# publications

authors: University College, London
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-11-25
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06815653
keywords: Healthy, Psilocybin 25mg, RECRUITING
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT06815653","overall_status":"RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE1"]}
title:
Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP): A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial Comparing Meditation and Music-Based Programs in Healthy Volunteers.

abstract:
This randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluates the Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP), a novel 21-day self-guided program designed to prepare individuals for psychedelic experiences. Forty healthy volunteers will be randomly assigned to either a meditation-based intervention or a music-based control condition. Both groups will follow identical program structures, with the key distinction being their daily practice focus: meditation or music listening. Following the 21-day preparation period, participants will undergo a supervised 25 mg psilocybin session at University College London. Assessment visits include an in-person follow-up at 2 weeks post-session, followed by online assessments at 3, 6, and 9 months. The primary outcomes include operational feasibility (recruitment rates and participant retention) and intervention adherence (completion rates of DIPP program activities). Secondary outcomes include participant ratings of the platform's feasibility, acceptability, and usability, as well as changes in psychedelic preparedness, the quality of the psychedelic experience, and mental wellbeing over time. Growing evidence demonstrates the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances, particularly psilocybin, in addressing mental health challenges and enhancing psychological well-being. While psychedelic experiences can catalyse profound positive changes, they can also be psychologically challenging and potentially destabilising, underscoring the need for thorough preparation. Studies consistently show that an individual's psychological state prior to psychedelic administration significantly influences both the acute experience and its lasting benefits. However, structured preparation protocols designed to optimise this pre-psychedelic state remain understudied despite their crucial role in therapeutic outcomes. Digital health interventions offer a promising solution for delivering standardised preparation protocols at scale. Meditation-based approaches warrant particular investigation, as they systematically cultivate both immediate psychological states and enduring traits (e.g. non-judgemental acceptance) beneficial for psychedelic experiences. Through regular practice, meditation promotes trait-like metacognitive awareness, emotional regulation, and tolerance of uncertainty - qualities particularly valuable for navigating altered states of consciousness. These benefits are supported by neuroscientific evidence showing that meditation and psychedelics influence similar brain networks and mechanisms. While traditional meditation training often requires substantial time investment and in-person instruction, digital platforms can provide efficient structured guidance without the need for face-to-face support from a trained instructor, while maintaining essential elements of practice. This combination of accessibility and evidence-based benefits makes digital meditation platforms particularly well-suited for preparing individuals for psychedelic experiences. This randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluates the Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP), a 21-day self-guided program. Forty healthy volunteers will be randomised 1:1 to either a meditation-based intervention or music-based control condition. Both groups will engage with identical program structures, differing only in their daily practice (meditation versus music listening). Following preparation, all participants will undergo a supervised 25 mg psilocybin session at University College London, with follow-up assessments conducted in person at 2 weeks and online at 3, 6, and 9 months post-intervention. The primary outcomes address two key aspects of feasibility: operational feasibility and intervention adherence. Operational feasibility evaluates study-wide metrics, including recruitment efficiency (target ≥1 participant per week) and participant retention (target ≥70% completion through the 2-week post-dose follow-up). Intervention adherence focuses on participant engagement with the DIPP activities (meditation or music listening), assessed through completion rates for daily sessions, mood check-ins, journal entries, and weekly tasks, with a target of ≥70% of participants achieving an average completion rate of 70% or higher. Secondary outcomes, reported descriptively for both conditions, include implementation measures such as subjective feasibility (SFIS), acceptability (TFA), and usability (SUS/MARS) ratings. Efficacy measures assess changes in psychedelic preparedness (PPS) from baseline to post-DIPP intervention, the qualities of the acute psychedelic experience (11-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness Scale \[11D-ASC\] and Challenging Experience Questionnaire \[CEQ\]) following dosing, and changes in mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale \[WEMWBS\]) from baseline through the 2-week post-dose follow-up. As such, this study will investigate the feasibility of implementing a digital preparation protocol within a research setting, while gathering preliminary data on engagement, acceptability, and potential efficacy. The findings will inform refinements to the DIPP platform and protocol, supporting the development of accessible, standardised preparation methods for psychedelic research and therapy as the field continues to expand into diverse clinical and community-based settings.

topic_tags:
Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Wellbeing,Emotional Processing,Randomized Controlled Trial,Healthy Volunteers


authors: King's College London
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-09-09
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07164755
keywords: Depression - Major Depressive Disorder, ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT07164755","overall_status":"ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING","phase":[]}
title:
Measurement of Serum Cytokine Levels in Samples Collected as Part of a Clinical Trial of Psilocybin for Treatment-resistant Depression.

abstract:
About one in three people with major depression respond poorly to standard antidepressant treatments. This kind of depression is called treatment-resistant depression, and it can lead to long-term disability, financial challenges, and a higher risk of suicide. Psilocybin-a compound found in certain mushrooms-has shown early promise as a new treatment for this difficult-to-treat depression. Scientists believe it works by affecting a specific brain receptor (called 5-HT2A), which helps the brain become more flexible and adaptable. But there's another possible mechanism of psilocybin that hasn't been studied much: its ability to influence the immune system. Recent research suggests that inflammation in the body might play a role in depression, especially when treatments don't work. High levels of certain inflammatory markers (called cytokines) are linked to poor response to antidepressants, while lower levels are tied to feeling better. Psilocybin may help reduce this inflammation, which could be part of why it helps some people feel better. Still, we don't fully understand how a person's inflammation levels before treatment, and how those levels change afterward, relate to how well psilocybin works. Figuring this out could help doctors better match patients to psychedelic therapy and discover new ways to treat depression. In this study, blood samples from a recent study (called the PsiDeR trial) that tested psilocybin in people with treatment-resistant depression will be analyzed. Cytokine levels in these blood samples, as well as levels of another type of molecule linked to inflammation, called mRNA, will be measured. Chronic and elevated inflammation is associated with depression. Depressed patients tend to have raised inflammatory markers compared to healthy controls, and studies have reported that the greatest elevation is seen in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Previous studies highlight the bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depression. Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines are linked to poor antidepressant response, while reductions in these markers are associated with symptom improvement. While neuroinflammation may play a role in the pathophysiology of depression, inflammation is also a causal risk factor for physical illnesses that are often co-morbid with depression, such as cardiovascular disease. As such, targeting inflammation in patients with depression may have significant implications for both their mental and physical health. Psychedelics are emerging as a potential new class of therapeutic agents for psychiatric illness, including depression. It has been suggested that their therapeutic effect may partly be due to reducing inflammation. Psychedelics have been shown reduce markers of inflammation in models of human inflammatory disease, both in vitro and in vivo. While, as might be expected, psilocybin was not found to reduce markers of inflammation in healthy human volunteers, in a clinical sample of people with treatment-resistant depression, use of ayahuasca (containing the psychedelic N,N DMT) resulted in a significant reduction in CRP levels compared to participants given placebo, with the reduction in CRP levels significantly correlated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Ayahuasca consists of an admixture of multiple different compounds. As such, the relative contribution of the psychedelic to the anti-inflammatory effect that was observed is unknown. The effect of isolated psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin on the systemic inflammatory state of patients, specifically patients with depression, therefore, remains to be investigated. Psilocybin's capacity to reduce inflammation, as evidenced in preclinical models, may be a crucial mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects. Moreover, while it is recognised that baseline inflammation levels can influence the effectiveness of conventional antidepressants, it is unclear whether this is also the case for psilocybin. This study aims to evaluate serum cytokine and inflammatory-related mRNA levels in samples collected from participants with TRD who took part in the (Psi)locybin in (De)pression (R)esistant to Standard Treatments (PsiDeR) Trial, and the relationships between these and psilocybin treatment response. PsiDeR was a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of psilocybin as a treatment for TRD that has now completed.

topic_tags:
Depression,Receptor Pharmacology,Biomarkers,Clinical Trial,Animal Study,In Vitro Study,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety,Inflammation,Immune Function


authors: Charles S. Grob, M.D.
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-11-24
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05403086
keywords: Demoralization, Psilocybin, Hallucinogen, Ketamine, Ketalar, RECRUITING
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Safety
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT05403086","overall_status":"RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE2"]}
title:
Pragmatic Trial of Psilocybin Therapy in Palliative Care (PT2PC): A Multicenter Triple-blind Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial of Psilocybin Therapy for Demoralized Adults Near the End of Life

abstract:
This multicenter, triple-blind, phase 2, randomized controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of psilocybin therapy compared to an active control in treating demoralization in adults near the end of life (≤2 years life expectancy). After providing written informed consent, participants deemed eligible for this trial will be randomized to a brief course of talk therapy plus 1 dose of oral psilocybin vs the same brief course of talk therapy plus 1 dose of oral ketamine (the active control). Participants' degree of demoralization and other clinical outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety) will be assessed at 1, 2, and 5 weeks after the study drug administration. After completing the study, participants will have the option of being told which study drug they took (aka, "unblinded"); those who were randomized to the active control will be offered another brief course of talk therapy plus 1 dose of oral psilocybin, and the same sequence of outcome assessments.


authors: Sheppard Pratt Health System
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-12-23
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05220410
keywords: Treatment Resistant Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Psilocybin, COMPLETED
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT05220410","overall_status":"COMPLETED","phase":["PHASE2"]}
title:
The Safety and Efficacy of Psilocybin in Patients With Treatment-resistant Depression and Chronic Suicidal Ideation

abstract:
This study aims to explore the safety and tolerability of a single dose of psilocybin (25mg) administered under supportive conditions to adult participants with TRD and chronic suicidal ideation


authors: Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD, MA
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2026-06-04
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05698511
keywords: Psychedelic Experiences, Neuroimaging, Healthy Volunteers, Psilocybin, ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Aging,Clinical Trial,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT05698511","overall_status":"ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE1"]}
title:
Multivariate Neural and Physiological Correlates of Psychedelic Sub-states: a Within-subjects, Healthy Volunteer Study With Experience-sampling

abstract:
The main purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the distinct mental states and physical reactions that can arise during a psychedelic experience. By repeatedly assessing the same participants in an MRI while under the effects of psilocybin, the investigators want to identify reliable brain and body reactions arising during these psychedelic experiences. It is hoped that this will provide an insight to inspire future research on psilocybin and related psychedelics as well as inform on their therapeutic action. This study will involve up to 12 healthy volunteers with previous psychedelic experience. Participants in this study will be given four doses of psilocybin, with breaks of at least seven days in between dosing visits. The first dosing visit will feature a 10 mg dose of psilocybin, which can be considerate a low to moderate dose, whereas the remaining three dosing visits will feature 25 mg psilocybin, a high dose that is consistent with the dosage chosen for several modern clinical trials with psilocybin. From the initial in-person screening visit to the final follow-up, participants will be in this study for approximately 6-12 weeks and visit the research site 5 times. The first visit will be an in-person screening visit, during which the investigators will assess participants' eligibility to be enrolled. There will be 4 subsequent visits to the scan center for dosing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, and there will be a final remote follow up. Each of the four dosing visits will include four periods of lying within the MRI scanner for scanning, each of these 'in-scanner' sessions will last for \~ 45 minutes. Actual scans, which are also called 'runs' last for \~ 12 mins. During these 'runs', the investigators will ask participants two brief questions about how positive or negative their current experience is every 100 seconds. They will be able to record their answers using a button box which they will be operating with their hand. One day after each dosing visit, the investigators will schedule a phone call with the participant to check how they are doing and perform an informal interview focused on their experience while under the effects of psilocybin.


authors: Baylor College of Medicine
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2026-01-21
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06888128
keywords: PTSD, Psilocybin 15mg, Psilocybin 25mg, RECRUITING
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Veterans,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT06888128","overall_status":"RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE2"]}
title:
The STARLIGHT Protocol: State-Funded Trial Assessing Recovery and Long-Term Impact of Guided Psilocybin for Healing Trauma

abstract:
The principal investigator for this study plans to build upon the psilocybin-assisted therapy intervention used in prior completed trials to conduct an open-label trial of two psilocybin administration sessions combined with psychotherapy to investigate the safety, tolerability, and clinical efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD in US Veterans.


authors: Trent Emerick
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2026-02-11
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07406828
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Chronic Pain,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Observational Study,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT07406828","overall_status":"NOT_YET_RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE1"]}
title:
Single Dose Psilocybin for a Post-surgical Trauma Inpatient Population for Pain, Mood, and Opioid Use Disorder

abstract:
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a single dose of psilocybin is feasible and safe for adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are recovering from trauma surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is a single psilocybin dose feasible to administer during postoperative hospitalization? 2. Is psilocybin safe in this patient population? 3. How does psilocybin affect postoperative pain, opioid use, anxiety, and depression after hospital discharge? Participants will: Receive one oral dose of psilocybin during their postoperative inpatient stay Complete assessments of pain, mood, and opioid use during recovery This is an open-label pilot feasibility trial conducted at a single academic medical center. Fourteen participants receive a single oral dose of psilocybin during inpatient hospitalization following trauma surgery. Outcomes in the psilocybin group are compared with a retrospectively identified standard-of-care cohort of 56 trauma surgery patients with opioid use disorder, identified through electronic medical record review. The standard-of-care cohort is selected using propensity score methods based on baseline characteristics, including age, sex, trauma diagnosis, psychiatric comorbidities, baseline medications, comorbid conditions, type of surgery, and baseline opioid consumption measured in morphine milligram equivalents. No interim efficacy analyses are planned. After the first three participants have received psilocybin and completed the one-week follow-up assessments, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board reviews safety data to assess ongoing risk and determine whether study procedures should continue unchanged.

