sulcus, and inferior frontal gyrus. We observed a pattern of increased self-inhibition of both early visual and higher visual-association regions under psilocybin that was consistent with preclinical findings. We also observed a pattern of reduced inhibition from visual-association regions to earlier visual areas that indicated top-down connectivity is enhanced during visual imagery. The results were associated with behavioural measures taken immediately after the scans, suggesting psilocybin-induced decreased sensitivity to neural inputs is associated with the perception of eyes-closed visual imagery. The findings inform our basic and clinical understanding of visual perception. They reveal neural mechanisms that, by affecting balance, may increase the impact of top-down feedback connectivity on perception, which could contribute to the visual imagery seen with eyes-closed during psychedelic experiences.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR541900","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Visual Hallucinations in Serotonergic Psychedelics and Lewy Body Diseases
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-02-12
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/7x8q4_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/7x8q4_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
authors:
Heller NH, Barrett FS, Buchborn T, Collerton D, Dupuis D, Halberstadt AL, Jardri R, Noorani TN, Preller KH, Taylor J, Waters F, Winston B, Leptourgos P.

abstract:
Background and HypothesisVisual hallucinations (VH) are a core symptom of both Lewy body diseases (LBDs; e.g., Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies) and serotonergic psychedelics (SPs; e.g., psilocybin and mescaline). While these classes of VH differ in etiology, shared pathways are suggested by overlapping phenomenology and neural mechanisms. This review explores similarities and differences in VH between LBDs and SPs, focusing on phenomenology, cortical function, and serotonergic modulation.Study DesignThis narrative review synthesizes findings from neurology, cognitive neuroscience, and systems neuroscience to compare VH in LBDs and SPs. The literature includes studies with both human subjects and animal models that examine cortical activity patterns, neuromodulatory mechanisms, and VH phenomenology.Study ResultsBoth LBDs and SPs exhibit distinct visual aberrations, ranging from minor metamorphopsias to complex hallucinations. Specific classes of VH in LBDs resemble those induced by SPs (e.g., illusory motion and entity encounters), suggesting shared neural mechanisms. Neuroimaging studies indicate a common pattern of hyperactive associative cortex and hypoactive sensory cortex. At the neuromodulator level, SP-induced VH involves serotonin 2A and 1A receptor (5-HT₂AR and 5-HT₁AR) modulation, while in LBDs, 5-HT₂AR upregulation correlates with increased VH, and its inhibition (e.g., with pimavanserin) reduces VH. Two shared cortical signatures are highlighted: reduced visual evoked responses and shifts toward visual excitation.ConclusionsExamining cortical and neuromodulatory similarities between LBD- and SP-induced VH may elucidate the link between visual degradation, excitation, and hallucinogenesis. Future research should employ real-time neuroimaging of discrete hallucinatory episodes to identify shared mechanisms and develop targeted interventions for LBD hallucinations.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR978411","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Tsang V.
publication_date: 2024-08-26
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11860442
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: End-of-Life Distress,Case Report,Observational Study
study_type: Case Report
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
A Cohort Based Case Series: Learnings from an Iterative Group Therapy Model to Support Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Patients with a Terminal Diagnosis

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC11860442","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Schenberg EE.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-09-30
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/uxhv7_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/uxhv7_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Randomized Controlled Trial,Review Article
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
From efficacy to effectiveness: evaluating psychedelic randomised controlled trials for trustworthy evidence-based policy and practice.

abstract:
The recent review of a new drug application for MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlighted epistemological and methodological challenges for evidence assessments. Similar challenges will also be faced in reviews of other compounds in early- and late-stage development, like psilocybin for depression. The regulatory demand for two successful phase 3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) seems problematic, given a current lack of agreement on what constitutes “success”, particularly when psychoactive drug administration is concomitant with (psycho)therapy. These complex arrangements challenge the internal validity of estimated average treatment effect through comparison with conventional control conditions. This paper reviews the assumptions behind RCTs’ current “gold-standard” status in the hierarchy of evidence-based medicine (EBM). Recapitulating known epistemic limits of randomisation and blinding, it emphasises the urgent need to avoid the extrapolation fallacy. The resulting argument is that the degree of trustworthiness that efficacy - reported in RCTs - will reliably predict effectiveness - in target populations outside RCTs - depends on what type of psychedelic treatments will be regulated. If “stand-alone” drugs for large scale prescription and consumption, trustworthiness should be graded low. On the other hand, for regulation of drug-assisted (psycho)therapies, the degree of trustworthiness can be considered high. The reason being that these two treatment approaches are based on different causal claims with distinct external validities. Therefore, careful assessment of support factors in each is recommended to prevent detrimental consequences, from potential rejection of effective therapies up to medical reversal of eventually approved drugs.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1004574","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A dual-receptor model of serotonergic psychedelics
authors: Juliani A, Chelu V, Graesser L, Safron A.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2024-04-14
doi: 10.1101/2024.04.12.589282
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.12.589282
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Serotonergic psychedelics have been identified as promising next-generation therapeutic agents in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. While their efficacy has been increasingly validated, the mechanism by which they exert a therapeutic effect is still debated. A popular theoretical account is that excessive 5-HT2a agonism disrupts cortical dynamics, relaxing the precision of maladaptive high-level beliefs and making them more malleable and open to revision. We extend this perspective by developing a simple energy-based model of cortical dynamics based on predictive processing which incorporates effects of neuromodulation. Using this model, we propose and simulate hypothetical computational mechanisms for both 5-HT2a and 5-HT1a agonism. Results from our model are able to account for a number of existing empirical observations concerning serotonergic psychedelics effects on cognition and affect. Using the findings of our model, we provide a theoretically-grounded hypothesis for the clinical success of LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, as well as identify the design space of biased 5-HT1a agonist psychedelics such as 5-MeO-DMT as potentially fruitful in the development of more effective and tolerable psychotherapeutic agents in the future.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR838073","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Schenberg EE.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-09-30
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/uxhv7
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/uxhv7
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Randomized Controlled Trial,Review Article
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:50
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
From efficacy to effectiveness: evaluating psychedelic randomised controlled trials for trustworthy evidence-based policy and practice.

abstract:
The recent review of a new drug application for MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlighted epistemological and methodological challenges for evidence assessments. Similar challenges will also be faced in reviews of other compounds in early- and late-stage development, like psilocybin for depression. The regulatory demand for two successful phase 3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) seems problematic, given a current lack of agreement on what constitutes “success”, particularly when psychoactive drug administration is concomitant with (psycho)therapy. These complex arrangements challenge the internal validity of estimated average treatment effect through comparison with conventional control conditions. This paper reviews the assumptions behind RCTs’ current “gold-standard” status in the hierarchy of evidence-based medicine (EBM). Recapitulating known epistemic limits of randomisation and blinding, it emphasises the urgent need to avoid the extrapolation fallacy. The resulting argument is that the degree of trustworthiness that efficacy - reported in RCTs - will reliably predict effectiveness - in target populations outside RCTs - depends on what type of psychedelic treatments will be regulated. If “stand-alone” drugs for large scale prescription and consumption, trustworthiness should be graded low. On the other hand, for regulation of drug-assisted (psycho)therapies, the degree of trustworthiness can be considered high. The reason being that these two treatment approaches are based on different causal claims with distinct external validities. Therefore, careful assessment of support factors in each is recommended to prevent detrimental consequences, from potential rejection of effective therapies up to medical reversal of eventually approved drugs.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR918774","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Majic T, Schmidt TT, Gröticke A, Gasser P, Richards WA, Riemer TG, Evens R.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-10-21
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/s6bzc
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/s6bzc
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Creativity,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
The Afterglow Inventory (AGI) - validation of a new instrument for measuring subacute effects of classic serotonergic psychedelics

abstract:
Background: Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD are anecdotally associated with the phenomenon of "psychedelic afterglow," a set of predominantly pleasant, temporary psychological effects reported after the acute effects have subsided. Since post-acute effects are crucial for the therapeutic use of psychedelics, an instrument to systematically assess subacute "afterglow" effects is needed. Aims: To create and validate a questionnaire to quantify subacute "afterglow" effects of psychedelics. Methods: An international online survey was conducted in English and German. Participants who had consumed a psychedelic (N = 1,323) or another non-psychedelic substance (control group, N = 157) within the past four weeks were included. An initial list of 97 items was progressively reduced to 24 items. Results: A5-factor structure best fit the data and showed high internal consistency. The factors included 1) Vitality, 2) Transpersonal Aspects, 3) Inspiration/Creativity, 4) Interpersonal Relationships, and 5) Relationship to Nature. The final 24-item version of the Afterglow Inventory (AGI) effectively differentiated between the psychedelic group and the control group. The overall AGI score positively correlated with the intensity (r = 0.165; p < 0.001) and positive valence (r = 0.251; p < 0.001) of the acute psychedelic effects. Conclusions: The AGI is a novel scale for quantifying positive subacute ("afterglow") effects of psychedelics. The use of the AGI could lead to a better understanding of the interplay between acute, subacute, and long-term effects of psychedelics. Insights could also be gained into how different substances, dosages, and extra-pharmacological factors, such as psychotherapy, might influence outcomes.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR929381","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Pagni B, Petridis P, Podrebarac S, Grinband J, Claus E, Bogenschutz M.
publication_date: 2024-04-23
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11033768
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Brain Imaging,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
300 Psilocybin-induced changes in neural reactivity to alcohol and emotional cues in patients with alcohol use disorder: An fMRI pilot study

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC11033768","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Weleff J, Akiki TJ, Barnett BS.
journal: medRxiv
publication_date: 2021-11-23
doi: 10.1101/2021.11.22.21266718
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.22.21266718
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: medRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Bibliometric Analysis of Academic Journal Articles Reporting Results of Psychedelic Clinical Studies

abstract:
ABSTRACT After a decades long period of investigational dormancy, there is renewed interest in employing psychedelics as treatments for mental illness and addiction. The academic journals, journal articles, academic institutions, and countries that have helped sustain clinical psychedelic research and the evolution of the literature on clinical studies of psychedelic compounds have only been minimally investigated. Therefore, in we conducted a bibliometric analysis of clinical studies of 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ibogaine, mescaline, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and psilocybin published from 1965-2018. Our search revealed 320 articles published across 106 journals. After a nearly quarter century lull between the 1970s and 1990s, publications in this area have resurged over the last two decades and continue on an upward trajectory, with most clinical studies now focusing on LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin. A subanalysis of the ten most cited articles in psychedelic research prior to 2010 and afterwards demonstrated a shift from research on risks of psychedelics, primarily those of MDMA, to research on therapeutic applications, predominantly those of psilocybin. We also conducted network analyses of inter-country collaborations in psychedelic research, which suggested that psychedelic researchers in the United Kingdom have more diverse international collaborations.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR423856","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"medRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Review
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-06-26
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/9kuhs_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"9kuhs_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and ketamine may represent the future of antidepressant treatment, due to their rapid and prolonged effects on mood and cognition. The current body of psychedelic research has focused on administration and treatment within a psychiatric context. Here, instead, we put to the test the contention that it is necessary to evaluate the current state of this literature from a broader biopsychosocial perspective. Examining these arguably neglected social and psychological aspects of psychedelic treatment can provide a more holistic understanding of the interplay between the interconnected domains. This review of six major clinical trials applies a biopsychosocial model to evaluate the antidepressant effects of psilocybin and ketamine assisted therapy. We conclude that combination psychedelic treatment and psychotherapy facilitate more enduring and profound antidepressant effects than produced by ketamine or psilocybin alone. Emphasising the advantages of therapeutic intervention will encourage those who may attempt to self-medicate with psychedelics to instead seek a framework of psychological support, minimising associated risks of unregulated use.

keywords:
depression, ketamine, major depressive disorder, psilocybin, psychedelics, psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Intervention Research, Mental Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychopharmacology


authors: Holas P, Kaminska J.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2024-08-14
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4860906/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4860906/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Prevalence and Correlates of Psychedelic Use in Poland: A Study on a Representative Sample of Polish Adults

abstract:
Abstract Objective Recent years have witnessed a resurgence in research exploring the therapeutic potential of classic psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD for treating mental disorders. However, there is a limited knowledge regarding the epidemiology of classic psychedelics consumption and the factors associated with their recreational use in Poland. Methods A representative sample of Polish citizens (N=1051 adults) completed an internet-based survey encompassing demographic inquiries, evaluations of psychedelic substance consumption including motivations and contexts, subjective assessments of psychedelics experience and evaluation of attitudes towards psychodelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Results Our study revealed that approximately 4% to 8% of Polish individuals, equivalent to around 2 million people, have experimented with psychedelic substances at least once in their lives. Men exhibited a higher likelihood of psychedelic use compared to women, with the largest cohort of users falling within the 25-34 age bracket and residing in urban areas. The most common motivation for reaching them was curiosity. The psychedelic experience was commonly described as a mixture of pleasant and unpleasant sensations. A significant portion of participants expressed a negative attitude towards psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy, but previous experience with psychodelics was associated with more positive attitudes. Conclusions In this representative sample of Poles, we found a substantial percentage of adults who recreationally used classic psychedelics, with majority of them being young men coming from big cities. More studies are needed as well as educational programs that may foster scientific research into psychedelic therapy in Poland and the attitudes of Poles toward it.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR896775","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Ippolito A, Vasudevan S, Hurley S, Gilmour G, Westhorpe F, Churchill G, Sharp T.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2024-06-15
doi: 10.1101/2024.06.13.594677
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.06.13.594677
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Increased 5-HT2A receptor signalling efficacy differentiates serotonergic psychedelics from non-psychedelics

abstract:
ABSTRACT Background and Purpose Serotonergic psychedelic drugs are under renewed investigation for the potential treatment of several psychiatric disorders. While all serotonergic psychedelics have 5-HT2A receptor activity, the explanation for why some 5-HT2A receptor agonists are not psychedelic is unknown. To address this question, we investigated the 5-HT2A receptor signalling bias and efficacy of a panel of psychedelics and non-psychedelics. Experimental Approach G -coupled (Ca 2+ and IP) and β-arrestin2 signalling effects of eight chemically diverse psychedelics (psilocin, 5-MeO-DMT, LSD, mescaline, 25B-NBOMe and DOI) and non-psychedelics (lisuride and TBG) were characterised using SH-SY5Y cells expressing recombinant human 5-HT2A receptors. Measurements of signalling efficacy and bias were derived from dose-responses curves for each agonist, compared to 5-HT. Follow-up experiments sought to confirm the generality of findings using rat C6 cells expressing endogenous 5-HT2A receptors. Key Results In SH-SY5Y cells, all psychedelics were partial agonists at both 5-HT2A receptor signalling pathways and none showed significant signalling bias. In comparison, in SH-SY5Y cells the non-psychedelics lisuride and TBG were not distinguishable from psychedelics in terms of biased agonist properties, but both exhibited the lowest 5-HT2A receptor signalling efficacy of all drugs tested, a result confirmed in C6 cells. Conclusion and Implications In summary, all psychedelics tested were unbiased, partial 5-HT2A receptor agonists. Importantly, the non-psychedelics lisuride and TBG were discriminated from psychedelics, not through biased signalling but rather by relatively low efficacy. Thus, 5-HT2A receptor signalling efficacy and not bias provides a possible explanation for why some 5-HT2A receptor agonists are not psychedelic.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR868508","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics: A new era of treatment?
authors: Torres S.
publication_date: 2021-08-12
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9475866
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Introduction Psychedelics - including LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin, DMT (N, N-dimethyltryptamine), ayahuasca and mescaline - have an ancient history across various civilizations. In 1950, after LSD’s discovery by Hofmann, psychedelics enjoyed a short-lived relationship with psychiatry, before prohibitive legislature emerging in response to the recreational use in the mid-1960s. However, the last decade has witnessed a renewed scientific interest in psychedelics - a phenomenon referred to as the ‘Psychedelic Renaissance’. Objectives Review the pharmacology of psychedelic drugs and the latest evidence of its therapeutic potentials in anxiety, mood and addictive disorders. Methods Literature review performed on PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the keywords “psychedelics”, “hallucinogens”, “d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)”, “psilocybin”, “ayahuasca”, “mescaline”, “DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine)”. Results The psychedelics or “classic hallucinogens” can be subdivided into three sub-classes: the plant-derived tryptamines (psilocybin and ibogaine) and phenethylamines (mescaline), and the semisynthetic ergolines (LSD). The therapeutic potentials are mediated by an agonist action on 5-HT2A receptors expressed in frontal and paralimbic structures involved in mood and emotion regulation, introspection, interoception and self-consciousness. Stimulation of 5-HT2ARincreases the glutamatergic tone and neuroplasticity and is accompanied by reduced amygdala activity, reducing anxiety. Experimental, open-label, and RCTs showed anxiolytic, antidepressive, and antiaddictive effects with psychedelics. As examples, psilocybin and LSD reduced anxiety and depression in cancer patients and symptoms of alcohol and tobacco dependence, and ayahuasca reduced depression in treatment-resistant depression. Conclusions Despite the promising effects of psychedelics on anxiety, depression and addiction, the evidence is still preliminary, waiting for long-term studies with bigger samples. Conflict of interest No significant relationships.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Neuroplasticity,Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Emotional Processing,Randomized Controlled Trial,Review Article,Cancer Patients,Treatment-Resistant Depression

