# publications

authors: Bender D, Hellerstein DJ.
publication_date: 2022-01-12
doi: 10.1007/s00213-021-06049-6
pubmed_id: 35022823
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-06049-6
keywords: Humans, Banisteriopsis, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Risk Assessment, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Assessing the risk-benefit profile of classical psychedelics: a clinical review of second-wave psychedelic research.

abstract:
RationaleA broad reassessment of the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs has led to the initiation of multiple major clinical trials in an effort to advance their status to become FDA-approved medications, as well as local legislative efforts to legalize or decriminalize their use.ObjectivesTo use recently published data to assess potential risks and benefits of psychedelic drugs as therapeutics, as well as to synthesize what is currently known in order to generate fruitful future research directions.MethodsA review of studies conducted since 1991 identified 14 clinical trials of classical psychedelics, including 11 of psilocybin (N = 257 participants), 1 of lysergic acid diethylamide (N = 12 participants), and 2 of ayahuasca (N = 46 participants). Other published studies (e.g., of healthy volunteers, survey studies, case reports, neuroimaging) were also considered for review.ResultsPublished studies since 1991 largely support the hypothesis that small numbers of treatments with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can offer significant and sustained alleviation to symptoms of multiple psychiatric conditions. No serious adverse events attributed to psychedelic therapy have been reported. Existing studies have several limitations, including small sample sizes, inherent difficulty in blinding, relatively limited follow-up, and highly screened treatment populations.ConclusionsSubstantial data have been gathered in the past 30 years suggesting that psychedelics are a potent treatment for a variety of common psychiatric conditions, though the ideal means of employing these substances to minimize adverse events and maximize therapeutic effects remains controversial. Unique factors related to study design are vital for clinical researchers in the field to address.

topic_tags:
Brain Imaging,Aging,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Case Report,Observational Study,Healthy Volunteers,Safety,Adverse Events

raw_json:
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authors: Murray CH, Tare I, Perry CM, Malina M, Lee R, de Wit H.
publication_date: 2021-10-05
doi: 10.1007/s00213-021-05991-9
pubmed_id: 34613430
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-05991-9
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Brain Imaging,Default Mode Network,Consciousness,Microdosing,Adolescents
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Low doses of LSD reduce broadband oscillatory power and modulate event-related potentials in healthy adults.

abstract:
RationaleClassical psychedelics, including psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), are under investigation as potential therapeutic agents in psychiatry. Whereas most studies utilize relatively high doses, there are also reports of beneficial effects of "microdosing," or repeated use of very low doses of these drugs. The behavioral and neural effects of these low doses are not fully understood.ObjectivesTo examine the effects of LSD (13 μg and 26 μg) versus placebo on resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP) responses in healthy adults.MethodsTwenty-two healthy men and women, 18 to 35 years old, participated in 3 EEG sessions in which they received placebo or LSD (13 μg and 26 μg) under double-blind conditions. During each session, participants completed drug effect and mood questionnaires at hourly intervals, and physiological measures were recorded. During expected peak drug effect, EEG recordings were obtained, including resting-state neural oscillations in scalp electrodes over default mode network (DMN) regions and P300, N170, and P100 ERPs evoked during a visual oddball paradigm.ResultsLSD dose-dependently reduced oscillatory power across delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands during both eyes closed and eyes open resting conditions. During the oddball task, LSD dose-dependently reduced ERP amplitudes for P300 and N170 components and increased P100 latency. LSD also produced dose-related increases in positive mood, elation, energy, and anxiety and increased heart rate and blood pressure. On a measure of altered states of consciousness, LSD dose-dependently increased Blissful State, but not other indices of perceptual or sensory effects typical of psychedelic drugs. The subjective effects of the drug were not correlated with the EEG measures.ConclusionsLow doses of LSD produced broadband cortical desynchronization over the DMN during resting state and reduced P300 and N170 amplitudes, patterns similar to those reported with higher doses of psychedelics. Notably, these neurophysiological effects raise the possibility that very low doses of LSD may produce subtle behavioral and perhaps therapeutic effects that do not rely on the full psychedelic experience.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Double-Blind Method, Affect, Evoked Potentials, Adolescent, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34613430","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Sex-specific effects of psychedelics on prepulse inhibition of startle in 129S6/SvEv mice.
journal: Psychopharmacology
publication_date: 2022-05-31
doi: 10.1007/s00213-021-05913-9
pubmed_id: 34345931
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34345931/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34345931"}
authors:
Vohra HZ, Saunders JM, Jaster AM, de la Fuente Revenga M, Jimenez J, Fernández-Teruel A, Wolstenholme JT, Beardsley PM, González-Maeso J

abstract:
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle is a sensorimotor gating phenomenon perturbed in a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. Psychedelics disrupt PPI in rats and humans, but their effects and involvement of the serotonin 5-HT receptor (5-HTR) in mice remain unexplored.
We tested the effect of the psychedelic 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) on startle amplitude and %PPI in response to acoustic stimuli under up to four different experimental conditions that included changes in background and stimulus intensity, prepulse and pulse duration, and interstimulus interval in male and female 129S6/SvEv mice. We also evaluated the effect of the 5-HTR antagonist M100,907 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) on DOI-induced startle amplitude and %PPI, as well as the effect of the psychedelic LSD (0.24 mg/kg, i.p.) and the dopamine agonists apomorphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) and SKF-82,958 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) in male 129S6/SvEv mice.
DOI altered startle amplitude with either pulse alone or prepulse + pulse presentations in all PPI conditions, and increased %PPI in three out of four PPI conditions in male mice - an effect that was prevented by M100,907. In female mice, DOI increased %PPI without affecting startle amplitude. %PPI was positively correlated with startle amplitude in males while being negatively correlated in female mice. In male mice, LSD also increased %PPI, although it did not affect startle amplitude, whereas apomorphine and SKF-82,958 induced decreases in %PPI.
Our findings highlight a distinct effect of the psychedelic DOI on PPI in 129S6/SvEv mice, suggesting 5-HTR-dependent PPI improvement in a paradigm-dependent and sex-dependent manner.

keywords:
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), Hallucinogens, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), Prepulse inhibition (PPI), Psilocybin, Psychedelics, Psychopharmacology, Sensorimotor gating, Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, Sex differences


title: Serotonin toxicity of serotonergic psychedelics.
authors: Malcolm B, Thomas K
journal: Psychopharmacology
publication_date: 2022-05-31
doi: 10.1007/s00213-021-05876-x
pubmed_id: 34251464
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251464/
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34251464"}
abstract:
In recent years, psychedelic substances with serotonergic mechanisms have accumulated substantial evidence that they may provide therapeutic benefits for people suffering with psychiatric symptoms. Psychiatric disorders targeted by these psychedelic-assisted therapies are managed with serotonergic drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as the current standard of care, so it is important to evaluate the potential risks of drug-drug interactions and serotonin toxicity (ST) between these agents.
A critical evaluation of the scientific literature is necessary to delineate the risks of ST when combining psychedelics with available serotonergic pharmacotherapy options. This review article describes signs and symptoms of ST, characterizes mechanisms of ST risk, summarizes what is known about serotonergic psychedelic drug interactions, and outlines potential management strategies.
True ST typically occurs with a serotonergic drug overdose or in combinations in which a drug that can increase intrasynaptic serotonin is combined with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Serotonergic psychotropics that do not contain MAOIs are low risk in combination with psychedelics that also do not contain MAOIs. Signs and symptoms warranting immediate medical attention include myoclonus, extreme and fluctuating vital signs, agitation or comatose mental state, muscle rigidity, pronounced hyperthermia (fever), and/or seizure activity.
Serotonin-related adverse reactions exist along a spectrum with serotonin syndrome being the most severe manifestations of ST. Due to varying serotonergic mechanisms of psychedelics and psychotropics, with varying propensities to increase intrasynaptic serotonin, some combinations may present a significant risk for serotonin toxicity (ST) while others are likely benign.

keywords:
Hallucinogen, MDMA, Monoamine oxidase inhibitor, Psilocybin, Psychedelic, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Serotonin syndrome, Serotonin toxicity

topic_tags:
Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Safety,Toxicity,Drug Interactions


title: Psychedelic perceptions: mental health service user attitudes to psilocybin therapy.
publication_date: 2021-06-14
doi: 10.1007/s11845-021-02668-2
pubmed_id: 34131812
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-021-02668-2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
authors:
Corrigan K, Haran M, McCandliss C, McManus R, Cleary S, Trant R, Kelly Y, Ledden K, Rush G, O'Keane V, Kelly JR.

abstract:
IntroductionDespite the rapid advance of psychedelic science and possible translation of psychedelic therapy into the psychiatric clinic, very little is known about mental health service user attitudes.ObjectivesTo explore mental health service user attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy.MethodsA questionnaire capturing demographics, diagnoses, previous psychedelic and other drug use, and attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy was distributed to mental health service users.ResultsNinety-nine participants completed the survey (52% female, mean age 42 years). The majority (72%) supported further research, with 59% supporting psilocybin as a medical treatment. A total of 27% previously used recreational psilocybin, with a male preponderance (p = 0.01). Younger age groups, those with previous psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin. A total of 55% of the total sample would accept as a treatment if doctor recommended, whereas 20% would not. Fewer people with depression/anxiety had used recreational psychedelics (p = 0.03) but were more likely to support government funded studies (p = 0.02). A minority (5%) of people with conditions (psychosis and bipolar disorder) that could be exacerbated by psilocybin thought it would be useful for them. One fifth of the total sample viewed psychedelics as addictive and unsafe even under medical supervision. Concerns included fear of adverse effects, lack of knowledge, insufficient research, illegality, and relapse if medications were discontinued.ConclusionsThe majority supported further research into psilocybin therapy. Younger people, those with previous recreational psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin therapy.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Attitude, Mental Health Services, Adult, Female, Male, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: van Elk M, Fejer G, Lempe P, Prochazckova L, Kuchar M, Hajkova K, Marschall J.
publication_date: 2021-04-29
doi: 10.1007/s00213-021-05857-0
pubmed_id: 33928421
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-05857-0
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Microdosing,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Effects of psilocybin microdosing on awe and aesthetic experiences: a preregistered field and lab-based study.

abstract:
There is an increased societal trend to engage in microdosing, in which small sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics are consumed on a regular basis. Following subjective reports that microdosing enhances the experience of nature and art, in the present study we set out to study the effects of psilocybin microdosing on feelings of awe and art perception. In this preregistered combined field- and lab-based study, participants took part in a microdosing workshop after which they volunteered to self-administer a psilocybin microdose or a placebo for three consecutive weeks, while the condition was kept blind to the participants and researchers. Following a 2-week break, the condition assignment was reversed. During each block, participants visited the lab twice to measure the effects of psilocybin microdosing vs. placebo. We used standardized measures of awe, in which participants reported their experiences in response to short videos or when viewing abstract artworks from different painters. Our confirmatory analyses showed that participants felt more awe in response to videos representing funny animals and moving objects in the microdosing compared to the placebo condition. However, about two-third of our participants were breaking blind to their experimental condition. Our exploratory findings suggest that expectancy-effects may be a driving factor underlying the subjective benefits of microdosing.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Hallucinogens, Esthetics, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33928421","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Al-Imam A, Motyka MA, Witulska Z, Younus M, Michalak M.
publication_date: 2022-05-28
doi: 10.3390/ijerph19116619
pubmed_id: 35682204
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116619
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Spatiotemporal Mapping of Online Interest in Cannabis and Popular Psychedelics before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland.

abstract:
BackgroundPsychedelics represent a unique subset of psychoactive substances that can induce an aberrant state of consciousness principally via the neuronal 5-HT2A receptor. There is limited knowledge concerning the interest in these chemicals in Poland and how they changed during the pandemic. Nonetheless, these interests can be surveyed indirectly via the web.ObjectivesWe aim to conduct a spatial-temporal mapping of online information-seeking behavior concerning cannabis and the most popular psychedelics before and during the pandemic.MethodsWe retrieved online information search data via Google Trends concerning twenty of the most popular psychedelics from 1 January 2017 to 1 January 2022 in Poland. We conducted Holt-Winters exponential smoothing for time series analysis to infer potential seasonality. We utilized hierarchical clustering analysis based on Ward's method to find similarities of psychedelics' interest within Poland's voivodships before and during the pandemic.ResultsTwelve (60%) psychedelics had significant seasonality; we proved that psilocybin and ayahuasca had annual seasonality (p-value = 0.0120 and p = 0.0003, respectively), and four substances-LSD, AL-LAD, DXM, and DOB-exhibited a half-yearly seasonality, while six psychedelics had a quarterly seasonal pattern, including cannabis, dronabinol, ergine, NBOMe, phencyclidine, and salvinorin A. Further, the pandemic influenced a significant positive change in the trends for three substances, including psilocybin, ergine, and DXM.ConclusionsDifferent seasonal patterns exist for psychedelics, and some might correlate with school breaks or holidays in Poland. The pandemic induced some changes in the temporal and spatial trends. The spatial-temporal trends could be valuable information to health authorities and policymakers responsible for monitoring and preventing addictions.

keywords:
Humans, Cannabis, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Poland, Pandemics, Psilocybin, COVID-19

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35682204","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Unraveling the Mysteries of Mental Illness With Psilocybin.
authors: Sotille R, Singh H, Weisman A, Vida T.
publication_date: 2022-05-26
doi: 10.7759/cureus.25414
pubmed_id: 35769681
source_url: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.25414
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
abstract:
Current medications have not been effective in reducing the prevalence of mental illness worldwide. The prevalence of illnesses such as treatment-resistant depression has increased despite the widespread use of a broad set of psychopharmaceuticals. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and ketamine therapy are making great strides in improving treatment-resistant depression outcomes but they have limitations. New psychotherapeutics are required that specifically target the underlying cellular pathologies leading to neuronal atrophy. This neuronal atrophy model is supplanting the long-held neurotransmitter deficit hypothesis to explain mental illness. Interest in psychedelics as therapeutic molecules to treat mental illness is experiencing a 21st-century reawakening that is on the cusp of a transformation. Psilocybin is a pro-drug, found in various naturally occurring mushrooms, that is dephosphorylated to produce psilocin, a classic tryptamine psychedelic functional as a 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor agonist. We have focused this review to include studies in the last two years that suggest psilocybin promotes neuronal plasticity, which may lead to changes in brain network connectivity. Recent advancements in clinical trials using pure psilocybin in therapy suggest that it may effectively relieve the symptoms of depression in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Sophisticated cellular and molecular experiments at the systems level have produced evidence that demonstrates psilocybin promotes neuritogenesis in the mouse brain - a mechanism that may address the root cause of depression at the cellular level. Finally, studies with psilocybin therapy for major depressive disorder suggest that this ancient molecule can promote functionally connected intrinsic networks in the human brain, resulting in durable improvements in the severity of depressive symptoms. Although further research is necessary, the prospect of using psilocybin for the treatment of mental illness is an enticing possibility.