keywords:
Pain Management, Postoperative Pain, Psilocybin (Usona Institute), Postoperative analgesia, NOT_YET_RECRUITING


title: Effects of Psilocybin Microdosing on Cognition, Mood and Quality of Life: A Pilot Study
authors: Yale University
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2026-06-22
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07449351
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT07449351","overall_status":"NOT_YET_RECRUITING","phase":["EARLY_PHASE1"]}
abstract:
This study is being conducted to evaluate how of 30 days of intermittently microdosed psilocybin affects mood, cognition, subjective well-being and structural/functional MRI results compared to a placebo. Investigators hypothesize that compared to placebo, 30 days of intermittently microdosed psilocybin will produce observable changes in mood, cognition, subjective well-being and MRI, in the absence of psychedelic experiences. This study is being conducted to evaluate the effects of 30 days of intermittently microdosed psilocybin in a parallel arm double-blind manner on mood, cognition, subjective well-being and structural/functional MRI compared to placebo, using validated psychological assessments and cognitive tests. Investigators hypothesize that compared to placebo, 30 days of intermittently microdosed psilocybin will produce observable changes in mood, cognition, subjective well-being and MRI, in the absence of psychedelic experiences. Demonstrating significant results in a population of healthy psychedelic non-users will establish a strong precedent for studying the effects of microdosing psychedelics in patient populations, such as those with treatment-resistant depression. Showing that microdosing minimizes risk of adverse outcomes with psychedelic treatment while maintaining beneficial effects would provide useful information relevant to clinical research in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. In addition to investigating claims that microdosing psychedelics may improve cognition and mood, this study also aims to test the hypothesis that these effects including those measurable at a brain level may persist beyond the course of the 30 days of the study. There are few to no studies that assessed the longevity of psychedelic effects on the majority of the above measures, so the proposed study may further establish the longer-term benefits of microdosing. The use of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will elucidate the mechanisms by which microdosing may be exerting its effects on mood and cognition. Because this is a relatively understudied area, information gleaned from this study will provide service in informing the field in general.

keywords:
Psychedelic Microdosing Effects on Mood, Cognition, Subjective Well-being and MRI, Psliocybin, Placebo, NOT_YET_RECRUITING

topic_tags:
Depression,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Longevity,Microdosing,Wellbeing,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety


authors: University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2024-01-23
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04227756
keywords: Healthy, LSD, Psilocybin, Mescaline, Placebo, COMPLETED
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Aging,Toxicity
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT04227756","overall_status":"COMPLETED","phase":["PHASE1"]}
title:
Comparative Acute Effects of LSD, Psilocybin and Mescaline in a Random-Order Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Study in Healthy Subjects

abstract:
LSD, psilocybin and mescaline are widely used for recreational and ethnomedical purposes. All three substances are thought to induce prototypical psychedelic effects primarily via stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptor. However, there are differences in the substances' molecular structures and receptor activation profiles which may induce differential subjective effects. To date, there are no modern studies comparing LSD, psilocybin and mescaline directly within the same clinical study and research subjects using validated psychometric tools. Therefore, the LPM-Study compares the acute effects of LSD, psilocybin, mescaline and placebo in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-period cross-over design with four treatment conditions: 1) 100 μg LSD, 2) 20 mg psilocybin, 3) 300 or 500 mg mescaline, and 4) placebo. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (the active substance in "magic mushrooms") and mescaline (the active substance in Peyote and San Pedro cacti) are serotonergic hallucinogens widely used for recreational and/or ethnomedical purposes. LSD, psilocybin and mescaline are thought to induce prototypical psychedelic effects primarily via stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptor. However, there are differences in their molecular structures (LSD: ergoline, psilocybin: tryptamine; mescaline: phenethylamine)and receptor activation profiles which may induce different subjective effects. To date, there are no modern studies comparing these three substances directly within the same clinical study and research subjects using validated psychometric tools. Therefore, the LPM-Study compares the acute effects of LSD, psilocybin, mescaline and placebo in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-period cross-over design with four treatment conditions: 1) 100 μg LSD, 2) 20 mg psilocybin, 3) 300 or 500 mg mescaline, and 4) placebo. The main objective of this study is to determine whether LSD, psilocybin and mescaline produce qualitatively similar subjective alterations of mind and associated brain activity patterns despite their unique receptor activation profiles. The study investigates psychological (psychometry), physiological and neuronal (magnetic resonance imaging) variables. The LPM-Study provides insight into the acute effects profiles of three serotonergic hallucinogens. It will enhance the understanding of psychedelic-induced altered states of consciousness in humans and will be relevant for the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and forensic toxicology.


title: Effects of Psilocybin on Electrophysiology and the Dynamic Content of Thought
authors: Johns Hopkins University
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2026-03-01
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05301608
keywords: Healthy, Psilocybin, 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, Placebo, RECRUITING
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Consciousness,Aging,Creativity,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT05301608","overall_status":"RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE1","PHASE2"]}
abstract:
This research study will use computerized tasks, electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at how the drug psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound contained in hundreds of species of psychoactive mushrooms, changes thoughts and brain activity. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, full cross-over study in healthy volunteers, computerized, electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures will be assessed to test the acute effects of a moderate dose of psilocybin (10 mg/70 kg) on creativity, the contents and dynamics of thought, memory, and shared vs individual brain response while viewing naturalistic stimuli. Understanding the acute psychological and neural effects of psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin may allow for future optimization of psychedelic medicine, as well as a deeper and more refined understanding of consciousness itself.


title: Role of the Serotonin 2A Receptor in Psilocybin-induced Altered States of Consciousness (PDR-Study)
authors: University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-05-27
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06796361
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
study_type: Other
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT06796361","overall_status":"RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE1"]}
abstract:
Psilocybin (active compound of "magic mushrooms") is a prototypical psychedelic substance that acts via agonism on serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptors. Psilocybin is rapidly metabolized into its active metabolite psilocin. Psilocybin is currently under investigation as potential treatment for various neuropsychiatric disorders. Psilocybin is also widely used for recreational purposes and as research tool in neuroscience. Besides its current clinical development, a clear characterization of the dose-response relationship of psilocybin is lacking. With the present study the investigators aim to close this knowledge gap by administering low (5mg) to high (40mg) single doses of psilocybin to healthy participants. Besides its agonism on 5-HT2A receptors, psilocin also binds to other receptors and inhibits serotonin transporters (SERT). To this data only few studies have investigated these effects and never at a high dose. Psilocybin is widely used for recreational and spiritual purposes. Additionally Psilocybin is currently reused in experimental studies with healthy subjects and in studies investigating its effects on patients suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction personality disorders and other pathological conditions. The present PDR-study will characterize the subjective effects of different doses of psilocybin using modern psychometric instruments, explore the relationship between the plasma-concentration of psilocybin and its subjective effects, and examine the contribution of the 5-HT2A receptor in the psilocybin-induced alterations of consciousness in a mechanistic study in healthy subjects. Participants will recieve doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg psilocybin, 40 mg of psilocybin with pretreatment of 40 mg ketanserin, and placebo (control for psilocybin). Placebo pretreatment (control for ketanserin) will be used for all psilocybin administrations without ketanserin. Administrations will be separated by at least 10 days and are in random and counter-balanced order.

keywords:
Healthy, Ketanserin 40mg plus Psilocybin 40mg, 40mg Psilocybin, 20mg Psilocybin, 10mg Psilocybin, 5mg Psilocybin, Placebo, RECRUITING

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Personality Change,Spirituality,Healthy Volunteers


title: PRoMiSS: Psilocybin and the Role of Music in Set and Setting
authors: Johns Hopkins University
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2025-09-17
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07180108
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Consciousness,Wellbeing,Emotional Processing,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT07180108","overall_status":"ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION","phase":["PHASE1"]}
abstract:
The goal of this clinical trial is to understand how personally meaningful, autobiographically salient music compares to standardized playlists when combined with psilocybin in healthy adults ages 21 to 75. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does autobiographically salient music lead to stronger emotional responses to music, greater acute subjective effects, and more lasting improvements in mood, affect, and well-being compared to standardized or ambient playlists? How are brain and body responses - including EEG activity, respiration, heart rate, and skin conductance - influenced by autobiographically salient music under psilocybin? Do brain and body responses to specific music features differ when the music is autobiographically salient compared to non-salient playlists? Researchers will compare five music conditions: three conditions where an 80-minute block of autobiographically salient music is placed at different points in the 6-hour psilocybin session (0-80 minutes, 80-160 minutes, or 240-320 minutes), a standardized Johns Hopkins psilocybin playlist, and an ambient playlist with no autobiographical content. Participants will: * Take a single oral dose of psilocybin (25 mg) during one study session * Listen to one of the five music conditions while reclining in a comfortable setting * Complete questionnaires about emotions, acute, subjective effects, insight, etc. * Undergo EEG and physiological monitoring (respiration, heart rate, skin conductance) during the session * Complete MRI brain scans before the session and 1 week after psilocybin * Return for follow-ups at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after psilocybin * At 1 month, complete a qualitative interview and a nondrug EEG music listening session, where the participant's hear either music from the participant's own psilocybin session or music from another participant's session Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin reliably alter consciousness, producing changes in perception, emotion, and meaning-making. Music has long been recognized as an important component of psychedelic therapy, serving to guide the experience and shape its trajectory. However, little is known about how different types of music influence outcomes, particularly music that is personally meaningful to participants. This study will investigate the effects of autobiographically salient (AS) music compared to standardized playlists during high-dose psilocybin sessions. The goal is to understand how personally relevant music modulates acute subjective experiences, emotional responses, and longer-term psychological outcomes. In addition, the study will examine brain and body responses to music under psilocybin, including how these responses differ when music is autobiographically salient. The central questions are whether AS music enhances emotional depth, psychological insight, and well-being more than non-autobiographical playlists, and whether the timing of AS music during the session influences these effects. Participants will be followed up after the psilocybin session to assess both short-term and longer-term outcomes, including well-being, mood, and meaning-making. This trial represents one of the first controlled investigations into how personalized music contributes to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Findings may help optimize music-based interventions in psychedelic therapy and improve understanding of the role of music in shaping altered states of consciousness.

keywords:
Psilocybin, Music Intervention, Psilocybin (high dose), DMF#037635 (Type II), Purisys LLC, Psilocybin Drug Substance, Playlist 1, Playlist 2, Playlist 3, Playlist 4, Playlist 5, ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION


authors: Francisco A Moreno
journal: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_date: 2026-05-11
source_url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07347405
keywords: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Psilocybin 10 mg, Psilocybin 20 mg, Psilocybin 30 mg, RECRUITING
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: OCD,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: ClinicalTrials.gov
publication_status: clinical trial
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:04:28
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:34
raw_json: {"nct_id":"NCT07347405","overall_status":"RECRUITING","phase":["PHASE1"]}
title:
A Randomized Double-masked Dose-controlled Trial to Assess the Tolerability, Safety, Subjective Experience, and Efficacy of Repeated Administration of Three Different Doses of Psilocybin Whole Mushroom for the Treatment of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder.

abstract:
The study tries to improve our treatments for people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by testing psilocybin, a mind altering drug that changes activity in brain areas involved in OCD. 30 patients with moderate or more severe OCD who are not taking mind altering medications or street drugs will participate in a 12 week study. Participants will be assigned (by luck of the draw) to take a low, medium, or high dose whole psilocybin mushroom contained in three chocolate pieces, prepared for this study by the Scottsdale Research Institute. Participants will come to the University of Arizona CATS Research Unit in Tucson for assessment, if they are found to be fit for study participation, they will be scheduled for a preparation session with a study therapist and then will participate in a dosing session when they will ingest three pieces of chocolate containing psilocybin mushroom. They will answer questions of how they are feeling, and will be monitored for safety by two study staff members, and their vital signs will be checked every hour on the day they receive the study drug. The will be sent home with a responsible adult selected by the patient after they are felt to be safe once the effects of the drug have resolved. Participants will receive four different doses separated by about three weeks. After they complete the treatment phase, they will be contacted monthly for follow up assessment of efficacy, and safety.


title: The entropic brain today.
authors: Carhart-Harris RL.
publication_date: 2026-06-09
doi: 10.1093/brain/awag206
pubmed_id: 42266156
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awag206
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Aging,Wellbeing
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:38
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
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 the size of phenomenal consciousness-expansive states reliably exhibit increased brain entropy whereas the inverse applies for states of no or reduced consciousness. Examples of expansive states include expert meditation, flicker light stimulation, near-death-like experiences, atypical breathing, rapid-eye-movement sleep, the pre-ictal aura, unmedicated early psychosis and psychedelic drug states. Examples of 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 illness. It is shown that the entropic brain has convergent, correlative, predictive, discriminative and external validity. Regarding its predictive validity, increased brain entropy under psilocybin (in a supportive context) predicts subsequent improvements in mental health (improved wellbeing 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-related function is applied in generative artificial intelligence. In conclusion, the entropic brain is a useful model of conscious states.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"42266156","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Improving access to psilocybin-assisted therapy: barriers, challenges, and recommendations.
authors: Tsang VWL, Roney C, Kryskow P, Dames S.
publication_date: 2026-01-28
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1767210
pubmed_id: 41694514
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1767210
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:39
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"41694514","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and autobiographical memory - six open questions.
authors: Kangaslampi S, Lietz M
journal: Psychopharmacology
publication_date: 2025-09-30
doi: 10.1007/s00213-025-06771-5
pubmed_id: 40095090
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40095090/
keywords: Autobiographical memory, LSD, Psilocybin, Psychedelics
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:35
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"40095090"}
abstract:
Since 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.
We 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?
We present the background and current limited state of evidence for each question and provide suggestions on how future studies could best address them.
Besides 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.


title: Do undergraduates' views of psychedelics relate to the context for psychedelic use?
authors: Petrovitch D, Van Allen J, Mitchell SM, Littlefield AK.
publication_date: 2025-03-27
doi: 10.1177/20503245241308747
pubmed_id: 40969462
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245241308747
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Psychedelic drug policy is changing, both in the USA 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 safety, therapeutic efficacy, likely future legality, and more. We compared psychedelic-naïve undergraduates' views (expectancies, perceptions of benefits, and perceptions of harms) of psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide across each context. 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 (standard deviation = 2.01). 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. This indicates that psychedelic-naïve undergraduates make limited distinctions between contexts for psychedelic use, which suggests that, in the USA, psychedelic-naïve undergraduates may benefit from education about differences between contexts, especially considering their potential to impact psychedelic drug policy. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare views of psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide across three important, emerging contexts for psychedelic use.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"40969462","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Hitchins K, Reynolds JP.
publication_date: 2025-07-31
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.104909
pubmed_id: 40743946
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.104909
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Longevity,Observational Study,Adolescents,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
title:
The Impact of Communicating the Benefits and Safety of Psilocybin on Policy Support: a Survey Based Experiment.