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC9475866","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-06-06
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/bvk2f_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Personality Change,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"bvk2f_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
5-MeO-DMT in the complete resolution of the consequences of chronic, severe sexual abuse in early childhood-a retrospective case study

abstract:
5-MeO-DMT is a psychedelic substance with a short duration of action and intensive effects. Its therapeutic efficacy and practicality may significantly surpass those of classical psychedelics such as ayahuasca and LSD. This retrospective ethnographic inquiry features a woman in her mid-thirties who witnessed her mother's violent suicide and its bloody aftermath at the age of three. Before and after that, her childhood was characterized by domestic violence and sexual abuse perpetrated by several members of her family and extended family. In her twenties and thirties, she dated a member of the local mafia with the intention of asking him to kill her father, who had been the main perpetrator of the sexual abuse and violence. This plan was eventually not carried out, but it reflected her deep bitterness and wrath. A process initiated in her early thirties involving four 5-MeO-DMT sessions and a few additional sessions with psilocybin and ayahuasca in the course of two years completely resolved her symptoms related to the abuses, to the extent that she could rebuild a functional relationship with her father and feel love and compassion towards him. This outcome, i.e., the complete reversal of her attitude and emotions towards her father, appeared highly unusual. For the last three years, the outcome had remained stable. The article also presents the perspective of a female facilitator of this treatment process. The article contributes to a better understanding of the use of 5-MeO-DMT in severe traumatization as well as exemplifies the possible positive contributions of actors who are not medical professionals in resolving deep collective traumatization in societies.

keywords:
5-MeO-DMT, ayahuasca, bufo, childhood sexual abuse, C-PTSD, domestic violence, nonduality, psilocybin, psychedelics, psychedelic therapy, PTSD, rape, reactivation, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Developmental Psychology, Early Childhood, Forensic and Legal Psychology, Social and Personality Psychology, Violence and Aggression, Sexuality, Clinical Psychology, Trauma and Stress


authors: Calder A, Hasler G.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-06-06
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/um2cy
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/um2cy
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Validation of the Swiss Psychedelic Side Effects Inventory: Standardized assessment of adverse effects in studies of psychedelics and MDMA

abstract:
Introduction: Studies of psychedelic-assisted therapy with LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and related substances show clinical promise but inadequately assess side effects. Measuring side effects is challenging because they are not always easily differentiated from treatment effects or disease symptoms and show high heterogeneity, variable duration and impact, and sensitivity to context. A systematic questionnaire describing important characteristics of side effects of psychedelics and MDMA would greatly improve on previous methods. We aimed to create a standardized tool for recording clinically relevant side effects of psychedelics and MDMA, including their severity, duration, impact, and treatment-relatedness. Methods: We constructed the Swiss Psychedelic Side Effects Inventory (SPSI) based on insights from previous research. It was pilot tested in 145 participants from three studies. Structured feedback from an expert panel was used to improve validity and feasibility. Results: The final SPSI contains 32 side effects and standardized follow-up questions about their severity, impact, treatment-relatedness, and duration. It is compatible with any study design and can be administered as an interview or self-report at any timepoint after treatment with psychedelics or MDMA.Limitations: The SPSI omits relatively unimportant side effects for brevity’s sake, though space for additional symptoms is given. Future studies are needed to confirm its validity in different contexts. Conclusions: The SPSI is available in English and German for collecting systematic data on side effects from psychedelics and MDMA. This information is vital for improving clinical decisions, informed consent, and patient safety.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR864350","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Statistical diversity distinguishes global states of consciousness
authors: Starkey J, Carhart-Harris RL, Pigorini A, Nobili L, Barrett AB.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2023-12-06
doi: 10.1101/2023.12.05.570101
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.05.570101
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Application of complexity measures to neurophysiological time series has seen increased use in recent years to identify neural correlates of global states of consciousness. Lempel-Ziv complexity is currently the de-facto complexity measure used in these investigations. However, by simply counting the number of patterns, this measure theoretically takes its maximum value for data that are completely random. Recently, a measure of ‘statistical complexity’ - which calculates the diversity of statistical interactions - has been devised which aims to account for and remove randomness seen in data. It was recently found that this measure decreases during anaesthesia in fruit flies. This paper investigates this statistical complexity measure on human neurophysiology data from different stages of sleep, and from individuals under the effects of three psychedelic substances: ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and psilocybin. Results indicate that statistical complexity: (i) differentiates the different stages of sleep analogously to Lempel-Ziv complexity; (ii) increases relative to placebo for all three psychedelic substances. Thus, statistical complexity is a useful alternative measure for investigating the complexity of neural activity associated with different states of consciousness.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR770814","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-05-25
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/y8sb7_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"y8sb7_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Resetting the Hippocampal Buffer: A Neurocognitive Account of Psychedelic Therapy for Anxiety-Related Psychopathology

abstract:
Psychedelics (hallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonists such as psilocybin) are gaining recognition for their potential to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety-related psychopathology. Despite early promising results, the mechanisms by which psychedelic therapy alleviates anxiety are not well understood. Here, we review neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying anxiety-related psychopathology and the impact of psychedelics on these mechanisms. This review culminates in a novel neurocognitive model of how psychedelics promote long-term anxiolysis. We conceptualize anxiety-related psychopathology as a case in which anxiety-related contextual information provided by the hippocampus entrains the amygdala and salience network to bias processing toward anxiety-related information that “refills” the hippocampus and perpetuates this cycle, due to 5-HT2A expression on excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the cortex and hippocampus, respectively. Psychedelics acutely free cortical networks from hippocampal-dependent contextual constraints in part through 5-HT2A expression on excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the cortex and hippocampus, respectively, while the intrinsic plasticity of the hippocampus and/or psychedelic-mediated plasticity allows for a “resetting of the hippocampal buffer.” As the acute effects wane, increased cortical plasticity may enable the hippocampus to adaptively integrate novel information into a contextual frame that is less biased or constrained by prior aversive conditioning, thus promoting an overall reduction in anxious thoughts and appraisals. We end by discussing potential challenges of psychedelic therapy for anxiety, including that psychedelics can acutely increase anxiety, and suggest directions for future research to determine the optimal treatment paths informed by cognitive neuroscience.

keywords:
anxiety, clinical neuroscience, hippocampus, psychedelics, psychedelic therapy, Psychiatry, Neuroscience


publication_date: 2025-01-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11814968
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
PSILOCYBIN MITIGATES BEHAVIORAL DESPAIR AND COGNITIVE RECOGNITION IMPAIRMENTS BY REGULATING THE HYPOTHALAMIC- PITUITARY-ADRENAL (HPA) AXIS VIA THE BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR (BDNF) SIGNALING PATHWAY MEDIATED BY THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS)

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC11814968","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Ahuja S, Zaher F, Palaniyappan L.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2024-07-09
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4534997/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4534997/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Quantitative Natural Language Processing Markers of Psychoactive Drug Effects: A Pre-Registered Systematic Review

abstract:
Abstract Psychoactive substances used for recreational purposes have mind-altering effects, but systematic evaluation of these effects is largely limited to self-reports. Automated analysis of expressed language (speech and written text) using Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools can provide objective readouts of mental states. In this pre-registered systematic review, we investigate findings from the emerging field of computational linguistics in substance use with specific focus on identifying short-term effects of psychoactive drugs. From the literature identified to date, we note that all the studied drugs - stimulants, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine, and psychedelics - affect language production. Based on two or more studies per substance, we note some emerging patterns: stimulants increase verbosity; LSD reduces the lexicon; MDMA increases semantic proximity to emotional words; psilocybin increases positive sentiment; and cannabis affects speech stream acoustics. Ketamine and other drugs are understudied regarding NLP features (one or no studies). One study provided externally validated support for NLP and machine learning-based identification of MDMA intoxication. We could not undertake a meta-analysis due to the high degree of heterogeneity among outcome measures and the lack of sufficient number of studies. We identify a need for harmonised speech tasks to improve replicability and comparability, standardisation of methods for curating and analysing speech and text data, theory-driven inquiries, and the need for developing a shared Substance Use Language Corpus for data mining. The growing field of computational linguistics can be leveraged in the service of human behavioural pharmacology to study psychoactive substances through concerted efforts to achieve consistency in research methods.

topic_tags:
Addiction,Pharmacology,Biomarkers,Emotional Processing,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR879311","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Treating addiction with psychedelics - are we waking up?
authors: Miranda J, Barbosa M, Figueiredo I, Mota P, Tarelho A.
publication_date: 2021-08-12
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9480123
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Introduction Classic psychedelics have been administered in sacramental contexts since ancient times. They were of prominent interest within psychiatry and neuroscience in the 1950s to 1960s, but the association between classic psychedelics and the emerging counterculture put an end to their research. Modern research with classic psychedelics has reinitiated interest in the treatment of both cancer-related distress and addiction, with really promising results. Objectives We aim to provide a review about history and new insights regarding research with psychedelics specially as treatment of addictive disorders. Methods A framing analysis of articles, searched on Pubmed (articles between 2010-2020) with the key words: “ psychedelics”, “psilocybin”, “substance use disorder”, “addiction”. Results Classic psychedelics are 5HT2AR agonists such as LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. They were shown to occasion mystical experiences, which are experiences reported throughout different cultures and religions involving a strong sense of unity. These experiences are scientifically important because they appear to cause abrupt and sustained changes in behavior and perception, that can be very useful in the substance use disorder field. From this analysis is possible to understand that the use of psychadelics in the treatment of some addictions is currently at an early stage of research. However, they show interesting results with no clinically significant adverse events when risk individuals are excluded. Conclusions In comparison to psychedelic research about cancer-related psychological distress, studies with addictions are less developed, but if they continue to suggest safety and efficacy, may be the use of psilocybin for the treatment of specific addiction can happen in a close future.

topic_tags:
Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Mystical Experience,Review Article,Cancer Patients,Safety,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC9480123","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Altered trajectories in the dynamical repertoire of functional network states under psilocybin
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2018-07-24
doi: 10.1101/376491
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/376491
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Consciousness,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
authors:
Lord L, Expert P, Atasoy S, Roseman L, Rapuano K, Lambiotte R, Nutt DJ, Deco G, Carhart-Harris RL, Kringelbach ML, Cabral J.

abstract:
Brain activity can be understood as the exploration of a dynamical landscape of activity configurations over both space and time. This dynamical landscape may be defined in terms of spontaneous transitions within a repertoire of discrete metastable states of functional connectivity (FC), which underlie different mental processes. However, it remains unclear how the brain’s dynamical landscape might be changed in altered states of consciousness, such as the psychedelic state. The present study investigated changes in the brain’s dynamical repertoire in an fMRI dataset of healthy participants intravenously injected with the psychedelic compound psilocybin, which is found in “magic mushrooms”. We employed a data-driven approach to study brain dynamics in the psychedelic state, which focuses on the dominant FC pattern captured by the leading eigenvector of dynamic FC matrices, and enables the identification of recurrent FC patterns (“FC-states”), and their transition profiles over time. We found that a FC state closely corresponding to the fronto-parietal control system was strongly destabilized in the psychedelic state, while transitions toward a globally synchronized FC state were enhanced. These differences between brain state trajectories in normal waking consciousness and the psychedelic state suggest that the latter biases a global mode of functional integration at the expense of locally segregated activity in specific networks. These results provide a mechanistic perspective on subjective quality of the psychedelic experience, and further raise the possibility that mapping the brain’s dynamical landscape may help guide pharmacological interventions in neuropsychiatric disorders.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR45786","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-29
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/8ncj6_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"8ncj6_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Alterations to self consciousness during mindfulness meditation and Flotation REST a comparative study

abstract:
Flotation-Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) and mindfulness meditation (MM) are known to induce altered states of consciousness (ASC) and self-consciousness. In this study, we use a phenomenological and predictive processing (PP) framework to compare the interventions alongside the psychedelic experience. Ego-dissolution scores were greater than ego-inflation scores in both groups and Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) scores lay between those elicited by low and high dose psilocybin. The weakening of perceived body boundaries was predictive of increased ego-dissolution and MEQ_Total score in the MM group only. Having an existing meditation practice was associated with increased ASC in the MM group. Past psychedelic use did not predict the degree of ASC, but ‘openness to experience’ did. Our findings suggest that a combination of validated measures and phenomenological analysis proves illuminating in describing the rich phenomenological space occasioned by MM and flotation-REST, and for exploring the relationship between different aspects of consciousness.

keywords:
Altered states, ASC, Flotation-REST, Meditation, Predcitive processing, Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience


title: Psychedelics for depression: from neurobiology to treatment
authors: Kuypers K.
publication_date: 2023-07-18
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10417770
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Abstract Decades ago, the classical psychedelics psilocybin and LSD entered the therapeutic setting and already then showed their therapeutic potential in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. For thousands of years another psychedelic, ayahuasca, is being used by tribes in western Amazonia for healing and divination, and in recent years its use has expanded worldwide. Research into the therapeutic potential of these substances has re-emerged and (preliminary) findings are promising, showing that after one or two administrations remission is reached in depressed patients that were labeled as treatment-resistant. This is a remarkable finding as the therapeutic effects of treatment with conventional pharmacological agents like SSRIs take longer to lead to remission, with one-third of the patients failing to reach this stage. The fast onset of positive therapeutic effects by psychedelics increases the interest to discover the mechanism of action behind this. There is a debate about the importance of the psychological experience caused by these agents in the therapeutic outcome, while science also tries to understand the neurobiological correlates. The latter will be addressed in my talk and I will link it to psychedelics’ therapeutic effects. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC10417770","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics Use and the Risk of Reduced Formal Mental Health Care
authors: Viña S.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2024-05-12
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4378944/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4378944/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study,Safety,Drug Interactions
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Abstract Background: Due to increasing cultural and legal acceptance of psychedelics, there is a need to understand their potential influence on formal mental health care. This paper examines the connection between psychedelics, distress, and treatment utilization. Are psychedelic users less likely to use formal mental health care? Methods This study tests the relationship between psychedelics use (MDMA, Psilocybin, DMT, Ayahuasca, Peyote/Mescaline, and LSD) on stigma, psychological distress (K6), and formal mental health care use (medication, outpatient, and any use). This project also tests the impact of one measure of classic psychedelics (LCPU) use on distress and care. This project uses pooled data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2010 to 2018) (N=458,372). Results The analysis involved conducting a series of nested logistic regression models in Stata 18. The results provided evidence of an independent association between psychedelics use and a decreased likelihood of using mental health medication, outpatient treatment, and any formal mental health care. Additionally, the interaction terms revealed that as distress levels increase, psychedelics users are even less inclined to seek formal mental health care compared to non-psychedelic users. Conclusion Overall, the results suggest psychedelic users are less likely to use formal mental health care, even when they are particularly distress, indicating a heightened societal risk of self-medication as these drugs become more widely available.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR852229","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The entropic heart: Tracking the psychedelic state via heart rate dynamics
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2023-11-08
doi: 10.1101/2023.11.07.566008
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.07.566008
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Biomarkers
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
authors:
Rosas FE, Mediano PA, Timmermann C, Luppi AI, Candia-Rivera D, Abbasi-Asl R, Gazzaley A, Kringelbach ML, Muthukumaraswamy S, Bor D, Garfinkel S, Carhart-Harris RL.

abstract:
A growing body of work shows that autonomic signals provide a privileged evidence-stream to capture various aspects of subjective and neural states. This work investigates the potential for autonomic markers to track the effects of psychedelics - potent psychoactive drugs with important scientific and clinical value. For this purpose, we introduce a novel Bayesian framework to estimate the entropy of heart rate dynamics under psychedelics. We also calculate Bayesian estimates of mean heart rate and heart rate variability, and investigate how these measures relate to subjective reports and neural effects. Results on datasets covering four drugs - lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), psilocybin, and sub-anaesthetic doses of the dissociative agent ketamine - show consistent increases in mean heart rate, high-frequency heart rate variability, and heart rate entropy during the psychedelic experience. Moreover, these effects have predictive power over various dimensions of the psychedelic experience. Changes in heart rate entropy were found to be correlated with increases in brain entropy, while other autonomic markers were not. Overall, our results show that a cost-efficient autonomic measure has the potential to reveal surprising detail about subjective and brain states, opening up a range of new research avenues to explore in both basic and clinical neuroscience.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR756922","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Set and Setting: A Randomized Study of Different Musical Genres in Supporting Psychedelic Therapy
authors: Strickland JC, Garcia-Romeu A, Johnson M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-12-28
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/f5dmt
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/f5dmt
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Mystical Experience
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Mounting evidence supports the serotonin 2A receptor agonist psilocybin as a psychiatric pharmacotherapy. Little research has experimentally examined how session “set and setting” impacts subjective and therapeutic effects. We analyzed effects of musical genre played during sessions of a psilocybin study for tobacco smoking cessation. Participants (N=10) received psilocybin (20-30mg/70kg) in two sessions, each with a different genre (Western classical versus overtone-based), with order counterbalanced. Participants chose one genre for a third session (30mg/70kg). Mystical experiences scores tended to be higher in overtone-based than Western classical sessions. Six of ten participants chose overtone-based music for a third session. Biologically-confirmed smoking abstinence was similar based on musical choice, with a slight benefit for participants choosing the overtone-based playlist (66.7% versus 50%). These data call into question whether Western classical music typically used in psychedelic therapy holds unique benefit. Broadly, they call for experimentally examining session components toward optimizing psychedelic therapeutic protocols.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR323964","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2024-06-24
doi: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599885
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.06.20.599885
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Consciousness
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Ketamine-Induced Unresponsiveness Shows a Harmonic Shift from Global to Localised Functional Organisation

authors:
Van Maldegem M, Vohryzek J, Atasoy S, Alnagger N, Cardone P, Bonhomme V, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Demertzi A, Jaquet O, Bahri MA, Kringelbach ML, Stamatakis EA, Luppi AI.