topic_tags:
Depression,Neuroplasticity,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Animal Study,Treatment-Resistant Depression

raw_json:
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title: Psychoactive Drugs in the Management of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Promising New Horizon.
publication_date: 2022-05-22
doi: 10.7759/cureus.25235
pubmed_id: 35747039
source_url: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.25235
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,PTSD,End-of-Life Distress,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
authors:
Elsouri KN, Kalhori S, Colunge D, Grabarczyk G, Hanna G, Carrasco C, Aleman Espino A, Francisco A, Borosky B, Bekheit B, Ighanifard M, Astudillo AA, Demory Beckler M.

abstract:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that often presents after exposure to a traumatic, life-threatening event. Experiencing a traumatic event is not rare, with inciting incidents ranging from being burglarized to politically motivated genocide. While traditional psychopharmacology and psychotherapy are the mainstays of the treatment of PTSD currently, psychoactive drugs (otherwise known as psychedelics) are being explored for their novel role in the treatment of PTSD patients. Psychoactive drugs such as MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin have been shown to specifically target and decrease fear and anxiety pathways in the brain. These unique properties hold the potential to be utilized in addressing symptoms of trauma in those with refractory or treatment-resistant PTSD. Historically, federal and state laws have restricted research into how psychoactive drugs can be used to treat mental illness due to the widespread belief that these drugs present more harm than benefit. However, the current shift in public opinion on psychedelics has propelled research to look into the benefits of these drugs for patients with mental illness. This article aims to discuss the mechanisms of how MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin work in the PTSD brain, as well as their beneficial role in treatment.

raw_json:
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authors: Frymann T, Whitney S, Yaden DB, Lipson J
journal: Frontiers in psychology
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.863247
pubmed_id: 35677137
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35677137/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35677137"}
title:
The Psychedelic Integration Scales: Tools for Measuring Psychedelic Integration Behaviors and Experiences.

abstract:
In this study, we describe the development and initial validation of two psychometric scales for measuring psychedelic integration. Psychedelic integration refers to the post-acute period of time following psychedelic drug administration. We created the Integration Engagement Scale (IES) to capture positive behavioral engagement with integration and the Experienced Integration Scale (EIS) to capture internal aspects of feeling integrated. These scales were developed to measure post-acute psychedelic administration dynamics in order to inform the creation of enhanced integration support and to help refine a general conceptual understanding of the construct of psychedelic integration. The scales are brief and face valid instruments designed for practical use in applied and research settings. Scale items were generated and refined using the Iterative Process Model of scale development, with input from psychedelics experts and clinicians. Content validity, internal structure, and reliability were assessed expert surveys, content validity analysis, cognitive interviewing, convergent validity analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. The data indicates the scales are valid and reliable measurements of the behavioral and experiential forms of Psychedelic Integration.

keywords:
harm reduction, integration, psilocybin, psychedelic, psychedelic integration, psychedelic therapy, psychedelics, psychotherapy


title: Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches as Default.
authors: Yaden DB, Earp D, Graziosi M, Friedman-Wheeler D, Luoma JB, Johnson MW
journal: Frontiers in psychology
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.873279
pubmed_id: 35677124
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35677124/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Spirituality,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35677124"}
abstract:
The acute subjective effects of psychedelics are responsive to users' expectations and surroundings (i.e., "set and setting"). Accordingly, a great deal of thought has gone into designing the psychosocial context of psychedelic administration in clinical settings. But what theoretical paradigms inform these considerations about set and setting? Here, we describe several historical, sociological influences on current psychedelic administration in mainstream European and American clinical research settings, including: indigenous practices, new age spirituality from the 1960s, psychodynamic/psychoanalytic approaches, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. We consider each of these paradigms and determine that cognitive-behavioral therapies, including newer branches such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), have the strongest rationale for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy going forward. Our primary reasons for advocating for cognitive-behavioral approaches include, (1) they avoid issues of cultural insensitivity, (2) they make minimal speculative assumptions about the nature of the mind and reality, (3) they have the largest base of empirical support for their safety and effectiveness outside of psychedelic therapy. We then propose several concepts from cognitive-behavioral therapies such as CBT, DBT, and ACT that can usefully inform the preparation, session, and integration phases of psychedelic psychotherapy. Overall, while there are many sources from which psychedelic psychotherapy could draw, we argue that current gold-standard, evidence-based psychotherapeutic paradigms provide the best starting point in terms of safety and efficacy.

keywords:
LSD, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psilocybin, psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, psychedelic assisted therapy, psychedelics


title: New Paradigms of Old Psychedelics in Schizophrenia.
authors: Mahmood D, Alenezi SK, Anwar MJ, Azam F, Qureshi KA, Jaremko M.
publication_date: 2022-05-22
doi: 10.3390/ph15050640
pubmed_id: 35631466
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15050640
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and mescaline exhibit intense effects on the human brain and behaviour. In recent years, there has been a surge in studies investigating these drugs because clinical studies have shown that these once banned drugs are well tolerated and efficacious in medically supervised low doses called microdosing. Psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating neuropsychiatric maladies such as difficult to treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, suicidal ideation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and also in treating substance use disorders. The primary mode of action of psychedelics is activation of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors affecting cognition and brain connectivity through the modulation of several downstream signalling pathways via complex molecular mechanisms. Some atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) primarily exhibit pharmacological actions through 5-HT2A receptors, which are also the target of psychedelic drugs. Psychedelic drugs including the newer second generation along with the glutamatergic APDs are thought to mediate pharmacological actions through a common pathway, i.e., a complex serotonin-glutamate receptor interaction in cortical neurons of pyramidal origin. Furthermore, psychedelic drugs have been reported to act via a complex interplay between 5HT2A, mGlu2/3, and NMDA receptors to mediate neurobehavioral and pharmacological actions. Findings from recent studies have suggested that serotoninergic and glutamatergic neurotransmissions are very closely connected in producing pharmacological responses to psychedelics and antipsychotic medication. Emerging hypotheses suggest that psychedelics work through brain resetting mechanisms. Hence, there is a need to dig deeply into psychedelic neurobiology to uncover how psychedelics could best be used as scientific tools to benefit psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Microdosing,Drug Interactions

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35631466","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Chronic Treatment With Psilocybin Decreases Changes in Body Weight in a Rodent Model of Obesity.
authors: Huang J, Pham M, Panenka WJ, Honer WG, Barr AM.
publication_date: 2022-05-17
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.891512
pubmed_id: 35664477
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.891512
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
abstract:
BackgroundThere are currently relatively few effective pharmacological treatments for obesity, and existing ones may be associated with limiting side-effects. In the search for novel anti-obesity agents, drugs that modify central serotonergic systems have historically proven to be effective in promoting weight loss. Psilocin, which is rapidly metabolized from psilocybin, is an agonist at multiple serotonin receptors. In the present study we assessed the effects of psilocybin and a positive control (metformin) on changes in body weight in a rat model of obesity.MethodsFive groups of adult male rats were pre-conditioned with a cafeteria diet until obese (>600 g) and then treated with either psilocybin (0.1, 1, or 5 mg/kg, i.p.), metformin (300 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle control. Treatments were for 27 consecutive weekdays, and body weights and high calorie food intake were recorded daily. Fasting glucose levels were recorded after 11 days of treatment. At the end of treatment rats completed a glucose tolerance test, and multiple fat pads were dissected out to assess adiposity.ResultsThe medium dose psilocybin group had to be terminated from the study prematurely. Both the low and high dose psilocybin groups caused a significant decrease in changes in body weight compared to controls. The metformin group produced a greater decrease in change in body weight than either psilocybin groups or controls. Both high dose psilocybin and metformin decreased consumption of the high calorie diet, and exhibited decreased central adiposity.ConclusionPsilocybin demonstrated modest but significant effects on weight gain. Further study is recommended.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35664477","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2022-05-17
doi: 10.3390/neurolint14020035
pubmed_id: 35645354
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14020035
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Chronic Pain,Headache / Migraine,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Alternative Options for Complex, Recurrent Pain States Using Cannabinoids, Psilocybin, and Ketamine: A Narrative Review of Clinical Evidence.

authors:
Edinoff AN, Fort JM, Singh C, Wagner SE, Rodriguez JR, Johnson CA, Cornett EM, Murnane KS, Kaye AM, Kaye AD.

abstract:
With emerging information about the potential for morbidity and reduced life expectancy with long-term use of opioids, it is logical to evaluate nonopioid analgesic treatments to manage pain states. Combinations of drugs can provide additive and/or synergistic effects that can benefit the management of pain states. In this regard, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) modulate nociceptive signals and have been studied for chronic pain treatment. Psilocybin, commonly known as "magic mushrooms", works at the serotonin receptor, 5-HT2A. Psilocybin has been found in current studies to help with migraines since it has a tryptamine structure and works similarly to triptans. Psilocybin also has the potential for use in chronic pain treatment. However, the studies that have looked at alternative plant-based medications such as THC, CBD, and psilocybin have been small in terms of their sample size and may not consider the demographic or genetic differences in the population because of their small sample sizes. At present, it is unclear whether the effects reported in these studies translate to the general population or even are significant. In summary, additional studies are warranted to evaluate chronic pain management with alternative and combinations of medications in the treatment of chronic pain.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35645354","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
authors: Kotts WJ, Gamble DT, Dawson DK, Connor D.
publication_date: 2022-05-16
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-245863
pubmed_id: 35580942
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2021-245863
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
We present a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy following recreational ingestion of Psilocybe semilanceata (known as 'magic mushrooms'). The patient presented with respiratory distress and pulmonary oedema responding to standard medical measures. Investigations included: echocardiogram, cardiac MRI and angiogram. Based on our search, we suggest this is only the second recognised case in the published literature.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35580942","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Safety considerations in the evolving legal landscape of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
authors: Mocanu V, Mackay L, Christie D, Argento E.
publication_date: 2022-05-13
doi: 10.1186/s13011-022-00468-0
pubmed_id: 35568884
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-022-00468-0
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Psychotherapy, Canada, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Aging,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
International drug policy is rapidly evolving in tandem with promising evidence for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) in treating a range of mental health conditions. Canada is among the countries increasingly expanding access to psychedelic substances for therapeutic purposes. The 8-year ban on medical exemptions through the Canadian Special Access Programme was recently reversed in January 2022 and the first exemptions for legal possession and personal use of psilocybin mushrooms were granted in 2020, nearly 50 years since their criminalization. In view of the evolving evidence base and regulatory landscape for PAP illustrated by recent shifts in Canadian and international drug policy, this piece seeks to clarify the special range of factors which ought to be considered to safely expand access to psychedelics. Streamlining access to safe and evidence-based compassionate use of PAP will provide a timely treatment option to those currently in need while encouraging further research and outcome surveillance to refine best practices.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35568884","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Johansen L, Liknaitzky P, Nedeljkovic M, Mastin-Purcell L, Murray G
journal: Systematic reviews
publication_date: 2022-05-04
doi: 10.1186/s13643-022-01930-7
pubmed_id: 35513876
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35513876/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35513876"}
title:
The psychological processes of classic psychedelics in the treatment of depression: a systematic review protocol.

abstract:
There is currently renewed interest in the use of psychedelic therapy in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression. The proposed systematic review will aim to identify, evaluate and summarise the psychological processes of change underlying psychedelic therapy for depression in the current literature and consider the implications these processes may have on the psychotherapy component of treatment.
Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science databases will be searched using relevant terms. Studies will be included if they discuss the use of a classic psychedelic to treat depression symptomology in an adult population and report or propose psychological processes responsible for depression symptom change. Two authors will independently screen articles, complete quality assessment tools and conduct data extraction. Empirical and non-empirical research will be extracted and synthesised separately. A narrative synthesis approach will be used to report psychological processes identified in the literature.
This systematic review will be the first to collate available evidence on the psychological processes associated with psychedelic therapy for depression. The preliminary nature of this research field is expected to result in the review having several limitations, namely heterogeneity between studies and the inclusion of limited empirical research. We intend for this review to present the current state of the literature, identify gaps and generate candidate variables that warrant further investigation.
PROSPERO CRD42020197202.

keywords:
Depression, LSD, Narrative synthesis, Psilocybin, Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, Psychological processes, Systematic review


title: The Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Psychedelic Medicines Within Midwifery Practice.
authors: Stein CA, Penn A, Van Hope S, Dorsen CG, Mangini M
journal: Journal of midwifery & women's health
publication_date: 2022-04-30
doi: 10.1111/jmwh.13371
pubmed_id: 35522087
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35522087/
keywords: MDMA, PTSD, depression, ketamine, midwives, psilocybin, psychedelics
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Pharmacology,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35522087"}
abstract:
The research and use of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders has increased substantially in the past 2 decades. At the same time, knowledge is relatively uncommon among midwives regarding (1) the relative benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy, (2) best practices associated with the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and (3) responsible integration of this potentially useful intervention into mental health treatment plans. The purpose of this review is to describe current applications of psychedelic medicines to treat common mental health disorders, to describe the current legal status of these medicines used in this context, and to explore the potential for midwifery practice in this area with further training. This article also addresses the disparities regarding LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC populations in relation to this topic and their historical exclusion from research and treatment access in this field.


publication_date: 2022-02-24
doi: 10.1038/s41386-022-01297-2
pubmed_id: 35217796
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-022-01297-2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Pharmacology,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Direct comparison of the acute effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects.

authors:
Holze F, Ley L, Müller F, Becker AM, Straumann I, Vizeli P, Kuehne SS, Roder MA, Duthaler U, Kolaczynska KE, Varghese N, Eckert A, Liechti ME.