abstract:
BackgroundPreliminary evidence suggests psilocybin may have therapeutic value for various mental health conditions; despite this, it is currently illegal in the UK. Less is known about how people form their attitudes towards psilocybin policies.ObjectivesTo explore whether beliefs about the benefits and safety of psilocybin influence support for psilocybin policies.MethodsIn an online survey experiment, 804 participants were randomised to receive one of four interventions in a 2 (no information vs evidence for psilocybin benefits) x 2 (no information vs evidence for psilocybin safety) design. Public support for four psilocybin policies and beliefs about the benefits and safety of psilocybin were measured before and after participants were randomised to a group.ResultsIn a two-way ANCOVA, the Benefits Intervention significantly increased policy support overall (d = 0.11, p <.001); and for two of four psilocybin policies when analysed separately. Furthermore, the Benefits Intervention significantly strengthened beliefs that psilocybin is beneficial (d = 0.44, p <.001) and safe (d = 0.26, p <.001). The Safety Intervention increased psilocybin policy support overall (d = 0.10, p =.003); and for three of four psilocybin policies when analysed separately. The Safety Intervention also strengthened beliefs that psilocybin is safe (d = 0.28, p <.001) but not that it is beneficial.ConclusionsCommunicating the benefits and safety of psilocybin can increase psilocybin policy support and strengthen beliefs about psilocybin, however further research is needed to explore the longevity of these results.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Drug and Narcotic Control, Public Opinion, Adolescent, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, United Kingdom, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"40743946","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Wilson-Poe A, Hoffman K, Pertl K, Luoma J, Bazinet A, Stauffer C, McCarty D, Korthuis P.
publication_date: 2024-09-12
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2024.2401982
pubmed_id: 39269313
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2024.2401982
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Wellbeing,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Personal Psychedelic Experience as a Training Qualification for Facilitators: A Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Interviews with Psilocybin Experts.

abstract:
Emerging legal frameworks in Oregon and Colorado license facilitators to support adults receiving psychedelic services. The current legal frameworks are silent regarding facilitators' personal experience with psychedelics. An e-Delphi process recruited 36 experts with at least 5 years' experience facilitating psilocybin experiences in ceremonial settings, indigenous practices, or clinical trials. Respondents completed in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews via secure web links. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Experts with a mean of 15.2 (SD13.1) years' experience providing psilocybin services expressed the importance of first-hand experience with psychedelics as a qualification for the emerging workforce. One participant questioned the necessity of personal psychedelic experience. Experts suggested that personal experience may indirectly support high-quality care because it enhances facilitators' personal wellbeing, and may help facilitators understand the complexity and nature of their clients' psychedelic experiences. Novel state-legal psychedelic paradigms create a real-world opportunity to assess associations between facilitators' personal psychedelic experience and the safety and outcomes of psychedelic services.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Qualitative Research, Adult, Middle Aged, Health Personnel, Oregon, Colorado, Female, Male, Interviews as Topic, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"39269313","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Jylkkä J, Väyrynen H, Lin E, Walldén C, Krabbe A, Kähönen J, Sikka P.
publication_date: 2025-07-06
doi: 10.1016/j.concog.2025.103901
pubmed_id: 40627899
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2025.103901
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Wellbeing,Mystical Experience
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
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.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Meditation, Qualitative Research, Mysticism, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Metacognition

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"40627899","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2023-08-21
doi: 10.1007/s00213-023-06432-5
pubmed_id: 37606733
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-023-06432-5
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Psilocybin therapy for treatment resistant depression: prediction of clinical outcome by natural language processing.

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

abstract:
RationaleTherapeutic administration of psychedelics has shown significant potential in historical accounts and 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.ObjectiveWhile the phase-IIb results are promising, the treatment works for a portion of the population and early prediction of outcome is a key objective as it would allow early identification of those likely to require alternative treatment.MethodsTranscripts were made from audio recordings of the psychological support session between participant and therapist 1 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/Sentiment2D.) RESULTS: 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%.ConclusionsA 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.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Treatment Outcome, Double-Blind Method, Natural Language Processing, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Machine Learning, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Mechanism of Action,Emotional Processing,Clinical Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"37606733","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Biba B, O'Shea BA.
publication_date: 2025-05-29
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2511750
pubmed_id: 40447287
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2025.2511750
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
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 toward 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 toward 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 toward 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":"40447287","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Majić T, Schmidt TT, Gröticke A, Gasser P, Richards WA, Riemer TG, Evens R.
publication_date: 2025-03-30
doi: 10.1177/02698811251326937
pubmed_id: 40165350
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811251326937
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Creativity,Observational Study,Adolescents
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
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:
BackgroundClassic psychedelics such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide 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.AimsTo create and validate a questionnaire to quantify the subacute "afterglow" effects of psychedelics.MethodsAn international online survey was conducted in English and German. Participants who had consumed a psychedelic (N = 1323) or another non-psychedelic substance (control group, N = 157) within the past 4 weeks were included. An initial list of 97 items was progressively reduced to 24 items.ResultsA 5-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

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Reproducibility of Results, Psychometrics, Adolescent, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"40165350","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2025-03-17
doi: 10.3389/fpain.2025.1527783
pubmed_id: 40171515
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2025.1527783
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Headache / Migraine,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Preliminary safety and effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy in adults with fibromyalgia: an open-label pilot clinical trial.

authors:
Aday JS, McAfee J, Conroy DA, Hosanagar A, Tarnal V, Weston C, Scott K, Horowitz D, Geller J, Harte SE, Pouyan N, Glynos NG, Baker AK, Guss J, Davis AK, Burgess HJ, Mashour GA, Clauw DJ, Boehnke KF.

abstract:
IntroductionFibromyalgia (FM) is the prototypical nociplastic pain condition, characterized by widespread pain and issues with cognition, mood, and sleep. Currently, there are limited treatment options available that effectively treat FM symptoms. Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging combined drug-therapy intervention, but no studies to-date have investigated PAT for FM.MethodsHere, we report findings from an open-label, pilot clinical trial of PAT for FM (N = 5). In conjunction with psychotherapy (two preparatory, four integration sessions), participants received two doses of oral psilocybin (15 mg and 25 mg) delivered two weeks apart.ResultsRegarding safety (primary outcome), there were transient elevations of blood pressure or heart rate during dosing which normalized by the end of treatment, with no serious adverse events. Four of five participants reported transient headaches following dosing. Compared to baseline, participants reported clinically meaningful improvements in the following secondary outcomes one month following their second psilocybin dose (reported as Cohen's d): pain severity [d = -2.1, 95% CI(-3.7 to -0.49)], pain interference [d = -1.8, 95% CI (-3.27 to -0.24)], and sleep disturbance [d = -2.5, 95% CI (-4.21 to -0.75)]. Using the Patient Global Impression of Change, one participant reported their symptoms "very much improved," two reported "much improved," and two reported "minimally improved." We stopped recruitment early because of concerns about generalizability and changes in FDA guidance for psychedelic clinical trials that occurred data collection.DiscussionThis small open-label trial preliminarily supports that PAT is well-tolerated by people with FM, establishing a basis for larger randomized controlled trials.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier, (NCT05128162).

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publication_date: 2025-02-06
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2461997
pubmed_id: 39921237
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2025.2461997
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Wellbeing,Emotional Processing,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
title:
Shame, Guilt and Psychedelic Experience: Results from a Prospective, Longitudinal Survey of Real-World Psilocybin Use.

authors:
Mathai DS, Roberts DE, Nayak SM, Sepeda ND, Lehrner A, Johnson MW, Lowe MX, Jackson H, Garcia-Romeu A.

abstract:
The classic psychedelic psilocybin has attracted special interest across clinical and non-clinical settings as a potential tool for mental health. Despite increasing attention to challenging psychedelic experiences, few studies have explored the relevance of shame-related processes with psychedelic use. This prospective, longitudinal study involved sequential, automated, web-based surveys that collected data from 679 adults planning to use psilocybin in naturalistic settings at timepoints before and after psilocybin use. State and trait shame and feelings of guilt were collected using validated measures and assessed alongside other measurements of psychological health. Acute feelings of shame or guilt during psilocybin experiences were commonly reported (68.2% of users) and difficult to predict. Ratings of participant ability to constructively work through these feelings predicted wellbeing 2-4 weeks after psilocybin use. Psilocybin on average produced a small but significant decrease in trait shame that was maintained 2-3 months after use (Cohen's dz = 0.37). Trait shame increased in a notable minority of participants (29.8%). The activation of self-conscious emotions with psychedelics deserves further attention as a challenging experience subcategory that may be relevant to psychological outcomes. Such experiences could pose a unique and context-dependent learning condition for both therapeutic and detrimental forms of shame-related memory reconsolidation.

raw_json:
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authors: Calder AE, Hasler G.
publication_date: 2024-08-18
doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.091
pubmed_id: 39168165
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.091
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:40
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:
IntroductionStudies 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsThe 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.LimitationsThe 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.ConclusionsThe 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.

keywords:
Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Reproducibility of Results, Adult, Middle Aged, Switzerland, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"39168165","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2024-04-05
doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108641
pubmed_id: 38583670
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108641
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:41
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Psilocybin for dementia prevention? The potential role of psilocybin to alter mechanisms associated with major depression and neurodegenerative diseases.

authors:
Haniff ZR, Bocharova M, Mantingh T, Rucker JJ, Velayudhan L, Taylor DM, Young AH, Aarsland D, Vernon AC, Thuret S.

abstract:
Major depression is an established risk factor for subsequent dementia, and depression in late life may also represent a prodromal state of dementia. Considering current challenges in the clinical development of disease modifying therapies for dementia, the focus of research is shifting towards prevention and modification of risk factors to alter the neurodegenerative disease trajectory. Understanding mechanistic commonalities underlying affective symptoms and cognitive decline may reveal biomarkers to aid early identification of those at risk of progressing to dementia during the preclinical phase of disease, thus allowing for timely intervention. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is a phenomenon that describes the birth of new neurons in the dentate gyrus throughout life and it is associated with spatial learning, memory and mood regulation. Microglia are innate immune system macrophages in the central nervous system that carefully regulate AHN via multiple mechanisms. Disruption in AHN is associated with both dementia and major depression and microgliosis is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, including neurogenesis, and may also be immunomodulatory. In this context, psilocybin, a serotonergic agonist with rapid-acting antidepressant properties has the potential to ameliorate intersecting pathophysiological processes relevant for both major depression and neurodegenerative diseases. In this narrative review, we focus on the evidence base for the effects of psilocybin on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and microglial form and function; which may suggest that psilocybin has the potential to modulate multiple mechanisms of action, and may have implications in altering the progression from major depression to dementia in those at risk.

keywords:
Hippocampus, Microglia, Animals, Humans, Dementia, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Neurogenesis, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder

topic_tags:
Depression,Neuroplasticity,Neurogenesis,Mechanism of Action,Biomarkers,Review Article,Animal Study,Safety,Immune Function

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"38583670","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Zeller M, Parent S, Schultheiss N.
publication_date: 2024-05-13
doi: 10.1107/s2056989024004201
pubmed_id: 38845717
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1107/s2056989024004201
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:41
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
title:
Structural characterization and comparative analysis of polymorphic forms of psilocin (4-hy-droxy-N,N-di-methyl-tryptamine).

abstract:
The title compound, C12H16N2O, is a hy-droxy-substituted mono-amine alkaloid, and the primary metabolite of the naturally occurring psychedelic compound psilocybin. Crystalline forms of psilocin are known, but their characterization by single-crystal structure analysis is limited. Herein, two anhydrous polymorphic forms (I and II) of psilocin are described. The crystal structure of polymorphic Form I, in space group P21/c, was first reported in 1974. Along with the redeterm-ination to modern standards and unambiguous location of the acidic H atom and variable-temperature single-crystal unit-cell determinations for Form I, the Form II polymorph of the title compound, which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, is described for the first time. The psilocin mol-ecules are present in both forms in their phenol-amine tautomeric forms (not resolved in the 1974 report). The mol-ecules in Forms I and II, however, feature different conformations of their N,N-dimethyl ethyl-ene substituent, with the N-C-C-C link in Form I being trans and in Form II being gauche, allowing the latter to bend back to the hydroxyl group of the same mol-ecule, leading to the formation of a strong intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl moiety and ethyl-amino-nitro-gen group. In the extended structure of Form II, the mol-ecules form one-dimensional strands through N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds from the indole group to the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl moiety of an adjacent mol-ecule. Form II exhibits whole-mol-ecule disorder due to a pseudo-mirror operation, with an occupancy ratio of 0.689 (5):0.311 (5) for the two components. In contrast, Form I does not feature intra-molecular hydrogen bonds but forms a layered structure through inter-molecular N-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"38845717","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: [Psychedelic psychiatry].
authors: López E, Yngwe H, Beckman M, Tiger M, Hieronymus F, Lundberg J.
publication_date: 2024-04-03
pubmed_id: 38572715
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/38572715
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Anxiety Disorders, Psychiatry, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Adverse Events
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:41
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
In the last 20 years there has been an increased interest in research on psychedelic compounds for treatment of psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. Despite existing treatments being efficacious for many patients, this is not the case for up to a third of the patients with depression. Additionally, treatments are often long and associated with side effects. This review focuses on the psychedelic compound psilocybin, a serotonin-2A-receptor agonist that has been seen to reduce depression and anxiety in patients after administration of only a single dose, with effects lasting several weeks. Recent findings from phase II studies suggest that psilocybin treatment for depression is safe and efficacious. A phase III study is currently recruiting. Whether psychedelics will become a part of standard healthcare remains to be seen, but findings do give rise to cautious optimism.