abstract:
Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anaesthetic that, in sub-anaesthetic doses, can produce an altered state of consciousness characterised by dissociative symptoms, visual and auditory hallucinations, and perceptual distortions. Given the anaesthetic-like and psychedelic-like nature of this compound, it is expected to have different effects on brain dynamics in anaesthetic doses than in low, sub-anaesthetic doses. We investigated this question using connectome harmonic decomposition (CHD), a recently developed method to decompose brain activity in terms of the network organisation of the underlying human structural connectome. Previous research using this method has revealed connectome harmonic signatures of consciousness and responsiveness, with increased influence of global network structure in disorders of consciousness and propofol-induced sedation, and increased influence of localised patterns under the influence of classic psychedelics and sub-anaesthetic doses of ketamine, as compared to normal wakefulness. When we applied the CHD analytical framework to resting-state fMRI data of volunteers during ketamine-induced unresponsiveness, we found increased prevalence of localised harmonics, reminiscent of altered states of consciousness. This is different from traditional GABAergic sedation, where instead the prevalence of global rather than localised harmonics seems to increase with higher doses. In addition, we found that ketamine’s harmonic signature shows higher alignment with those seen in LSD- or psilocybin-induced psychedelic states than those seen in unconscious individuals, whether due to propofol sedation or brain injury. Together, the results indicate that ketamine-induced unresponsiveness, which does not necessarily suppress conscious experience, seems to influence the prevalence of connectome harmonics in the opposite way compared to GABAergic hypnotics. We conclude that the CHD framework offers the possibility to track alterations in conscious awareness (e.g., dreams, sensations) rather than behavioural responsiveness - a discovery made possible by ketamine’s unique property of decoupling these two facets.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR872399","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Et psykoanalytisk og et postmoderne perspektiv på selv/egoopløsning i en psykedelisk kontekst
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-01-03
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/f26ce_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Pharmacology,Personality Change,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"f26ce_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Self or ego dissolution (SED) is a recurring, yet vaguely defined phenomenon often associated with positive therapeutic outcomes within clinical research on classic psychedelic substances. The aim of this thesis is to achieve a deeper understanding and improve terminological clarity of SED in a psychedelic context, here defined as research settings in which moderate to high doses of psilocybin are administered. SED is investigated from two different psychological perspectives to demonstrate how different understandings of the self and ego can contribute differently to the understanding of SED. Firstly, Freud’s theory of the subject constitutes a psychoanalytical perspective, which focuses on intra- and intersubjective processes in the constitution of the subject. Secondly, Rose’s theory of the subject constitutes a postmodern perspective, which focuses on contextual processes in the constitution of the subject. A qualitative systematic review (SR) is conducted to apply these theories analytically to empirical data on SED. The SR consists of 10 studies containing qualitative descriptions of subjects’ experiences with SED in a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapeutic (PAP) context. A thematic analysis of the subjects’ experiences is presented, and synthesized into four meta-themes that describe recurring characteristics of SED. These are 1) a stronger feeling of essence, 2) a greater feeling of connection, 3) a different bodily experience, and 4) a challenging but eventually blissful or meaningful experience. On the basis of the psychoanalytic analysis, it is suggested that SED can be understood as related to changes in the boundaries of the meta-psychological I and regression to primary processes including the fantasy and the skin ego. Additionally, based on the postmodern analysis it is suggested that SED can be understood as influenced by an unusual psy-context. Critical reflections on how the thesis contributes to the understanding of SED are presented and the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen theories and empirical data are discussed, specifically regarding interpretation bias, generalizability, data extraction, validity, causality, and eclecticism. It is concluded that the thesis provides insights important to psychological understandings of SED, insights that have potential clinical relevance. However, it is also argued that the investigation highlights that SED is a phenomenon that is difficult to capture and therefore should be investigated further from alternative psychological perspectives.

keywords:
ego dissolution, postmodern theory, psilocybin, psychedelics, psychoanalytic theory, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Intervention Research, Substance Abuse and Addiction, Clinical Neuropsychology, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience, Therapy, Psychotherapy, Social and Personality Psychology, Self and Social Identity, Psychopharmacology


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-06-09
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/adnpg_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"adnpg_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Who believes psychedelic-assisted therapies work? Risky cannabis use and other factors are associated with positive treatment-outcome expectancies

abstract:
Introduction: Treatment-outcome expectancies are an individual’s beliefs about how a medical or psychological intervention will affect them and others. These response expectancies represent serious potential confounds to clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapies for a variety of conditions because of difficulties associated with blinding psychedelic trials. On the other hand, expectancies also represent opportunities for practitioners to promote desired clinical outcomes. Therefore, a stronger understanding of factors associated with positive treatment-outcome expectancies for psychedelics could be useful to both scientists and clinicians. Method: The present study examined treatment-outcome expectancies for psychedelic-assisted therapies with psilocybin or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) among undergraduates (73% female, 81% White, 30% Hispanic, and 22% psychedelic-experienced; Mage = 19.95 years, median = 19.0, SD = 3.14). A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to test the hypothesis that riskier alcohol, cannabis, and other substance use would be associated with more positive treatment-outcome expectancies. Results: Consistent with our hypothesis, riskier cannabis use was significantly associated with more positive expectancies. However, neither riskier drinking nor other drug use were significant predictors. Prior engagement with psychedelic-related media and exposure to other peoples’ psychedelic experiences also predicted treatment-outcome expectancies. Conclusion: Individuals with riskier cannabis use may hold stronger beliefs in the transdiagnostic effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapies. This suggests that clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted interventions for cannabis use disorder may be particularly vulnerable to expectancy-related confounds. Psychedelic-therapy practitioners treating patients with risky cannabis use may consider patients’ beliefs in the effectiveness of psychedelics when discussing treatment options and delivering psychedelic interventions.

keywords:
cannabis use disorder, internal validity, placebo effects, psychedelic-assisted therapy, treatment-outcome expectancy, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Decision Making, Substance Abuse and Addiction, Depressive Disorders, Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychopharmacology


title: Is Microdosing a Placebo?
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-03
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/3ykst_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Personality Change
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"3ykst_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Some recent research and commentary have suggested that most or all the effects reported by people who microdose psychedelics may be explained by expectations or placebo effects. Here we step through all the available evidence from dose-controlled studies that have investigated the effects of low doses of LSD and psilocybin. We suggest eight reasons why current claims that microdosing is predominately a placebo are premature and possibly wrong: 1) there have been only a small number of controlled studies; 2) studies have had small sample sizes; 3) there is evidence of dose-dependent effects; 4) studies have only investigated the effects of a small number of doses; 5) the doses investigated may have been too small; 6) studies have looked only at non-clinical populations; 7) studies so far have been susceptible to selection bias; and 8) the measured impact of expectancy is small. Considering the available evidence, we conclude that it is not yet possible to determine whether microdosing is a placebo.

keywords:
expectation, hallucinogen, low dose, LSD, microdosing, placebo, psilocybin, psychedelics, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Social and Personality Psychology, Psychology, other, Cognitive Psychology, Health Psychology


title: Is Microdosing a Placebo?
authors: Polito V, Liknaitzky P.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-03
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/3ykst
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/3ykst
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Some recent research and commentary have suggested that most or all the effects reported by people who microdose psychedelics may be explained by expectations or placebo effects. Here we step through all the available evidence from dose-controlled studies that have investigated the effects of low doses of LSD and psilocybin. We suggest eight reasons why current claims that microdosing is predominately a placebo are premature and possibly wrong: 1) there have been only a small number of controlled studies; 2) studies have had small sample sizes; 3) there is evidence of dose-dependent effects; 4) studies have only investigated the effects of a small number of doses; 5) the doses investigated may have been too small; 6) studies have looked only at non-clinical populations; 7) studies so far have been susceptible to selection bias; and 8) the measured impact of expectancy is small. Considering the available evidence, we conclude that it is not yet possible to determine whether microdosing is a placebo.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR671196","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-08
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/auycp_v1
keywords: Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"auycp_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Naturalistic Psilocybin Use Increases Mind Perception but not Atheist-Believer status: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

abstract:
Recent studies suggest psychedelic use may be associated with changes in a variety of beliefs or belief-like states, including increased 1) mind perception, 2) non-naturalistic beliefs, and 3) Atheist-Believer status (e.g., believer, agnostic, or non-believer). We conducted a prospective longitudinal study among participants (N = 657) who planned to have a psychedelic experience. We asked participants about their beliefs concerning mind perception of various entities, specific metaphysical positions, and Atheist-Believer status both before and after their experience. Replicating previous findings, we observed increases in mind perception across a variety of living and non-living targets (e.g., plants, animals). However, we found little to no change in metaphysical beliefs (e.g., dualism) or Atheist-Believer status. Taken together, these findings contrast with those from cross-sectional studies that psychedelic experiences result in changes to Atheist-Believer status and non-naturalistic beliefs but support the relevance of mind perception and mentalization.


authors: Nayak SM, White SH, Hilbert S, Lowe MX, Jackson H, Griffiths RR, Garcia-Romeu A, Yaden DB.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-08
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/auycp_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/auycp_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Naturalistic Psilocybin Use Increases Mind Perception but not Atheist-Believer status: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

abstract:
Recent studies suggest psychedelic use may be associated with changes in a variety of beliefs or belief-like states, including increased 1) mind perception, 2) non-naturalistic beliefs, and 3) Atheist-Believer status (e.g., believer, agnostic, or non-believer). We conducted a prospective longitudinal study among participants (N = 657) who planned to have a psychedelic experience. We asked participants about their beliefs concerning mind perception of various entities, specific metaphysical positions, and Atheist-Believer status both before and after their experience. Replicating previous findings, we observed increases in mind perception across a variety of living and non-living targets (e.g., plants, animals). However, we found little to no change in metaphysical beliefs (e.g., dualism) or Atheist-Believer status. Taken together, these findings contrast with those from cross-sectional studies that psychedelic experiences result in changes to Atheist-Believer status and non-naturalistic beliefs but support the relevance of mind perception and mentalization.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1036094","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Manuel de Yale pour la Thérapie de la Dépression Assistée par la Psilocybine
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-11-14
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/r96tc_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"r96tc_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
This is the French translation of the Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression. Le Manuel de Yale pour le traitement thérapeutique de la dépression assisté par la psilocybine fournit aux chercheurs et aux thérapeutes des méthodes, une structure et des domaines à prendre en compte concernant l'utilisation de la thérapie assistée par les psychédéliques dans le traitement du Trouble dépressif majeur (TDM). En particulier, ce manuel illustre un mode d'utilisation de la Thérapie d'acceptation et d'engagement (ACT) en tant que cadre thérapeutique pour le traitement de la dépression assisté par la psilocybine.

keywords:
acceptance and commitment therapy, depression, major depression, major depressive disorder, psilocybin, psychedelics, psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Depressive Disorders


authors: Husain M, Blumberger D, Castle D, Kloiber S, Ortiz A, Rosenblat J, Mulsant B.
publication_date: 2023-07-18
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10660879
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Randomized Controlled Trial
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
A proof-of concept randomized controlled trial to show that the antidepressant effect of psilocybin does not require a psychedelic experience: study protocol

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC10660879","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Do undergraduates’ views of psychedelics relate to the context for psychedelic use?
authors: Petrovitch D, Van Allen J, Mitchell SM, Littlefield AK.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-04-23
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/xnu5c
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/xnu5c
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Observational Study,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Background. Psychedelic drug policy is beginning to change, both in the U.S. and internationally. However, psychedelic use is not homogeneous, as there are multiple unique contexts for use, including clinical therapies, naturalistic use, and microdosing. There are notable differences between these contexts regarding emerging evidence for therapeutic efficacy, user safety, likely future legality, and other important characteristics. We compared psychedelic-naïve undergraduates’ views (expectancies, perceptions of benefits, and perceptions of harms) of psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) across each context, assessed via multiple item pools. Methods. Item-level data were analyzed using non-parametric methods, correcting for multiple comparisons. Participants were 277 psychedelic-naïve undergraduates (75.81% female; 81.95% White; 76.17% non-Hispanic), with a mean age of approximately 19.50 years (SD = 2.01). Results. Only 19 out of 79 omnibus tests assessing views of psychedelics across contexts were statistically significant; when participants’ views of psychedelics were context dependent, they generally had the most positive views of clinical contexts, then microdosing, and, lastly, naturalistic contexts. Conclusion. This indicates that psychedelic-naïve undergraduates make limited distinctions between contexts for psychedelic use, suggesting that a) researchers should define the type of use they intend to study as explicitly as possible when surveying psychedelic-naïve populations and b) in the U.S., psychedelic-naïve undergraduates may benefit from education about differences between contexts, especially considering their potential to impact public policy. Future work should extend these findings to undergraduates (i.e., potential voters) from different U.S. states and international countries to better understand emerging policy phenomena surrounding psychedelics.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR843121","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-07-27
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/tmeb3_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Personality Change,Veterans
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"tmeb3_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Embracing Change: Impermanence Acceptance Mediates Differences in Death Processing Between Ayahuasca Users and Non-users

abstract:
Background: How the human psyche interacts with the theme of death is fundamental to individual and societal life, profoundly influencing cognition, affect, and behavior. Death-related psychological phenomena, such as death anxiety and acceptance, have been shown in clinical studies to be influenced by psychedelic (LSD and psilocybin) interventions. However, the literature lacks a comprehensive assessment of death-related processes in non-clinical settings, the mechanisms underlying long-term changes, and in particular, the effects of ayahuasca-a potent Amazonian psychedelic brew-on these dimensions. Methods: The present cross-sectional study addresses these issues by comprehensively investigating death processing, candidate mechanisms-of-change, and their predictors, in ayahuasca veterans (N=54) compared to non-users (N=53). For this purpose, a battery of questionnaires and behavioral measures targeting various aspects of death processing were employed. These included fear and anxiety of death, death acceptance, death-avoidant behaviors, and accessibility of death thoughts. Tested mediators included personality, ontological afterlife beliefs, trait mindfulness and the construct of impermanence awareness and acceptance. Results: The findings demonstrated lower levels of death anxiety, avoidant behavior and explicit and implicit fear-of-death, as well as greater acceptance of death, for ayahuasca veterans. Mediation analyses revealed that these group differences were not due to demographics, personality, trait mindfulness, ontological beliefs, or impermanence awareness, but rather to impermanence acceptance. Finally, within the ayahuasca group, lifetime ego dissolution experiences, but not ayahuasca intake habits, predicted degree of impermanence acceptance. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate robust and multi-dimensional differences in how death is processed by ayahuasca veterans relative to non-psychedelic users. In contrast to literature suggestions, degree of impermanence acceptance but not ontological beliefs are shown to be the underlying mechanisms-of-change. Finally, the findings support the role of acute subjective ayahuasca experiences in inducing long-term effects. Future (psychedelic and non-psychedelic) interventions can directly target impermanence acceptance for effectively managing existential terror.

keywords:
ayahuasca, psychedelics, death acceptance, death anxiety, fear of death, impermanence, ego dissolution, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology


title: Aesthetic Chills Mitigate Maladaptive Cognition In Depression
authors: Schoeller F, Jain A, Adrien V, Maes P, Reggente N.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2023-11-13
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3582420/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3582420/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Emotional Processing,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Background: Depression is a major global health challenge, affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Current pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions have limited efficacy, underscoring the need for novel approaches. Emerging evidence suggests that peak emotional experiences characterized by awe, transcendence, and meaning hold promise for rapidly shifting maladaptive cognitive patterns in depression. Aesthetic chills, a peak positive emotion characterized by physical sensations such as shivers and goosebumps, may influence reward-related neural pathways and hold promise for modifying core maladaptive beliefs rooted in early adverse experiences. Methods We enrolled 96 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. A validated database of multimedia known to elicit chills responses (ChillsDB) was used for stimulus presentation. Participants' emotional responses were assessed using the Emotional Breakthrough Inventory (EBI), while shifts in self-schema were measured via the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ). Results The study found that chill-inducing stimuli have the potential to positively influence the core schema of individuals with depression, impacting areas of self-related beliefs. The associated phenomenology triggered by chills appears to share similarities with the altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelic substances like psilocybin. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest that the biological processes involved in aesthetic chills could be harnessed as a non-pharmacological intervention for depression. However, further investigation is necessary to comprehensively understand the neurophysiological responses to chills and to evaluate the practicality, effectiveness, and safety of utilizing aesthetic chills as a preventive measure in mental health care.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR759273","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2024-04-21
doi: 10.1101/2024.04.19.590212
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.19.590212
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Animal Study
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
The selective 5-HT2A receptor agonist LPH-5 induces persistent and robust antidepressant-like effects in rodents

authors:
Jensen AA, Cecchi CR, Hibicke M, Bach AH, Kaadt E, Märcher-Rørsted E, Nichols CD, Elfving B, Kristensen JL.