abstract:
Growing interest has been seen in using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin in psychiatric research and therapy. However, no modern studies have evaluated differences in subjective and autonomic effects of LSD and psilocybin or their similarities and dose equivalence. We used a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design in 28 healthy subjects (14 women, 14 men) who underwent five 25 h sessions and received placebo, LSD (100 and 200 µg), and psilocybin (15 and 30 mg). Test days were separated by at least 10 days. Outcome measures included self-rating scales for subjective effects, autonomic effects, adverse effects, effect durations, plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), prolactin, cortisol, and oxytocin, and pharmacokinetics. The doses of 100 and 200 µg LSD and 30 mg psilocybin produced comparable subjective effects. The 15 mg psilocybin dose produced clearly weaker subjective effects compared with both doses of LSD and 30 mg psilocybin. The 200 µg dose of LSD induced higher ratings of ego-dissolution, impairments in control and cognition, and anxiety than the 100 µg dose. The 200 µg dose of LSD increased only ratings of ineffability significantly more than 30 mg psilocybin. LSD at both doses had clearly longer effect durations than psilocybin. Psilocybin increased blood pressure more than LSD, whereas LSD increased heart rate more than psilocybin. However, both LSD and psilocybin showed comparable cardiostimulant properties, assessed by the rate-pressure product. Both LSD and psilocybin had dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and first-order elimination. Both doses of LSD and the high dose of psilocybin produced qualitatively and quantitatively very similar subjective effects, indicating that alterations of mind that are induced by LSD and psilocybin do not differ beyond the effect duration. Any differences between LSD and psilocybin are dose-dependent rather than substance-dependent. However, LSD and psilocybin differentially increased heart rate and blood pressure. These results may assist with dose finding for future psychedelic research.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03604744.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Double-Blind Method, Female, Male, Healthy Volunteers, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35217796","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Will psilocybin lose its magic in the clinical setting?
authors: Hayes C, Wahba M, Watson S.
publication_date: 2022-04-21
doi: 10.1177/20451253221090822
pubmed_id: 35480296
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253221090822
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Review Article,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Psilocybin as a novel treatment for depression is garnering a lot of attention from both the mainstream media and the academic community. Although phase 3 trials are only just beginning, we feel that it is important for clinicians to consider what psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy might look like in the clinical setting. In this narrative review article we have considered the difficulties that may arise as psilocybin emerges from the research setting, which may hamper its progress towards becoming a licenced medication. Psilocybin has its own unique challenges: the expectation patients come to dosing with having read overwhelmingly positive media; patient suggestibility under the influence of psilocybin and requirement for specialised therapists to name a few. We have also made some recommendations for measures that should be taken in both the phase 3 trials and with clinicians to try and minimise some of the issues raised. In doing so our hope is that psilocybin will continue towards becoming a licenced medication that suitable patients are able to access with relative ease. Practicing psychiatrists need to have an awareness of the potential pitfalls of psilocybin as they will be responsible for prescribing it in the future.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35480296","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Hackl B, Todt H, Kubista H, Kubista H, Hilber K, Koenig X.
publication_date: 2022-03-31
doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab085
pubmed_id: 34871422
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyab085
keywords: Humans, Potassium Channels, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Cardiotoxicity, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Aging,Clinical Trial,Safety,Toxicity
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Psilocybin Therapy of Psychiatric Disorders Is Not Hampered by hERG Potassium Channel-Mediated Cardiotoxicity.

abstract:
Psilocybin, a hallucinogen contained in "magic" mushrooms, holds great promise for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, and early clinical trials are encouraging. Adverse cardiac events after intake of high doses of psilocybin and a trial reporting QT interval prolongation in the electrocardiogram attributed to the drug's main metabolite, psilocin, gave rise to safety concerns. Here we show that clinical concentrations of psilocin do not cause significant human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel inhibition, a major risk factor for adverse cardiac events. We conclude that hERG channel blockage by psilocin is not liable for psilocybin- associated cardiotoxic effects.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34871422","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Models of psychedelic drug action: modulation of cortical-subcortical circuits.
authors: Doss MK, Madden MB, Gaddis A, Nebel MB, Griffiths RR, Mathur BN, Barrett FS.
publication_date: 2022-03-31
doi: 10.1093/brain/awab406
pubmed_id: 34897383
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab406
keywords: Brain, Cerebral Cortex, Animals, Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Classic psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have recaptured the imagination of both science and popular culture, and may have efficacy in treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Human and animal studies of psychedelic drug action in the brain have demonstrated the involvement of the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor and the cerebral cortex in acute psychedelic drug action, but different models have evolved to try to explain the impact of 5-HT2A activation on neural systems. Two prominent models of psychedelic drug action (the cortico-striatal thalamo-cortical, or CSTC, model and relaxed beliefs under psychedelics, or REBUS, model) have emphasized the role of different subcortical structures as crucial in mediating psychedelic drug effects. We describe these models and discuss gaps in knowledge, inconsistencies in the literature and extensions of both models. We then introduce a third circuit-level model involving the claustrum, a thin strip of grey matter between the insula and the external capsule that densely expresses 5-HT2A receptors (the cortico-claustro-cortical, or CCC, model). In this model, we propose that the claustrum entrains canonical cortical network states, and that psychedelic drugs disrupt 5-HT2A-mediated network coupling between the claustrum and the cortex, leading to attenuation of canonical cortical networks during psychedelic drug effects. Together, these three models may explain many phenomena of the psychedelic experience, and using this framework, future research may help to delineate the functional specificity of each circuit to the action of both serotonergic and non-serotonergic hallucinogens.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34897383","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, Grant J, Ali A, Gordon L, Ngwa W.
publication_date: 2022-04-13
doi: 10.3390/molecules27082520
pubmed_id: 35458717
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27082520
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Spirituality,Review Article,Cancer Patients,Adverse Events,Toxicity
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Psychedelics: Alternative and Potential Therapeutic Options for Treating Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

abstract:
The word "psychedelic" (psyche (i.e., the mind or soul) and delos (i.e., to show)) has Greek origin and was first coined by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond in 1956, who had been conducting research on lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) at the time. Psychedelic drugs such as N,N-DMT/DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine), 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and psilocybin have had significant value as an entheogen in spiritual, religious (shamanic) and sociocultural rituals in Central and South American cultures for thousands of years. In the 1960s, the globalization of these drugs and their subsequent spread outside of their indigenous, old-world cultures, led to the subsequent implementation of strict drug control laws in many Western countries. Even today, psychedelics are still classified as Schedule I drugs, resulting in a still lingering negative stigmatization/perception, vilification, and ultimate criminalization of psychedelics. This controversy still lingers and still limits scientific research and full medical acceptance. For many years up until recently, the spiritual, religious and medicinal value of these drugs could not be explored in a scientific context. More recently, a second wave of psychedelic research is now focusing on psychedelics as neuropharmaceuticals to treat alcohol and tobacco addiction, general mood and anxiety disorders and cancer-related depression. There is now a vast array of promising evidence-based data to confirm the years of anecdotal evidence of the medicinal values of psychedelics. Natural therapeutic alternatives such as psychedelic drugs may provide a safe and efficacious alternate to conventional drugs used to treat mood and anxiety disorders. In a Western context in particular, psychedelic drugs as therapeutic agents for mood and anxiety disorders are becoming increasingly of interest amidst increasing rates of such disorders globally, changing social constructions, the implementation of government regulations and increasing investment opportunities, that ultimately allow for the scientific study to generate evidenced-based data. Alternative psychotherapeutic interventions are gaining interest also, because of their low physiological toxicity, relatively low abuse potential, safe psychological effects, and no associated persisting adverse physiological or psychological effects during and after use. On the other hand, conventional psychotic drugs and anti-depressants are becoming less favorable because of their adverse side effects. Psychedelic neuropharmaceutical interventions may with medical oversight be the solution to conventional psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, and an alternative to conventional psychiatric treatment options. This paper will review the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs as alternative therapeutic options for mood and anxiety disorders in a controlled, clinical setting, where the chances of adverse psychological episodes occurring are mitigated.

keywords:
Humans, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Anxiety Disorders, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35458717","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Jones G, Ricard JA, Lipson J, Nock MK.
publication_date: 2022-04-06
doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-08085-4
pubmed_id: 35393455
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08085-4
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Clinical Trial,Observational Study
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Associations between classic psychedelics and opioid use disorder in a nationally-representative U.S. adult sample.

abstract:
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and there is a pressing need to identify additional treatments for the disorder. Classic psychedelics (psilocybin, peyote, mescaline, LSD) have been linked to the alleviation of various substance use disorders and may hold promise as potential treatments for OUD. The aim of this study was to assess whether the aforementioned classic psychedelic substances conferred lowered odds of OUD. Furthermore, this study aimed to replicate and extend findings from Pisano et al. (2017) who found classic psychedelic use to be linked to lowered odds of OUD in a nationally representative sample. We used recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015-2019) (N = 214,505) and multivariable logistic regression to test whether lifetime use (yes/no) of classic psychedelics was associated with lowered odds of OUD. Lifetime psilocybin use was associated with lowered odds of OUD (aOR: 0.70; 95% CI [0.60, 0.83]). No other substances, including other classic psychedelics, were associated with lowered odds of OUD. Additionally, sensitivity analyses revealed psilocybin use to be associated with lowered odds of seven of the 11 DSM-IV criteria for OUD (aOR range: 0.66-0.83). Future clinical trials and longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these associations are causal.

keywords:
Humans, Opioid-Related Disorders, Hallucinogens, Data Collection, Logistic Models, Adult, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35393455","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin increases brain network integration in patients with depression.
publication_date: 2022-03-31
doi: 10.1038/s41591-022-01769-4
pubmed_id: 35411079
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01769-4
keywords: Brain, Humans, Hallucinogens, Depression, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35411079","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Increased global integration in the brain after psilocybin therapy for depression.
publication_date: 2022-04-10
doi: 10.1038/s41591-022-01744-z
pubmed_id: 35411074
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01744-z
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
authors:
Daws RE, Timmermann C, Giribaldi B, Sexton JD, Wall MB, Erritzoe D, Roseman L, Nutt D, Carhart-Harris R.

abstract:
Psilocybin therapy shows antidepressant potential, but its therapeutic actions are not well understood. We assessed the subacute impact of psilocybin on brain function in two clinical trials of depression. The first was an open-label trial of orally administered psilocybin (10 mg and 25 mg, 7 d apart) in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was recorded at baseline and 1 d after the 25-mg dose. Beck's depression inventory was the primary outcome measure ( MR/J00460X/1 ). The second trial was a double-blind phase II randomized controlled trial comparing psilocybin therapy with escitalopram. Patients with major depressive disorder received either 2 × 25 mg oral psilocybin, 3 weeks apart, plus 6 weeks of daily placebo ('psilocybin arm') or 2 × 1 mg oral psilocybin, 3 weeks apart, plus 6 weeks of daily escitalopram (10-20 mg) ('escitalopram arm'). fMRI was recorded at baseline and 3 weeks after the second psilocybin dose ( NCT03429075 ). In both trials, the antidepressant response to psilocybin was rapid, sustained and correlated with decreases in fMRI brain network modularity, implying that psilocybin's antidepressant action may depend on a global increase in brain network integration. Network cartography analyses indicated that 5-HT2A receptor-rich higher-order functional networks became more functionally interconnected and flexible after psilocybin treatment. The antidepressant response to escitalopram was milder and no changes in brain network organization were observed. Consistent efficacy-related brain changes, correlating with robust antidepressant effects across two studies, suggest an antidepressant mechanism for psilocybin therapy: global increases in brain network integration.

keywords:
Brain, Humans, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Double-Blind Method, Depression, Psilocybin, Escitalopram, Major Depressive Disorder

topic_tags:
Depression,Brain Imaging,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35411074","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2022-02-10
doi: 10.1016/j.funbio.2022.01.003
pubmed_id: 35314062
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2022.01.003
keywords: Agaricales, Biology, Psilocybe, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Diversity, biology, and history of psilocybin-containing fungi: Suggestions for research and technological development.

authors:
Van Court RC, Wiseman MS, Meyer KW, Ballhorn DJ, Amses KR, Slot JC, Dentinger BTM, Garibay-Orijel R, Uehling JK.

abstract:
Therapeutic use of psilocybin has become a focus of recent international research, with preliminary data showing promise to address a range of treatment-resistant mental health conditions. However, use of psilocybin as a healing entheogen has a long history through traditional consumption of mushrooms from the genus Psilocybe. The forthcoming adoption of new psilocybin-assisted therapeutic practices necessitates identification of preferred sources of psilocybin; consequently, comprehensive understanding of psilocybin-containing fungi is fundamental to consumer safety. Here we examine psilocybin producing fungi, discuss their biology, diversity, and ethnomycological uses. We also review recent work focused on elucidation of psilocybin biosynthetic production pathways, especially those from the genus Psilocybe, and their evolutionary history. Current research on psilocybin therapies is discussed, and recommendations for necessary future mycological research are outlined.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35314062","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2021-11-21
doi: 10.1002/cpt.2487
pubmed_id: 34743319
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/cpt.2487
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Pharmacology,Healthy Volunteers,Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Acute Effects of Psilocybin After Escitalopram or Placebo Pretreatment in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Subjects.

authors:
Becker AM, Holze F, Grandinetti T, Klaiber A, Toedtli VE, Kolaczynska KE, Duthaler U, Varghese N, Eckert A, Grünblatt E, Liechti ME.

abstract:
The psychedelic psilocybin is being investigated for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Unclear is whether antidepressant treatments interact with psilocybin. The present study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design with two experimental test sessions to investigate the response to psilocybin (25 mg) in healthy subjects after pretreatment with escitalopram or placebo. The treatment order was random and counterbalanced. Pretreatment consisted of 10 mg escitalopram daily for 7 days, followed by 20 mg daily for 7 days, including the day of psilocybin administration, or 14 days of placebo pretreatment before psilocybin administration. Psilocybin treatments were separated by at least 16 days. The outcome measures included self-rating scales that evaluated subjective effects, autonomic effects, adverse effects, plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, electrocardiogram QTc time, whole-blood HTR2A and SCL6A4 gene expression, and pharmacokinetics. Escitalopram pretreatment had no relevant effect on positive mood effects of psilocybin but significantly reduced bad drug effects, anxiety, adverse cardiovascular effects, and other adverse effects of psilocybin compared with placebo pretreatment. Escitalopram did not alter the pharmacokinetics of psilocin. The half-life of psychoactive free (unconjugated) psilocin was 1.8 hours (range 1.1-2.2 hours), consistent with the short duration of action of psilocybin. Escitalopram did not alter HTR2A or SCL6A4 gene expression before psilocybin administration, QTc intervals, or circulating BDNF levels before or after psilocybin administration. Further studies are needed with a longer antidepressant pretreatment time and patients with psychiatric disorders to further define interactions between antidepressants and psilocybin.

keywords:
Humans, Citalopram, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Antidepressive Agents, Cross-Over Studies, Double-Blind Method, Healthy Volunteers, Psilocybin, Escitalopram

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34743319","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Cox DJ, Johnson MW.
publication_date: 2021-07-21
doi: 10.1037/pha0000404
pubmed_id: 34291991
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000404
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Pharmacology,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Verbal behavior related to drug reinforcement in polysubstance cannabis users: Comparison across drugs.

abstract:
Verbal reports of drug effects are often used in behavioral pharmacology. Two reports related to reinforcement are drug use (Harford, 1978; Liu et al., 2018) frequency and drug preference. Anecdotally, some individuals may specify a favorite/preferred drug (e.g., psilocybin) despite using another drug more frequently (e.g., tobacco). Research comparing these two measures has led to contradictory findings and included ratings from participants who may not have experience with the rated drugs. No comparisons have been made between use frequency and preference across multiple drugs in polysubstance users. To compare use frequency and preference for drug classes, and examine relations across drug classes, individuals reporting polysubstance use (N = 428) provided frequency and preference ratings for nine drug classes. Mean ratings showed smoked tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis were the most frequently used and most preferred drugs. Mean ratings showed 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and classic hallucinogens were the least frequently used and least preferred drugs. However, more divergence between use frequency and preference was observed when these metrics were examined among individuals. Correlation coefficients between use frequency and preference were lower than previously published literature. The majority of polydrug comparisons were nonsignificant, and correlations between different drug classes differed depending on whether use frequency or preference was examined. Verbal reports about use frequency are likely not strongly predictive of verbal reports about the same drug preference. Clinicians and researchers should recognize that different verbal reports related to drug reinforcement might be proxies for distinct aspects of reinforcement and should consider these implications for assessment and research findings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

keywords:
Humans, Cannabis, Substance-Related Disorders, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Hallucinogens, Verbal Behavior