raw_json:
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title: Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring 'psychedelic preparedness'.
authors: McAlpine RG, Blackburne G, Kamboj SK.
publication_date: 2024-02-07
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-53829-z
pubmed_id: 38332334
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53829-z
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Wellbeing,Observational Study,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:41
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.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Reproducibility of Results, Psychometrics, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"38332334","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Neuroimaging in psychedelic drug development: past, present, and future.
authors: Wall MB, Harding R, Zafar R, Rabiner EA, Nutt DJ, Erritzoe D.
publication_date: 2023-09-26
doi: 10.1038/s41380-023-02271-0
pubmed_id: 37759038
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-02271-0
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Addiction,Neuroplasticity,Brain Imaging,Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:42
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Psychedelic therapy (PT) is an emerging paradigm with great transdiagnostic potential for treating psychiatric disorders, including depression, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and potentially others. 'Classic' serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), which have a key locus of action at the 5-HT2A receptor, form the main focus of this movement, but substances including ketamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and ibogaine also hold promise. The modern phase of development of these treatment modalities in the early 21st century has occurred concurrently with the wider use of advanced human neuroscientific research methods; principally neuroimaging. This can potentially enable assessment of drug and therapy brain effects with greater precision and quantification than any previous novel development in psychiatric pharmacology. We outline the major trends in existing data and suggest the modern development of PT has benefitted greatly from the use of neuroimaging. Important gaps in existing knowledge are identified, namely: the relationship between acute drug effects and longer-term (clinically-relevant) effects, the precise characterisation of effects at the 5-HT2A receptor and relationships with functional/clinical effects, and the possible impact of these compounds on neuroplasticity. A road-map for future research is laid out, outlining clinical studies which will directly address these three questions, principally using combined Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods, plus other adjunct techniques. Multimodal (PET/MRI) studies using modern PET techniques such as the 5-HT2A-selective ligand [11 C]Cimbi-36 (and other ligands sensitive to neuroplasticity changes) alongside MRI measures of brain function would provide a 'molecular-functional-clinical bridge' in understanding. Such results would help to resolve some of these questions and provide a firmer foundation for the ongoing development of PT.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Hallucinogens, Neuroimaging, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"37759038","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Predictors of Psychedelic Experience: A Thematic Analysis.
authors: McCartney AM, McGovern HT, De Foe A.
publication_date: 2022-10-04
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2129885
pubmed_id: 36197103
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2022.2129885
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:42
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances is expanding. A limitation within this field is the unpredictability of individual responses to psychedelics. Better understanding of factors predicting psychedelic experience is essential to 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. This study aimed to (a) identify factors that produce positive and adverse psychedelic experience, and (b) compare these potential predictors across four psychedelic substances. A thematic analysis was conducted on twenty-two first-person reports of psychedelic use (six per substance), sourced from the Erowid database. This revealed three external predictors (nature, music, and preparation) and three internal predictors (understanding, mind-set, and motivation). Each factor identified contained two sub-themes that further elucidated meaning and impact. Nature and music emerged as potential tools for de-escalating adverse reactions to psychedelics. Substance-specific perceptual and sensorial effects were also examined. Finally, the importance of, and interrelationship between, preparation, mind-set, understanding, and motivation was examined as common themes that emerged. The broader clinical and sociological implications are discussed, with reference to developing harm reduction frameworks. These findings constitute an early step in developing a more nuanced understanding of factors shaping psychedelic experience.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"36197103","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A Bayesian Reanalysis of a Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression.
publication_date: 2022-10-27
doi: 10.1089/psymed.2022.0002
pubmed_id: 37337526
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1089/psymed.2022.0002
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:42
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
authors:
Nayak SM, Bari BA, Yaden DB, Spriggs MJ, Rosas FE, Peill JM, Giribaldi B, Erritzoe D, Nutt DJ, Carhart-Harris R.

abstract:
ObjectivesTo perform a Bayesian reanalysis of a recent trial of psilocybin (COMP360) versus escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in order to provide a more informative interpretation of the indeterminate outcome of a previous frequentist analysis.DesignReanalysis of a two-arm double-blind placebo controlled trial.ParticipantsFifty-nine patients with MDD.InterventionsTwo doses of psilocybin 25mg and daily oral placebo versus daily escitalopram and 2 doses of psilocybin 1mg, with psychological support for both groups.Outcome measuresQuick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report (QIDS SR-16), and three other depression scales as secondary outcomes: HAMD-17, MADRS, and BDI-1A.ResultsUsing Bayes factors and 'skeptical priors' which bias estimates towards zero, for the hypothesis that psilocybin is superior by any margin, we found indeterminate evidence for QIDS SR-16, strong evidence for BDI-1A and MADRS, and extremely strong evidence for HAMD-17. For the stronger hypothesis that psilocybin is superior by a 'clinically meaningful amount' (using literature defined values of the minimally clinically important difference), we found moderate evidence against it for QIDS SR-16, indeterminate evidence for BDI-1A and MADRS, and moderate evidence supporting it for HAMD-17. Furthermore, across the board we found extremely strong evidence for psilocybin's non-inferiority versus escitalopram. These findings were robust to prior sensitivity analysis.ConclusionsThis Bayesian reanalysis supports the following inferences: 1) that psilocybin did indeed outperform escitalopram in this trial, but not to an extent that was clinically meaningful--and 2) that psilocybin is almost certainly non-inferior to escitalopram. The present results provide a more precise and nuanced interpretation to previously reported results from this trial, and support the need for further research into the relative efficacy of psilocybin therapy for depression with respect to current leading treatments.Trial registration numberNCT03429075.

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journal: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews
publication_date: 2022-06-30
doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104689
pubmed_id: 35588933
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35588933/
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:43
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35588933"}
title:
Psychedelic resting-state neuroimaging: A review and perspective on balancing replication and novel analyses.

authors:
McCulloch DE, Knudsen GM, Barrett FS, Doss MK, Carhart-Harris RL, Rosas FE, Deco G, Kringelbach ML, Preller KH, Ramaekers JG, Mason NL, Müller F, Fisher PM

abstract:
Clinical research into serotonergic psychedelics is expanding rapidly, showing promising efficacy across myriad disorders. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a commonly used strategy to identify psychedelic-induced changes in neural pathways in clinical and healthy populations. Here we, a large group of psychedelic imaging researchers, review the 42 research articles published to date, based on the 17 unique studies evaluating psychedelic effects on rs-fMRI, focusing on methodological variation. Prominently, we observe that nearly all studies vary in data processing and analysis methodology, two datasets are the foundation of over half of the published literature, and there is lexical ambiguity in common outcome metric terminology. We offer guidelines for future studies that encourage coherence in the field. Psychedelic rs-fMRI will benefit from the development of novel methods that expand our understanding of the brain mechanisms mediating its intriguing effects; yet, this field is at a crossroads where we must also consider the critical importance of consistency and replicability to effectively converge on stable representations of the neural effects of psychedelics.

keywords:
Ayahausca, Clinical, DMT, Entheogen, FMRI, Hallucinogen, Human, LSD, Neuroimaging, Psilocin, Psilocybin, Psychedelic, Replication, Resting-state, Serotonin


title: Microdosing psychedelics: personality, mental health, and creativity differences in microdosers.
authors: Anderson T, Petranker R, Rosenbaum D, Weissman CR, Dinh-Williams LA, Hui K, Hapke E, Farb NAS.
publication_date: 2019-01-01
doi: 10.1007/s00213-018-5106-2
pubmed_id: 30604183
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-018-5106-2
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:08:44
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
RationaleMicrodosing 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 mayprovide complementary clinical benefits using lower-risk, non-hallucinogenic doses.ObjectivesThis pre-registered study aimed to investigate whether microdosing psychedelics is related to differences in personality, mental health, and creativity.MethodsIn this observational study, respondents recruited from online forums self-reported their microdosing behaviors and completed questionnaires concerning dysfunctional attitudes, wisdom, negative emotionality, open-mindedness, and mood. Respondents also performed the Unusual Uses Task to assess their creativity.ResultsCurrent and former microdosers scored lower on measures of dysfunctional attitudes (p < 0.001, r = - 0.92) and negative emotionality (p = 0.009, r = - 0.85) and higher on wisdom (p < 0.001, r = 0.88), openmindedness(p = 0.027, r = 0.67), and creativity (p < 0.001, r = 0.15) when compared to non-microdosing controls.ConclusionsThese 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.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Depression, Emotions, Anxiety, Personality, Mental Health, Perception, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Adult, Female, Male, Creativity, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

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

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"30604183","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Huels Emma, Smith Sara, Liu Tiecheng, Pal Dinesh
journal: Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
publication_date: 2026-03-31
doi: 10.1017/cts.2026.10531
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2026.10531
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:09:45
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1017/cts.2026.10531","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
361 Effect of intravenous psilocybin on mechanical hypersensitivity in a rat model of reserpine-induced chronic centralized pain

abstract:
Objectives/Goals: We recently showed that a single dose of psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic, attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity for up to 28 days in a rat model of formalin-induced chronic centralized pain. The goal of this study is to determine whether psilocybin can alleviate chronic pain in a rat model of reserpine-induced chronic centralized pain. Methods/Study Population: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats (male=12, female=12) will be surgically equipped with a chronic indwelling catheter in jugular vein for the delivery of psilocybin. After 14 days of post-surgical recovery, rats will undergo Randall-Selitto testing to assess their baseline muscle pressure threshold. Thereafter, the rats will receive subcutaneous reserpine (1mg/kg) for three consecutive days, which depletes biogenic amines that have been reported to be reduced in fibromyalgia patients. The rats will be tested again on the Randall-Selitto assay on post-reserpine days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28. One subgroup of the rats will receive intravenous psilocybin (1mg/kg) on post-reserpine day 4, while the other subgroup will receive intravenous saline. Results/Anticipated Results: We have completed data collection from four female rats which shows that compared to baseline, reserpine reduced muscle pressure threshold on post-reserpine days 1-21 (mean ± SD, day 1: -18.33%±7.26%, day 3: -15.05%±7.2%, day 5: -29.19%±3.75%, day 7: -19.64%±14.67%, day 14: -30.02%±10.14%, day 21: -14.95%±12.9%). On day 28, muscle pressure thresholds approached baseline levels (-8.12%±14.73%). These data show that we have successfully reproduced the reserpine model in our laboratory. Based on our previous study showing alleviation of mechanical hypersensitivity in formalin-treated rats after a single dose of intravenous psilocybin, we expect that psilocybin will shorten the duration of reserpine-induced mechanical hypersensitivity as compared to the rats receiving 0.9% saline as vehicle control. Discussion/Significance of Impact: These studies are expected to provide a neuroscientific foundation for the emerging use of serotonergic psychedelics as a potential treatment for chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.


authors: Casale JF.
publication_date: 1984-12-31
doi: 10.1520/jfs10989j
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1520/jfs10989j
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:09:46
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
raw_json: {"europe_pmc_id":"4038992","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}
title:
An aqueous-organic extraction method for the isolation and identification of psilocin from hallucinogenic mushrooms.

abstract:
A simple aqueous extraction method for the isolation and identification of psilocin from Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms is reported. This method employs a dephosphorylation of the phosphate ester to psilocin, which facilitates a greater product yield and simplifies identification. Psilocin extracted by this method is sufficiently concentrated and free of cocontaminants to allow identification by infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

keywords:
Basidiomycota, Hallucinogens, Spectrophotometry, Infrared, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Psilocybin


authors: Thomson BM
journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences
publication_date: 1980-09-30
doi: 10.1520/jfs11292j
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1520/jfs11292j
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:09:46
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Analysis of Psilocybin and Psilocin in Mushroom Extracts by Reversed-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography

abstract:
Abstract A method has been developed for the analysis of psilocybin and psilocin in dry and preserved mushrooms using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. A mobile phase of phosphate buffered methanol/water/cetrimonium bromide allows good separation of the two hallucinogens.

raw_json:
{"doi":"10.1520/jfs11292j","reference_dois":["10.1007/bf02159243","10.1016/s0015-7368(66)70336-3","10.1007/bf02160424","10.1111/j.2042-7158.1970.tb08533.x","10.1002/jps.2600660539","10.1016/0021-9673(75)85080-1","10.1021/ac60334a019","10.1016/s0021-9673(00)97031-6","10.1016/s0021-9673(00)82234-7","10.1016/s0021-9673(00)98485-1","10.1016/s0021-9673(01)80448-9","10.1093/chromsci/15.9.413","10.1021/ac50028a005","10.1021/ac50014a054"],"reference_count":16}


title: Theoretical studies on the conformations of psilocin and mescaline.
authors: Kang S, Johnson CL, Green JP.
publication_date: 1973-08-31
doi: 10.1016/s0026-895x(25)13989-8
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0026-895x(25)13989-8
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:09:46
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:07
raw_json: {"europe_pmc_id":"4788158","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}
keywords:
Mescaline, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Molecular Conformation, Chemistry, Chemical Phenomena, Psilocybin


title: Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant OCD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-01-14
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/atfum_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/atfum_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,OCD,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Safety
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:17
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
authors:
Kelmendi B, Adams T, Ching THW, Grazioplene R, Kichuk S, Fram G, Patel P, Eilbott J, D’Amico E, Shnayder S, Martins B, Bohner C, Amoroso L, Jankovsky A, DePalmer G, Valentine G, Agin-Liebes G, Hokanson J, Pittenger C.

abstract:
Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 2-3% of the population worldwide. 40-60% of patients do not respond to first-line interventions. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single dose of psilocybin in patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Methods: In this phase 2, randomized, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 28 adults with treatment-resistant OCD to receive a single dose of psilocybin (0.25 mg/kg; n=14) or niacin (250 mg; n=14), in a supportive controlled setting. Primary outcomes were Acute Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (A-YBOCS) from baseline to 48 hours post-treatment and weekly Y-BOCS assessments through 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included depression symptoms (MADRS) and functional disability (SDS). All participants initially assigned to niacin crossed over to open-label psilocybin after 1 week. Results: At 48 hours, A-YBOCS scores decreased from 24.07±6.02 to 14.31±8.83 in the psilocybin group versus no change (24.29±4.81 to 24.36±3.95) in the niacin group (between-group difference, 9.83 points; 95% CI, 5.19-14.91; P