abstract:
ABSTRACT Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has over the last decade emerged as a promising treatment strategy for mental health disease, and the therapeutic potential in classical psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD and 5-MeO-DMT is presently being pursued in a plethora of clinical trials. However, the resurgent interest in the drugs as therapeutics has also prompted a search for novel agents with more specific pharmacological activities than the rather promiscuous classical psychedelics. Here we present the results of an elaborate preclinical characterization of one such compound, LPH-5 [( S )-3-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidine]. LPH-5 was found to be a potent partial agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2A R) and to exhibit pronounced selectivity for this receptor over the related 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors in a range of functional assays. LPH-5 (0.375 - 12.0 mg/kg, i.p. ) dose-dependently induced head-twitch responses (HTR) in Sprague Dawley rats, with substantial 5-HT2A R engagement being observed at 0.5-1.0 mg/kg. Acute administration of LPH-5 (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) induced robust antidepressant-like effects in Flinders Sensitive Line rats and adrenocorticotropic hormone-treated Sprague Dawley rats, and LPH-5 (0.3 and 1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) induced significant effects in a recently developed Wistar Kyoto rat model proposed to reflect the long-term antidepressant-like effects produced by psychedelics in humans. In conclusion, selective 5-HT2A R activation, as mediated here by LPH- 5, seems to hold antidepressant potential, suggesting that this activity component is key for the beneficial effects of classical psychedelics. Hence, we propose that LPH-5 and other 5-HT2A R- selective agonists could hold potential as therapeutics in psychiatric disease as a new generation of psychedelic-derived antidepressant.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR841168","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Carter D, Reardon I, Swain J, Vando L.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2026-06-01
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9839240/v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9839240/v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Prolonged Grief Symptom Outcomes During At-Home Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis of 503 Adults

abstract:
Abstract Background Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is a clinically distinguishable bereavement-related condition characterized by persistent yearning, identity disruption, and impaired functioning, formalized in DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 (6L72) and empirically distinguishable from but frequently co-occurring with major depressive disorder. Approximately 7 to 10 percent of bereaved adults meet criteria for PGD, with elevated suicide risk and functional impairment. Complicated grief therapy is the targeted psychotherapy most often referenced for prolonged grief, and existing PGD treatments have been studied primarily in specialty academic and clinical settings without examining at-home telehealth delivery. A small psychedelic-grief literature has emerged in psilocybin and ayahuasca observational and pilot studies. Prior real-world ketamine cohorts have characterized depression outcomes without focusing on prolonged grief. Objective This exploratory, hypothesis-generating analysis describes prolonged grief symptom outcomes among adults with clinically elevated baseline grief who received at-home ketamine-assisted therapy through Mindbloom, a telehealth ketamine therapy platform. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 503 bereaved adults with clinically elevated prolonged grief symptoms (PGD-13 Total grief score ≥ 30 at baseline, a pragmatic severity threshold consistent with the score-based caseness cut used in the Shear randomized trials of complicated grief therapy on the predecessor Inventory of Complicated Grief) who confirmed the loss of a significant person on the PGD-13 gating question and received guided at-home sublingual or subcutaneous ketamine-assisted therapy through Mindbloom. Prolonged grief symptoms were assessed using the PGD-13 (mean baseline = 37.18) at post-session 2 (n = 282), post-session 4 (n = 196), and post-session 6 (n = 121). The primary study-defined response was a ≥ 5-point improvement in PGD-13 Total grief score from baseline. We additionally applied an adapted version of a formal Prolonged Grief Disorder caseness algorithm at baseline and post-session 6 to characterize diagnostic remission. Results Mean PGD-13 Total grief score declined from 37.18 at baseline (95% bootstrap CI36.72-37.63) to 31.07 at post-session 2 (mean change − 6.11), 27.61 at post-session 4 (− 9.57), and 25.81 at post-session 6 (− 11.37). Among the 121 post-session 6 completers (24% of the eligible cohort), study-defined response (≥ 5-point improvement) was achieved by 51.8% at post-session 2 (95% Wilson CI46.0-57.5%), 68.4% at post-session 4 (61.6-74.5%), and 76.0% at post-session 6 (67.7-82.8%); any improvement (≥ 1-point) was achieved by 90.1% of post-session 6 completers (83.5-94.2%). The proportion of post-session 6 completers below the score-based threshold of 30 was 63.6% (95% CI54.8-71.7%); 0.8% reported no change and 9.1% reported any worsening. Applying the adapted PGD caseness algorithm, 42.7% of baseline participants met full diagnostic criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder under the ICD-11 duration threshold (95% CI38.5-47.1%); 35.6% met DSM-5-TR criteria (95% CI31.5-39.9%). Among completers who met caseness at baseline, 73.2% no longer met ICD-11 criteria at post-session 6 (n = 41/56; 95% CI60.4-83.0%); 71.1% no longer met DSM-5-TR criteria (n = 32/45; 95% CI56.6-82.3%). In a worst-case sensitivity analysis in which all non-completers were assumed to retain full caseness, the confirmed diagnostic remission rates were 19.1% (ICD-11; 95% CI14.4-24.8%) and 17.9% (DSM-5-TR; 95% CI13.0-24.1%). Item-level analysis revealed that the single largest mean change across the 10 PGD-13 symptom items occurred on the identity/role confusion item (mean 4.12 to 2.64; change − 1.48, 95% bootstrap CI − 1.70 to − 1.24, corresponding to a 35.9% reduction from baseline to post-session 6). In contrast, the emotional pain item most closely overlapping major depressive disorder phenomenology improved 26.4% over the same interval, ranking sixth of ten. Side effects of any type were uncommon (7.4% at post-session 2, 5.6% at post-session 4, 4.1% at post-session 6). Subgroup patterns of larger mean change in more recently bereaved patients were observed (largest at post-session 6 in the 6-to-11-months-since-loss band, mean change − 13.83 points; smallest in the 12-months-or-longer band, − 10.40 points). Conclusions In this retrospective cohort of 503 adults with PGD-13 Total grief score ≥ 30 at baseline receiving at-home ketamine-assisted therapy through Mindbloom, prolonged grief symptoms declined monotonically across post-session timepoints; among the 121 post-session 6 completers, 76% achieved the primary study-defined response (≥ 5-point improvement) and 64% dropped below the score-based threshold of 30. Among completers meeting formal PGD caseness at baseline, the majority (73% under ICD-11, 71% under DSM-5-TR) no longer met diagnostic criteria at post-session 6, and item-level patterns showed the largest improvement on a non-depression-overlapping grief-specific symptom. Observed PGD-13 changes cannot be cleanly disentangled from concurrent depression-symptom changes in this uncontrolled design, because the cohort was treated for depression and the PGD-13 shares symptom content with depression instruments. The observed subgroup gradient runs opposite to what a strict mood-mediation account would predict, though concurrent depression improvement remains a compatible explanation. Randomized controlled trials with PGD-13 (or comparable independent grief instrument) as primary outcome, depression-independent comparator arms, and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings and to characterize the mechanism and durability of any observed effects.

topic_tags:
Depression,Chronic Pain,Emotional Processing,Randomized Controlled Trial,Observational Study,Safety,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1243670","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-03
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/45z7w_v1
keywords: altered experiences, altered states, citizen science, consciousness, Life Sciences
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Aging
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"45z7w_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
The Altered Xperience Project (AXP): Quantitative and Qualitative Data from a Citizen Science Initiative on the Subjective Experience of Altered States of Consciousness

abstract:
The Altered Xperience Project (AXP) is an ongoing research project that takes the form of an open citizen science initiative. Its main goal is to systematically collect and consolidate data on the subjective experiences induced by various consciousness-manipulating techniques (CMTs). These include both psychoactive substances as well as non-pharmacological manoeuvres that induce altered states of consciousness (ASCs); also known as ASC induction methods. AXP aims to build a publicly open repository of psychometric questionnaire data, accompanied by structured open reports. By providing systematically structured and machine-readable data that can be easily accessed by researchers, AXP will complement existing initiatives in this field. This article introduces a proof-of-principle dataset (dataset v1.0) that includes data collected until 05-2022, while the vast majority of the data was collected in the period 03-10-2022 to 13-10-2022. The dataset includes categorised data on low, medium and high doses of alcohol, cannabis, NMDA, and psilocybin. Participation was incentivised by an engaging infographic comparing one's own data with that of other participants. The pilot version of the AXP app was available in English and Spanish, and participants were recruited internationally, mainly through a social media campaign by El gato y la Caja, a citizen science group. The data is made available through the Open Science Framework (OSF): https://osf.io/c3zq5/


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-10-26
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/4gfyd_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Mechanism of Action,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"4gfyd_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
A protocol for a scoping review of psychedelic interventions to alleviate psychological suffering in populations coping with end-of-life issues

abstract:
ABSTRACT Background: Psychedelic substances are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential to ease psychological suffering linked to end-of-life issues. However, amid renewed scientific and public interest, policy remains restrictive. Existing reviews have made progress in synthesizing the results of studies of psychedelic interventions, especially psilocybin, and particularly with regard to their outcomes related to anxiety and depression, long-term effects and safety. Despite this progress, there has been a wide range of both substances and therapeutic approaches in the use of psychedelic interventions in end-of-life populations, of which there has been a paucity of research undertaken to learn from this variety. Aim: The aim of this scoping review is to comprehensively explore the literature on the range of therapeutic psychedelic interventions that have been reported in populations coping with life-threatening illness and the end-of-life. Methods: We will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework for scoping reviews while incorporating updated methodological guidance. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline will be used to organize the search and identification of research focusing on psychedelic interventions, psychological suffering, and end-of-life issues. Data extracted from selected studies will cover intervention details, participant characteristics, measured outcomes, theorised mechanisms, and sociocultural contextual factors. Contribution: The insights gained from this review will be used to inform discussions about the role of psychedelic interventions in populations coping with end-of-life concerns. Ethics and Dissemination: This scoping review does not require ethics approval. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conferences as well as shared with stakeholders.

keywords:
end of life, existential distress, life-threatening illness, psychedelic-assisted therapy, psychedelics, psychological suffering, scoping review protocol, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Therapy


authors: Nayak S, Gukasyan N, Barrett FS, Erowid E, Erowid F, Griffiths RR.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-02-23
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/r726d
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/r726d
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Classic psychedelic coadministration with lithium, but not lamotrigine, is associated with seizures: an analysis of online psychedelic experience reports

abstract:
Introduction: Psychedelics show promise in treating unipolar depression, though patients with bipolar disorder have been excluded from recent psychedelic trials. There is limited information on the use of classic psychedelics (e.g. LSD or psilocybin) in individuals using mood stabilizers to treat bipolar disorder. This is important to know as individuals with bipolar depression may attempt to treat themselves with psychedelics while on a mood stabilizer, particularly given enthusiastic media reports of the efficacy of psilocybin for depression. Methods: This study analyzed reports of classic psychedelics administered with mood stabilizers from three websites (Erowid.org, Shroomery.org, and Reddit.com). Results: Strikingly, 47% of 62 lithium plus psychedelic reports involved seizures and an additional 18% resulted in bad trips while none of 34 lamotrigine reports did. Further, 39% of lithium reports involved medical attention. Most of the lamotrigine reports (65%) but few (8%) of the lithium reports were judged to have no effect on the psychedelic experience. Discussion: Although further research is needed, we provisionally conclude that psychedelic use may pose a significant seizure risk for patients on lithium.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR322793","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and psychiatric disorders: A emerging role
authors: Peixoto C, Santos F, Rego D, Medeiros H.
publication_date: 2021-08-12
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9470409
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Introduction Recently there has been renewal in interest of psychedelic research. Classic psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin and mescaline act pharmacologically as agonists at the 5-HT2A receptor. The entactogens like methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), acts as a serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline agonist. All of these drugs are potential candidates in the treatment of multiple psychiatric illnesses. Objectives The authors intend to review the literature on the clinical application of psychedelic drugs in psychiatric disorders. Methods Non-systematic review of the literature. Results In recent clinical trial the psychedelic is given with psychotherapeutic input. In a supportive setting, psychedelics produced immediate and significant anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects that were endured for several months. Randomized clinical trials support the efficace of psilocybin in the treatment of depression and those with anxiety and depression symptoms provoked by life-threatening cancer. There have also been studies showing efficacy in both alcohol and tobacco dependence. When administered safely LSD can reduce anxiety and have anti-addictive property. Randomized clinical trials support the efficacy of MDMA in the treatment of PTSD. Psychedelics were well-tolerated, few adverse effects have been reported. The most common adverse effects were transient anxiety, short-lived headaches, nausea and mild increases in heart rate and blood pressure, with no persisting adverse effects. Serious adverse events, such as persistent psychosis and suicidality, have not been demonstrated. Conclusions Psychedelics appear to be effective in multiple psychiatric disorders and are well-tolerated, although further evidence is required, to better see they therapeutic potential. Disclosure No significant relationships.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Headache / Migraine,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC9470409","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2022-07-12
doi: 10.1101/2022.07.12.499688
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.07.12.499688
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Mapping Pharmacologically-induced Functional Reorganisation onto the Brain’s Neurotransmitter Landscape

authors:
Luppi AI, Hansen JY, Adapa R, Carhart-Harris RL, Roseman L, Timmermann C, Golkowski D, Golkowski D, Ranft A, Ilg R, Jordan D, Bonhomme V, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Demertzi A, Jaquet O, Bahri MA, Alnagger NL, Cardone P, Peattie ARD, Manktelow AE, de Araujo DB, Sensi SL, Owen AM, Naci L, Menon DK, Misic B, Stamatakis EA.

abstract:
To understand how pharmacological interventions can exert their powerful effects on brain function, we need to understand how they engage the brain’s rich neurotransmitter landscape. Here, we bridge microscale molecular chemoarchitecture and pharmacologically-induced macroscale functional reorganisation, by relating the regional distribution of 19 neurotransmitter receptors and transporters obtained from Positron Emission Tomography, and the regional changes in functional MRI connectivity induced by 10 different mind-altering drugs: propofol, sevoflurane, ketamine, LSD, psilocybin, DMT, ayahuasca, MDMA, modafinil, and methylphenidate. Our results reveal that psychoactive drugs exert their effects on brain function by engaging multiple neurotransmitter systems. The effects of both anaesthetics and psychedelics on brain function are organised along hierarchical gradients of brain structure and function. Finally, we show that regional co-susceptibility to pharmacological interventions recapitulates co-susceptibility to disorder-induced structural alterations. Collectively, these results highlight rich statistical patterns relating molecular chemoarchitecture and drug-induced reorganisation of the brain’s functional architecture.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR518432","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Global species diversity and distribution of the psychedelic fungal genus Panaeolus
authors: Strauss D, Ghosh S, Murray Z, Gryzenhout M.
publication_date: 2023-05-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/AGR/IND608043020
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Review Article
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Psychedelic fungi have received considerable attention recently due to their promising treatment potential of several psychiatric disorders and medical conditions, both in clinical settings but also as a nutraceutical. Besides research, a growing number of companies are developing capacity to conduct research and clinical trials where these fungi and their products can be used, and to provide these fungi to the public market that are rapidly becoming legal across the world. Whereas Psilocybe species are better known as psychedelic fungi, species in Panaeolus are also reputed to contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin and used recreationally. For the novice, there is no contemporary scientific summary of all the species in this genus that are known to be psychedelic, compared to those that are not. The global distribution and species diversity of these brown to white, often inconspicuous mushrooms are also not summarised, nor is it known to what extent DNA sequence data that are needed for identification have been generated for all of the species in this genus. However, psychedelic Panaeolus species are used and moved across the world. This lack of data makes it difficult to regulate bioexploitation and apply law enforcement of these fungi and the compounds they contain, especially seen in the light of the rapid development of the related markets. The aim of this review is to summarise current scientific data and knowledge on the species biodiversity, geographical distribution, extent of sequence data for identification purposes, and the psychedelic potential of species, based on published results. The review revealed where species are mostly known from, while also indicating areas seriously lacking such biodiversity data. A significant degree of study across the world is still needed to confirm which of these species are truly psychedelic and exactly what compounds they can produce.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"IND608043020","source":"AGR","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and Health Behavior Change - Journal of Psychopharmacology (in press)
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-03-23
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/8vks6_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"8vks6_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Healthful behaviors such as maintaining a balanced diet, being physically active, and refraining from smoking have major impacts on the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other serious conditions. The burden of the so-called “lifestyle diseases” - in personal suffering, premature mortality, and public health costs - is considerable. Consequently, interventions designed to promote healthy behaviors are increasingly being studied, e.g. using psychobiological models of behavioral regulation and change. In this article, we explore the notion that psychedelic substances such as psilocybin could be used to assist in promoting positive lifestyle change conducive to good overall health. Psilocybin has a low toxicity, is non-addictive, and has been shown to predict favorable changes in patients with depression, anxiety, and other conditions marked by rigid behavioral patterns, including substance (mis)use. While it is still early days for modern psychedelic science, research is advancing fast and results are promising. Here we describe psychedelics’ proposed mechanisms of action and research findings pertinent to health behavior change science, hoping to generate discussion and new research hypotheses linking the two areas. Therapeutic models including psychedelic experiences and common behavior change methods (e.g., Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing) are already being tested for addiction and eating disorders. We believe this research may soon be extended to help promote improved diet, exercise, nature exposure, and also mindfulness or stress reduction practices, all of which can contribute to physical and psychological health and wellbeing.

keywords:
health behaviour change, interventions, psilocybin, psychedelics, public health, self-determination, therapy, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Health Psychology, Mental Health, Health-related Behavior