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34291991","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Therapeutic Alliance and Rapport Modulate Responses to Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for Depression.
publication_date: 2022-03-30
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.788155
pubmed_id: 35431912
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.788155
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Emotional Processing,Mystical Experience,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
authors:
Murphy R, Kettner H, Zeifman R, Giribaldi B, Kartner L, Martell J, Read T, Murphy-Beiner A, Baker-Jones M, Nutt D, Erritzoe D, Watts R, Carhart-Harris R.

abstract:
Background: Across psychotherapeutic frameworks, the strength of the therapeutic alliance has been found to correlate with treatment outcomes; however, its role has never been formally assessed in a trial of psychedelic-assisted therapy. We aimed to investigate the relationships between therapeutic alliance and rapport, the quality of the acute psychedelic experience and treatment outcomes. Methods: This 2-arm double-blind randomized controlled trial compared escitalopram with psychedelic-assisted therapy for moderate-severe depressive disorder (N = 59). This analysis focused on the psilocybin condition (n = 30), who received two oral doses of 25 mg psilocybin, 3-weeks apart, with psychological preparation, in-session support, and integration therapy. A new psychedelic therapy model, called "Accept-Connect-Embody" (ACE), was developed in this trial. The primary outcome was depression severity 6 weeks post treatment (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, QIDS-SR-16). Path analyses tested the hypothesis that therapeutic alliance (Scale To Assess the Therapeutic Relationship Patient Version, STAR-P) would predict depression outcomes via its influence on the acute psychedelic experience, specifically emotional-breakthrough (EBI) and mystical-type experiences (MEQ). The same analysis was performed on the escitalopram arm to test specificity. Results: The strength of therapeutic alliance predicted pre-session rapport, greater emotional-breakthrough and mystical-type experience (maximum EBI and MEQ scores across the two psilocybin sessions) and final QIDS scores (β = -0.22, R2 = 0.42 for EBIMax; β = -0.19, R2 = 0.32 for MEQMax). Exploratory path models revealed that final depression outcomes were more strongly affected by emotional breakthrough during the first, and mystical experience during the second session. Emotional breakthrough, but not mystical experience, during the first session had a positive effect on therapeutic alliance ahead of the second session (β = 0.79, p < 0.0001). Therapeutic alliance ahead of the second session had a direct impact on final depression scores, not mediated by the acute experience, with a weaker alliance ahead of the second psilocybin session predicting higher absolute depression scores at endpoint (β = -0.49, p < 0.001) Discussion: Future research could consider therapist training and characteristics; specific participant factors, e.g., attachment style or interpersonal trauma, which may underlie the quality of the therapeutic relationship, the psychedelic experience and clinical outcomes; and consider how therapeutic approaches might adapt in cases of weaker therapeutic alliance. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT03429075).

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35431912","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin-Assisted Compassion Focused Therapy for Depression.
authors: Pots W, Chakhssi F.
publication_date: 2022-03-24
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.812930
pubmed_id: 35401294
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.812930
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, i.e., psilocybin treatment with psychological support, has demonstrated the efficacy of psilocybin to reduce depressive symptoms. However, in clinical trials, the structure of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is primarily based on preparation, navigation (support during dosing sessions), and integration. For psychotherapeutic guidance, the application of this structure is favored over the usage of theoretical models. The applied psychotherapeutic models may be of critical importance if the effects are augmented due to the psychologically insightful experiences during the navigation and integration sessions. One of the important next steps is to provide therapists with guidance on how to provide psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. We present an integrated protocol for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression based on the theoretical model and psychotherapeutic framework of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). We hypothesize that CFT can provide the theoretical model and compassion practices that will reinforce the experiences during the navigation and follow-up therapy sessions. In this paper, we describe the rationale for selecting CFT, the compatibility of CFT and psilocybin-therapy, an overview of the psilocybin-assisted CFT protocol, the study protocol, and limitations to this approach.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35401294","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Davis AK, Arterberry BJ, Xin Y, Agin-Liebes G, Schwarting C, Williams MT.
publication_date: 2022-03-22
doi: 10.3389/fepid.2022.876706
pubmed_id: 38455323
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fepid.2022.876706
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Race, Ethnic, and Sex Differences in Prevalence of and Trends in Hallucinogen Consumption Among Lifetime Users in the United States Between 2015 and 2019.

abstract:
BackgroundThe current study is one of the first to examine race, ethnic, and sex differences in the prevalence of and trends in hallucinogen use among lifetime users in the United States.MethodsData came from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and included respondent's reporting ever-using hallucinogens (n = 41,060; female = 40.4%). Descriptive and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted in Stata.ResultsHighest prevalence of past year hallucinogen use was among Asian females (35.06%), which was two-or-more times larger than prevalence of past year use among White males/females and Native American males. More than half of White males/females, Multiracial males, and Hispanic males reported had ever-used psilocybin or LSD, whereas less than one-quarter of Black males/females reported lifetime psilocybin use, and less than a third of Black females reported lifetime LSD use. Native American males had the lowest prevalence of lifetime MDMA use (17.62-33.30%) but had the highest lifetime prevalence of peyote use (40.37-53.24%). Pacific Islander males had the highest prevalence of lifetime mescaline use (28.27%), and lifetime DMT use was highest among Pacific Islander males/females (15.68-38.58%). Black, Asian, and Multiracial people had greater odds of past-year (ORs = 1.20-2.02; ps < 0.05) and past-month (ORs = 1.39-2.06; ps < 0.05) hallucinogen use compared to White people. Females had lower odds of past-year (OR = 0.79; ps < 0.05), past-month (OR = 0.78; ps < 0.05) hallucinogen use compared to males, except for lifetime use of MDMA (OR = 1.29; ps < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings should inform public health initiatives regarding potential benefits and risks of hallucinogen use among racial/ethnic groups and women.

raw_json:
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authors: Matzopoulos R, Morlock R, Morlock A, Lerer B, Lerer L
abstract: [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.780696.].
journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.877390
pubmed_id: 35401265
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35401265/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35401265"}
title:
Corrigendum: Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes.

keywords:
anxiety, depression, health insurance, healthcare resource utilization, population based survey, psilocybin mushroom, psychedelic


authors: Dworatzyk K, Jansen T, Schmidt TT.
publication_date: 2022-03-15
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264927
pubmed_id: 35294453
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264927
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Consciousness,Mystical Experience,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Phenomenological assessment of psychedelics 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 or other mind-altering drugs as well as 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 the use of psychedelics, respectively. The 26-item Challenging Experience Questionnaire assesses multiple facets of psilocybin induced experiences on seven subscales, whereas the 8-item Ego-Dissolution Inventory consists of a unidimensional scale. In the present study, these questionnaires were translated into German and their psychometric properties then evaluated in an online survey on psychedelics induced experiences. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested an acceptable fit of 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 a psychiatric disorder, 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 support the hypothesized single-factor structure of the German Ego-Dissolution Inventory and exploratory factor analysis suggested an alternative factor structure, where only five items loaded onto a common factor that was interpreted as ego-dissolution. Internal consistency of this 5-item measure was high and correlation with selected items of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale supported convergent validity. Translation and validation of these questionnaires contribute to the advancement of common standards in the psychological and neuroscientific study of altered states of consciousness.

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

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35294453","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Raison CL, Jain R, Penn AD, Cole SP, Jain S
journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.831092
pubmed_id: 35370864
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35370864/
keywords: anxiety, ayahuasca, depression, harms, patterns of use, psilocybin, psychedelics, well-being
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35370864"}
title:
Effects of Naturalistic Psychedelic Use on Depression, Anxiety, and Well-Being: Associations With Patterns of Use, Reported Harms, and Transformative Mental States.

abstract:
Survey-based studies suggest naturalistic psychedelic use provides mental health benefits similar to those observed in clinical trials. The current study sought to confirm these findings in a large group of psychedelic users and to conduct a novel examination of associations between amount of psychedelic use and behavioral outcomes, as well as frequency of harms ascribed to psychedelic use. A cross-sectional, online survey was completed by 2,510 adults reporting at least one lifetime psychedelic experience. Participants retrospectively completed a battery of instruments assessing depression, anxiety, and emotional well-being prior to and following psychedelic exposure. Participants also reported preferred psychedelic agent, number of uses, and harms attributed to psychedelic use. Psychedelic use was associated with significant improvements in depressive and anxious symptoms and with increased emotional well-being. These improvements increased in magnitude with increasing psychedelic exposure, with a ceiling effect. However, improvements were noted following a single lifetime use. Strong evidence for benefit of one preferred psychedelic agent over another was not observed, but enduring increases in factors related to mystical-experience and prosocial perspective taking associated with enhanced mental health. Thirteen percent of the survey sample ( = 330) endorsed at least one harm from psychedelic use, and these participants reported less mental health benefit. Results from the current study add to a growing database indicating that psychedelic use-even outside the context of clinical trials-may provide a wide range of mental health benefits, while also posing some risk for harm in a minority of individuals.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Wellbeing,Emotional Processing,Mystical Experience,Clinical Trial,Observational Study,Safety


authors: Pearson C, Siegel J, Gold JA.
publication_date: 2021-12-15
doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120096
pubmed_id: 34942586
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2021.120096
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression: Emerging research on a psychedelic compound with a rich history.

abstract:
There is a serious need for novel therapies that treat individuals with depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). An emerging body of research has demonstrated that psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin, combined with supportive psychotherapy, exert rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. The use of psychedelics is not new: they have a rich history with evidence of their use in ritual and medical settings. However, due to political, social, and cultural pressures, their use was limited until modern clinical trials began to emerge in the 2010s. This review provides a comprehensive look at the potential use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression and TRD. It includes an overview of the history, pharmacology, and proposed mechanism of psilocybin, and describes several published studies in the last decade which have provided evidence of the efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for individuals with depression. It also includes a discussion of the limitations and barriers of current research on psychedelics. The results of these studies are contextualized within the current treatment landscape through an overview of the pathophysiology of depression and the treatments currently in use, as well as the clinical needs these novel therapies have the promise to fulfill.

raw_json:
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authors: Meade E, Hehir S, Rowan N, Garvey M.
publication_date: 2022-03-10
doi: 10.3390/jof8030290
pubmed_id: 35330292
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8030290
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Chronic Pain,Review Article,Safety,Inflammation,Immune Function
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Mycotherapy: Potential of Fungal Bioactives for the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders and Morbidities of Chronic Pain.

abstract:
Mushrooms have been used as traditional medicine for millennia, fungi are the main natural source of psychedelic compounds. There is now increasing interest in using fungal active compounds such as psychedelics for alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders including major depressive disorder, anxiety, and addiction. The anxiolytic, antidepressant and anti-addictive effect of these compounds has raised awareness stimulating neuropharmacological investigations. Micro-dosing or acute dosing with psychedelics including Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin may offer patients treatment options which are unmet by current therapeutic options. Studies suggest that either dosing regimen produces a rapid and long-lasting effect on the patient post administration with a good safety profile. Psychedelics can also modulate immune systems including pro-inflammatory cytokines suggesting a potential in the treatment of auto-immune and other chronic pain conditions. This literature review aims to explore recent evidence relating to the application of fungal bioactives in treating chronic mental health and chronic pain morbidities.

raw_json:
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publication_date: 2022-03-08
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.841648
pubmed_id: 35355714
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.841648
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mystical Experience,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Psilocybin-Induced Mystical-Type Experiences are Related to Persisting Positive Effects: A Quantitative and Qualitative Report.

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 have shown substantial promise for the treatment of several psychiatric conditions including mood and addictive disorders. They also have the remarkable property of producing persisting positive psychological changes in healthy volunteers for at least several months. In this study (NCT03289949), 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) 3-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 = 3 × 10-5). Moreover, the MEQ subscales "Positive Mood" (pcorr = 4.1 × 10-4) and "Mysticality" (pcorr = 2.0 × 10-4) 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:
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publication_date: 2022-03-06
doi: 10.1016/j.nsa.2022.100104
pubmed_id: 40656230
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nsa.2022.100104
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Methodological challenges in psychedelic drug trials: Efficacy and safety of psilocybin in treatment-resistant major depression (EPIsoDE) - Rationale and study design.

authors:
Mertens LJ, Koslowski M, Betzler F, Evens R, Gilles M, Jungaberle A, Jungaberle H, Majić T, Ströhle A, Wolff M, Wellek S, Gründer G.

abstract:
Psychedelics such as psilocybin have recently gained remarkable interest in both the specialist literature and the lay press because studies suggest that these substances may have great therapeutic potential in various psychiatric disorders, including major depression. However, clinical trials with psychedelic drugs pose particular methodological challenges to researchers, some of which differ considerably from those with other psychotropic drugs. These include the problem of successful blinding, which can hardly be guaranteed in clinical trials with psychedelic substances and - directly related - the high risk of expectation bias and nocebo effects. Some of these challenges are being addressed in the given clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of psilocybin in treatment-resistant major depression. It is a phase II randomized, double-blind, active placebo-controlled parallel group trial with 144 patients. The rationale, the study design, and the core features of the study are presented here. The trial (EPIsoDE trial; EudraCT number: 2019-003984-24; NCT04670081) is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF 01EN2006 ​A/B).

raw_json:
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title: Virtual Reality as a Moderator of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy.
authors: Sekula AD, Downey L, Puspanathan P.
publication_date: 2022-03-03
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.813746
pubmed_id: 35310225
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.813746
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Psychotherapy with the use of psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ketamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), has demonstrated promise in treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, addiction, and treatment-resistant depression. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PP) represents a unique psychopharmacological model that leverages the profound effects of the psychedelic experience. That experience is characterized by strong dependency on two key factors: participant mindset and the therapeutic environment. As such, therapeutic models that utilize psychedelics reflect the need for careful design that promotes an open, flexible, trusting mindset and a supportive setting. To meet this need, the PP model is increasingly supplemented by auxiliary methods, including meditation, relaxation, visualization or spiritual practices. We suggest virtual reality (VR) as a full-spectrum tool able to capitalize on and catalyze the innately therapeutic aspects of the psychedelic experience, such as detachment from familiar reality, alteration of self-experience, augmentation of sensory perception and induction of mystical-type experiences. This is facilitated by VR's evidenced capacity to: aid relaxation and reduce anxiety; buffer from external stimuli; promote a mindful presence; train the mind to achieve altered states of consciousness (ASC); evoke mystical states; enhance therapeutic alliance and encourage self-efficacy. While these unique VR features appear promising, VR's potential role in PP remains speculative due to lack of empirical evidence on the combined use of VR and PP. Given the increased commercial interest in this synergy there is an urgent need to evaluate this approach. We suggest specific VR models and their role within PP protocols to inspire future direction in scientific research, and provide a list of potential disadvantages, side effects and limitations that need to be carefully considered. These include sensory overstimulation, cyber-sickness, triggering memories of past traumatic events as well as distracting from the inner experience or strongly influencing its contents. A balanced, evidence-based approach may provide continuity across all phases of treatment, support transition into and out of an ASC, deepen acute ASC experiences including mystical states and enrich the psychotherapeutic process of integration. We conclude that the potential application of VR in modulating psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy demands further exploration and an evidence-based approach to both design and implementation.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Consciousness,Spirituality,Mystical Experience,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Adverse Events