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1144094","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Shnayder S, Agin-Liebes G, Hubert T, Ching THW, Hokanson J, Pittenger C, Kelmendi B, Adams T.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-02-10
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/d94hb_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/d94hb_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,OCD,Mystical Experience
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:17
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
title:
Mystical but Not Challenging Experiences Predict Symptom Improvement After Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant OCD

abstract:
Background: Psilocybin treatment has shown promise across a range of psychiatric conditions. Mystical-type experiences during dosing sessions have been shown to predict the clinical effects of psilocybin treatment in depression, anxiety, and addiction. However, no studies have examined whether acute subjective experiences predict treatment response in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: Exploratory analyses were conducted using data from participants with treatment-resistant OCD who received psilocybin as part of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and subsequent open-label phase. Twenty-seven participants who received psilocybin (0.25 mg/kg) completed the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) and Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) the day following their session. OCD severity was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) at baseline and at 1- and 12-week follow-up. Results: Greater mystical-type experiences during psilocybin were associated with lower OCD symptom severity at 1- and 12-week follow-up, even after controlling for baseline OCD symptom severity and treatment condition. The Mystical subscale demonstrated the strongest and most consistent associations at both time points, while the Space-Time subscale was only associated with lower Y-BOCS at 12 weeks. The Positive Mood and Ineffability subscales were not significantly associated with post-treatment OCD symptom severity after correction for multiple comparisons. Challenging experiences were not significantly associated with post-treatment OCD severity. Conclusions: Mystical experiences - particularly experiences of unity, sacredness, and transcendence - during psilocybin sessions are associated with greater OCD symptom reduction. These findings support attention to experiential quality in psilocybin-assisted therapy and have implications for optimizing treatment through dosing, set, setting, and integration practices.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1154075","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Cohen J, Parbo P, Ørskov PT, Wildgruber D, Kreifelts B, kirk u, Gerke O, Madsen MK, Palner M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-05-13
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/3b9fx_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/3b9fx_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:17
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
title:
Low doses of psilocybin as adjunct pharmacological treatment to virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder: A study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

abstract:
Background: Social anxiety disorder is a chronic and disabling condition with limited response to standard therapies. Low-dose psilocybin may enhance the effectiveness of exposure-based treatments by modulating neural circuits associated with fear and avoidance. Virtual reality exposure therapy offers a controlled and individualized platform for intervention. Objective: This phase 2b, double-blind clinical trial (n = 32) investigates feasibility and tolerability of low-dose psilocybin as an adjunct to virtual reality exposure therapy in individuals with social anxiety disorder.Design and Methods: Participants will be randomized to receive either low-dose psilocybin or placebo alongside virtual reality exposure therapy. The primary outcome is the change in social anxiety symptoms, measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). The primary endpoint is a Cohen’s d ≥ 0.5 for LSAS reduction in the psilocybin group versus placebo. Secondary outcomes include identification of multimodal biomarkers predictive of treatment response. Neuroimaging (e.g., amygdala reactivity, thalamo-cortical connectivity), psychophysiological (e.g., heart rate variability, galvanic skin response, sleep quality), and behavioral task measures (e.g., Affective Shift Task, Emotional Go/No-Go Task) will be analyzed to stratify participants and predict therapeutic response. Successful biomarker stratification is defined as a significant correlation with LSAS change and classification accuracy >70%. Conclusion: This study will provide proof-of-concept evidence for low-dose psilocybin as an adjunct to virtual reality exposure therapy in social anxiety disorder and evaluate multimodal biomarkers for patient stratification. Positive results will support progression to a larger phase 3 trial and inform precision-based approaches for treatment of social anxiety disorder.

topic_tags:
Anxiety,Brain Imaging,Biomarkers,Aging,Emotional Processing,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1208061","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-03-25
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/7xfek_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/7xfek_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Observational Study,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:17
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
title:
Safety and Efficacy of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder: Open-Label Extension of a Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

authors:
Pagni BA, Ross S, Mennenga S, Bhatt SR, Zeifman R, Petridis P, Carrithers B, Worth L, Podrebarac S, Owens L, O'Donnell K, Roberts DE, Kim Y, Bogenschutz M.

abstract:
Background: Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) has shown promise for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the effects of open-label administration following blinded treatment are unclear. Here, we present safety and efficacy data from an open-label extension of a Phase II RCT (NCT02061293) examining PAT for AUD. Methods: Adults with AUD (N = 59) received a single administration of psilocybin (25-40mg/70kg) along with four total hours of therapy. Of this cohort, 30 participants had originally received psilocybin during the blinded phase of the RCT and 29 received active placebo (diphenhydramine). Mixed-Effects Models for Repeated Measures examined the effects of PAT on (a) alcohol consumption (percent heavy drinking [PHDD], drinks per day [DpD], and percent drinking days [PDD]), (b) alcohol craving, (c) abstinence self-efficacy, (d) and treatment readiness across a four-month follow-up. Results: Psilocybin was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events. Across participants, PDD decreased at 1-month but returned to baseline by Months 2-4. Among those with higher baseline drinking, PHDD, DpD, and PDD showed similar transient reductions. Participants from both double-blind groups demonstrated improvements in craving, self-efficacy, and treatment readiness one week after psilocybin with variable trajectories over follow-up. Discussion: Results suggest that a single administration of psilocybin in an open-label context may produce short-term improvements in alcohol use and core predictors of clinical change. Given long-lasting efficacy in the double-blind phase, it remains unclear if the short-term durability in the open-label extension is due to baseline floor effects, treatment resistance, lower treatment readiness and motivation, or fewer medication/therapy sessions.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1170889","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-11-15
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/hmnsw_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/hmnsw_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Microdosing,Wellbeing,Creativity,Clinical Trial,Observational Study,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
title:
Microdosing Psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorder: Study Protocol for a Phase II Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Partial Crossover Trial

authors:
Beidas Z, Ragnhildstveit A, Blackman A, Anderson T, Fewster E, Syed O, Sobolenko V, Kanca IK, Jaglinska M, Son T, Farb NAS, Petranker R.

abstract:
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting roughly 322 million people. Recently, doses of psilocybin have shown promise in treating mood disorders, sparking interest in other dosing practices. According to anecdotal reports and observational studies, microdosing psilocybin yields benefits to mental health; however, rigorously controlled trials have failed to produce compelling evidence for this. Aims: To conduct a phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized partial crossover trial to compare microdosing psilocybin to placebo for MDD, evaluating its safety, tolerability, and preliminary antidepressant effects. Method: 40 adults with MDD will be randomized to four doses of psilocybin (2 mg) or placebo (maltodextrin) once weekly over four weeks, then four doses of psilocybin (2 mg) once weekly for an additional four weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint will be change in depression symptoms, as measured at baseline (0 weeks), after the experimental phase (4 weeks), and after the open-label phase (8 weeks). A battery of mood, well-being, attention, creativity, mindfulness, and pro-sociality measures will be administered at each time point. Follow ups will occur every six months for up to two years after the trial start date, as part of a long-term extension study. Conclusions: Findings will inform future research on microdosing psilocybin for MDD, regarding dose regimens, effect sizes, and expectancy bias. Findings will also facilitate discussions on the comparable benefits of sub- versus threshold doses of psilocybin, and the therapeutic value of radically altered perception.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1120352","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Hooper J, Williams S, Mueller R, Hutchison K.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-12-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/dczw2_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/dczw2_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Mystical Experience,Older Adults
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
title:
Age and cannabis co-use are associated with differences in experience and perceived benefits of psilocybin: a retrospective study

abstract:
As psychedelic use increases, understanding how demographic and behavioral factors influence the effects of psychedelics is essential for both research and public health. This cross-sectional retrospective study examined 365 people who currently use psilocybin, analyzing differences in acute experiences, psychological outcomes, and substance co-use patterns. Participants were categorized into young (18-25), middle-aged (26-54), and older (55-77) adults. Results showed that younger participants reported significantly more adverse experiences while older adults had milder effects. Despite differences in adverse experiences, age did not significantly impact mystical experiences, psychological insight, or psychological outcomes. Polysubstance use patterns also varied by age, as younger adults were more likely to co-use nicotine with psilocybin. Cannabis co-use specifically was associated with greater perceived improvements in quality of life, anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse, suggesting potential synergies between psilocybin and THC. These findings emphasize that age and cannabis co-use may modulate aspects of psilocybin’s acute effects and therapeutic outcomes. Given the increasing legalization and accessibility of psychedelics, future research should further investigate mechanisms underlying individual differences and assess the impact of polysubstance use with psychedelics.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1132855","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: An open-label, dose-escalation trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for bipolar 2 depression
authors: Szigeti B.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-07-06
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/97cqx_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/97cqx_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Headache / Migraine,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
abstract:
Background: Individuals with bipolar II disorder (BD-II) and depression face limited treatment options and are often excluded from psilocybin therapy trials due to theoretical concerns of precipitating mania or psychosis. Although psilocybin has demonstrated antidepressant effects when combined with psychotherapy, adverse event reporting is inconsistent, and restrictive eligibility criteria limit generalizability. Aims: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin therapy in individuals with BD-II experiencing moderate-to-severe depression. Method: In this open-label, single-arm pilot trial, 14 participants received 10 mg of psilocybin, followed by 25 mg if depressive symptoms persisted. Participants underwent psychotherapy before, during, and after psilocybin administration sessions and were proactively monitored for adverse events. Depression and quality of life were assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder Questionnaire (QoLBD), along with exploratory measures. Results: Psilocybin was well tolerated, with transient increases in heart rate and blood pressure and no serious adverse events. Common adverse events included mild-to-moderate anxiety, nausea, and headache. Three participants experienced notable psychiatric adverse events (suicidal ideation and hypomania) which resolved with support. The frequency and nature of both serious and non-serious adverse events were broadly comparable to those reported in psilocybin studies for other conditions. MADRS scores improved at all timepoints: 21 days after 10 mg (-12.7 [2.7], p

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1049908","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Increases Self-Compassion in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
authors: Agin-Liebes G, Petridis P, Zeifman R, Link M, Cordova MJ, Bogenschutz M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-06-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/f27jm_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/f27jm_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
abstract:
A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (NCT02061293) found that psilocybin-assisted therapy significantly improved drinking outcomes compared to an active placebo in adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this secondary analysis, we assessed whether psilocybin-assisted therapy improved self-compassion and whether these changes predicted drinking outcomes. Of the 95 participants enrolled, 86 had self-compassion and drinking outcome data. Forty-four participants were randomized to 2 medication sessions with psilocybin and forty-two to active-placebo control (diphenhydramine); all participants received 12 sessions of manualized psychotherapy. Psilocybin-assisted therapy robustly increased compassionate self-responding (CS) and decreased uncompassionate self-responding (UCS), with the largest effect sizes observed in reducing UCS components (Self-Judgment, Isolation, Over-Identification). Across the full sample, small but significant correlations emerged between improvements in self-compassion and reductions in drinking. However, group-specific analyses revealed that participants in the control group exhibited moderate associations between gains in self-compassion and decreased drinking, whereas no significant association was observed in the psilocybin group. In both groups, these associations were stronger among participants who maintained moderate-to-high-risk drinking during the first four weeks of therapy prior to medication administration. Although the control group consistently exhibited significant correlations and the psilocybin group did not, the between-group differences in correlation strength were not statistically significant. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of self-compassion in AUD treatment but suggest that self-compassion may not mediate outcomes when psilocybin is administered as part of therapy. Larger studies with additional mechanistic analyses are needed to further clarify how self-compassion interacts with psychological processes and pharmacological interventions in shaping treatment response, ultimately informing improvements to psilocybin-assisted therapy for AUD.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1034586","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Age and cannabis co-use moderate experience and perceived benefits of psilocybin
authors: Hooper J, Williams S, Mueller R, Hutchison K.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-05-21
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/dczw2_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/dczw2_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Mystical Experience,Older Adults
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:00
abstract:
As psychedelic use increases, understanding how demographic and behavioral factors influence the effects of psychedelics is essential for both research and public health. This cross-sectional study examined 365 current psilocybin users, analyzing differences in acute experiences, psychological outcomes, and substance co-use patterns. Participants were categorized into young (18-25), middle-aged (26-54), and older (55-77) adults. Results showed that younger participants reported significantly more adverse experiences while older adults had milder subjective effects. Despite differences in adverse experiences, age did not significantly impact mystical experiences, psychological insight, or psychological outcomes. Polysubstance use patterns also varied by age, as younger adults were more likely to co-use nicotine with psilocybin. Cannabis co-use specifically was associated with greater improvements in quality of life, anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse, suggesting potential synergies between psilocybin and THC. These findings emphasize that age and cannabis co-use may modulate aspects of psilocybin’s acute effects and therapeutic outcomes. Given the increasing legalization and accessibility of psychedelics, future research should further investigate mechanisms underlying individual differences and assess the impact of polysubstance use with psychedelics.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1024536","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Hodge A, Forsyth A, Noorani T, Muthukumaraswamy S, Rolleston A, McHugh P.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-02-27
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/93x5h_v3
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/93x5h_v3
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Spirituality,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR984247","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Albertyn CP, Richard J, Shore RJ, Carlson LE.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-02-16
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/yrgkf_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/yrgkf_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Aging,Clinical Trial,Cancer Patients
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Mindfulness-Based Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (MB-PAT) for cancer-related demoralization in Canada: the case for a hybrid group-based delivery model

abstract:
Demoralization syndrome (DS) - a distinct clinical entity characterized by helplessness, hopelessness, and a persistent loss of meaning - affects approximately one in five Canadians with advanced cancer and is associated with increased desire for hastened death, negative clinical outcomes, and higher economic burden, yet recognition and treatment of DS remains suboptimal in modern oncology. While current pharmacological treatments fail to address demoralization's existential dimensions, and despite the potential effectiveness of a number of psychosocial interventions, not everyone responds to behavioral therapies and they remain chronically underfunded in mainstream oncology. Mindfulness-Based Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (MB-PAT) offers enhanced therapeutic potential by synergistically integrating evidence-based mindfulness training with psilocybin's neuroplastic effects; however, the traditional dyadic delivery model limits scalability within healthcare s settings. This viewpoint opines that MB-PAT delivered in a group format represents a potentially optimal solution to this evidence-implementation gap. Our contention is that MB-PAT may harness synergistic biopsychosocial mechanisms that directly counter the isolation of demoralization through an integrative approach. We finish by highlighting the Canadian Network for Psychedelic-Assisted Cancer Therapy (CAN-PACT) as a pioneering initiative poised to generate critical evidence, infrastructure and capacity through its planned multi-phase initiatives and projects. By leveraging existing group-therapy infrastructure and therapist familiarity with mindfulness-based interventions as the basis for multi-site national clinical trials, and developing a scalable, equity-focused delivery model, MB-PAT offers a pragmatic pathway to integrate potentially transformative existential care into publicly funded Canadian oncology practice.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1156181","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Pincombe J, Williams M, Carruthers S, Rossell S.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-10-06
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/ga9p2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ga9p2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Microdosing,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Qualitative Research on Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders: A Scoping Review Protocol