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Eating Disorders,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Wellbeing,Safety,Toxicity


title: Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring ‘psychedelic preparedness’
authors: McAlpine R, Blackburne G, Kamboj S.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-04-27
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/gw9jp
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/gw9jp
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Wellbeing,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:51
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Preparing participants for psychedelic experiences is crucial for ensuring these experiences are safe, and potentially, beneficial. However, there is currently no validated measure to assess the extent to which participants are well-prepared for such experiences. Our study aimed to address this gap by developing, validating, and testing the Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS). Using a novel iterative Delphi-focus group methodology (‘DelFo’) followed by qualitative pre-test interviews, we incorporated the perspectives of expert clinicians/researchers and of psychedelic users, to generate items for the scale. Psychometric validation of the PPS was carried out in two large online samples of psychedelic users (N = 516; N = 716), and the scale was also administered to a group of participants before and after a 5-7-day psilocybin retreat (N = 46). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified four factors from the 20-item PPS: Knowledge-Expectations, Intention-Preparation, Psychophysical-Readiness, and Support-Planning. The PPS demonstrated excellent reliability (ω = 0.954) and evidence supporting convergent, divergent and discriminant validity was also obtained. Significant differences between those scoring high and low (on psychedelic preparedness) before the psychedelic experience were found on measures of mental health/wellbeing outcomes assessed after the experience, suggesting that the scale has predictive utility. By prospectively measuring modifiable pre-treatment preparatory behaviours and attitudes using the PPS, it may be possible to determine whether a participant has generated the appropriate mental ‘set’ and is therefore likely to benefit from a psychedelic experience, or at least, less likely to be harmed.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR652839","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: National Academies Press (US), Washington (DC)
publication_date: 2022-08-31
pubmed_id: 36049038
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/36049038
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Exploring Psychedelics and Entactogens as Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders: Proceedings of a Workshop

authors:
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders.

abstract:
Psychiatric illnesses - such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - are widely prevalent and represent a substantial health burden worldwide. Yet, conventional medications for mental illnesses often fail to provide relief to patients' disruptive and disabling symptoms. Existing and emerging evidence that psychedelics (e.g., LSD and psilocybin) and entactogens (e.g., MDMA) may be useful as tools to alleviate mental illness has sparked a renaissance of interest by investigators, clinicians, drug developers, and patient advocates in recent years. While promising data on therapeutic efficacy has energized research and development, resolving the mechanisms of action will be important for optimizing the efficacy and safety of these medicines. Further, evaluating the effect of psychedelics and entactogens on mood and behavior comes with unique challenges still in need of resolution. These include unresolved questions relating to blinding, placebo and nocebo effects, and the impact of psychosocial contexts. In response to this renewed interest, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders convened a workshop on March 29-30, 2022. The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore the use of psychedelics and entactogens as treatments for psychiatric disorders. This Proceedings of a Workshop summarizes the presentations and discussions of the workshop.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"36049038","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":"National Academies Press (US), Washington (DC)","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Girala N.
publication_date: 2022-08-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9567945
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Emotional Processing,Mystical Experience,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Psychopathological descriptive model of hallucinogenic/psychedelic drugs effect in the treatment of depression and addictions

abstract:
Introduction There is a growing and renewed interest in the use of hallucinogenic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, especially since the FDA approval of ketamine treatment for resistant depression. The response to hallucinogenic psychedelic substances (ayahuasca, psilocybin, LSD, ketamine) in the treatment of depression and addictions calls for a theoretical explanatory model. Objectives Provide a descriptive / explanatory psychopathological model of the response to treatment with hallucinogenic drugs based on the descriptions of the subjects and the comparison with other extreme life experiences. Methods Relevant published literature on subjective experiences in treatment with hallucinogenic drugs for depression and addictions is reviewed. It is compared with subjective experiences in life changing experiences. Results Intense emotional states, mystical-type experiences including feelings of oneness, transcendence, ineffability, and the complex emotion of awe seem to be consistently presented as psychic elements related to the efficacy of these treatments. The genetic and cultural (memetic) evolutionary value of these emotions in the cohesiveness of human groups and the genesis of affective symptoms, and in the recalibration of cognitions and emotions, is discussed. Conclusions The efficacy of hallucinogenic drugs used in the treatment of depression and addictions is accompanied by complex and varied emotions but with common psychopathological elements that could mediate their action. Disclosure No significant relationships.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC9567945","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-04-01
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/kxmgq_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Consciousness,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"kxmgq_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Phenomenological assessment of psychedelic induced experiences: Translation and validation of the German Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI)

abstract:
Several measures have been designed to assess subjective experiences induced by psychedelic substances and other mind-altering drugs or non-pharmacological methods. Recently, two self-report questionnaires have been introduced to measure acute adverse effects following psilocybin ingestion and the phenomenon of ego-dissolution associated with psychedelic use, respectively. The 26-item Challenging Experience Questionnaire assesses multiple dimensions of psilocybin induced experiences, whereas the 8-item Ego-Dissolution Inventory consists of a uni-dimensional scale. In the present study, these questionnaires were translated into German and their psychometric properties then evaluated in an online survey on psychedelic induced experiences. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 7-factor structure of the German Challenging Experience Questionnaire with overall good internal consistency for all subscales. The factor structure did not differ based on gender or prior struggle with anxiety or depression, furthering the evidence of internal validity. Correlations with the State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory and the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale demonstrated convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the hypothesized single-factor structure of the German Ego-Dissolution Inventory and exploratory factor analysis suggested an alternative factor structure, where only five items loaded onto a common factor that was interpreted as ego-dissolution. Internal consistency of this 5-item measure was high and correlation with selected items of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale supported convergent validity. Translation and validation of these questionnaires contribute to the advancement of common standards in the psychological and neuroscientific study of altered states of consciousness.

keywords:
bad trip, challenging experiences, ego-disintegration, ego-dissolution, hallucinogen, mystical experience, psilocybin, psychedelic, questionnaire, scale development, self-experience, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Cognitive Psychology, Consciousness


title: Pharmacotherapy for the Secondary Prevention of Suicide: Leads from the Social Pain Hypothesis
authors: Rajkumar RP.
journal: Preprints.org
publication_date: 2022-07-04
doi: 10.20944/preprints202207.0064.v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202207.0064.v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Suicidal behaviour is a public health problem whose magnitude is both substantial and increasing. Since many individuals seek medical treatment following a suicide attempt, strategies aimed at reducing further attempts in this population are a valid and feasible secondary prevention approach. An evaluation of the available evidence suggests that existing treatment approaches have limited efficacy in this setting, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to suicide prevention. Existing research on the neurobiology of social pain has highlighted the importance of this phenomenon as a risk factor for suicide, and has also yielded several attractive targets for pharmacological preventive strategies. In this paper, the available evidence related to these targets is synthesized and critically evaluated. The way in which social pain is related to the “anti-suicidal” properties of recently approved treatments, such as ketamine and psilocybin, is also examined. Such strategies may be effective for the short-term reduction of suicidal ideation and behaviour in individuals who have made a suicide attempt suicide prevention, particularly in cases where social pain is identified as a contributory factor. These pharmacological approaches may be effective regardless of the presence or absence of a specific psychiatric diagnosis.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR514407","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Preprints.org","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Brennan B, Kelman A, Belser AB.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-07-17
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/2ab59
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/2ab59
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
A Systematic Review of Reporting Practices in Psychedelic Clinical Trials: Psychological Support, Therapy, and Psychosocial Interventions

abstract:
Background: Psychedelic-assisted therapy has gained significant attention in recent years. However, there is a lack of empirical clarity on the role of psychosocial interventions (PI) in clinical trials of psychedelic treatment due in part to deficiencies in reporting practices found in the existing literature. These PI include non-drug support or interventions provided by psychotherapists or facilitators during all phases of treatment, sometimes called “psychological support,” “monitoring,” “psychedelic-assisted therapy,” or “psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.” A brief review of recent research, historical studies, safety considerations, and participant perspectives suggest that PI has a substantive and critical impact on treatment outcomes. Methods: This systematic review examines the reporting practices of PI in published clinical trial results. The review employs a search of PubMed/Medline and PSYCinfo databases to identify relevant articles. It includes quantitative clinical studies treating patients with psychiatric indications using classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca) or empathogenic drugs (MDMA) since 2000. The analytic approach follows a modified version of assessment items based on CONSORT extension statement and TIDieR checklist. Results: 33 published psychedelic clinical trials met criteria. The review reveals that many published reports on psychedelic clinical trials did not report basic aspects of the intervention: 33% did not report the number of sessions, 45% did not report the duration of sessions, 42% did not report provider credentials, 52% did not report if their intervention used a therapy manual, 67% did not reference a manual that was available to readers, and 82% did not report that they assessed treatment fidelity. A comparison with non-psychedelic trials shows that psychedelic trial reports underreport on key items related to PI. Discussion: The study highlights the problems of underreporting and the importance of improving reporting practices regarding PI in psychedelic clinical trials to enhance research standardization and improve treatment outcomes. Recommendations for improving reporting practices are provided.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR694477","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Neuroimaging in psychedelic drug development: Past, present, and future
authors: Wall M, Harding R, Zafar R, Rabiner EA, Nutt D, Erritzoe D.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-06-29
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/xwu4j
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/xwu4j
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Addiction,Eating Disorders,Brain Imaging,Pharmacology,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Psychedelic therapy (PT) is an emerging paradigm with great transdiagnostic potential for treating a range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, addiction, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others. ‘Classic’ serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), form the main focus of this movement, but other substances including ketamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ibogaine also hold promise. The development of these novel treatment modalities in the early 21st century has occurred concurrently with the wider use of advanced human neuroscientific research methods; principally neuroimaging. This has enabled assessment of drug and therapy brain effects with greater precision and quantification than any previous novel development in psychiatric pharmacology. We outline some of the major trends in existing data and suggest that the modern development of PT has benefitted greatly from the use of neuroimaging. Important gaps in existing knowledge are identified which can be addressed by future neuroimaging work, principally using combined Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods, plus other adjunct techniques. Suggestions for future multimodal imaging studies are discussed, which would resolve some of these questions and provide a firmer foundation for the development of PT.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR512207","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2023-07-18
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10595939
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Improvement in Depression Symptoms Measured by Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self Rated Items after Randomised Double-blind COMP360 Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment-resistant Depression

authors:
Goodwin G, Marwood L, Mistry S, Nowakowska A, Simmons H, Tsai J, Williams S, Young M, Malievskaia E.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC10595939","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Rodrigues J, Nombora O, Ribeiro L.
publication_date: 2022-08-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9567436
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: OCD,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Therapeutic potential of serotoninergic psychedelic substances in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

abstract:
Introduction Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder associated with suffering and disability. The serotoninergic system is implicated in the neurobiological processes of OCD and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the first-line treatment. However, clinical improvement after starting SRIs can take long and patients may not fully recover. Meanwhile, recent data suggests that activation of 5-HT receptors may exert a therapeutic action in obsessional symptoms. Some psychedelics are strong 5-HT2 receptor agonists and there is a growing research interest as they can be a promising therapeutic approach to OCD. Objectives We aim to provide an overview on the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of serotoninergic psychoactive substances in the treatment of OCD. Methods Non-systematic review. Literature search in the PubMed database using the terms psychedelics and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Results Although research is currently limited to a few small studies, the ones conducted so far showed clinically meaningful acute reduction of OCD symptoms after treatment with serotoninergic psychoactive drugs, as well as possible longer-lasting benefits, particularly with psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Furthermore, substance-assisted psychotherapy with psychedelics has been showing promising results, being suitable for OCD treatment. It is important to add that, to date, studies have indicated relatively good tolerability to these drugs. Conclusions These promising early findings highlight the role of psychedelics in OCD treatment and the need for further research into efficacy, therapeutic mechanisms and safety, in order to determine whether these drugs may be worthy options for OCD treatment in the future. Disclosure No significant relationships.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC9567436","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Sherif MA, Khalil MZ, Shukla R, Brown JC, Carpenter LL.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2022-07-02
doi: 10.1101/2022.06.29.498015
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.06.29.498015
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Synapses, predictions, and prediction errors: a neocortical computational study of MDD using the temporal memory algorithm of HTM

abstract:
Background Synapses and spines are central in major depressive disorder (MDD) pathophysiology, recently highlighted by ketamine’s and psilocybin’s rapid antidepressant effects. The Bayesian brain and interoception perspectives formalize MDD as being “stuck” in affective states constantly predicting negative energy balance. We examined how synaptic atrophy relates to the predictive function of the neocortex and thus to symptoms, using temporal memory (TM), an unsupervised machine-learning algorithm. TM represents a single neocortical layer, learns in real-time using local Hebbian-learning rules, and extracts and predicts temporal sequences. Methods We trained a TM model on random sequences of upper-case alphabetical letters, representing sequences of affective states. To model depression, we progressively destroyed synapses in the TM model and examined how that affected the predictive capacity of the network. Results Destroying 50% of the synapses slightly reduced the number of predictions, followed by a marked drop with further destruction. However, reducing the synapses by 25% dropped the confidence in the predictions distinctly. So even though the network was making accurate predictions, the network was no longer confident about these predictions. Conclusions These findings explain how interoceptive cortices could be stuck in limited affective states with high prediction error. Growth of new synapses, e.g., with ketamine and psilocybin, would allow representing more futuristic predictions with higher confidence. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use the TM model to connect changes happening at synaptic levels to the Bayesian formulation of psychiatric symptomatology, making it possible to understand treatment mechanisms and possibly, develop new treatments. Graphical abstract

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR513414","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Chao YS, Horton J.
journal: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, Ottawa (ON)
publication_date: 2021-05-31
pubmed_id: 36170470
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/36170470
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, or Substance Use Disorders

abstract:
Hallucinogens include many different drugs, which are often called “psychedelic” drugs. The US National Institute on Drug Abuse categorizes these drugs into 2 categories: classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Both types of psychedelics can lead to hallucinations - sensations and images that seem real although they are imaginary. In addition, an individual using dissociative drugs can feel out of control or disconnected from their body and environment. Classic serotonergic psychedelics act primarily by a complete or partial agonist action on brain serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptors. Examples of classic psychedelics are LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, and ayahuasca (also identified as N,N- dimethyltryptamine [DMT]). Examples of dissociative drugs are phencyclidine, ketamine, dextromethorphan, and Salvia (Salvia divinorum). Psychedelics were tested for clinical use prior to the 1960s. However, methodological issues in clinical trials and political concerns have prevented the use of psychedelics in mainstream medicine. In 2010, it was reported that psychedelics were used by more than 30 million consumers in the US. Clinically, researchers acknowledge psychedelics as a potential effective drug for mental health conditions. Researchers and clinicians are testing the clinical effectiveness of psychedelics for mental illness treatment due to the improvement in research methods that reduce ethical and methodological concerns toward psychedelic trials. The wider application of psychedelics has also been motivated by a perceived lack of innovation in mental illness treatment. The number of new molecular entities for psychiatric conditions approved by the US FDA decreased from 13 in 1996 to 1 in 2016. One example of the psychedelics adopted for treatment is ketamine (not used in combination with psychotherapies) that has been used for the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as reviewed in 2 CADTH reports. Other psychedelics, such as psilocybin and ayahuasca are increasingly being tested for their efficacy in treating mental illnesses. In addition to their use as stand-alone agents, psychedelics can be used in combination with psychotherapy (i.e., psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy). There are a wide variety of psychotherapies that may be used for the treatment of mental health conditions, including guided support that helps patients focus inward on their thoughts and better facilitate participant introspection and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that combines different types of cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is often led by licensed professionals with training in administering psychedelics and monitoring their use. Psychedelics may work by altering a patient’s consciousness. They may also affect a patient’s subjective perspectives and approaches to processing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, thereby providing an alternative therapeutic experience to psychotherapy alone. While psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has been recently tried in patients with anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and PTSD, some researchers consider the treatment response to be unsatisfactory in patients with mood disorder. This report aims to summarize the clinical effectiveness and safety of psychedelic drug-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or substance use disorders, in addition to clinical guidelines for the use of psychedelic drug-assisted psychotherapy.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Emotional Processing,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Healthcare Workers,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"36170470","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, Ottawa (ON)","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychoactive plant- and mushroom-associated alkaloids from two behavior modifying cicada pathogens
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2018-07-23
doi: 10.1101/375105
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/375105
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Transcriptomics,Metabolomics
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
authors:
Boyce GR, Gluck-Thaler E, Slot JC, Stajich JE, Davis WJ, James TY, Cooley JR, Panaccione DG, Eilenberg J, Licht HHDF, Macias AM, Berger MC, Wickert KL, Stauder CM, Spahr EJ, Maust MD, Metheny AM, Simon C, Kritsky G, Hodge KT, Humber RA, Gullion T, Short DPG, Kijimoto T, Mozgai D, Arguedas N, Kasson MT.