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authors: Bates N, Bello JK, Osazuwa-Peters N, Sullivan MD, Scherrer JF.
publication_date: 2022-03-06
doi: 10.1007/s11864-022-00954-4
pubmed_id: 35254595
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-022-00954-4
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Depression and Long-Term Prescription Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder: Implications for Pain Management in Cancer.

abstract:
Opinion statementPreventing depression in cancer patients on long-term opioid therapy should begin with depression screening before opioid initiation and repeated screening during treatment. In weighing the high morbidity of depression and opioid use disorder in patients with chronic cancer pain against a dearth of evidence-based therapies studied in this population, patients and clinicians are left to choose among imperfect but necessary treatment options. When possible, we advise engaging psychiatric and pain/palliative specialists through collaborative care models and recommending mindfulness and psychotherapy to all patients with significant depression alongside cancer pain. Medications for depression should be reserved for moderate to severe symptoms. We recommend escitalopram/citalopram or sertraline among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) duloxetine, venlafaxine, or desvenlafaxine if patients have a significant component of neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (consider nortriptyline or desipramine, which have better anticholinergic profiles) should be considered for patients who do not respond to or tolerate SSRI/SNRIs. Existing evidence is inadequate to definitively recommend methylphenidate or novel agents, such as ketamine or psilocybin, as adjunctive treatments for cancer-related depression and pain. Physicians who treat patients with cancer pain should utilize universal precautions to limit the risk of non-medical opioid use (non-medical opioid use). Patients should be screened for non-medical opioid use behaviors at initial consultation and at regular intervals during treatment using a non-judgmental approach that reduces stigma. Co-management with an addiction specialist may be indicated for patients at high risk of non-medical opioid use and opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine and methadone are indicated for the treatment of opioid use disorder, and while they have not been systematically studied for treatment of opioid use disorder in patients with cancer pain, they do provide analgesia for cancer pain. While an interdisciplinary team approach to manage psychological stress may be beneficial, this may not be possible for patients treated outside of comprehensive cancer centers.

keywords:
Humans, Neoplasms, Pain, Opioid-Related Disorders, Analgesics, Opioid, Depression, Prescriptions, Pain Management, Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors, Cancer Pain, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

topic_tags:
Depression,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Chronic Pain,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Cancer Patients,Healthcare Workers,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35254595","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Wolff M, Mertens LJ, Walter M, Enge S, Evens R.
publication_date: 2022-02-28
doi: 10.1177/02698811211073758
pubmed_id: 35253518
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211073758
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Psychological Flexibility,Observational Study,Drug Interactions
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
The Acceptance/Avoidance-Promoting Experiences Questionnaire (APEQ): A theory-based approach to psychedelic drugs' effects on psychological flexibility.

abstract:
BackgroundMany benefits and some harms associated with psychedelic use could be attributable to these drugs' acceptance/avoidance-promoting effects and corresponding changes in psychological flexibility. Underlying psychological mechanisms are insufficiently understood.AimThe purpose of this study was the validation of a psychological model of acceptance/avoidance-promoting psychedelic experiences, which included the development of a theory-based self-report instrument: the Acceptance/Avoidance-Promoting Experiences Questionnaire (APEQ). Its two main scales, acceptance-related experience (ACE) and avoidance-related experience (AVE), represent the theorized model's core constructs. We aimed to test the model's central assumptions of complementarity (ACE and AVE may occur alternatingly but not simultaneously, and are therefore empirically independent), intertwinedness (subaspects within ACE and AVE are mutually contingent and therefore highly inter-correlated), context-dependence (ACE and AVE depend on context factors) and interaction (longer-term outcomes depend on the interplay between ACE and AVE).MethodA bilingual retrospective online survey including 997 English- and 836 German-speaking participants. Each participant reported on one psychedelic experience occasioned by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline, or ayahuasca.ResultsWhereas ACE and AVE were found to be relatively independent aspects of participants' reported psychedelic experiences (complementarity), their subaspects were mostly distinguishable but strongly correlated among each other (intertwinedness). Therapeutic, escapist, and hedonic use motives were differentially associated with ACE and AVE (context-dependence), which were in turn associated with retrospective changes in psychological flexibility following participants' reported experiences. The positive association between ACE and increased psychological flexibility was significantly moderated by AVE (interaction).ConclusionThese results provide an initial validation of the APEQ and its underlying theoretical model, suggesting the two can help clarify the psychological mechanisms of psychedelic-induced benefits and harms. Both should be further investigated in prospective-longitudinal and clinical studies.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Retrospective Studies, Prospective Studies, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35253518","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science.
authors: Schlag AK, Aday J, Salam I, Neill JC, Nutt DJ
journal: Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
publication_date: 2022-02-28
doi: 10.1177/02698811211069100
pubmed_id: 35107059
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35107059/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Review Article,Healthcare Workers,Safety,Toxicity,Abuse Liability
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35107059"}
abstract:
Despite an increasing body of research highlighting their efficacy to treat a broad range of medical conditions, psychedelic drugs remain a controversial issue among the public and politicians, tainted by previous stigmatisation and perceptions of risk and danger.
This narrative review examines the evidence for potential harms of the classic psychedelics by separating anecdotes and misinformation from systematic research.
Taking a high-level perspective, we address both psychological and psychiatric risks, such as abuse liability and potential for dependence, as well as medical harms, including toxicity and overdose. We explore the evidence base for these adverse effects to elucidate which of these harms are based largely on anecdotes versus those that stand up to current scientific scrutiny.
Our review shows that medical risks are often minimal, and that many - albeit not all - of the persistent negative perceptions of psychological risks are unsupported by the currently available scientific evidence, with the majority of reported adverse effects not being observed in a regulated and/or medical context.
This highlights the importance for clinicians and therapists to keep to the highest safety and ethical standards. It is imperative not to be overzealous and to ensure balanced media reporting to avoid future controversies, so that much needed research can continue.

keywords:
Psilocybin, abuse liability/dependence, ayahuasca, d-lysergic acid diethylamide, dimethyltryptamine, hallucinogen persistent perception disorder, hypertension, mescaline, toxicity


title: [Are psychedelics fast acting antidepressant agents?]
authors: Gründer G, Brand M, Kärtner L, Scharf D, Schmitz C, Spangemacher M, Mertens LJ.
publication_date: 2022-01-31
doi: 10.1007/s00115-021-01255-1
pubmed_id: 35103814
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00115-021-01255-1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
BackgroundPsychedelics, such as psilocybin represent one of the most promising current therapeutic approaches in psychiatry.ObjectivePsychedelics seem to have not only potent antidepressant effects. Do they also work particularly quickly, i.e. within one day?Material and methodsThe available literature on clinical studies of psychedelics in depressive syndromes is presented both from the period up to the prohibition of these substances in the late 1960s as well as after the resumption of research in the 2000s. One focus is the speed of onset of antidepressant action.ResultsOnly the clinical studies published since 2016 that meet modern methodological standards have also systematically examined the speed of the antidepressant onset of action. The published studies, which were almost exclusively carried out with psilocybin, so far show small sample sizes (the total number of patients with depression treated in published clinical studies is

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Psychiatry, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35103814","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Beating pain with psychedelics: Matter over mind?
authors: Elman I, Pustilnik A, Borsook D.
publication_date: 2021-12-15
doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.005
pubmed_id: 34922987
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.005
keywords: Humans, Analgesics, Analgesics, Opioid, Hallucinogens, Chronic Pain, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Basic pain research has shed light on key cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying nociceptive and phenomenological aspects of pain. Despite these advances, we still yearn for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies to address the unmet needs of about 70 % of chronic neuropathic pain patients whose pain fails to respond to opioids as well as to other conventional analgesic agents. Importantly, a substantial body of clinical observations over the past decade cumulatively suggests that the psychedelic class of drugs may possess heuristic value for understanding and treating chronic pain conditions. The present review presents a theoretical framework for hitherto insufficiently understood neuroscience-based mechanisms of psychedelics' potential analgesic effects. To that end, searches of PubMed-indexed journals were performed using the following Medical Subject Headings' terms: pain, analgesia, inflammatory, brain connectivity, ketamine, psilocybin, functional imaging, and dendrites. Recursive sets of scientific and clinical evidence extracted from this literature review were summarized within the following key areas: (1) studies employing psychedelics for alleviation of physical and emotional pain; (2) potential neuro-restorative effects of psychedelics to remediate the impaired connectivity underlying the dissociation between pain-related conscious states/cognitions and the subcortical activity/function leading to the eventual chronicity through immediate and long-term effects on dentritic plasticity; (3) anti-neuroinflammatory and pro-immunomodulatory actions of psychedelics as the may pertain to the role of these factors in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain; (4) safety, legal, and ethical consideration inherent in psychedelics' pharmacotherapy. In addition to direct beneficial effects in terms of reduction of pain and suffering, psychedelics' inclusion in the analgesic armamentarium will contribute to deeper and more sophisticated insights not only into pain syndromes but also into frequently comorbid psychiatric condition associated with emotional pain, e.g., depressive and anxiety disorders. Further inquiry is clearly warranted into the above areas that have potential to evolve into further elucidate the mechanisms of chronic pain and affective disorders, and lead to the development of innovative, safe, and more efficacious neurobiologically-based therapeutic approaches.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Chronic Pain,Neuroplasticity,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Aging,Emotional Processing,Review Article,Safety,Inflammation

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34922987","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: [Rapid-acting antidepressants-neurobiological mechanisms of action].
authors: Gass P, Vasilescu AN, Inta D.
publication_date: 2021-11-10
doi: 10.1007/s00115-021-01225-7
pubmed_id: 34766186
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00115-021-01225-7
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Rapid-acting antidepressants disprove the dogma that antidepressants need several weeks to become clinically effective. Ketamine, the prototype of a rapid-acting antidepressant, is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocking agent. A single i.v. application of ketamine induces rapid changes in glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems, leading to preferential activation of glutamatergic alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. This evokes the activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), causing plastic changes in the central nervous system within 24 h. In the prefrontal cortex ketamine leads to a regeneration of synaptic contacts, which have been damaged by chronic stress. This regeneration correlates with improvement of depression-like behavioral changes in rodent models. Classical monoaminergic antidepressants can cause similar changes but with considerably longer latency periods. For clinical application a nasal spray of esketamine has been developed, since this enantiomer has the highest affinity for NMDA receptors; however, since R-ketamine and certain ketamine metabolites also have antidepressant effects in preclinical models, these are currently being tested in clinical studies. Moreover, there are many other glutamatergic substances under clinical investigation for antidepressant effects without ketamine-like adverse effects. In addition, there are also several promising rapid-acting antidepressants that do not primarily act via the glutamate system, such as the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor modulator brexanolone or the serotonin receptor agonist psilocybin.

keywords:
Central Nervous System, Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate, Antidepressive Agents, Depression, Neurobiology

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34766186","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocin acutely alters sleep-wake architecture and cortical brain activity in laboratory mice.
authors: Thomas CW, Blanco-Duque C, Bréant BJ, Goodwin GM, Sharp T, Bannerman DM, Vyazovskiy VV.
publication_date: 2022-02-22
doi: 10.1038/s41398-022-01846-9
pubmed_id: 35197453
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-022-01846-9
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Consciousness,Wellbeing,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Serotonergic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), profoundly alter the quality of consciousness through mechanisms which are incompletely understood. Growing evidence suggests that a single psychedelic experience can positively impact long-term psychological well-being, with relevance for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression. A prominent factor associated with psychiatric disorders is disturbed sleep, and the sleep-wake cycle is implicated in the homeostatic regulation of neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent psychedelic agents directly affect sleep, in terms of both acute arousal and homeostatic sleep regulation. Here, chronic electrophysiological recordings were obtained in mice to track sleep-wake architecture and cortical activity after psilocin injection. Administration of psilocin led to delayed REM sleep onset and reduced NREM sleep maintenance for up to approximately 3 h after dosing, and the acute EEG response was associated primarily with an enhanced oscillation around 4 Hz. No long-term changes in sleep-wake quantity were found. When combined with sleep deprivation, psilocin did not alter the dynamics of homeostatic sleep rebound during the subsequent recovery period, as reflected in both sleep amount and EEG slow-wave activity. However, psilocin decreased the recovery rate of sleep slow-wave activity following sleep deprivation in the local field potentials of electrodes targeting the medial prefrontal and surrounding cortex. It is concluded that psilocin affects both global vigilance state control and local sleep homeostasis, an effect which may be relevant for its antidepressant efficacy.

keywords:
Brain, Animals, Humans, Mice, Sleep Deprivation, Electroencephalography, Wakefulness, Sleep, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35197453","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Jones GM, Nock MK.
publication_date: 2022-02-15
doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-06580-2
pubmed_id: 35173246
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-06580-2
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Personality Change,Observational Study,Adolescents
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Exploring protective associations between the use of classic psychedelics and cocaine use disorder: a population-based survey study.

abstract:
Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) is a significant public health problem associated with elevated morbidity and mortality within the United States. Current behavioral treatments have limited efficacy and there are currently no FDA approved pharmacological treatments for CUD. Classic psychedelics might be associated with lowered odds of substance misuse and may effectively treat various forms of addiction. Thus, the goal of this study is to assess protective associations that lifetime use of classic psychedelics may share with CUD within a nationally representative sample of the U.S. We used data from The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2015-2019) and conducted survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression to test whether each of four classic psychedelics (peyote, mescaline, psilocybin, LSD) conferred lowered odds of CUD and its related 11 sub-criteria. Participants were 214,505 adults in the NSDUH (2015-2019) aged 18 and older. Peyote conferred lowered odds of CUD, reducing the odds of CUD by over 50% (aOR: 0.47). All other substances (including other classic psychedelics) either shared no association to CUD or conferred increased odds of CUD. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses revealed peyote to confer sharply lowered odds of the majority (seven of 11) of CUD criteria as well (aOR range: 0.26-0.47). Peyote use is associated with lowered odds of CUD. Future inquiries into third variable factors (i.e., demographic/personality profiles of individuals who use peyote, motivational/contextual factors surrounding peyote use) that may underlie our observed associations may reveal protective factors that can inform treatment development for CUD. Additionally, future longitudinal studies can shed further light on whether there is a temporal link between peyote use and lowered odds of CUD.

keywords:
Humans, Cocaine-Related Disorders, Hallucinogens, Adolescent, Adult, Middle Aged, United States, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35173246","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Kargbo RB, Sherwood AM, Meisenheimer P, Lenoch K, Abebe S.
publication_date: 2022-02-06
doi: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06708
pubmed_id: 35187358
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c06708
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Psilocybin: Characterization of the Metastable Zone Width (MSZW), Control of Anhydrous Polymorphs, and Particle Size Distribution (PSD).