abstract:
IntroductionThere has been a surge in research into psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy over the past decade, with many studies indicating this may be an effective novel intervention for several mental health disorders. Researchers are increasingly incorporating qualitative analysis into their studies in recognition of the rich, contextual information this provides. This scoping review aims to identify the existing qualitative research on psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of mental health disorders, analyse trends in research questions and methods, and recognise opportunities for future qualitative research. Methods and AnalysisThe methodological guidelines set out in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis (Aromataris et al., 2024) will be used to conduct the review. The review will include qualitative studies involving psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, administered in a controlled research setting, for the treatment of any mental health disorder. Microdosing studies will be excluded. PubMed, Scopus, PsycNET, and reference lists of included studies will be searched. Two reviewers will screen papers for inclusion. Data will be extracted into a table and findings will be presented in a narrative form. Relevant qualitative research will be identified, trends in the qualitative research questions and methods will be analysed, and opportunities for future qualitative research will be discussed.Ethics and DisseminationEthics approval is not required. Findings will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Key Words or PhrasesAnxiety, depression, psilocybin, psychedelic, qualitative.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR920660","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians - Part IV. Psilocybin
authors: Tabaac BJ, Shinozuka K, Arenas A, Beutler BD, Cherian K, Evans VD, Fasano C, Muir OS.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-12-25
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/a8xwk
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/a8xwk
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:18
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
abstract:
Background: The primary psychoactive drug in magic mushrooms, psilocybin induces profound alterations in consciousness through its action at the 5-HT2A receptor. This comprehensive review consolidates current research findings to elucidate the pharmacology, safety profile, and clinical applications of psilocybin.Areas of Uncertainty: Despite initial concerns that psilocybin could cause long-lasting mental health problems such as psychosis, contemporary research has demonstrated that psilocybin is psychologically and physiologically safe. Adverse psychiatric outcomes can generally be avoided in controlled settings such as clinical trials. However, considerations regarding optimal dosing, therapeutic protocols, and integration strategies for psychedelic experiences remain imperative for the responsible clinical implementation of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Therapeutic Advances: In clinical trials, psilocybin has shown promise for treating major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Initial studies indicated that 42-57% of patients underwent remission after psilocybin-assisted therapy, which suggests that psilocybin is more effective than existing antidepressant medications. However, larger Phase II trials with more than 100 participants have shown a much smaller remission rate of 25-29%, though these studies still observed that psilocybin causes a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Clinical data has also demonstrated that psilocybin can manage substance use disorders and end-of-life anxiety. Conclusion: Psilocybin is the most clinically well-researched psychedelic drug, with trials that have enrolled hundreds of participants and therapeutic applications that span multiple psychiatric conditions. Phase III trials, which have already commenced, will determine whether psilocybin lives up to the promise that it showed in previous clinical trials.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Healthcare Workers,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR779326","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Enhanced visual contrast suppression during peak psilocybin effects: A psychophysical study
authors: Swanson L, Jungers S, Varghese R, Cullen KR, Evans MD, Nielson J, Schallmo M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-01-10
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/5rm62
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/5rm62
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
abstract:
In visual perception, an effect known as surround suppression occurs wherein the apparent contrast of a center stimulus is reduced when it is presented within a higher-contrast surrounding stimulus. Many key aspects of visual perception involve surround suppression, yet the neuromodulatory processes involved remain unclear. Psilocybin is a serotonergic psychedelic compound known for its robust effects on visual perception, particularly texture, color, object, and motion perception. We asked whether surround suppression is altered under peak effects of psilocybin. Using a contrast-matching task with different center-surround stimulus configurations, we measured surround suppression after 25 mg of psilocybin compared with placebo (100 mg niacin). After taking psilocybin, participants (n = 6) reported stronger surround suppression of perceived contrast compared to placebo. Furthermore, we found that the intensity of subjective ‘psychedelic visuals’ induced by psilocybin correlated positively with the magnitude of surround suppression. We note the potential impact of our findings for the field of psychiatry, given that recent studies have demonstrated weakened visual surround suppression in patients with major depressive disorder, for which psilocybin has recently been identified as a breakthrough therapy. Our finding is thus relevant to understanding the visual effects of psilocybin, and the potential mechanisms of psychedelic therapies for mental health disorders.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR786871","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Methodological issues undermine evidence about adverse effects of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy
authors: Marinis J, Clarke ST, Bedi G.
abstract: Methodological issues undermine evidence about adverse effects of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-05-16
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/4bk2p
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/4bk2p
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR854631","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Defining ‘psychedelic’
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-12-03
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/5ybhk_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/5ybhk_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
authors:
Ostrand A, Nour M, Timmermann C, Rosati A, Luan LX, Gómez-Emilsson A, Bornemann J, Greenway K, Roseman L, Carhart-Harris R.

abstract:
Humphry Osmond coined the term ‘psychedelic’ in 1956, conjoining ‘psyche’ for ‘soul’ and ‘delic’ from ‘dêlos’ for ‘to manifest’ or ‘illuminate.’ Soul-illumination is an adjective that describes a psychological state or process. However, Osmond’s intention was to use the adjective to name- not just a state- but a category of drug that can induce the subjective effect as its principal action; thus, when used in this way, psychedelic becomes a ‘nominalized adjective;’ describing a ‘thing’ (i.e., a drug) that can induce the described state. Consistent with the etymology of psychedelic, the present work is guided by phenomenology, recognizing its fundamental ontology. Accordingly, we examine the main subjective effect of three different psychoactive drugs, psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA (variable label, Drug). Over two-hundred participants rated Delphi-derived subjective rating scale items based on their personal experiences with all three drugs. Factor analyses revealed 3 or 4 sufficiently independent dimensions of subjective experience (variable label, Effects). A machine learning classifier successfully predicted Drug from Effects, validating the hypothesis that psilocybin, ketamine and MDMA are categorically distinct as determined by their differential ability to induce the following Effects: 1) visions and psychological insight (psilocybin), 2) dissociation (ketamine) and 3) pro-social feelings, epitomized by feelings of love (MDMA). We conclude that psilocybin is an exemplar psychedelic drug- a category of drug definable by the induction of a psychedelic state- the quintessential psychedelic phenomenon. This state is characterized by visions and psychological insight.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1130688","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Tetem J, Fischmann T, Möller TJ.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-07-05
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/ztyxh
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ztyxh
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Psychoactive substances in psychotherapy - A vision for the future? - A systematic review on Psilocybin

abstract:
This work is a literature review on the use of psilocybin in psychotherapeutic treatment of mental illnesses. The review answers the question of what opportunities and risks are associated with the use of the psychoactive substance psilocybin. Peer-reviewed studies between 2017 and 2022 were included. Nine studies were found regarding the following indications: tobacco addiction, anxiety and depressive states related to life-threatening cancer, as well as treatment-resistant depression. A rapid clinical improvement of various symptoms was observed. The greatest evidence for the use of psilocybin was found in treating tobacco addiction and anxiety and depression related to life-threatening illnesses. No serious adverse events were reported in the studies. However, current studies have limitations, such as small sample sizes, difficulties with blinding, and a treatment population considered non-representative. The results are not representative but provide indications of effective treatment and are a starting point for further studies.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Systematic Review,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR688396","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Serotonergic antidepressant use is associated with weaker psilocybin effects
authors: Gukasyan N, Griffiths RR, Yaden DB, Antoine D, Nayak SM.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-10-27
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/2zys9
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/2zys9
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
abstract:
Background: Psilocybin is being studied for depression, but little is known about how it interacts with common antidepressants. Limited data suggests that psilocybin’s effects may be diminished by serotonergic antidepressants acutely and even after a medication washout period. Aims: To learn the extent to which serotonergic antidepressants may diminish psilocybin’s effects both concurrently and after discontinuation of antidepressants. Methods: Online survey of individuals with use of psilocybin 1) with an antidepressant and/or 2) within two years of discontinuing an antidepressant. Participants who took psilocybin with an antidepressant and either took the same dose of psilocybin pre-antidepressant or took the same dose with other people not on antidepressant reported the strength of psilocybin’s effect relative to their expectation. Participants who took psilocybin following discontinuation of a serotonergic antidepressant also reported the presence of weakened effects. Results: In reports (n=595) of taking psilocybin with an antidepressant, probabilities [95% CI] of weaker than expected psilocybin effects were 0.48 [0.41-0.54] (SSRIs), 0.56 [0.44-0.67] (SNRIs) and 0.29 [0.2-0.39] (bupropion). Following serotonergic antidepressant discontinuation (n=1,542 reports), the odds of reduced psilocybin effects were not significantly different from the earliest post-discontinuation timepoint (within 1 week) until 3-6 months OR = 0.42, 95% [0.25-0.72] p = 0.001. Conclusions: Serotonergic antidepressants appear to weaken psilocybin’s effects relative to a non-serotonergic antidepressant. This dampening effect on psilocybin effects may last as long as 3 months following antidepressant discontinuation.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR564597","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Serotonergic Psychedelics as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Anxiety, A Systematic Review
authors: Bralic N, Bragagnolo E, Palner M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-05-23
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/gf7bq_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/gf7bq_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Systematic Review,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
abstract:
Background and objective: Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders worldwide and affect all age groups. Current pharmacological treatments, such as selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) and benzodiazepines, have limitations in terms of adverse effects and efficacy, which highlights the need for alternative therapies. Serotonergic psychedelics have demonstrated promising anxiolytic-like behaviors in preclinical studies, primarily thought to be mediated through agonism of the 5-HT2A receptor. This systematic review aimed to investigate the preclinical evidence of anxiolytic-like potential of serotonergic psychedelics in animal models, and to evaluate the validity and limitations of the included behavioral tests. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined prior to screening to ensure a transparent inclusion of studies and minimize bias. The title, abstract and full-text screening were conducted independently by two reviewers, with conflicts being resolved through discussion. In total, 18 studies were included after the final screening. Results: Overall, the results demonstrate that serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and DOI, exerted anxiolytic-like effects across several behavioral tests. However, anxiogenic and null effects were also reported. This suggests that the effects are context-dependent, influenced by dosage, administration pattern, biological variables, as well as the experimental conditions. The predictive and face validity of the included behavioral models was generally acceptable. However, the construct validity had some limitations, and inconsistencies in the experimental conditions create a need for more standardization to ensure more transparent and reproducible data, and further the research field. Conclusions: The preclinical studies included in this review indicate that the serotonergic psychedelics have therapeutic potential in the treatment of anxiety, especially psilocybin elicited consistent anxiolytic-like effects, possibly due to 5-HT2A receptor agonism. However, future studies should focus on understanding mechanisms, sex-specific effects, and further the combinations of behavioral tests to ensure better interpretation of behavioral outcomes.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1237570","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Enriquez-Geppert S, Krc J, O'Higgins F, Lietz MP.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-10-10
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/jqasf
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/jqasf
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Neuroplasticity,Aging,Microdosing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Psilocybin-assisted neurofeedback for the improvement of executive functions: a randomised semi-naturalistic-lab feasibility study

abstract:
Executive function deficits, common in psychiatric disorders, hinder daily activities and may be linked to diminished neural plasticity, affecting treatment and training responsiveness. In this pioneering study, we evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of psilocybin-assisted frontal-midline theta neurofeedback (NF), a neuromodulation technique leveraging neuroplasticity, to improve executive functions (EFs). 37 eligible participants were randomised into an experimental (n=18) and a passive control group (n=19). The experimental group underwent three microdose sessions and then three psilocybin-assisted NF sessions, without requiring psychological support, demonstrating the approach’s feasibility. NF learning showed a statistical trend with large effect size for increases in frontal-midline theta from session-to-session with a large effect size, and non-significant but medium effect size dynamical changes within sessions. Placebo effects were consistent across groups, with no tasks-based EFs improvements, but significant self-reported gains in daily EFs -working memory, shifting, monitoring and inhibition- showing medium and high effect sizes. The experimental group’s significant gains in their key training goals underscored the approach’s external relevance. A thorough study with regular sessions and an active control group is crucial to evaluate EFs improvement and their specificity in future. Psilocybin-enhanced NF could offer significant, lasting benefits across diagnoses, improving daily functioning.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR741032","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Senānāyaka R.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-03-01
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/9c6xg_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/9c6xg_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Multidimensional Ego-Dissolution Assessment (MEDA): Scale Development and Substance-Specific Comparisons

abstract:
Rationale: Ego-dissolution represents a key therapeutic mechanism in psychedelic-assisted therapy, yet current measurement approaches may inadequately capture its multidimensional nature. Objective: To develop and validate the Multidimensional Ego-Dissolution Assessment (MEDA) and examine substance-specific patterns across classical psychedelics. Methods: Items from three validated scales (Ego-Dissolution Inventory, Mystical Experience Questionnaire, 5D-Altered States of Consciousness) were compiled into a 34-item measure. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on responses from 207 participants reporting profound experiences with ayahuasca (n=51), DMT (n=28), LSD (n=52), or psilocybin (n=76). Results: Factor analysis revealed a robust 6-factor structure: Dissolving of Identity (α=.94), Experiences of Eternity (α=.89), Dissolving of Physical Body (α=.80), Dissolving into Environment (α=.85), Clarity about Life and Purpose (α=.78), and Pleasure (α=.78). Two distinct substance clusters emerged: ayahuasca/DMT produced significantly higher dissolution scores than LSD/psilocybin across four factors, while all substances showed equivalent high scores on insight and pleasure dimensions. Dosage showed no significant effects. Conclusion: The MEDA provides preliminary evidence for multidimensional ego-dissolution assessment. Substance-specific clustering patterns might inform therapeutic selection, while universal insight and pleasure effects suggest core psychedelic benefits achievable across substances.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1161047","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Rebecchi K.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-08-15
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/c9fpj
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/c9fpj
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Neuroplasticity,Wellbeing,Case Report
study_type: Case Report
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
“Diversity makes the richness of humanity”: the emergence of mental imagery after self-reported psilocybin mushrooms intake in an autistic woman with “blind imagination” (aphantasia): a 1-year retrospective case report

abstract:
This retrospective case report explores the impact of psilocybin mushroom intake on the emergence of mental imagery in an autistic woman with aphantasia. Aphantasia refers to the inability to generate visual mental images, which can significantly affect individuals' experiences and cognitive processes. The case study focuses on a 34-year-old autistic woman who had been living with aphantasia since childhood. After consuming psilocybin mushrooms, she reported experiencing vivid mental imagery for the first time, with the ability to manipulate and explore images in her mind. The effects persisted even after the psychedelic effects of psilocybin subsided. The woman's retrospective assessment using the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire revealed a significant increase in imagery vividness scores post-intake. The findings align with previous research on the effects of psilocybin on brain connectivity, neuroplasticity, and visual processing. The case report highlights the potential of psilocybin to modulate mental imagery in individuals with aphantasia and suggests avenues for further research. Moreover, it raises questions about the classification and pathologization of aphantasia, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cognitive diversity and promoting the well-being of individuals with different cognitive profiles, including aphantasia.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR715029","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Chwyl C, Bazinet A, Wilson-Poe A, Hoffman K, Pertl K, McCrimmon S, Korthuis P, Luoma JB.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-02-18
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/mdz73_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/mdz73_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Ethical Complexities and Best Practices in Informed Consent for Psychedelic Services: A Qualitative Study on Expert Perspectives