abstract:
Entomopathogenic fungi routinely kill their hosts before releasing infectious spores, but select species keep insects alive while sporulating, which enhances dispersal. Transcriptomics and metabolomics studies of entomopathogens with post-mortem dissemination from their parasitized hosts have unraveled infection processes and host responses, yet mechanisms underlying active spore transmission by Entomophthoralean fungi in living insects remain elusive. Here we report the discovery, through metabolomics, of the plant-associated amphetamine, cathinone, in four Massospora cicadina -infected periodical cicada populations, and the mushroom-associated tryptamine, psilocybin, in annual cicadas infected with Massospora platypediae or Massospora levispora, which appear to represent a single fungal species. The absence of some fungal enzymes necessary for cathinone and psilocybin biosynthesis along with the inability to detect intermediate metabolites or gene orthologs are consistent with possibly novel biosynthesis pathways in Massospora. The neurogenic activities of these compounds suggest the extended phenotype of Massospora that modifies cicada behavior to maximize dissemination is chemically-induced.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR45797","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The treatment of abandonment anxiety with MDMA and LSD
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-08
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/pw2tf_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"pw2tf_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
This retrospective study presents the case of a young woman in her mid-twenties who suffered from insecurity and abandonment-related anxiety, which intensified after a breakup of her relationship. Her parents' alcoholism and schizophrenia, as well as emotional and physical violence, had been a part of her childhood, but they had appeared 'normal' to her. Her parents and relatives had not benefited from conventional therapies, which led her to conclude that they would not benefit her either. A friend introduced her to psychedelics, which she initially found strange. She participated in a few psilocybin mushroom ceremonies but felt that there was a lack of supportive structure between ceremonies. Subsequently, she found a therapist who utilized Internal Family Systems (IFS) methodology, MDMA, and LSD. In the course of 1.5 years, she attended thirteen sessions with a therapist, eighteen unsupervised self-treatment sessions, and almost weekly additional IFS-only sessions. In the beginning, MDMA was utilized in the sessions; later, it was replaced by LSD. The dosages were relatively high (120-400 mg of MDMA, or 400-600 µg of LSD). The most important experience was a reliving of her birth trauma. She described it as perfectly aligned with the model presented by Stanislav Grof. Its essence was the experience of abandonment, which represented a core around which her whole life had been organized. Becoming conscious of this core made her life history appear understandable and explainable. Typical emotions to process had included deep sorrow and feelings of betrayal. She considered that the process had benefited her enormously, especially because the therapist had extensive personal experience of these medicines as well as the same psychedelic states and types of experience. The therapist had thus been able to provide a clear 'route map' within which her experiences fit. She had resolved her fear of abandonment, ceased to blame herself for her past, and experienced 'grace'. She found that many of her experiences represented allegories of events found in the Bible and religious art. The healing process was still ongoing, with each session producing additional benefits. She considered the process so interesting that she intended to continue it for the rest of her life. Her aim was to stop further transmission of transgenerational trauma. She stated that everyone should go through a similar process.

keywords:
psilocybin, psychedelics, psychedelic therapy, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Dissociative Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Trauma and Stress


title: Naturalistic Entheogenics: Précis of Philosophy of Psychedelics
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-07-07
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/ztewb_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Spirituality
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"ztewb_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
In this précis I summarise the main ideas of my book Philosophy of Psychedelics. The book discusses philosophical issues arising from the therapeutic use of classic psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD. The book is organised around what I call the Comforting Delusion Objection to psychedelic therapy: the concern that this novel and promising treatment relies essentially on the induction of non-naturalistic metaphysical beliefs, rendering it epistemically (and perhaps, therefore, ethically) objectionable. In the book I develop a new response to this Objection which involves showing that a popular conception of psychedelics as agents of insight and spirituality is both consistent with a naturalistic worldview and plausible in light of current scientific knowledge. Exotic metaphysical ideas do sometimes come up, but they are not, on closer inspection, the central driver of change in psychedelic therapy. Psychedelics cause therapeutic benefits by altering the sense of self, and changing how people relate to their own minds and lives--not by changing their beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality. Thus, an "Entheogenic Conception" of psychedelics as agents of insight and spirituality can be reconciled with naturalism (the philosophical position that the natural world is all there is). Controlled psychedelic use can lead to genuine forms of knowledge gain and spiritual growth--even if no Cosmic Consciousness or divine Reality exists.

keywords:
ayahuasca, comforting delusion, DMT, entheogen, epistemology, hallucinogen, LSD, mescaline, philosophy, psilocybin, psychedelic, psychedelic therapy, self-consciousness, spirituality, Meta-science


title: Global Drug Survey
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-04-11
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/xb8ve_v1
keywords: Psychiatry, Life Sciences
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Creativity,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"xb8ve_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Background: Microdosing psychedelics - the practice of taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of substances like LSD or psilocybin-containing mushrooms - is becoming increasingly popular. Despite its surging popularity, little is known about the effects of this practice. Aims: This research had three main aims. First, we attempted to replicate previous findings regarding the subjective benefits and challenges reported for microdosing. Second, we assessed whether people who microdose test their substances for purity before consumption. Third, we examined whether having an approach-intention to microdosing was predictive of more reported benefits. Methods: The Global Drug Survey (GDS) runs the world’s largest drug survey. Participants who reported last year use of LSD or psilocybin in GDS2019 were offered the opportunity to answer a sub-section on microdosing. Results: Data from 6,753 people who reported microdosing at least once in the last 12 months were used for analyses. Our results suggest a partial replication of previously reported benefits and challenges among the present sample often reporting enhanced mood, creativity, focus, and sociability. Counter to our prediction, the most common challenge participants associated with microdosing was “none”. As predicted, most participants reported not testing their substances. Counter to our hypothesis, approach-intention - microdosing in order to approach a desired goal - predicted less rather than more benefits when microdosing. We discuss alternate theoretical frameworks that may better capture the reasons people microdose. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the benefits associated with microdosing greatly outweigh the challenges. Microdosing may have utility for a variety of uses while having minimal side-effects. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiments are still required in order to substantiate these reports.


title: Blinding and Expectancy Confounds in Psychedelic Randomised Controlled Trials
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-03-07
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/q2hzm_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"q2hzm_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
There is increasing interest in the potential for psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin, LSD and ketamine to treat a number of mental health disorders. To gain evidence for the therapeutic effectiveness of psychedelics, a number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted using the traditional RCT framework and these trials have generally shown promising results, with large effect sizes reported. However, in this paper we argue that estimation of treatment effect sizes in psychedelic clinical trials are likely over-estimated due to de-blinding of participants and high levels of response expectancy generated by RCT trial contingencies. The degree of over-estimation is at present difficult to estimate. We conduct systematic reviews of psychedelic RCTs and show that currently reported RCTs have failed to measure and report expectancy and malicious de-blinding. In order to overcome these confounds we argue that RCTs should routinely measure de-blinding and expectancy and that careful attention should be paid to the clinical trial design used and the instructions given to participants to allow these confounds to be estimated and removed from effect size estimates. We urge caution in interpreting effect size estimates from extant psychedelic RCTs.

keywords:
blinding, expectancy effects, ketamine, LSD, masking, psilocybin, psychedelics, randomised controlled trials, Psychiatry


title: Predictors of Psychedelic Experience: A Thematic Analysis
authors: McCartney A, McGovern H, De Foe A.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-12-20
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/5d7fc
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/5d7fc
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances is rapidly expanding. A major limitation within this field is the unpredictability of individual responses to psychedelic substances. A better understanding of factors that can predict psychedelic experience is essential to both clinical progress and wider harm reduction frameworks. Ketamine, MDMA, LSD and psilocybin were selected for comparison due to their promising therapeutic effects and different mechanisms of action. The current study aimed to (a) identify factors that predict both positive and adverse psychedelic experience, and (b) compare these predictors across the four psychedelic substances. A thematic analysis was conducted on twenty-four subjective, first-person reports of psychedelic use (six per substance), sourced from the Erowid online database. The analysis revealed three external predictors (nature, music and preparation) and three internal predictors (understanding, mindset and motivation). Each predictor contained two sub-themes that further elucidated their meaning and impact. Nature and music emerged as potential tools for de-escalating adverse reactions to psychedelics, which was a novel finding. A comparison between substances further revealed that these predictors actually had different impacts, depending on the substance being taken. Finally, the importance of, and interrelationship between, preparation, mindset, understanding and motivation was made clear. The broader clinical and sociological implications of this were discussed, with particular reference to developing harm reduction frameworks. As psychedelic therapy and research continues to gain momentum, these findings constitute an early step in developing a more nuanced understanding of the factors shaping psychedelic experience.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR435107","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Golden C.
journal: Imperial College London
publication_date: 2016-12-31
doi: 10.25560/45527
source_url: https://doi.org/10.25560/45527
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Neuronal dynamics of the anterior cingulate cortex during working memory and serotonergic manipulation

abstract:
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a strong role in the execution of executive tasks such as working memory. It is thought to exert top-down control over sensory regions, and integrate information from both external stimuli, and internal computation, such as choice and expectation (1-3). The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a region of the PFC known to receive strong projections from serotonergic neurons of the raphe nuclei (4). In the work presented here, the influence of the hallucinogenic compound, and serotonergic agonist, psilocybin, was investigated in the neural circuits of the ACC of awake, head-fixed mice. Extracellular, multi-unit recordings were performed to examine the effects of the systemic administration of psilocybin. Psilocybin was found to transition the network into a desynchronised state, reminiscent of REM sleep. This state was characterised by an increase in activation in the network, combined with a reduction in power of low frequency LFP oscillations in the delta, theta and alpha band, coupled with a moderate increase in power in the gamma frequency band. The encoding mechanisms in the ACC in working memory were examined by conducting similar recordings in mice performing a delayed... (continues)

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"712959","source":"ETH","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Imperial College London","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-05-04
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/2489x_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"2489x_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
New insights into the clinical and nonclinical effects of psychedelic substances: an integrative review

abstract:
After decades of stagnancy, research on psychedelic substances (such as LSD, psilocybin or DMT) has experienced a renaissance over the last 10 years, with various major research programs being conducted across Europe and the United States. This research primarily investigates the potential of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health disorders, their short and long term effects on recreational users, and the neurological and cognitive processes responsible for their effects. The present review provides a concise summary of the most recent insights gained from this research. We briefly outline the history of psychedelic research, the objective and subjective effects caused by these substances, the prevalence and socio-psychological correlates of their use, as well as their potential for harm. Subsequently, we review empirical research on the beneficial effects of psychedelics in clinical samples, focusing on their efficacy in the treatment of major depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, and discuss research on the proposed neural and cognitive mechanisms behind these effects. We then review research on their effects on healthy subjects, focusing on psychological wellbeing as well as changes in personality, nature relatedness, and creativity. Finally, we review empirical evidence regarding long-term effects of single experiences with psychedelics, and conclude with a brief summary and outlook.

keywords:
ayahuasca, clinical application, DMT, drugs, LSD, mental health, psilocybin, psychedelics, psychoactive substances, psychopharmacology, review, social health, well-being, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Social and Personality Psychology, Psychology, other, Health Psychology, Social health, Mental Health

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Wellbeing,Personality Change,Creativity,Review Article


title: Psychedelics and Mindfulness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-10-10
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/yu7jf_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"yu7jf_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Background and Aims: The benefits of classic serotonergic psychedelics (e.g. psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca) are becoming more widely known with the resurgence in research in the past decade. Furthermore, the benefits of mindfulness are well documented. However, no systematic reviews have examined linkage of mindfulness and psychedelics use. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the link between psychedelics and characteristics of mindfulness. Methods: We conducted a systematic search across multiple databases, inclusive of grey literature and backwards/forward-citation tracking, on the 18 January 2021. The search strategy included terms relating to mindfulness and psychedelics, with no restriction on clinical or non-clinical conditions. Study quality was assessed. An exploratory random-effects meta-analysis was conducted on pre-post mindfulness data relative to psychedelic ingestion. Results: Of 1805 studies screened, 13 were included in the systematic review. There was substantial variability in participant characteristics, psychedelic administration method and measurement of mindfulness. The ingestion of psychedelics is associated with an increase in mindfulness, specifically relating to domains of acceptance, which encompasses non-judgement of inner experience and non-reactivity. The meta-analysis of a subset of studies (N=6) showed small effects overall relative to ayahuasca ingestion, increasing mindfulness facets of non-judgement of inner experience and non-reactivity, as well as acting with awareness. Conclusions: Further methodologically robust research is needed to elucidate the relationship between psychedelics and mindfulness. However, mindfulness and specific facets relating to acceptance have been shown to increase following ingestion of psychedelics in a number of studies.

keywords:
ayahuasca, meta-analysis, mindfulness, psychedelics, systematic review, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, other, Clinical Psychology, Psychopharmacology


title: Therapeutic interventions for PTSD - current evidence on the the role of psychedelics
authors: Figueiredo I, Viegas F, Ferreira F, Santos A, Ramos J, Miranda J.
publication_date: 2021-08-12
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9475922
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Mechanism of Action,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often a chronic condition, despite the existence of evidence-based treatment options. Psychotherapy is the designated first line treatment for PTSD, although high rates of psychiatric and medical comorbidity are observed among patients who have undergone treatment. The psychoactive properties of psychedelics may be of particular interest within a substance-assisted psychotherapy approach, offering new treatment opportunities for this debilitating disorder. Objectives Review current evidence, therapeutic context, and possible mechanisms of action of different types of psychedelics in the treatment of PTSD. Methods Literature review using Medline database. Results 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy appears to be a potentially safe, effective, and durable treatment for individuals with treatment-refractory PTSD. Based on a small number of studies, ketamine administration appears to result in temporary symptom relief and may, in combination with psychotherapy, lead to lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms. Although these have not yet been investigated in controlled studies, it is known that psilocybin and LSD induce psychoactive effects that could as well contribute to the psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD. Conclusions The use of psychedelic compounds within a substance-assisted psychotherapy framework offers a novel method for pharmacotherapy-psychotherapy integration, although there is still much to learn from both a clinical and neurobiological perspective. It is necessary to generate more data regarding the safety and efficacy of psychedelics, in addition to research on cost-effectiveness, its use in mental health care infrastructure and also regarding the training of specialized therapists.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC9475922","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-08-06
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/b7mnz_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Addiction,Chronic Pain,Consciousness,Emotional Processing,Creativity,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"b7mnz_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Confirmatory factor analysis of Mystical Experience in Freediving as a recreative way to higher efficiency in sport performance and planet saving and money making

abstract:
## Aim Investigate accounts from breath-holding freedivers about high efficiency in coping with adversity and pain, immediately quitting addictions, attaining harmonious meaningful life, becoming perspicacious and compassionate, getting spontaneous religious experience. ## Findings Full Mystical Experience is confirmed to happen in freediving, i.e. it is the same Mystical experience found in psilocybin users or in religious believers. Mystical Experience Questionnaire “MEQ30” is validated for use in freediving. The total score of mysticism in self-selected 413 freedivers is normally distributed from full mystical experience to a low one. ## Further research Mystical experience is already known to increase expression of compassion and openness, to reduce suffering, resolve PTSD, cure addictions. In turn increased compassion is known to correlate with better money-making in business people. Thus business executives are possible candidates to test mystical O2-assisted static apnea in a calm mindset-and-setting, as a naturally pleasant path to mystical experience, hence to more compassion, hence to an improved money-making performance. Literature on endogenous DMT (Ayahuasca) synthesis in the lungs is suggesting a search for the DMT-NO metabolite in urines of blacked-out freedivers.