abstract:
Psilocybin, a serotonergic agonist, was granted a "breakthrough therapy" status by the Food and Drug Administration for clinical trials involving major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. The direct phosphorylation of psilocin to psilocybin that uses a fast crystallization associated with a kinetically controlled process resulted in a smaller particle size distribution. Herein, the measurement of the metastable zone width (MSZW) and nucleation induction enabled a thermodynamically controlled crystallization process, which leads to the formation of a crystal structure with stronger interactions, controlled particle size distribution (PSD), and improved impurity profile. Employing a high-resolution inline microscopy viewer allowed the real-time monitoring of the crystallization process and the measurement of the particle size. We also present a comprehensive study of the formation of polymorph B (trihydrate), polymorph A (anhydrate), and polymorph H (anhydrate) using water recrystallization, which indicates that the formation of polymorph B (trihydrate) is independent of the crystallization method. However, polymorphs A and H are dependent on the mode of drying: drying at room temperature under vacuum gives rise to mainly polymorph A, and when heated even at relatively low temperatures, a mixture of polymorphs A and H beings to form.

raw_json:
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publication_date: 2022-02-10
doi: 10.3390/jcm11040938
pubmed_id: 35207210
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11040938
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Randomized Controlled Trial,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Trajectory of Antidepressant Effects after Single- or Two-Dose Administration of Psilocybin: A Systematic Review and Multivariate Meta-Analysis.

authors:
Yu CL, Liang CS, Yang FC, Tu YK, Hsu CW, Carvalho AF, Stubbs B, Thompson T, Tsai CK, Yeh TC, Yang SN, Shin JI, Chu CS, Tseng PT, Su KP.

abstract:
We examined the cardiovascular safety, acceptability, and trajectory of the antidepressant effects of psilocybin after single- or two-dose administration. Four major electronic databases were systematically searched. Data were pooled using a multivariate random-effects meta-analysis. Primary outcomes were changes in depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular safety and acceptability. Ten studies were included. The estimated effect sizes (standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals) for psilocybin were -0.75 (-1.15 to -0.35) on day 1, -1.74 (-2.15 to -1.32) at 1 week, -1.35 (-1.77 to -0.93) at 1 month, -0.91 (-1.31 to -0.51) at 3 months, and -1.12 (-1.56 to -0.68) at 6 months. Higher doses and two sessions of psilocybin treatment were significantly associated with superior antidepressant effects. The all-cause discontinuation and heart rate after psilocybin administration were comparable to placebo; meanwhile, psilocybin increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 19.00 mmHg and 8.66 mmHg, respectively. There were no significant differences between SMD derived from placebo-controlled trials compared to those from pre-post changes and SMD in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared to those in non-RCTs. The present study demonstrates that single- or two-dose psilocybin administration has rapid and sustained antidepressant effects for up to 6 months, with favorable cardiovascular safety and acceptability.

raw_json:
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authors: Coppola M, Bevione F, Mondola R.
publication_date: 2022-02-06
doi: 10.3390/jox12010004
pubmed_id: 35225956
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/jox12010004
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Spirituality
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Psilocybin for Treating Psychiatric Disorders: A Psychonaut Legend or a Promising Therapeutic Perspective?

abstract:
Psychedelics extracted from plants have been used in religious, spiritual, and mystic practices for millennia. In 1957, Dr. Hofmann identified and synthesized the prodrug psilocybin, a substance present in more than 200 species of psychedelic mushrooms. Although there were limitations related to the scientific design of many studies, clinical observations performed during the 1950s and 1960s showed a potential therapeutic effect of psilocybin for patients affected by depressive symptoms, anxiety, and conversion disorder. Psilocybin was classed as a schedule I substance in 1970, but the fascination with psychedelics has remained almost unchanged over time, promoting a new scientific interest starting in the 1990s. Recent studies have provided further evidence supporting the suggestive hypothesis of the therapeutic use of psilocybin for treating various psychiatric disorders, including pathological anxiety, mood depressive disorder, and addiction.

raw_json:
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authors: Yang Y, Meng G, Ni S, Zhang H, Dong C.
publication_date: 2022-02-05
doi: 10.3390/jof8020162
pubmed_id: 35205916
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8020162
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Pharmacology,Genomics
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Genomic Analysis of Stropharia rugosoannulata Reveals Its Nutritional Strategy and Application Potential in Bioremediation.

abstract:
Stropharia rugosoannulata is not only a popular edible mushroom, but also has excellent potential in bioremediation. In this study, we present a high-quality genome of a monokaryotic strain of the S. rugosoannulata commercial cultivar in China. The assembly yielded an N50 length of 2.96 Mb and a total size of approximately 48.33 Mb, encoding 11,750 proteins. The number of heme peroxidase-encoding genes in the genome of S. rugosoannulata was twice the average of all of the tested Agaricales. The genes encoding lignin and xenobiotic degradation enzymes accounted for more than half of the genes encoding plant cell wall degradation enzymes. The expansion of genes encoding lignin and xenobiotic degradation enzymes, and cytochrome P450 involved in the xenobiotic metabolism, were responsible for its strong bioremediation and lignin degradation abilities. S. rugosoannulata was classified as a litter-decomposing (LD) fungus, based on the analysis of the cell wall degrading enzymes. Substrate selection for fruiting body cultivation should consider both the nutritional strategy of LD and a strong lignin degradation ability. Consistent with safe usage as an edible mushroom, the S. rugosoannulata genome does not contain genes for known psilocybin biosynthesis. Genome analysis will be helpful for understanding its nutritional strategy to guide fruiting body cultivation and for providing insight into its application in bioremediation.

raw_json:
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title: Analysis of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Medicine: A Narrative Review.
authors: Ziff S, Stern B, Lewis G, Majeed M, Gorantla VR.
publication_date: 2022-02-04
doi: 10.7759/cureus.21944
pubmed_id: 35273885
source_url: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.21944
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been consumed by various cultures in many different parts of the world for thousands of years. Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, contains unique psychoactive properties and has been incorporated into religious ceremonies and investigated for its medicinal value. In the mid-20th century, psilocybin, along with most other classic psychedelics (5HT-2A agonists), was classified as a Schedule I substance, bringing a halt to research on its medicinal utility. The resurgence of clinical trials involving psilocybin in the 21st century has produced promising results concerning the treatment of addiction, depression, and end-of-life mood disorders. Results from these trials have shown significant reductions in depression and anxiety when compared with a placebo, and one trial found no significant difference when compared to a routinely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Studies conducted with patients with advanced-stage cancer have demonstrated that psilocybin may also be beneficial at reducing depression and anxiety associated with psychological crises due to a terminal diagnosis. Psilocybin therapy in the treatment of addiction, which is notoriously difficult to treat, has shown encouraging results. Due to its low toxicity and low risk of overuse, psilocybin has the potential to have a significant influence in the field of addiction medicine. Psilocybin addiction research has been primarily focused on nicotine and alcohol and, in a few small, open-label trials, has shown superiority over traditional therapies. Psilocybin has a relatively unique and incompletely understood mechanism of action, which allows it to be given at several isolated periods. This infrequent dosing regimen has been shown to produce durable effects with minimal toxicity. This review analyzes the potential of psilocybin in the treatment of addiction, depression, and end-of-life mood disorders. In addition, it will discuss the difficulties involved with conducting scientific research on psychedelic compounds, adverse effects, and the therapeutic measures that are necessary to accompany the safe and effective administration of these psychoactive chemicals.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Safety,Toxicity

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35273885","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Averill LA, Abdallah CG
journal: Expert opinion on investigational drugs
publication_date: 2022-01-31
doi: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2035358
pubmed_id: 35188023
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35188023/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Neuroplasticity
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35188023"}
title:
Investigational drugs for assisting psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): emerging approaches and shifting paradigms in the era of psychedelic medicine.

keywords:
MDMA, Posttraumatic stress disorder, ketamine, psilocybin, psychedelic-assisted therapy, psychedelics, synaptic connectivity


authors: Gukasyan N, Davis AK, Barrett FS, Cosimano MP, Sepeda ND, Johnson MW, Griffiths RR.
publication_date: 2022-01-31
doi: 10.1177/02698811211073759
pubmed_id: 35166158
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211073759
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Wellbeing,Spirituality,Mystical Experience,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up.

abstract:
BackgroundPreliminary data suggest that psilocybin-assisted treatment produces substantial and rapid antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), but little is known about long-term outcomes.AimsThis study sought to examine the efficacy and safety of psilocybin through 12 months in participants with moderate to severe MDD who received psilocybin.MethodsThis randomized, waiting-list controlled study enrolled 27 patients aged 21-75 with moderate to severe unipolar depression (GRID-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (GRID-HAMD) ⩾ 17). Participants were randomized to an immediate or delayed (8 weeks) treatment condition in which they received two doses of psilocybin with supportive psychotherapy. Twenty-four participants completed both psilocybin sessions and were followed through 12 months following their second dose.ResultsAll 24 participants attended all follow-up visits through the 12-month timepoint. Large decreases from baseline in GRID-HAMD scores were observed at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up (Cohen d = 2.3, 2.0, 2.6, and 2.4, respectively). Treatment response (⩾50% reduction in GRID-HAMD score from baseline) and remission were 75% and 58%, respectively, at 12 months. There were no serious adverse events judged to be related to psilocybin in the long-term follow-up period, and no participants reported psilocybin use outside of the context of the study. Participant ratings of personal meaning, spiritual experience, and mystical experience after sessions predicted increased well-being at 12 months, but did not predict improvement in depression.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that the substantial antidepressant effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy may be durable at least through 12 months following acute intervention in some patients.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Treatment Outcome, Combined Modality Therapy, Follow-Up Studies, Prospective Studies, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Psychotherapy, Time Factors, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35166158","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Crystallographic hallucinations.
authors: Toby BH
journal: Acta crystallographica. Section C, Structural chemistry
publication_date: 2022-01-31
doi: 10.1107/s2053229622000511
pubmed_id: 35119383
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35119383/
keywords: Rietveld, pharmaceutical, psilocybin, psychedelic, quantitative phase analysis
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35119383"}
abstract:
In a detailed powder diffraction study of the structural forms of psilocybin, Sherwood [ C, 36-55] cast doubt that any other anhydrous polymorphs could exist.


title: Analysis of recreational psychedelic substance use experiences classified by substance.
authors: Hase A, Erdmann M, Limbach V, Hasler G.
publication_date: 2022-01-14
doi: 10.1007/s00213-022-06062-3
pubmed_id: 35031816
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-022-06062-3
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Biomarkers,Emotional Processing,Mystical Experience,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Rationale and objectivesDifferences among psychedelic substances regarding their subjective experiences are clinically and scientifically interesting. Quantitative linguistic analysis is a powerful tool to examine such differences. This study compared five psychedelic substance report groups and a non-psychedelic report group on quantitative linguistic markers of psychological states and processes derived from recreational use-based online experience reports.MethodsUsing 2947 publicly available online reports, we compared Ayahuasca and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT, analyzed together), ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), psilocybin (mushroom), and antidepressant drug use experiences. We examined word frequencies related to various psychological states and processes and semantic proximity to psychedelic and mystical experience scales.ResultsLinguistic markers of psychological function indicated distinct effect profiles. For example, MDMA experience reports featured an emotionally intensifying profile accompanied by many cognitive process words and dynamic-personal language. In contrast, Ayahuasca and DMT experience reports involved relatively little emotional language, few cognitive process words, increased analytical thinking-associated language, and the most semantic similarity with psychedelic and mystical experience descriptions. LSD, psilocybin mushroom, and ketamine reports showed only small differences on the emotion-, analytical thinking-, psychedelic, and mystical experience-related language outcomes. Antidepressant reports featured more negative emotional and cognitive process-related words, fewer positive emotional and analytical thinking-related words, and were generally not similar to mystical and psychedelic language.ConclusionThis article addresses an existing research gap regarding the comparison of different psychedelic drugs on linguistic profiles of psychological states, processes, and experiences. The large sample of experience reports involving multiple psychedelic drugs provides valuable information that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. The results could inform experimental research into psychedelic drug effects in healthy populations and clinical trials for psychedelic treatments of psychiatric problems.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35031816","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Hallucinogen Use and Misuse in Older Adults.
authors: Redden WM, Paracha SU, Sheheryar Q.
publication_date: 2022-01-31
doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2021.07.007
pubmed_id: 34794703
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2021.07.007
keywords: Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Aged, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Aging,Older Adults
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Hallucinogens, or psychedelics, are substances/drugs that have been used for over a millennium. The most well known are LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and PCP. These substances may induce hallucinations as well as cause somatic and psychological symptoms. Because of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, there has been very little research done to determine the long-term consequences or perhaps potential benefit of misuse and abuse of hallucinogens. Typically, these drugs are not abused but more often misused. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in these compounds, which may lead to possible therapeutic options.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34794703","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Structure-based discovery of nonhallucinogenic psychedelic analogs.
authors: Cao D, Yu J, Wang H, Luo Z, Liu X, He L, Qi J, Fan L, Tang L, Chen Z, Li J, Cheng J, Wang S.
publication_date: 2022-01-26
doi: 10.1126/science.abl8615
pubmed_id: 35084960
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abl8615
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Drugs that target the human serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) are used to treat neuropsychiatric diseases; however, many have hallucinogenic effects, hampering their use. Here, we present structures of 5-HT2AR complexed with the psychedelic drugs psilocin (the active metabolite of psilocybin) and d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), as well as the endogenous neurotransmitter serotonin and the nonhallucinogenic psychedelic analog lisuride. Serotonin and psilocin display a second binding mode in addition to the canonical mode, which enabled the design of the psychedelic IHCH-7113 (a substructure of antipsychotic lumateperone) and several 5-HT2AR β-arrestin-biased agonists that displayed antidepressant-like activity in mice but without hallucinogenic effects. The 5-HT2AR complex structures presented herein and the resulting insights provide a solid foundation for the structure-based design of safe and effective nonhallucinogenic psychedelic analogs with therapeutic effects.