abstract:
Background: Informed consent in psychedelic-assisted services is ethically complex, difficult to implement, and remains largely unstudied and unstandardized. Objective: The current study sought expert recommendations from experienced psychedelic facilitators on what constitutes informed consent best practices for supervised psychedelic experiences across various settings. Methods: Participants with expertise in facilitating psilocybin-assisted experiences or other expertise in the psychedelic field were recruited with purposive sampling. Qualitative interviews on informed consent best practices and recommendations were analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Results: Participants (N = 36; 71% white; 56% heterosexual; 53% female) reported facilitating psilocybin services (64%) for a mean of 15.2 (SD = 13.1) years in clinical trial, licensed service center, underground, or ceremonial settings. Participants viewed informed consent as a process (Theme 1), necessitating a strong therapeutic relationship, centering client empowerment, and occurring as an ongoing process. Potential risks and benefits should be comprehensively conveyed (Theme 2), including potential long-term psychological and social changes, and the potential for disappointing experiences. Participants recommended detailed consent processes around touch and boundaries (Theme 3), including explicitly establishing boundaries prior to psychedelic administration, maintaining those boundaries throughout, and recognizing subtle non-verbal cues that may indicate lack of true consent. Within facilitator trainings (Theme 4), participants emphasized cultivating a deep respect for client agency, and experientially learning relational and boundary setting skills. Conclusions: Findings may inform practitioner training, consent practices in varied settings, and policy development for state-regulated psychedelic services.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1157026","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Basedow LA, Lottes L, Falkenberg I, Vogelbacher C, Yildiz C.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-05-15
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/6hjkm_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/6hjkm_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Aging,Observational Study,Healthcare Workers,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Under Pressure: Stronger depressive symptoms are associated with more positive expectations towards experimental treatments

abstract:
Background: Despite significant advancements in the treatment of depression, challenges such as inadequate response rates and high placebo effects highlight the need for improved therapies and a deeper understanding of treatment expectations. Patient expectations play a crucial role in treatment outcomes but have not been systematically investigated in the context of novel interventions like ketamine and psilocybin. Objectives: This study aimed to assess patient acceptance, experiences, and expectations regarding established depression treatments (psychotherapy, psychotherapy plus antidepressants) and novel interventions (ketamine-assisted therapy, psilocybin-assisted therapy, psychotherapy plus placebo). Methods: A web-based survey (N = 404) was conducted using a case vignette depicting a patient diagnosed with severe depression. Participants rated treatment acceptance, ranked treatment preferences, and reported expectations regarding improvement, worsening, and side effects for each intervention. Depression severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Repeated-measures analyses of variance (RM-ANOVA) and multilevel modeling were used to examine the relationship between treatment expectations and depression severity. Results: Established treatments were more accepted and preferred over novel interventions, with psychotherapy receiving the highest acceptance (98.3%) and psilocybin the lowest (47.5%). Participants expected greater symptom improvement from traditional treatments compared to ketamine and psilocybin, which were associated with higher expectations of worsening and side effects. However, higher depression severity was linked to more favorable expectations of ketamine- and psilocybin-assisted therapy. This effect was specific to novel treatments and was not observed for psychotherapy or antidepressants. Conclusions: Traditional depression treatments are viewed as more acceptable and effective, while novel interventions evoke skepticism, likely due to unfamiliarity and concerns about risks. However, individuals with more severe depressive symptoms exhibit greater openness to innovative treatments. These findings underline the importance of managing patient expectations in psychedelic-assisted therapy and suggest that clinician education and well-balanced informed consent procedures could improve treatment acceptance.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1022290","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Ching THW, Grazioplene R, Pittenger C, Kelmendi B.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-03-16
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/ba42z
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ba42z
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: OCD,Mechanism of Action,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Yale Program for Psychedelic Science (YPPS) Manual for Psilocybin Combined with Non-Directive Support in the Treatment of OCD

abstract:
The Yale Program for Psychedelic Science (YPPS) supports a multi-disciplinary research community dedicated to investigating the effects of psychedelic substances on brain function, cognition, and behavior, including their therapeutic potential in treating neuropsychiatric conditions. In support of this mission, YPPS is testing the safety and efficacy of psilocybin, administered in conjunction with non-directive psychological support, as a treatment for certain neurological and psychiatric conditions. The current study, “Effects of repeated dosing of psilocybin on obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized, waitlist-controlled study” (NCT05370911), will investigate the effects of repeated dosing of oral psilocybin on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptomatology and assess psychological mechanisms that may mediate psilocybin’s therapeutic effects on OCD. The study will employ a randomized, waitlist-controlled design with blinded ratings, with participants randomized to receive either immediate treatment (two doses of oral psilocybin separated by one week) or delayed treatment (7 weeks post-randomization). An adaptive dose selection strategy will be implemented; the first dose will be fixed at 25 mg of psilocybin, and the second dose will be 25 mg or 30 mg, depending on whether or not a clinically significant response is detected after the first dose. This manual provides background and details for facilitator-related activities at various phases - pre-dosing preparation sessions, dosing sessions, and post-dosing integration sessions. The approach for psychological support by facilitators is unstructured and non-directive. In other words, facilitators do not provide any structured therapy, but rather collaborate and support participants as they prepare for psilocybin dosing sessions, ensure their psychological safety during dosing sessions, and provide them with an unstructured, non-directive context in which to process and consolidate their experiences during and after each dosing at defined time points. In doing so, while no structured therapy program is implemented, the presence and accompaniment by facilitators throughout all study sessions in the treatment phase may be experienced as supportive or even therapeutic by participants. This manual shares several features with a previous YPPS protocol-specific session monitor manual for single-dose psilocybin paired with psychological support for OCD (Ching et al., 2022), including the primary focus on a non-directive approach for preparatory, dosing, and integration sessions. Distinctive additions in this manual include a discussion of psychological processes in OCD that serve as a context for responsive facilitation of study visits, as well as updated facilitator checklists for preparatory, dosing, and integration sessions specific to the current two-dose protocol.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR632316","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Petrovitch D, Hosford S, Littlefield AK, Austin-Robillard H.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-02-27
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/26tz7_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/26tz7_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Sociodemographic and mental-health characteristics of psychedelic-assisted therapy participants: Latent class analysis of a cross-sectional, purposive online sample

abstract:
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging treatment approach that often combines pharmacotherapeutic dosing sessions with more traditional psychotherapy. Despite limited formal regulatory approval, treatment seekers can currently access PAT through a variety of avenues, including ketamine treatment centers and “supported adult use” psilocybin centers in the U.S., drug tourism, “underground” therapy, and participation in clinical trials, among other ways. This has created a heterogenous landscape of PAT access in which people self-report PAT utilization with a variety of psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs. However, there is limited published data on patterns of PAT involvement across drugs among real-world patients.Therefore, the present study investigated patterns of PAT utilization by applying latent class analysis (LCA) to a purposive sample of 244 self-identified PAT patients. Participants were recruited from a variety of sources (e.g., ketamine clinics, social media groups, a large U.S. university) and asked to report lifetime PAT utilization involving six compounds: psilocybin, ketamine, mescaline, ayahuasca/N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Participants also completed sociodemographic and internalizing measures (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory II, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), and responses were compared across classes.LCA yielded a three-class solution. In addition to High- (55.7% of the sample) and Medium-PAT classes (29.1%), a unique Psilocybin-Ketamine class (15.2%) was identified-membership in this class was characterized by universal involvement with psilocybin and notable involvement with ketamine PAT compared to other compounds. Between-class comparisons of mental-health assessments indicated that the High-PAT class reported elevated depression and anxiety.These findings suggest that high levels of lifetime involvement in a variety of PAT modalities may be associated with more severe self-reported psychiatric symptoms, raising questions about selection or iatrogenic effects within the current PAT landscape. The emergence of a Psilocybin-Ketamine class implies that these substances may serve as initial entry points into PAT.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1055676","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Ching THW, Kichuk S, DePalmer G, Pittenger C, Kelmendi B.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-10-04
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/85s9p
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/85s9p
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: OCD,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Yale Program for Psychedelic Science (YPPS) Manual for Psilocybin-OCD Session Monitors for Protocol HIC: 2000020355

abstract:
The Yale Program for Psychedelic Science (YPPS) is testing the safety and efficacy of psilocybin, administered in conjunction with non-directive psychological support, as a treatment for certain neurological and psychiatric conditions. The study, HIC: 200020355 (Neural correlates of the effects of psilocybin in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study), will explore the safety and efficacy of a single 0.25 mg/kg dose of psilocybin, administered in a supportive clinical environment, to eligible participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Monitors meet with each participant before, during, and after the dosing session. Monitors do not provide any structured therapy, but rather help participants prepare for the experience of psilocybin dosing, ensure psychological safety during dosing, and provide participants with an unstructured context in which to process their experience during and after dosing at defined timepoints. In doing so, while no structured therapy is provided, the presence and accompaniment by monitors throughout all study sessions may be experienced as supportive or even therapeutic by participants. This manual provides background and details for Monitors on the activities that are required at three points - before, during, and after the dosing session.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR555521","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Molumby M, Gaynor K, Guerin S.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-11-22
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/6f9qp
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/6f9qp
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Personality Change
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Examining attitudes to psilocybin: Should candidates for medical psilocybin be required to pass a contextual suitability test

abstract:
Background: Due to increasing evidence of efficacy in treating mental health disorders, psilocybin may become a legal medicinal drug. This study tested the validity of Carhart-Harris & Nutt (2017) model of extra-pharmacological (EP) factors and examined whether such factors should be taken into account in any psychological suitability test for medicinally prescribed psilocybin. Method: 219 participants (101 self-identified females, 109 males, 7 non-binary people and 2 who preferred not to say), with an age range of 18 to 68, completed three online measures of ‘personality’; ‘set, setting and intention’, and the ‘Attitudes Towards Psilocybin’ (ATP) scale. The sample was equally divided between those who had used psychedelics (52.1%) and those who had no previous psychedelic use (47.5%). A series of stepwise linear regressions were run to examine of extra-pharmcological factor predictors of ATP. Results: The ATP scale was tested in terms of its reliability, construct validity, determinant validity and was deemed an appropriate measure. A model consisting of Set, Openness to Experience and Extraversion significantly predicted ATP scores. Conclusion: These findings supported the EP model and suggest that a suitability test may be a useful tool when determining whether a prescription of psilocybin is an appropriate course of treatment.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR424957","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Turkia M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-03-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/t6k9b
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/t6k9b
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Clinical Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Underground small-group therapy of treatment-resistant depression and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) with psilocybin-A retrospective case study

abstract:
While a relatively large body of research exists on many aspects of psychedelic therapy, articles describing a complete, successful treatment process are rarely found. This article therefore presents a case of a woman in her early forties with early complex trauma due to domestic violence, sexual abuse and poverty in her childhood, resulting in approximately three decades of treatment resistant depression. Antidepressive medications did not alleviate her depression but resulted in adverse effects and an eventual discontinuation of the medications. Eventually the woman resorted to 'mixed-method' underground small-group sessions that utilized breathing exercises, cold exposure, physical exercises, music, and psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybin appeared to interrupt trauma-related dissociation, producing an 'anti-dissociative' effect, allowing the woman to re-experience, in a controlled setting, dissociated physical sensations produced by earlier overwhelming events. After a period of approximately 1.5 years, during which time she had six psilocybin sessions, either individually, in the small group, or with friends, she achieved a remission of her depression. A follow-up interview 2.5 years later indicated permanence of the result. Information was acquired from semi-structured retrospective interviews with a total duration of approximately eight hours. This case study may facilitate an improved understanding of the requirements for and the process of alleviating or resolving treatment-resistant depression with psychedelics. Recent clinical trials have utilized one or two doses of psilocybin. This case illustrates the need for adopting a multi-dose strategy over an extended period of time in order to achieve remission.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR628942","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-06-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/6mj8n_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/6mj8n_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Randomized Controlled Trial
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:19
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Aquahenosis: A non-pharmacological altered state of consciousness induced by Floatation-REST in individuals with anxiety and depression

authors:
Tobel T, Cone A, Choquette E, Garland M, Johnson M, Mink K, Lynch C, Frohlich J, Feinstein J, Reggente N, Khalsa SS.

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 Rating Scale, 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, and Experience of Unity-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 oceanic boundlessness as an important mediator of the float-induced changes in positive affect.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1249613","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin for Depression: The ACE Model Manual
authors: Watts R.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-07-04
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/5x2bu
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/5x2bu
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:20
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
"The Psilocybin for Depression: The ACE Manual '' describes the structure, procedures, and scripts used in the two Imperial College London studies (Psilodep) researching psilocybin treatment for major depression.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR365611","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A critique of: Skepticism About Recent Evidence that Psilocybin Opens Depressed Minds
authors: Carhart-Harris R, Daws RE, Nutt D.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-05-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/pdbf5
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/pdbf5
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:20
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
This document details an authors' response to a critique of their work entitled: Skepticism About Recent Evidence that Psilocybin Opens Depressed Minds.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR491363","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Turkia M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-08
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/qyce5
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/qyce5
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:20
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Self-treatment of parental neglect-induced mixed anxiety and depressive disorder with psilocybin - A retrospective case study

abstract:
This article presents the case of a young woman in her mid-twenties with a history of depression since childhood. She lived with a mother who failed to take care of her. The patient cared for the emotional needs of the mother instead of the mother caring for the daughter's needs. Her father was mostly absent. Already around the age of thirteen, the patient was severely depressed and was self-harming without anyone interfering with it. Eventually, her parents divorced when she was fourteen. Since then, she and her younger brother lived practically on their own for several years. She was 'unable to either recognize or process' her feelings, and assumed that she was supposed to 'serve others'. At the age of twenty, she moved in with a severely traumatized boyfriend. Compared to his, her childhood appeared 'very happy'. She was 'disconnected from her feelings' and 'could not understand what was wrong'. As she enrolled in a higher education facility, comparisons with other students made her realize that her own upbringing differed from theirs. She was unable to verbalize her problem, and the student healthcare system did not recommend psychotherapy for her. She was prescribed escitalopram, but it 'never worked'. Cannabis somewhat alleviated anxiety but led to passivity. Eventually, she tried psilocybin mushrooms. In the course of two years, she carried out four sessions with lower doses, and three sessions with conventional psychedelic doses of psilocybin. Subsequently, she considered her depression resolved. The mushrooms 'did not provide a swift solution' but 'played a major role' in the resolution of her depression. They enabled her to see that the root of her depression was in her adverse childhood experiences. Later, 'setting boundaries' and 'doing things as she wished' provided 'significant relief'. After this, she was also granted psychotherapy, which she utilized for 'psychedelic integration'. This case, along with previous case studies on the same approach, demonstrates that unsupervised self-treatment is a feasible, cost-effective, and relatively simple method, which could enable societies to overcome the cost and resource crisis of mental health care.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR673882","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Turkia M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-03-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/wupvy
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/wupvy
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Healthcare Workers,Safety,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:20
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Self-treatment of depression and complex post-traumatic stress disorder with psilocybin and LSD-A retrospective case study