keywords:
Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sport Psychology, Neuroscience, Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology, Emotion, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Training and Development, Health Psychology, Stress, Cognitive Psychology, Consciousness


authors: Al-Matrouk A, Al-Hasan M, Naqi HA, Al-Abkal N, Mohammed H, Haider M, Al-Shammeri D, Bojbarah H.
journal: Research Square
publication_date: 2020-11-17
doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-33143/v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-33143/v2
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Addiction,Review Article,Toxicity
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Snapshot of narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances in Kuwait: a qualitative analysis of illicit drugs and their associated mortality in Kuwait from 2015 to 2018

abstract:
Abstract Background: The misuse of illicit substances is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; thus, substance abuse is a global health concern. However, a lack of laboratory-based research has limited the scientific assessment of drug misuse in the Arabian Gulf region. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to assess the problem of illicit drugs in Kuwait using laboratory-based analyses. Methods: We investigated the type and quantity of detained narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances from 2015 to 2018, number of abusers, and mortality among abusers. In total, 6220 cases from the Narcotic and Psychotropic Laboratory and 17,755 cases from the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory were reviewed and analyzed. Substances were identified and documented using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Cannabis, including marijuana, was the most seized substance, followed by heroin, opium, and cocaine. Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, in the form of powder or pills, were seized in larger quantities than other psychoactive substances. Benzodiazepines, tramadol, Khat, synthetic cannabinoids, and psilocin were also seized. The most consumed substances were, in order, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), benzodiazepines, cannabis, and heroin. Drug misuse was considerably higher among men than among women. We report the death rate associated with the abuse of various illegal drugs according to sex. The mortality rate associated with single-drug use was the highest among abusers of heroin, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine. The mortality rate asscoaited with multiple-drug use was the highest among abusers of heroin-benzodiazepines, cannabis-benzodiazepines, and cannabis-amphetamines. Conclusions: Our study shows the changing trends in quantity and variety of substances illegally abused and marketed in Kuwait. Additionally, we report a direct gender-based association between mortality and consumption of certain substances. These findings suggest that there is a growing need to conduct larger scale studies to implement new strategies, policies, and interventions in populations affected by illicit drugs.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR239651","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"Research Square","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Doss MK, Samaha J, Barrett FS, Griffiths RR, de Wit H, Gallo DA, Koen JD.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2022-05-23
doi: 10.1101/2022.05.20.492842
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.05.20.492842
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Unique Effects of Sedatives, Dissociatives, Psychedelics, Stimulants, and Cannabinoids on Episodic Memory: A Review and Reanalysis of Acute Drug Effects on Recollection, Familiarity, and Metamemory

abstract:
Despite distinct classes of psychoactive drugs producing putatively unique states of consciousness, there is surprising overlap in terms of their effects on episodic memory and cognition more generally. Episodic memory is supported by multiple subprocesses that have been mostly overlooked in psychopharmacology and could differentiate drug classes. Here, we reanalyzed episodic memory confidence data from 10 previously published datasets (28 drug conditions total) using signal detection models to estimate 2 conscious states involved in episodic memory and 1 consciously-controlled metacognitive process of memory: the retrieval of specific details from one’s past (recollection), noetic recognition in the absence of retrieved details (familiarity), and accurate introspection of memory decisions (metamemory). We observed that sedatives, dissociatives, psychedelics, stimulants, and cannabinoids had unique patterns of effects on these mnemonic processes dependent on which phase of memory (encoding, consolidation, or retrieval) was targeted. All drugs at encoding except stimulants impaired recollection, and sedatives, dissociatives, and cannabinoids at encoding impaired familiarity. The effects of sedatives on metamemory were mixed, whereas dissociatives and cannabinoids at encoding tended to enhance metamemory. Surprisingly, psychedelics at encoding tended to enhance familiarity and did not impact metamemory. Stimulants at encoding and retrieval enhanced metamemory, but at consolidation, they impaired metamemory. Together, these findings may have relevance to mechanisms underlying unique subjective phenomena under different drug classes, such as blackouts from sedatives or déjà vu from psychedelics. This study provides a framework for interrogating drug effects within a domain of cognition beyond the global impairments on task performance typically reported in psychopharmacology. Public significance statement This systematic review and reanalysis of several datasets indicate that sedatives (alcohol, zolpidem, triazolam), dissociatives (ketamine, dextromethorphan), psychedelics (psilocybin, MDMA), stimulants (dextroamphetamine, dextromethamphetamine), and cannabinoids (THC) can each have idiosyncratic effects on episodic memory, differentially impairing certain mnemonic processes while sparing or even facilitating others. Such findings inform how different drugs can produce unique subjective phenomena and provide a framework for future work to differentiate the effects of psychoactive drugs within a domain of cognition.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR496762","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-05-30
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/8aeyf_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Wellbeing,Personality Change,Spirituality,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"8aeyf_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings: Phenomenology, Altered States, Individual Differences, and Wellbeing

abstract:
Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings (SSAs) are subjective experiences characterised by a sud- den sense of direct contact, union or merging with a perceived ultimate reality, the universe, or the divine. These profound transformative experiences have scarcely been researched, de- spite extensive anecdotal evidence suggesting their potential to catalyse drastic, long-term and often positive shifts in perception, world-view, and wellbeing. The aims of this study were to investigate the potential phenomenological differences between SSAs and Spontaneous Kundalini Awakenings (SKAs), a subset of awakening experiences that the authors postulate may produce a higher likelihood of both physical and negative effects; to assess how these ex- periences compare to other altered states of consciousness (ASCs); and understand their im- pact on mental wellbeing. Personality trait absorption and temporal lobe lability (TLL) were assessed as predictors of SSA/SKAs. A quasi-experimental mixed within and between-partici- pants self-report survey design was adopted. 152 participants reporting their most powerful SSA/SKAs completed questionnaires measuring non-dual, kundalini and mystical experience, as well as depth of ASC, and trait absorption and TLL. SKAs were found to be significantly more physical and significantly more negative than SSAs, however, both sets of experiences were perceived to be overwhelmingly more positive than negative, even when the experiences were initially challenging. The phenomenological distribution of SSA/SKAs were similar to other ASCs although greater in magnitude, and appeared most similar in distribution and in depth to drug-induced ASCs, particularly classic psychedelics DMT and psilocybin. TLL and absorption were found to predict the SSA/SKA experience. The limitations and implications of these findings are discussed.

keywords:
Absorption, Altered States of Consciousness, DMT, Epilepsy, Exceptional Human Experiences, Extraordinary Experiences, Individual Differences, Mental Health, Mystical Experiences, Non-ordinary States of Consciousness, Phenomenology, Psilocybin, Spiritual Awakening, Spirituality, Transcendence, Wellbeing, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, other


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-06-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/64kyg
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/64kyg
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Biomarkers,Aging,Clinical Trial,Review Article
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Psychedelic resting-state neuroimaging: a review and perspective on balancing replication and novel analyses

authors:
McCulloch DE, Knudsen GM, Barrett FS, Doss M, Deco G, Carhart-Harris R, Rosas F, Preller K, Ramaekers J, Mason N, Müller F, Fisher PM.

abstract:
Clinical research into serotonergic psychedelic drugs including psilocybin, LSD and N,N-DMT (e.g., in ‘ayahuasca’) is expanding rapidly and clinical trials across a range of psychiatric conditions have shown promising efficacy, with larger trials ongoing. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has emerged as a brain imaging strategy commonly used to identify associated neural mechanisms in both clinical and healthy populations. To date, 42 research articles have been published analysing resting-state fMRI data from 17 unique datasets involving the administration of a psychedelic drug. This provides a promising foundation for resolving imaging markers of the perceptual and clinical effects of psychedelics. Here we review the existing psychedelic resting-state fMRI literature through a lens that brings attention to emerging variation in core methodological decisions and promote strategies that aim to strengthen the field. We find a large degree of heterogeneity across the existing literature, with nearly all studies varying in data processing and analysis or drug evaluated. Two datasets are the foundation of more than half of the published literature, and terms such as “entropy” are often used to denote distinct metrics across studies. In light of these observations, we offer suggestions for future studies that we hope encourages coherence in the field. As a budding field of interest, psychedelic resting-state imaging will benefit from the development of novel models, hypotheses and quantification methods that may expand our understanding of the neural mechanisms mediating the intriguing acute perceptual and lasting clinical effects. Our review of the existing literature suggests that the psychedelic resting-state brain imaging field is at a crossroads at which it must also consider the critical importance of consistency and replicability to effectively converge on stable representations of the neural effects of psychedelics.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR355494","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-06-13
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/emcxw_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Microdosing,Creativity
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"emcxw_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Microdosing psychedelics and its effect on creativity: Lessons learned from three double-blind placebo controlled longitudinal trials

abstract:
Introduction: Microdosing refers to the repetitive administration of tiny doses of psychedelics (LSD, Psilocybin) over an extended period of time. This practice has been linked to alleged cognitive benefits, such as improved mood and creativity, potentiated by targeting serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors and facilitating cognitive flexibility. Nonetheless, in the absence of robust, quantitative and double-blind research on the effect of microdosing, such claims remain anecdotal. Methods: Here, our main aim was to quantitatively explore the effect of microdosing psychedelic truffles on two creativity tasks assumed to rely on separable processes: the Picture Concept Task assessing convergent thinking and the Alternative Uses Task assessing divergent thinking. We present results from 3 double-blind placebo-controlled longitudinal trials (of which one was pre-registered) conducted in a semi-naturalistic setting. Furthermore, we controlled for expectation and learning biases, and the data were mega-analyzed across trials with a pooled sample of 175 participants in order to maximize statistical power. Results: In the final analyses we found that active microdosing increased the ratio of original responses (originality/fluency), indicating higher quality of divergent answers in the active microdosing condition. The unadjusted originality score was significantly more pronounced in the active microdosing condition, but only when relative dosage (dose/weight of participants) was considered. These effects were present after controlling for expectation and demographic biases. No effects of active microdosing were found for convergent thinking or any other divergent-thinking score. The results suggest that the effects of truffle mirodosing are limited to divergent quality and are more subtle than initially anticipated. Our findings furthermore highlighted the importance of controlling for expectation biases, placebo effects, and prior psychedelic experience in microdosing practice and research.

keywords:
Convergent thinking, Creativity, Divergent thinking, Double-blind, Field study, Microdosing, Placebo-controlled, Psychedelics, Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Cognitive Psychology


title: A Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
authors: Luoma JB, Chwyl C, Bathje G, Davis AK, Lancelotta RL.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-10-27
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/nhbjk
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/nhbjk
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,End-of-Life Distress,Clinical Trial,Meta-Analysis
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
After a two-decade hiatus in which research on psychedelics was essentially halted, placebo-controlled clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health conditions have begun to be published. We identified nine randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy published since 1994. Studies examined psilocybin, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), ayahuasca (which contains a combination of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmala monoamine oxidase inhibitor alkaloids), and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). We compared the standardized mean difference between the experimental and placebo control group at the primary endpoint. Results indicated a significant mean between-groups effect size of 1.21 (Hedges g), which is larger than the typical effect size found in trials of psychopharmacological or psychotherapy interventions. For the three studies that maintained a placebo control through a follow-up assessment, effects were generally maintained at follow-up. Overall, analyses support the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy across four mental health conditions-post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety/depression associated with a life-threatening illness, unipolar depression, and social anxiety among autistic adults. While study quality was high, we identify several areas for improvement regarding the conduct and reporting of trials. Larger trials with more diverse samples are needed to examine possible moderators and mediators of effects, and to establish whether effects are maintained over time.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR325838","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Siegel V, Emmert-Aronson B.
journal: F1000Res
publication_date: 2021-07-21
doi: 10.12688/f1000research.53496.1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.53496.1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Spirituality,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Both partners practicing orgasmic meditation report having a mystical-type experience: results using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire

abstract:
Background: Practitioners in a variety of spiritual/religious traditions have described “mystical experiences”, defined by a common set of qualities. The “Mystical Experience Questionnaire” (MEQ30) provides a validated and quantitative measure of mystical experience, and has been used successfully to demonstrate that the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin triggers a mystical-type experience. Orgasmic Meditation (OM) is a structured, partnered meditative practice involving manual stimulation of the clitoris. Although the partners in an OM have different roles (one is stroking, and the other is being stroked), both claim benefit from the practice. The aim of the current study is to use the MEQ30 to assess to what extent participants report mystical experiences during OM, and to what extent that experience is correlated between the partners. Methods:: In Study 1, 780 participants completed the MEQ30 with a single powerful OM in mind. In Study 2, 56 pairs of participants (both partners) completed the MEQ30 after their next OM. If the respondent had a score ≥60% of the maximum possible score on each of the four subscales of the MEQ30, this was considered a “complete” mystical experience. Results:: Respondents from Study 1 reported an MEQ total score of 3.35 (SD = 1.08), with 62% of respondents reporting a complete mystical experience. Respondents from Study 2 reported an MEQ total score of 3.21 (SD = 0.92), with 23% reporting a complete mystical experience. We found strong relationships between MEQ total score and role (i.e., stroker or strokee), interrater agreement within-group index (aWG) = 0.46, and an even stronger relationship between partners and MEQ total score, aWG=0.71. Conclusions:: These findings suggest that OM can trigger a substantial mystical experience in both partners. Whether the brains of people who OM show similar activity changes to those having other mystical experiences awaits future study.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR373071","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"F1000Res","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
authors: Luoma JB.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-06-11
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/sgujx
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/sgujx
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,End-of-Life Distress,Clinical Trial,Meta-Analysis
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
After a two-decade hiatus in which research on psychedelics was essentially halted, placebo-controlled clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health conditions have begun to be published. We identified nine randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy published since 1994. Studies examined psilocybin, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), ayahuasca (which contains a combination of N,N-dimethyltryptamine and harmala monoamine oxidase inhibitor alkaloids), and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). We compared the standardized mean difference between the experimental and placebo control group at the primary endpoint. Results indicated a significant mean between-groups effect size of 1.21 (Hedges g), which is larger than the typical effect size found in trials of psychopharmacological or psychotherapy interventions. For the three studies that maintained a placebo control through a follow-up assessment, effects were generally maintained at follow-up. Overall, analyses support the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy across four mental health conditions-post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety/depression associated with a life-threatening illness, unipolar depression, and social anxiety among autistic adults. While study quality was high, we identify several areas for improvement regarding the conduct and reporting of trials. Larger trials with more diverse samples are needed to examine possible moderators and mediators of effects, and to establish whether effects are maintained over time.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR326377","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Microdosing Psychedelics: Personality, mental health, and creativity differences in microdosers
authors: Anderson T, Petranker R, Rosenbaum D, Weissman C, Dinh-Williams L, Hui K, Hapke E, Farb NAS.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2018-11-01
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/gk4jd
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/gk4jd
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Microdosing psychedelics - the regular consumption of small amounts of psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin - is a growing trend in popular culture. Recent studies on full-dose psychedelic psychotherapy reveal promising benefits for mental well-being, especially for depression and end-of-life anxiety. While full-dose therapies include perception-distorting properties, microdosing may provide complementary clinical benefits using lower-risk, non-hallucinogenic doses. No experimental study has evaluated psychedelic microdosing, however; this pre-registered study is the first to investigate microdosing psychedelics and mental health. Recruited from online forums, current and former microdosers scored lower on measures of dysfunctional attitudes and negative emotionality and higher on wisdom, open-mindedness, and creativity when compared to non-microdosing controls. These findings provide promising initial evidence that warrants controlled experimental research to directly test safety and clinical efficacy. As microdoses are easier to administer than full-doses, this new paradigm has the exciting potential to shape future psychedelic research.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Microdosing,Wellbeing,Personality Change,Emotional Processing,Creativity,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR333294","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Decreased Directed Functional Connectivity in the Psychedelic State
authors: Barnett L, Muthukumaraswamy SD, Carhart-Harris RL, Seth AK.
journal: bioRxiv
publication_date: 2019-07-15
doi: 10.1101/703660
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1101/703660
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: bioRxiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Neuroimaging studies of the psychedelic state offer a unique window onto the neural basis of conscious perception and selfhood. Despite well understood pharmacological mechanisms of action, the large-scale changes in neural dynamics induced by psychedelic compounds remain poorly understood. Using source-localised, steady-state MEG recordings, we describe changes in functional connectivity following the controlled administration of LSD, psilocybin and low-dose ketamine, as well as, for comparison, the (non-psychedelic) anticonvulsant drug tiagabine. We compare both undirected and directed measures of functional connectivity between placebo and drug conditions. We observe a general decrease in directed functional connectivity for all three psychedelics, as measured by Granger causality, throughout the brain. These data support the view that the psychedelic state involves a breakdown in patterns of functional organisation or information flow in the brain. In the case of LSD, the decrease in directed functional connectivity is coupled with an increase in undirected functional connectivity, which we measure using correlation and coherence. This surprising opposite movement of directed and undirected measures is of more general interest for functional connectivity analyses, which we interpret using analytical modelling. Overall, our results uncover the neural dynamics of information flow in the psychedelic state, and highlight the importance of comparing multiple measures of functional connectivity when analysing time-resolved neuroimaging data.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR85812","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"bioRxiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Towards a molecular approach for the identification of fungal taxa that contain psilocybin
authors: Lee JC.
journal: University of Strathclyde
publication_date: 2000-12-31
doi: 10.48730/zty1-g223
source_url: https://doi.org/10.48730/zty1-g223
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
The classical taxonomic methodologies for determining taxa of mushrooms are based primarily on morphological traits. If the mushroom specimens are dried or pulverized, the morphological characteristics are frequently disguised or no longer apparent. Included among these fungi are known to produce psilocybin, which are hard to identify by their macroscopic features. Molecular techniques could help to overcome these problems. In this study, twenty samples of two genera, Psilocybe and Panaeolus, of fungi from genera known to produce psilocybin were analyzed. The profiles of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) produced by two primer sets were analyzed. Fingerprints of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) produced by five selective primer pairs were also analyzed. By the analysis of genetic similarity, RAPD and AFLP method were capable of providing genus and species information. AFLP band patterns can provide reliable species test and can be separated in a simple way using PAGE electrophoresis and stained by silver nitrate. The sequencing data of twenty psilocybin-producing mushrooms were established by fluorescent sequencing method on the nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (nuc-ssu-rDNA) and the... (continues)

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"248334","source":"ETH","pub_type":null,"publisher":"University of Strathclyde","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: PM502. Effect of psilocybin on EEG brain connectivity in healthy volunteers - preliminary report
authors: Palenicek T, Tyls F, Viktorinova M, Prokopcova D, Korcak J, Androvicova R, Brunovsky M, Horacek J.
publication_date: 2016-05-26
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC5616436
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC5616436","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Lord L.
journal: University of Oxford
publication_date: 2017-12-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/ETH/770691
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Consciousness
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:52
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Integration and segregation in whole-brain networks: implications for altered states of consciousness

abstract:
To survive in an ever-changing environment, the brain must seamlessly integrate a rich stream of incoming information into coherent internal representations that can then be used to efficiently plan for action. The brain must also balance its ability to integrate information with a complementary capacity to segregate information into modules which perform specialized computations in local circuits. The central focus of this Thesis is to investigate the dynamical properties of the integration/segregation balance in functional MRI data collected in two distinct altered states of consciousness: slow-wave sleep, and a psychedelic experience induced by intravenously administering psilocybin; the psychoactive compound in ~magic mushrooms~. In Chapter 2, I implement a novel method for identifying highly integrative nodes in human brain networks from the persistent homology of fMRI data, as a complement to standard graph theoretical methods. I report that topologically central nodes in the 'persistence homological scaffold' have a combination of high betweenness-centrality and high participation coefficient, whilst simultaneously avoiding densely connected neighborhood clusters. In Chapter 3, I investigate dynamical... (continues)