keywords:
Animals, Humans, Mice, Hallucinations, Serotonin, Lisuride, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Arrestin, Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Ligands, Crystallography, X-Ray, Signal Transduction, Binding Sites, Protein Conformation, Structure-Activity Relationship, Drug Design, Psilocybin, Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35084960","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Evaluating the Potential Use of Serotonergic Psychedelics in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
authors: Markopoulos A, Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G.
publication_date: 2022-01-26
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.749068
pubmed_id: 35177979
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.749068
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Recent clinical and preclinical evidence points towards empathogenic and prosocial effects elicited by psychedelic compounds, notably the serotonin 5-HT2A agonists lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and their derivatives. These findings suggest a therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds for some of the behavioural traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical social behaviour. In this review, we highlight evidence suggesting that psychedelics may potentially ameliorate some of the behavioural atypicalities of ASD, including reduced social behaviour and highly co-occurring anxiety and depression. Next, we discuss dysregulated neurobiological systems in ASD and how they may underlie or potentially limit the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. These phenomena include: 1) synaptic function, 2) serotonergic signaling, 3) prefrontal cortex activity, and 4) thalamocortical signaling. Lastly, we discuss clinical studies from the 1960s and 70s that assessed the use of psychedelics in the treatment of children with ASD. We highlight the positive behavioural outcomes of these studies, including enhanced mood and social behaviour, as well as the adverse effects of these trials, including increases in aggressive behaviour and dissociative and psychotic states. Despite preliminary evidence, further studies are needed to determine whether the benefits of psychedelic treatment in ASD outweigh the risks associated with the use of these compounds in this population, and if the 5-HT2A receptor may represent a target for social-behavioural disorders.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Animal Study,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35177979","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Barrett FS, Zhou Y, Carbonaro TM, Roberts JM, Smith GS, Griffiths RR, Wong DF.
publication_date: 2022-01-19
doi: 10.3389/fnrgo.2021.784576
pubmed_id: 38235248
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnrgo.2021.784576
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Brain Imaging,Receptor Pharmacology,Default Mode Network,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Human Cortical Serotonin 2A Receptor Occupancy by Psilocybin Measured Using [11C]MDL100,907 Dynamic PET and a Resting-State fMRI-Based Brain Parcellation.

abstract:
Psilocybin (a serotonin 2A, or 5-HT2A, receptor agonist) has shown preliminary efficacy as a treatment for mood and substance use disorders. The current report utilized positron emission tomography (PET) with the selective 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist radioligand [11C]MDL100,907 (a.k.a. M100,907) and cortical regions of interest (ROIs) derived from resting-state functional connectivity-based brain parcellations in 4 healthy volunteers (2 females) to determine regional occupancy/target engagement of 5-HT2A receptors after oral administration of a psychoactive dose of psilocybin (10 mg/70 kg). Average 5-HT2A receptor occupancy across all ROIs was 39.5% (± 10.9% SD). Three of the ROIs with greatest occupancy (between 63.12 and 74.72% occupancy) were within the default mode network (subgenual anterior cingulate and bilateral angular gyri). However, marked individual variability in regional occupancy was observed across individuals. These data support further investigation of the relationship between individual differences in the acute and enduring effects of psilocybin and the degree of regional 5-HT2A receptor occupancy.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"38235248","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: [Psilocybin compared with escitalopram for depression].
authors: Strous JFM.
publication_date: 2022-01-16
pubmed_id: 35138714
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/35138714
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Depression, Psychiatry, Psilocybin, Escitalopram
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
Carhart-Harris et al. performed a study in which they compared psilocybin in combination with psychotherapy to escitalopram in combination with psychotherapy for depression. In this commentary, the author first summarizes the study results: in this double blind randomized controlled trial, psilocybin yielded an antidepressant effect comparable to escitalopram. Then, the author reflects on both the implications this study might have for future clinical practice and on the still existing shortcomings pertaining to psychedelic research in psychiatry. Psychedelic treatments might become guideline-based treatment after phase III trials have been performed. However, to date, only phase II trials have been performed and little is known about psilocybin's ability to maintain its antidepressant effect. In addition, blinding issues with psychedelic treatments remain, and media might have presented a premature and overly positive image of psychedelics as a possible treatment for psychiatric illness.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35138714","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Khan FI, Hassan F, Lai D.
publication_date: 2022-01-13
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.794780
pubmed_id: 35095870
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.794780
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
In Silico Studies on Psilocybin Drug Derivatives Against SARS-CoV-2 and Cytokine Storm of Human Interleukin-6 Receptor.

abstract:
Various metabolites identified with therapeutic mushrooms have been found from different sources and are known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Over thousands soil growth-based mushroom metabolites have been discovered, and utilized worldwide to combat malignancy. In this study, psilocybin-mushroom that contains the psychedelic compounds such as psilacetin, psilocin, and psilocybine were screened and found to be inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mprotease. It has been found that psilacetin, psilocin, and psilocybine bind to Mprotease with -6.0, -5.4, and -5.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, the psilacetin was found to inhibit human interleukin-6 receptors to reduce cytokine storm. The binding of psilacetin to Mprotease of SARS-CoV-2 and human interleukin-6 receptors changes the structural dynamics and Gibbs free energy patterns of proteins. These results suggested that psilocybin-mushroom could be utilized as viable potential chemotherapeutic agents for SARS-CoV-2.

keywords:
Humans, Agaricales, Receptors, Interleukin-6, Interleukin-6, Antiviral Agents, Virus Replication, Psilocybin, Cytokine Release Syndrome, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 Drug Treatment

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35095870","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic Mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, Patterns of Use, and Association With Health Outcomes.
authors: Matzopoulos R, Morlock R, Morlock A, Lerer B, Lerer L
journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.780696
pubmed_id: 35046855
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35046855/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Wellbeing,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35046855"}
abstract:
Popular media coverage of psychedelics use, growing research into this class of compounds for psychiatry and decriminalization initiatives, are transforming the public perception of psychedelics. However, little is known about levels of knowledge and psychedelic mushroom (PM) use among American adults. We examined PM use and various measures of health status, quality of life, and self-reported mental health outcome measures obtained through a national on-line, cross-sectional survey of adults with a demographic composition representative of the US adult population by region, gender, age, and race (weighted = 251,297,495) from November 2020-March 2021. General mental health and well-being were popular reasons for PM use (63.6%), although use for medically-diagnosed (31.8%) and self-diagnosed (19.0%) conditions was also common. PM users reported more depression and anxiety as reflected in higher GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Factors predictive of PM use included being male [OR1.54 95%CI1.09-2.15] and having higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores [OR1.42; 95%CI1.22-1.65]. Self-reported PM use was less likely among participants with health insurance [OR = 0.50 (0.35-0.72)], increased age [OR = 0.92 (0.90-0.93)] and, relative to those living in the west US census region, living in the northeast [OR = 0.27 (0.15-0.50)], midwest [OR = 0.34 (0.20-0.56)], and south [OR = 0.38 (0.26-0.55)]. A significant number of Americans are already "self-medicating" with PM and as growing positive media coverage of psychedelics drives public interest in the health benefits of PM, this number will increase. The association between PM use and poor mental health requires further research to inform policy.

keywords:
anxiety, depression, health insurance, healthcare resource utilization, population based survey, psilocybin mushroom, psychedelic


title: Psychedelic Identity Shift: A Critical Approach to Set And Setting.
authors: Devenot N, Seale-Feldman A, Smith E, Noorani T, Garcia-Romeu A, Johnson MW.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1353/ken.2022.0022
pubmed_id: 38588216
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1353/ken.2022.0022
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Mechanism of Action
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
While the literature on psychedelic medicine emphasizes the importance of set and setting alongside the quality of subjective drug effects for therapeutic efficacy, few scholars have explored the therapeutic frameworks that are used alongside psychedelics in the lab or in the clinic. Based on a narrative analysis of the treatment manual and post-session experience reports from a pilot study of psilocybin-assisted treatment for tobacco smoking cessation, this article examines how therapeutic frameworks interact with the psychedelic substance in ways that can rapidly reshape participants' identity and sense of self. We identified multiple domains relating to identity shift that appear to serve as smoking cessation mechanisms during psilocybin sessions, each of which had an identifiable presence in the manualized treatment. As psychedelic medicine becomes mainstream, consensual and evidence-based approaches to psychedelic-assisted identity shift that respect patient autonomy and encourage empowerment should become areas of focus in the emergent field of psychedelic bioethics.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"38588216","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Multi-locus identification of Psilocybe cubensis by high-resolution melting (HRM).
authors: Zhang X, Yu H, Wang Z, Yang Q, Xia R, Qu Y, Tao R, Shi Y, Xiang P, Zhang S, Li C.
publication_date: 2021-04-12
doi: 10.1080/20961790.2021.1875580
pubmed_id: 36353314
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/20961790.2021.1875580
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Biomarkers,Toxicity
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
Hallucinogenic mushroom is a kind of toxic strain containing psychoactive tryptamine substances such as psilocybin, psilocin and ibotenic acid, etc. The mushrooms containing hallucinogenic components are various, widely distributed and lack of standard to define, which made a great challenge to identification. Traditional identification methods, such as morphology and toxicology analysis, showed shortcomings in old or processed samples, while the DNA-based identification of hallucinogenic mushrooms would allow to identify these samples due to the stability of DNA. In this paper, four primer sets are designed to target Psilocybe cubensis DNA for increasing resolution of present identification method, and the target markers include largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (marked as PC-R1), psilocybin-related phosphotransferase gene (marked as PC-PT), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (marked as PC-3) and translation EF1α (marked as PC-EF). Real-time PCR with high-resolution melting (HRM) assay were used for the differentiation of the fragments amplified by these primer sets, which were tested for specificity, reproducibility, sensitivity, mixture analysis and multiplex PCR. It was shown that the melting temperatures of PC-R1, PC-PT, PC-3 and PC-EF of P. cubensis were (87.93 ± 0.12) °C, (82.21 ± 0.14) °C, (79.72 ± 0.12) °C and (80.11 ± 0.19) °C in our kinds of independent experiments. Significant HRM characteristic can be shown with a low concentration of 62.5 pg/µL DNA sample, and P. cubensis could be detected in mixtures with Homo sapiens or Cannabis sativa. In summary, the method of HRM analysis can quickly and specifically distinguish P. cubensis from other species, which could be utilized for forensic science, medical diagnosis and drug trafficking cases. Supplemental data for this article are available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/20961790.2021.1875580.

raw_json:
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authors: Kiguchi Y.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1248/yakushi.22-00141
pubmed_id: 36328444
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1248/yakushi.22-00141
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
[A Novel System for Discovering High-affinity Antibody Mutants That Enables Immunoassays with Higher Sensitivities -Development and Application of Clonal Array Profiling (CAP)].

abstract:
Antibody engineering is a powerful method used to generate high-affinity antibodies that enables sensitive immunoassays. It is commonly performed with the following steps: First, antibody fragments (e.g., single-chain Fv fragments; scFvs) with various mutations are displayed on the surface of filamentous bacteriophages to generate a diverse scFv-phages library. Then, rare clones with improved affinities are selected from the library via "panning" against target antigens immobilized on solid phases. However, this process often fails because of biased proliferation of scFv-phage clones and competition with large excesses of clones with weaker affinities. To overcome these limitations, we developed a clonal array profiling (CAP) method in which scFv-phage members in a library are individually examined for their antigen-binding ability. The advantage of CAP over conventional panning was evident in a comparative study that explored a library of anti-cortisol scFvs. CAP isolated five scFv mutants with >30-fold enhanced affinity (Ka) compared with wild-type scFv, enabling >11-fold more sensitive immunoassays. In contrast, no clones showing >5-fold higher Ka were found via panning. Considering the unique features of the primary structures of the improved scFvs found via CAP, we constructed new anti-cortisol scFv libraries where amino acid substitutions or insertions were introduced into the heavy-chain framework region 1 (VH-FR1). As expected, we obtained 21 mutants with >15-fold enhanced affinities. This VH-FR1-targeting mutagenesis also succeeded in generating affinity-matured scFvs against psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in some mushrooms, which could be applied for developing on-site identification systems for hallucinogenic mushrooms, e.g. as immunochromatography devices.

keywords:
Bacteriophages, Peptide Library, Immunoassay, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Amino Acid Substitution, Mutagenesis, Single-Chain Antibodies

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"36328444","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin for Trauma-Related Disorders.
authors: Khan AJ, Bradley E, O'Donovan A, Woolley J.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2022_366
pubmed_id: 35711024
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2022_366
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Psychotherapy, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Mechanism of Action,Emotional Processing,Veterans,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating, chronic disorder and efficacy rates of current PTSD treatments are underwhelming. There is a critical need for innovative approaches. We provide an overview of trauma and PTSD and cite literature providing converging evidence of the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for PTSD. No study to date has investigated psilocybin or psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) as treatments for PTSD. An open-label study in traumatized AIDS survivors found that PAP reduced PTSD symptoms, attachment anxiety, and demoralization. Several PAP trials show preliminary efficacy in facilitating confronting traumatic memories, decreasing emotional avoidance, depression, anxiety, pessimism, and disconnection from others, and increasing acceptance, self-compassion, and forgiveness of abusers, all of which are relevant to PTSD recovery. There is also early evidence that other classic psychedelics may produce large reductions in PTSD symptoms in combat veterans. However, this body of literature is small, mechanisms are not yet well understood, and the risks of using psychedelic compounds for trauma-related disorders need further study. In sum, evidence supports further investigation of PAP as a radically new approach for treating PTSD.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35711024","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Classic Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment: The Case for Psilocybin in Tobacco Smoking Cessation.
authors: Johnson MW.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2022_327
pubmed_id: 35704271
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2022_327
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
abstract:
This manuscript reviews research suggesting that classic psychedelics (5-HT2A receptor agonists) are effective in treating addictions including tobacco use disorder. I review historical research from the 1950s to 1970s suggesting that classic psychedelics are associated with addiction recovery across pharmacologically distinct drugs of addiction. I then review anthropological reports about ceremonial use of classic psychedelics and epidemiological studies that are consistent with anti-addiction efficacy. I review modern research using psilocybin in the treatment of alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder. Both lines of research show high success rates in preliminary studies. General anti-addiction efficacy across a variety of classes of addictive drugs is consistent with the notion that the persisting positive behavior change prompted by psychedelic therapy is due to amplification of psychotherapeutic processes. Future research should examine classic psychedelic treatment of additional substance use disorders including for opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis, and other disorders broadly characterized as addictions (e.g., obesity, problem gambling, hypersexual disorder). Future research should also explore addiction treatments with other classic psychedelics including LSD, mescaline, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and yet-to-be-discovered compounds. Experimental research is also needed to test different protocols for the delivery of classic psychedelic therapy for addictions. Given the staggering society costs of substance use disorders, including the mortality caused by tobacco smoking, it is critical that public funding be made available for scientists to follow up on promising early findings of classic psychedelics in addiction treatment. The costs and risks of not conducting such research are too great.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Tobacco Use Disorder, Hallucinogens, Smoking Cessation, Psilocybin, Nicotiana

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35704271","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and Anti-inflammatory Activity in Animal Models.
authors: Flanagan TW, Nichols CD
journal: Current topics in behavioral neurosciences
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2022_367
pubmed_id: 35546383
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35546383/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Animal Study,Inflammation,Immune Function
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35546383"}
abstract:
The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) 2A receptor is most well known as the common target for classic psychedelic compounds. Interestingly, the 5-HT receptor is the most widely expressed mammalian serotonin receptor and is found in nearly every examined tissue type including neural, endocrine, endothelial, immune, and muscle, suggesting it could be a novel and pharmacological target for several types of disorders. Despite this, the bulk of research on the 5-HT receptor is focused on its role in the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, activation of 5-HT receptors has emerged as a new anti-inflammatory strategy. This review will describe recent findings regarding psychedelics as anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as parse out differences in functional selectivity and immune regulation that exist between a number of well-known hallucinogenic compounds.