abstract:
In medicine, psychedelics were initially considered as a tool for clinicians to understand psychotic states. Based on the presented case data, a reversal of that concept is proposed: psychedelics could be conceptualized as a tool for people chronically anxious and depressed since early childhood to understand ordinary states of mind (e.g. calmness, hopefulness, relaxation, and joy). The case concerns a young man who suffered from early-onset complex trauma due to daily abuse by his comprehensive school teacher and other pupils, resulting in severe anxiety and depression. He refused anti-depressive medication. Supportive psychotherapy failed to alleviate the situation, and interaction with psychiatric personnel subjectively experienced as rejection escalated his symptoms. At the age of 19, he resorted to unsupervised self-treatment with psilocybin. Occasional high-dose psilocybin sessions alone did not produce permanent outcomes in a constantly retraumatizing environment. After becoming unemployed at the age of 25, he dedicated himself to working with psychedelics more intensively, with gradually declining doses. The essence of his method was to relive the originally overwhelming traumatic events, maintaining a conscious focus on somatic sensations and avoiding getting overwhelmed again. In his own estimation, by the age of 30, he had resolved most of his early trauma but had been sensitized to the prevalence of trauma and its consequences (e.g. violence, racism) in the society, and his exposure to these continued to cause him suffering. Regardless, he had gained 'a foundational feeling of peace or stability that could provide safety in the middle of all this'. The information for this case study was acquired in the course of semi-structured retrospective interviews 2.5 years apart. The case illustrates that chronic treatment-resistant depression together with an unsupportive social environment may present a challenge for psychedelic therapy. As with ketamine, chronic administration may be necessary in some cases.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR628918","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-12-13
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/xqzu2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/xqzu2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mystical Experience,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:20
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
A Quantitative and Qualitative Report of Psilocybin Induced Mystical-Type Experiences and Their Relation to Lasting Positive Effects

authors:
McCulloch DE, Grzywacz MZ, Madsen MK, Jensen PS, Ozenne B, Armand S, Knudsen GM, Fisher PM, Stenbæk DS.

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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR432278","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","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_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/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 11:10:20
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":"PPR1251202","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Blunted psychedelic drug effects in older adults
authors: Aday JS, Carhart-Harris R, Boehnke KF.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-09-03
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/yz4cd_v2
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/yz4cd_v2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Aging,Longevity,Older Adults,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:20
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":"PPR1079275","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Aquahenosis: A non-pharmacological altered state of consciousness induced by Floatation-REST
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-01-14
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/6mj8n_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/6mj8n_v1
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 11:10:20
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Tobel T, Cone A, Choquette E, Garland M, Johnson M, Mink K, Lynch C, Frohlich J, Feinstein J, Reggente N, Khalsa SS.

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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1143578","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Ham R, Gardner J, Carter A, Liknaitzky P.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-09-25
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/4cn5r_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/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 11:10:20
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1091804","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Guss J, Krause R, Sloshower J.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-08-12
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/u6v9y
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/u6v9y
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:21
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR326119","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Ehmann S, Mosahvili N, White A, Cuzzupe J, Tompkins B, McKibben J, Allen JJ, Gawrysiak M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-12-30
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/6jf49_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/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 11:10:21
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR1139219","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Tabaac BJ, Shinozuka K, Arenas A, Beutler BD, Cherian K, Evans VD, Fasano C, Muir OS.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-12-25
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/byms6
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/byms6
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 11:10:21
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR779328","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: McAlpine R, Krajnović K, Khan M, Morometescu L, Simonsson O, Sacchet M, Kamboj S.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-11-21
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/9ev27
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/9ev27
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:21
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR764166","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Understanding psychedelic 'mystical experience'-A case example
authors: Turkia M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-03-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/dh92g
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/dh92g
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mystical Experience,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:21
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR628940","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Turkia M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2025-03-26
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/mzkyv_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/mzkyv_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:21
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR995925","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Hooper J, Gyongyosi E, Hutchison K, Mueller R.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-10-17
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/u9yeg_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/u9yeg_v1
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 11:10:22
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":"PPR1025057","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Zeifman R, Spriggs MJ, Kettner H, Lyons T, Rosas F, Mediano P, Erritzoe D, Carhart-Harris R.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-07-06
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/w8j6t
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/w8j6t
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Wellbeing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR515142","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Review
authors: McCartney A, McGovern H, De Foe A.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-06-26
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/9kuhs
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/9kuhs
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR363034","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Turkia M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-06-06
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/bvk2f
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/bvk2f
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR864360","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: McGovern H, Wellman N, Hutchinson B, Oestreich LKL, Cooper SE, Fonzo G, Doss M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-05-25
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/y8sb7
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/y8sb7
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 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR858231","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Gwyther M, Aspell JE.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-29
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/8ncj6
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/8ncj6
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR685099","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Et psykoanalytisk og et postmoderne perspektiv på selv/egoopløsning i en psykedelisk kontekst
authors: Andersen S.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-01-03
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/f26ce
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/f26ce
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR592790","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Petrovitch D, Mitchell SM, Van Allen J, Littlefield AK.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-06-09
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/adnpg
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/adnpg
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR865245","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Is Microdosing a Placebo?
authors: Polito V, Liknaitzky P.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-03
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/3ykst_v1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/3ykst_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
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":"PPR992717","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Nayak SM, White S, 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
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/auycp
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
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":"PPR673873","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Manuel de Yale pour la Thérapie de la Dépression Assistée par la Psilocybine
authors: Guss J, Krause R, Sloshower J.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-11-14
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/r96tc
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/r96tc
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR572342","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: david J, Berkovich-Ohana A, Dor-Ziderman Y.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2024-07-27
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/tmeb3
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/tmeb3
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 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR887806","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Skepticism About Recent Evidence that Psilocybin Opens Depressed Minds
authors: Doss M, Barrett FS, Corlett PR.
abstract: Here we raise issues in Daws et al. (2022) published in Nature Medicine.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2022-04-27
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/a25wb
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/a25wb
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR492581","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Schmidt TT, Costines C, Tagliazucchi E, Millière R, Garrido JM, Cuiule JI.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-03
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/45z7w
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/45z7w
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Aging
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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/

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR671873","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Kratina S, Lo C, Schwartz R, Strike C, Jopling S, Nayfeh A, Rush B.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-10-26
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/4gfyd
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/4gfyd
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 11:10:22
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
A protocol for a scoping review of psychedelic interventions to alleviate psychological suffering in populations coping with end-of-life issues

abstract:
ABSTRACTBackground: 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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR749041","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and Health Behavior Change - Journal of Psychopharmacology (in press)
authors: Teixeira PJ, Johnson M, Timmermann C, Watts R, Erritzoe D, Douglass H, Kettner H, Carhart-Harris R.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-03-23
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/8vks6
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/8vks6
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

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

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR321591","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Dworatzyk K, Jansen T, Schmidt TT.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-04-01
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/kxmgq
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/kxmgq
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 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR321530","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The treatment of abandonment anxiety with MDMA and LSD
authors: Turkia M.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2023-06-08
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/pw2tf
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/pw2tf
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR673876","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Naturalistic Entheogenics: Précis of Philosophy of Psychedelics
authors: Letheby C.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-07-07
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/ztewb
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ztewb
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Consciousness,Spirituality
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR367370","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Global Drug Survey
authors: Petranker R, Anderson T, Maier L, Barratt MJ, Ferris J, Winstock A.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-04-11
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/xb8ve
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/xb8ve
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Creativity,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR329048","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Blinding and Expectancy Confounds in Psychedelic Randomised Controlled Trials
authors: Muthukumaraswamy S, Forsyth A, Lumley T.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-03-07
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/q2hzm
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/q2hzm
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 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR322173","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Forstmann M, Sagioglou C.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-05-04
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/2489x
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/2489x
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
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.

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

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR336905","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and Mindfulness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
authors: Radakovic C, Radakovic R, Peryer G, Geere J.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-10-10
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/yu7jf
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/yu7jf
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR406297","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Mitina O, Mirsaidov M, Molchanova N, Tutrin A.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2020-08-06
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/b7mnz
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/b7mnz
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Addiction,Chronic Pain,Creativity,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
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:
## AimInvestigate 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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR324016","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Corneille JS, Luke D.
journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-05-30
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/8aeyf
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/8aeyf
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 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
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.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"PPR350226","source":"PPR","pub_type":null,"publisher":"PsyArXiv","importer":"Europe PMC"}


journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2021-06-13
doi: 10.31234/osf.io/emcxw
source_url: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/emcxw
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Microdosing,Creativity
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:10:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Microdosing psychedelics and its effect on creativity: Lessons learned from three double-blind placebo controlled longitudinal trials

authors:
Prochazkova L, van Elk M, Marschall JC, Rifkin BD, Fejer G, Schoen N, Fiacchino D, Kuchar M, Hommel B.

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.

raw_json:
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title: 265 Self-reported rates of psilocybin use in North Florida, 2012 to present
authors: Millay Tamara, Kodali Monica Bhargavi, Cottler Linda
journal: Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
publication_date: 2026-03-31
doi: 10.1017/cts.2026.10464
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2026.10464
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Chronic Pain,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1017/cts.2026.10464","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
abstract:
Objectives/Goals: Mainstream interest in psilocybin (“shrooms”) has grown over the past several years as two US states have “legalized” psilocybin and clinical trials are underway for use in multiple mental health conditions. We evaluated self-reported use of psilocybin among community members in North Florida and trends in use from 2012 to the present. Methods/Study Population: Established in 2011 as part of the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute, UF HealthStreet Community Health Workers enroll community members from North Florida through outreach, conduct Health Needs Assessments (HNAs) to guide referrals to social and medical services and opportunities to participate in research. This model provides community health concerns and behaviors, which can be compared across time to direct resources based on importance to the community. Topics covered in the HNA include demographics, trust in research and researchers, food insecurity, access to medical care, health conditions, and use of various substances, from legal drugs like alcohol or opioid pain medication to illicit substances such as cocaine, heroin, or psilocybin. Results/Anticipated Results: We evaluated self-reported use of psilocybin among HealthStreet members, beginning in 2012 when psilocybin use was first assessed until October 2025. Among 12,870 participants, 1,194 (9.3%) reported using psilocybin in the past 12 months. Males were more likely to endorse psilocybin use than females (57.3% vs 42.7%), and Whites were overwhelmingly more likely to report psilocybin use (76.1%) than Blacks (12.1%) or People of Other Race (11.8%). Prevalence of psilocybin use was roughly equal to self-reported rates of use of speed or amphetamines (9.2%), but slightly higher than rates of use of ADHD medications (8.5%). Most notably, when viewed over time, self-reported psilocybin use tripled, from 6% in 2012-2013 to 18% in 2024-2025. Discussion/Significance of Impact: These community data from North Florida confirm a rapidly growing use of psilocybin across the United States. Risk factors for psilocybin use such depression, anxiety, and other drug use will be evaluated. Knowledge of current trends is essential to tailor public health messages and inform both providers and policymakers.


journal: Psychopharmacology
publication_date: 2026-06-30
doi: 10.1007/s00213-026-07110-y
pubmed_id: 42380668
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42380668/
keywords: Psychedelic drugs, Psychiatry, Scoping review, Social cognition
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Emotional Processing,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 13:00:05
last_checked: 2026-07-02 06:54:10
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"42380668"}
title:
Investigating the impact of serotonergic psychedelic drugs, MDMA and ketamine on social cognition in psychiatric disorders: A scoping review.

authors:
Smith SA, Mohammad H, Lee LHN, Dennett L, Smith S, Burback L, Winkler O, Greenshaw A, Jetly R, Kennedy SH, Bhat V, Swainson J, Vermetten E, Cao B, Li XM, Zhang Y

abstract:
Interest in psychedelic drugs has increased rapidly because of their potential therapeutic role in psychiatric disorders. Impairments in the sociocognitive skills needed to build and maintain social relationships are prominent features of many psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that compounds such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and psilocybin may influence these impairments.
This review aimed to determine whether psychedelic drugs may modulate social cognition in individuals with psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders associated with cognitive impairment.
A search of the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Scopus databases was conducted. Twenty studies were identified that evaluated the effects of ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca in depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Findings included neural activation patterns suggesting that ketamine and psilocybin may modulate processes relevant to social perception, particularly facial emotion processing, in depressive disorders. Positive findings were also reported for MDMA in participants with PTSD, including improvements in self-reported psychosocial functioning, self-awareness, and self-compassion.
Current evidence suggests that psychedelic drugs may modulate processes relevant to social cognition in psychiatric disorders, although direct evidence of improved social-cognitive functioning remains limited.
Not applicable.


title: Past-Year Psilocybin and Alcohol Co-Use: Associations With Mental Health Symptoms
authors: Hummel Haley M., Obrochta Alexia N., Kerr David C. R., Cservenka Anita
journal: Journal of Drug Issues
publication_date: 2026-06-30
doi: 10.1177/00220426261466154
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426261466154
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-02 06:54:51
last_checked: 2026-07-02 06:54:51
abstract:
Interest has grown in the effects of psilocybin on mental health, but little is known about its naturalistic use alongside alcohol and its relationship to depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Data from the nationally-representative 2024 National Survey Investigating Hallucinogenic Trends of participants who did ( n = 1234) or did not ( n = 1607) report past-year psilocybin and alcohol co-use were compared on depressive and anxiety symptoms and poor mental health days. Weighted regressions adjusted for age, sex, survey collection period, race, ethnicity, and past-year cannabis and other psychedelic use. Individuals with psilocybin and alcohol co-use had fewer depressive symptoms ( B (SE) = −.57(.28), β = −.04, p =.043) than those who used alcohol without psilocybin, suggesting potential benefits of psilocybin in individuals with co-use. After removing cannabis and other psychedelic use covariates, psilocybin use was also related to lower anxiety symptoms. However, given the observational and self-report study design, causal inferences cannot be made. Thus, longitudinal and experimental studies are needed.

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