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"770691","source":"ETH","pub_type":null,"publisher":"University of Oxford","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Tyls F, Michaela Viktorinova T, Prokopcova D, Korcak J, Androvicova R, Brunovsky M, Horacek J.
publication_date: 2016-05-26
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC5616440
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:53
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
PM506. Psilocybin Clinical Trial: Acute Effects and its relationship to the brain activity as measured by quantitative EEG

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PMC5616440","source":"PMC","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: METHOD FOR DETECTING IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHY OF PSILOCIN BY COMPETITION METHOD, AND TEST KIT
authors: NANBA YASUHARU, MOCHIZUKI TAKESHI, OZAKI KEIKO, HOJO HIROSHI, YAMAGUCHI MITSUMINE.
publication_date: 2003-07-10
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/PAT/JP2005031029
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:53
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:07
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"JP2005031029","source":"PAT","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Study on the biological characteristics and cultivation of panaeolus bisporus
authors: He Xinsheng.
publication_date: 2004-12-31
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/CBA/602890
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:53
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:07
raw_json: {"europe_pmc_id":"602890","source":"CBA","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}
abstract:
The Panaeolus bisporus(Malen con & Bertault) Ew.Gerhardt is a toadstool species in the world,as poisonous as it contains small quantities of the psilocybin group of hallucinogens,mycelium is white with obvious clamp-connection,which belongs to Basidiomycota,Agaricales,Bolbitiaceae.The suitable and optimal carbon sources,nitrogen sources,carbon nitrogen ratio,pH worth,temperature,material water ratio of the plant material for the physiological characteristics of mycelium growth of this species were studied.The experiment showed that the optimum carbon sources were starch, sucrose and cellulose, the optimum nitrogen sources was yeast paste, potassium nitrate, maize powder and ammonium nitric, the carbon nitrogen ratio was 25:1--35:1 that for the mycelium growth. The suitable temperature for the mycelium of this fungi growth was ranged from 5℃--35℃ with the optimum temperature being 25℃--30℃, the suitable pH was ranged from 4--13 with the optimum pH being 6.5--8.0, and the suitable moisture content of the compost was ranged from 45%--75% with the optimum moisture content of the compost being 65%--70%; and that While the temperature for its fruit-body formation was 18℃--28℃ with the optimum temperature being 20℃--25℃, and the optimum relative air humidity for its fruit-body formation was 70%--85%. The yield of the fruit-body was 0.1%--0.3%.


title: [A caution for psilocybine in wild mushrooms. A young addict acquired acute delirium].
authors: Bergman B, Karlsson AC.
publication_date: 1995-09-30
pubmed_id: 7564628
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/7564628
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:53
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:07
raw_json: {"europe_pmc_id":"7564628","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}
keywords:
Humans, Delirium, Mushroom Poisoning, Marijuana Abuse, Acute Disease, Hallucinogens, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Adult, Female, Psilocybin


title: [Chromosome defects in patients treated with Psilocybine].
authors: Eberle P, Leuner H.
publication_date: 1969-12-31
doi: 10.1007/bf00286993
pubmed_id: 5449943
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00286993
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:53
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:07
raw_json: {"europe_pmc_id":"5449943","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}
keywords:
Leukocytes, Humans, Chromosome Aberrations, Culture Techniques, Karyotyping, Mutation, Adult, Middle Aged, Male, Psilocybin


authors: Dubanský B, Vyhmánková M.
publication_date: 1967-10-31
pubmed_id: 5612963
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/5612963
keywords: Humans, Brain Damage, Chronic, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:03:53
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:07
raw_json: {"europe_pmc_id":"5612963","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}
title:
[Psilocybine in brain injured subjects and its different effects in relation to the localization of the lesion].


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-03-10
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2454474.
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/4jm2n_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Spirituality,Review Article,Observational Study
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"4jm2n_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Oregon's Emerging Psilocybin Services Workforce: A Survey of the First Legal Psilocybin Facilitators and Their Training Programs

abstract:
BACKGROUND: New legal frameworks for supervised psychedelic services are emerging, with Oregon and Colorado implementing programs to train and license psilocybin facilitators. This study describes Oregon's early psilocybin facilitator workforce and assesses state-approved training programs. METHODS: The Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (OPEN) reviewed Oregon Health Authority-approved training programs and surveyed facilitators who had completed or were enrolled in these programs between July and November 2023. Data collection included a review of public listings, contact with training programs, and facilitator survey. RESULTS: In the 16 active training programs, the mean tuition was $9,359 and half offered diversity scholarships. Survey respondents (n=106) were relatively diverse; many had an existing healthcare license. The majority reported that training expenses were a moderate-to-severe financial strain. Most were satisfied with training. The mean planned price for a session was $1,388 and the most common areas of specialization were trauma, mental disorders, consciousness exploration, and spirituality. Facilitators requested ongoing training opportunities. CONCLUSION: Oregon's emerging psilocybin facilitator workforce and training programs are in early development These findings are crucial for informing future policy and training program development to support a diverse and effective workforce.

keywords:
certification, licensure, Oregon, psilocybin, psychedelics, workforce survey, Social and Behavioral Sciences


title: Future Directions for Clinical Psilocybin Research: The Relaxed Symptom Network
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-05-18
doi: 10.1037/pne0000290
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/q3ymd_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Clinical Trial,Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:24
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"q3ymd_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Objective: Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that psilocybin may have strong antidepressant effects, and may be effective in the treatment of depressive disorders when embedded in a psychotherapeutic protocol (psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy; PAP). However, despite promising results, the mechanism(s) that may be responsible for the antidepressant effects of PAP remain contested. Within this article, it is argued that the ‘Network Theory of Mental Disorders’ may be a useful tool for clinical research with psilocybin, and may help elucidate the antidepressant elements of PAP. Method: The clinical research using PAP for depressive disorders is briefly summarised, as are the potential mechanisms of PAP. In addition to this, the fundamental tenets of the network theory is presented, with particular reference to depression. In brief, the network theory proposes that depression is an emergent phenomenon, due to strong interactions in a complex dynamic symptom network. Results: A model of action based on a symptom network is proposed. It is hypothesised that, if PAP is successful, the connections between symptoms in a network will weaken, thereby rendering the patient less vulnerable to developing/relapsing into depression. It is argued that the application of the network theory may ultimately improve responsiveness and reduce relapse in PAP. Practical guidance in using the network theory for future clinical research with psilocybin is also provided. Conclusion: This article presents the primary hypothesis of the authors (The Relaxed Symptom Network), and intends to inform future researchers on how to integrate the network theory with future clinical studies using PAP.

keywords:
Depression, Network Theory, Psychedelics, Psychopathology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-07-17
doi: 10.1089/psymed.2023.00071
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/2ab59_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:24
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"2ab59_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"withdrawn"}
title:
A Systematic Review of Reporting Practices in Psychedelic Clinical Trials: Psychological Support, Therapy, and Psychosocial Interventions

abstract:
Background: Psychedelic-assisted therapy has gained significant attention in recent years. However, there is a lack of empirical clarity on the role of psychosocial interventions (PI) in clinical trials of psychedelic treatment due in part to deficiencies in reporting practices found in the existing literature. These PI include non-drug support or interventions provided by psychotherapists or facilitators during all phases of treatment, sometimes called “psychological support,” “monitoring,” “psychedelic-assisted therapy,” or “psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.” A brief review of recent research, historical studies, safety considerations, and participant perspectives suggest that PI has a substantive and critical impact on treatment outcomes. Methods: This systematic review examines the reporting practices of PI in published clinical trial results. The review employs a search of PubMed/Medline and PSYCinfo databases to identify relevant articles. It includes quantitative clinical studies treating patients with psychiatric indications using classic psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca) or empathogenic drugs (MDMA) since 2000. The analytic approach follows a modified version of assessment items based on CONSORT extension statement and TIDieR checklist. Results: 33 published psychedelic clinical trials met criteria. The review reveals that many published reports on psychedelic clinical trials did not report basic aspects of the intervention: 33% did not report the number of sessions, 45% did not report the duration of sessions, 42% did not report provider credentials, 52% did not report if their intervention used a therapy manual, 67% did not reference a manual that was available to readers, and 82% did not report that they assessed treatment fidelity. A comparison with non-psychedelic trials shows that psychedelic trial reports underreport on key items related to PI. Discussion: The study highlights the problems of underreporting and the importance of improving reporting practices regarding PI in psychedelic clinical trials to enhance research standardization and improve treatment outcomes. Recommendations for improving reporting practices are provided.

keywords:
clinical trials, psychedelic-assisted therapy, psychosocial interventions, reporting practices, treatment outcomes, Psychiatry, Meta-science


title: Evidence for tolerance in psychedelic microdosing from the self-blinding microdose trial
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-10-18
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/s4qhf_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Wellbeing,Creativity
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:24
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"s4qhf_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
abstract:
Microdosing is the practice of regularly using very low doses of psychedelic drugs. Anecdotal reports suggest that it may enhance well-being, creativity and cognition. Here, we use data from a self-blinding microdose trial, a large (n=240) placebo-controlled citizen science trial of microdosing to investigate whether tolerance develops during microdosing. We conceptualized tolerance as the relationship between correct microdose guess probability and the number of previous microdoses taken within the trial’s timeframe: if tolerance develops then, correct microdose guess probability should decrease with more microdoses taken. Mixed linear regression models show that correct microdose guess probability decreases with number of microdoses taken (mean±se: -.017±.007; p=.009**), suggesting that tolerance developed. Secondary post-hoc analysis revealed that this tolerance was present with LSD/LSD-analogue microdoses (mean±se: -.026±.007; p

keywords:
LSD, microdose, psilocybin, psychedelics, tolerance, Neuroscience, Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology


authors: King's College London
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-07-27
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05651126
keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Psilocybin 5 mg, COMP360, Psilocybin 2 mg, Placebo, COMPLETED
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Review Article
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:27
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:33
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT05651126","overall_status":"COMPLETED","phase":["NA"]}
title:
Modulation of Serotonin Pathways Using Psilocybin in Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

abstract:
This study will test the hypothesis that brain systems are differentially regulated by serotonin in individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. To do this, the brain response to two single acute doses of partial serotonin (5HT)1A/2A receptor agonist psilocybin (COMP360) relative to a single dose of placebo (baseline serotonin activity) will be compared in healthy autistic and non-autistic adults. Brain function will be assessed using a range of MRI (fMRI and MRS), EEG and sensory tasks. Unimodal and multimodal analyses will be conducted. Please note that this study uses psilocybin as a probe of the serotonin system in a Case-Control science study and, following Scope protocol review, the U.K. MHRA confirmed that it is not a 'Clinical Trial of an Investigational Medicinal Product' (IMP) as defined by the EU Directive 2001/20/EC.


title: Psychedelic Healing: Adjunct Therapy Harnessing Opened Malleability
authors: Johns Hopkins University
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2026-02-12
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07053917
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Animal Study,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:27
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:33
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT07053917","overall_status":"RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE1"]}
abstract:
The main purpose of the current studies is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of psilocybin in patients with chronic stroke. Stroke is the leading cause of death and adult disability worldwide, and every year more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, only 10 percent of people who have a stroke recover completely, while 50 percent experience moderate to severe long-term disability, including significant impairment in language, cognition, motor, and sensory skills, which require special care or long-term care in a nursing home or other facility. Therefore, in the United States alone, nearly 400,000 people per year will suffer the lasting debilitating consequences of stroke. Previous studies have indicated that rehabilitation following stroke is constrained by a so-called 'critical' or 'sensitive' period. While this learning window can be extended or enhanced, once the post-stroke rehabilitation critical period has closed, clinically applicable manipulations that can reopen it are lacking. Recently the investigators have shown that the psychedelic compounds like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4-methylenedioxmethamphetamine (MDMA) can reopen a novel critical period for social reward learning. The adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" captures a certain truth about the brain. Specifically, a young person's brain is much more malleable (e.g., able to make new motor-memories and store new motor-memories) compared to an adult's brain. Neuroscientists call these periods of heightened sensitivity to input "critical periods." Based on these observations the investigators posit that psychedelic compounds serve as the long sought-after "master key" for unlocking critical periods across the brain. Ongoing preclinical studies are examining this possibility, with the goal of determining the therapeutic potential of psychedelics (including psilocybin) as adjunct therapies for any intervention whose clinical efficacy may be constrained by critical period closure, including post-stroke rehabilitation. The main purpose of the proposed studies is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of psilocybin in stroke patients (Phase 1). as a secondary aim the investigators will collect data on the efficacy of psilocybin in effecting motor recovery in post-stroke patients.

keywords:
Stroke, Chronic Stroke, Intracerebral Haemorrhage, Intracerebral Haemorrhage (ICH), Intracerebral Hemorrhage Basal Ganglia, Ischemic Stroke, Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke, Hemiparesis After Stroke, Hemiplegia Following Ischemic Stroke, Hemiplegia and Hemiparesis, Hemiplegia and/or Hemiparesis Following Stroke, Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke, Psilocybin (Usona Institute), RECRUITING


authors: Queen's University
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-05-12
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06969170
keywords: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Psilocybin (drug), Placebo, RECRUITING
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Brain Imaging,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:27
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:33
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT06969170","overall_status":"RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE2"]}
title:
A Phase 2a, Placebo-Controlled Randomized, Double-Blind Trial to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Psilocybin Oral Solution in Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

abstract:
This Phase 2a clinical trial is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of a 3 mg dose of psilocybin oral solution for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The study consists of three sequential phases: Screening Phase (up to 4 weeks), Open-label Run-in Phase (4 weeks), Double-blind Treatment Phase (4 weeks) Screening Phase During the Screening Visit, participants will provide informed consent and undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including an abbreviated psychiatric assessment, to determine eligibility. To qualify, patients must have a clinician-rated Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) score ≥14. Additionally, participants must not be on regular anxiolytic treatment or must have discontinued such treatment at least 4 weeks prior to the start of the Open-label Run-in Phase. Open-label Run-in Phase Eligible patients will proceed to the 4-week Open-label Run-in Phase. During this phase, patients will attend four weekly clinic visits, supplemented by weekly remote contacts (via phone or email). At different timepoints during the OL Run-in Phase, participants will complete safety assessments, undergo cognitive testing and EEG and other patient reported outcomes (PROs). Double-blind Treatment Phase Participants who demonstrate a treatment response during the Open-label Phase-defined as a ≥50% reduction in GAD-7 score from baseline-will be randomized 1:1 to receive either psilocybin oral solution or placebo at the Double-blind Baseline Visit. Patients not meeting the response criteria will undergo End-of-Treatment (ET) procedures at this visit. At different timepoints during the DB Treatment Phase, participants will complete safety assessments, undergo cognitive testing and EEG and other patient reported outcomes (PROs). Completion of the End of Treatment (ET) phase will be 2 weeks to further assess safety and PROs.


title: Consciousness and Psilocybin Effects on Well-Being (The CoPE Study): Pilot Phase
authors: University of Wisconsin, Madison
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-05-15
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05592379
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Wellbeing
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:27
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:33
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT05592379","overall_status":"COMPLETED","phase":["PHASE1"]}
abstract:
This study is being done to identify a dosing strategy that will allow IV psilocybin to be administered to sleeping participants without awakening them. The study commenced with 1 subject receiving 2 mg IV infusion of psilocybin over 2 minutes and 2 subjects receiving 2 mg IV infusion of psilocybin over 10 minutes. Subsequently, the pre-treatment of 0.2 mg of clonidine was added. This design involves testing up to two psilocybin+clonidine administration protocols in asleep and awake subjects and one of two "IV psilocybin only" administration protocols in awake subjects. The updated protocol entails 2 mg of psilocybin administered via IV infusion combined with 0.2 mg oral clonidine in sleeping subjects. If either the 2-minute or 10-minute psilocybin infusion (plus oral clonidine) protocols allow sleep maintenance, up to 5 subjects will, while awake, receive the same psilocybin infusion protocol administered to sleeping subjects, including clonidine. Subsequently, this same infusion protocol may be administered without clonidine, to evaluate any potential effect of co-administered clonidine on the acute psychedelic experience in awake subjects (Group 1C for 2-minute psilocybin infusion; Group 2C for 10-minute psilocybin infusion), should a significant effect of clonidine on the awake psychedelic experience be suspected. For individual subjects that are dosed first while asleep and then up to twice while awake, each of their visits will be separated by a minimum of two weeks and will include psychosocial support through integration sessions following each dosing visit. Adaptive Study Design Change per Protocol Amendment Approved 5/21/24

keywords:
Healthy, Psychedelic Experiences, Sleep, Psilocybin, Psilocybine, Psilocibin, Clonidine, Saline, Placebo, COMPLETED


authors: Clairvoyant Therapeutics
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2024-08-14
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05646303
keywords: Alcohol Use Disorder, Psilocybin, Placebo, UNKNOWN
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:27
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:33
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT05646303","overall_status":"UNKNOWN","phase":["PHASE2"]}
title:
A24-Week, Multicentre, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Phase 2 Clinical Trial to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

abstract:
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate treatment with psilocybin and psychotherapy for the treatment of people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: * Does treatment with psilocybin and therapy help reduce alcohol consumption more than placebo and therapy? * Is treatment with psilocybin and therapy safe for participants? Participants will * Attend 13 study visits * Take part in therapy sessions including 2 treatment sessions with either psilocybin or placebo * Record their daily alcohol consumption on study specific device Researchers will compare psilocybin and placebo groups to see if alcohol consumption is decreased.