keywords:
(R)-DOI, Anti-inflammatory, Asthma, Enhanced pause, IL-6, Psilocybin, Psychedellic, Whole-body plethysmography


title: Psychedelics in the Treatment of Headache and Chronic Pain Disorders.
authors: Schindler EAD.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2022_365
pubmed_id: 35546382
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2022_365
keywords: Humans, Headache, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Chronic Pain, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Headache / Migraine,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
The therapeutic potential of psychedelics in headache and chronic pain disorders is documented over decades of anecdotal and early investigational reports, which have paved the way for the first controlled studies of psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in these disorders. The reported lasting clinical effects after limited dosing with psychedelics present a novel means for disease management, but considerable further study will be required to address disease-specific treatments, uncover mechanism(s) of action, and verify safety. In this chapter, these topics are reviewed with particular attention to the neurobiological systems that offer potential sources of psychedelics' unique clinical effects in headache and pain.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35546382","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin Conspectus: Status, Production Methods, and Considerations.
authors: Plotnik L, Gibbs G, Graham T.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.2021041921
pubmed_id: 35442591
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.2021041921
keywords: Agaricales, Hallucinogens, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Review Article
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Psilocybin is a psychoactive alkaloid that is produced naturally by approximately 200 species of mushrooms. The potential medical use of this molecule for the treatment of mental illness is gaining renewed momentum. As demand grows and clinical trials progress, appropriate methods for producing a quality pharmaceutical product are needed. This review highlights the methods currently available, such as the prominent synthetic method and its biosynthetic alternatives, as well as others on the near horizon. This article further seeks to discuss the rapid and evolving nature of the psilocybin industry in the 21st century.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35442591","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Human behavioral pharmacology of psychedelics.
authors: Strickland JC, Johnson MW.
publication_date: 2021-11-10
doi: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.10.003
pubmed_id: 35341564
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2021.10.003
keywords: Humans, Alcoholism, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
The past decade has witnessed a rapid growth of research on the basic science and clinical understanding of psychedelics. This chapter provides an overview of the human behavioral pharmacology of psychedelics focusing on three prototypic classic psychedelics-psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). A brief historical overview of the classic psychedelics and naming and drug classification is first specified. Next, special considerations in the conduct of human behavioral pharmacology work with psychedelics is described including the role of set and setting, mystical experience measurement, the use of effective blinding and placebos, and the abuse liability of psychedelics. Following, a description of the subjective, physiological, and clinical effects of psilocybin, LSD, and DMT is provided. This body of work clearly documents a unique and complex collection of subjective effects following psychedelic use, both during acute drug administration and as related to long-term behavior change following use. Clinical research demonstrates potential therapeutic utility with early phase clinical trials showing positive and enduring effects in many difficult-to-treat conditions including treatment-resistant depression, alcohol use disorder, and cigarette smoking. Future work in this newly reemerged field is needed to reveal mechanisms of behavior change in psychedelic drug action. Behavioral pharmacology is ultimately well served to provide this direction answering questions at the intersection of environment and pharmacology.

topic_tags:
Depression,Addiction,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Mystical Experience,Clinical Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Abuse Liability

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35341564","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Jones GM, Nock MK.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1177/02698811211058933
pubmed_id: 35090364
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211058933
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Personality Change,Observational Study,Adolescents
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin use is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests in US adults: A replication and extension.

abstract:
BackgroundThe United States boasts the largest prison population in the world, conferring significant direct and indirect costs (e.g. lost wages for the incarcerated, increased morbidity/mortality, etc.) to society. Recidivism rates are high for the imprisoned and most interventions to reduce criminality are minimally effective. Thus, in addition to the need for criminal justice reform, there is a need to better understand factors linked to lowered criminal behavior.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the relationships between the use of classic psychedelic substances (psilocybin, LSD, peyote, and mescaline) and past year arrests for various crimes (i.e. property, violence, alcohol and substance use, miscellaneous crimes).MethodsThis study used nationally representative data from The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2015-2019) (N = 211,549) to test the aforementioned associations.ResultsLifetime psilocybin use was associated with lowered odds of seven of 11 past year arrest variables (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) range = 0.30-0.73). Peyote was associated with reduced odds of motor vehicle theft (aOR = 0.30) and driving under the influence (aOR = 0.52), and mescaline was associated with reduced odds of drug possession/sale (aOR = 0.51). Virtually all other substances either shared no relationship to our outcomes or conferred higher odds of arrest.ConclusionThis study suggests that use of classic psychedelic substances is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests. Future research should explore whether causal factors and/or third variable factors (e.g. personality, political orientation) underlie the relationship between classic psychedelic use and reduced criminal behavior.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Hallucinogens, Health Surveys, Crime, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, United States, Female, Male, Young Adult, Criminal Behavior, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35090364","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2022-01-03
doi: 10.1177/02698811211064720
pubmed_id: 35090363
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211064720
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
The effects of psilocybin on cognitive and emotional functions in healthy participants: Results from a phase 1, randomised, placebo-controlled trial involving simultaneous psilocybin administration and preparation.

authors:
Rucker JJ, Marwood L, Ajantaival RJ, Bird C, Eriksson H, Harrison J, Lennard-Jones M, Mistry S, Saldarini F, Stansfield S, Tai SJ, Williams S, Weston N, Malievskaia E, Young AH.

abstract:
BackgroundPsilocybin, a psychoactive serotonin receptor partial agonist, has been reported to acutely reduce clinical symptoms of depressive disorders. Psilocybin's effects on cognitive function have not been widely or systematically studied.AimThe aim of this study was to explore the safety of simultaneous administration of psilocybin to healthy participants in the largest randomised controlled trial of psilocybin to date. Primary and secondary endpoints assessed the short- and longer-term change in cognitive functioning, as assessed by a Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Panel, and emotional processing scales. Safety was assessed via endpoints which included cognitive function, assessed by CANTAB global composite score, and treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) monitoring.MethodsIn this phase 1, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy participants (n = 89; mean age 36.1 years; 41 females, 48 males) were randomised to receive a single oral dose of 10 or 25 mg psilocybin, or placebo, administered simultaneously to up to six participants, with one-to-one psychological support - each participant having an assigned, dedicated therapist available throughout the session.ResultsIn total, 511 TEAEs were reported, with a median duration of 1.0 day; 67% of all TEAEs started and resolved on the day of administration. There were no serious TEAEs, and none led to study withdrawal. There were no clinically relevant between-group differences in CANTAB global composite score, CANTAB cognitive domain scores, or emotional processing scale scores.ConclusionsThese results indicate that 10 mg and 25 mg doses of psilocybin were generally well tolerated when given to up to six participants simultaneously and did not have any detrimental short- or long-term effects on cognitive functioning or emotional processing.Clinical trial registrationEudraCT (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/) number: 2018-000978-30.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Double-Blind Method, Emotions, Cognition, Neuropsychological Tests, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Time Factors, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Receptor Pharmacology,Emotional Processing,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Healthy Volunteers,Safety,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"35090363","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Jones GM, Nock MK.
publication_date: 2022-01-04
doi: 10.1177/02698811211066714
pubmed_id: 34983261
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211066714
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Chronic Pain,Observational Study,Adolescents
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Lifetime use of MDMA/ecstasy and psilocybin is associated with reduced odds of major depressive episodes.

abstract:
BackgroundDepression is a major mental health issue worldwide, with high rates of chronicity and non-recovery associated with the condition. Existing treatments such as antidepressant medication and psychological treatments have modest effectiveness, suggesting the need for alternative interventions.AimThe aim of this study was to examine the relationships between MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)/ecstasy and psilocybin use and major depressive episodes (MDEs).MethodsThis observational study used data from a large (N = 213,437) nationally representative sample of US adults to test the association of lifetime use of MDMA/ecstasy, psilocybin and other classic psychedelics (lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), peyote, mescaline), other illegal substances (e.g. cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP)), and legal/medicinal substances of misuse (e.g. pain relievers, tranquilizers) with lifetime, past year, and past year severe MDEs.ResultsResults revealed that lifetime MDMA/ecstasy use was associated with significantly lowered odds of a lifetime MDE (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.84; p

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Hallucinogens, Health Surveys, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, United States, Female, Male, Young Adult, Patient Acuity, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34983261","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Jones GM, Nock MK.
publication_date: 2022-01-04
doi: 10.1177/02698811211058923
pubmed_id: 34983249
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211058923
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study,Adolescents,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
MDMA/ecstasy use and psilocybin use are associated with lowered odds of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts in a sample of US adults.

abstract:
BackgroundSuicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and rates within the United States have risen over the past two decades. Hence, there is a critical need for novel tools to treat suicidal ideation and related mental health conditions. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)/ecstasy and classic psychedelics may be two such tools.AimsThe aim of this study was to assess non-causal associations between MDMA/ecstasy and classic psychedelic use and psychological distress and suicide risk.MethodsIn this study, we examined the aforementioned associations among 484,732 adult participants in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2008-2019).ResultsLifetime MDMA/ecstasy use was associated with reduced odds of past year suicidal thinking (10% reduced odds; odds ratio (OR) = 0.90; 95% confidence interval, CI = (0.84-0.97); p

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Health Surveys, Stress, Psychological, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, United States, Female, Male, Young Adult, Suicidal Ideation, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34983249","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Sherwood AM, Kargbo RB, Kaylo KW, Cozzi NV, Meisenheimer P, Kaduk JA.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1107/s2053229621013164
pubmed_id: 34982048
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1107/s2053229621013164
keywords: Crystallization, X-Ray Diffraction, Crystallography, X-Ray, Hydrogen Bonding, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Psilocybin: crystal structure solutions enable phase analysis of prior art and recently patented examples.

abstract:
Psilocybin {systematic name: 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-4-yl dihydrogen phosphate} is a zwitterionic tryptamine natural product found in numerous species of fungi known for their psychoactive properties. Following its structural elucidation and chemical synthesis in 1959, purified synthetic psilocybin has been evaluated in clinical trials and has shown promise in the treatment of various mental health disorders. In a recent process-scale crystallization investigation, three crystalline forms of psilocybin were repeatedly observed: Hydrate A, Polymorph A, and Polymorph B. The crystal structure for Hydrate A was solved previously by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This article presents new crystal structure solutions for the two anhydrates, Polymorphs A and B, based on Rietveld refinement using laboratory and synchrotron X-ray diffraction data, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Utilizing the three solved structures, an investigation was conducted via Rietveld method (RM) based quantitative phase analysis (QPA) to estimate the contribution of the three different forms in powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns provided by different sources of bulk psilocybin produced between 1963 and 2021. Over the last 57 years, each of these samples quantitatively reflect one or more of the hydrate and anhydrate polymorphs. In addition to quantitatively evaluating the composition of each sample, this article evaluates correlations between the crystal forms present, corresponding process methods, sample age, and storage conditions. Furthermore, revision is recommended on characterizations in recently granted patents that include descriptions of crystalline psilocybin inappropriately reported as a single-phase `isostructural variant.' Rietveld refinement demonstrated that the claimed material was composed of approximately 81% Polymorph A and 19% Polymorph B, both of which have been identified in historical samples. In this article, we show conclusively that all published data can be explained in terms of three well-defined forms of psilocybin and that no additional forms are needed to explain the diffraction patterns.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34982048","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: The Potential of Psychedelics for End of Life and Palliative Care.
authors: Yaden DB, Nayak SM, Gukasyan N, Anderson BT, Griffiths RR
journal: Current topics in behavioral neurosciences
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2021_278
pubmed_id: 34958455
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34958455/
keywords: End of Life, Palliative care, Psilocybin, Psychedelics, Psychiatry
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,End-of-Life Distress,Wellbeing,Review Article,Healthcare Workers
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34958455"}
abstract:
End of life and palliative care has improved in recent decades but the psychopharmacological options available to clinicians and patients in these contexts remain limited. In particular, psychological factors such as depression, existential distress, and well-being remain challenging to address with current medications. Here, we review recent research on the use of psychedelics in clinical settings with a particular focus on patients with life-threatening diagnoses. We propose that psychedelics may provide clinicians with an additional psychopharmacological treatment in the context of end of life and palliative care.


authors: Marschall J, Fejer G, Lempe P, Prochazkova L, Kuchar M, Hajkova K, van Elk M.
publication_date: 2021-12-16
doi: 10.1177/02698811211050556
pubmed_id: 34915762
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211050556
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Mechanism of Action,Microdosing,Emotional Processing,Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin microdosing does not affect emotion-related symptoms and processing: A preregistered field and lab-based study.

abstract:
BackgroundMicrodoses of psychedelics (i.e. a sub-hallucinogenic dose taken every third day) can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress according to anecdotal reports and observational studies. Research with medium to high doses of psilocybin points towards potential underlying mechanisms, including the modulation of emotion and interoceptive processing.AimsIn this preregistered study, we investigated whether psilocybin microdoses alter self-reported interoceptive awareness and whether repeated microdosing over 3 weeks modulates emotion processing and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.MethodsWe used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject crossover design. Participants completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Questionnaire 1½ h after self-administering their second dose (or placebo), and the emotional go/no-go task and the shortened Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 1½ h after self-administering their seventh dose.ResultsOur confirmatory analyses revealed that psilocybin microdosing did not affect emotion processing or symptoms of anxiety and depression compared with placebo. Our exploratory analyses revealed that psilocybin microdosing did not affect self-reported interoceptive awareness, that symptoms of depression and stress were significantly reduced in the first block compared with baseline, that participants broke blind in the second block and that there was no effect of expectations. Further research in a substance-naïve population with clinical range anxiety and depressive symptoms is needed to substantiate the potential beneficial effects of microdosing.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Cross-Over Studies, Double-Blind Method, Depression, Emotions, Anxiety, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34915762","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Substance Use Disorders and Potential Mechanisms of Action.
authors: Rieser NM, Herdener M, Preller KH
journal: Current topics in behavioral neurosciences
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2021_284
pubmed_id: 34910289
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910289/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Emotional Processing,Mystical Experience
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34910289"}
abstract:
Substance use disorders (SUD) represent a significant public health issue with a high need for novel and efficacious treatment options. In light of this high unmet need, recent results reporting beneficial outcomes of psychedelic-assisted therapy in SUD are particularly relevant. However, several questions remain with regard to this treatment approach. The clinical mechanisms of action of psychedelic substances in the treatment of SUD are not well understood. Closing this knowledge gap is critical to inform and optimize the psychotherapeutic embedding of the acute substance administration. In this chapter, we discuss potential mechanisms that have implications on psychotherapeutic approaches including induced neuroplasticity, alterations in brain network connectivity, reward and emotion processing, social connectedness, insight, and mystical experiences. Furthermore, we outline considerations and approaches that leverage these mechanisms in order to optimize the therapeutic embedding by maximizing synergy between substance effects and psychotherapy. Understanding the mechanisms of action, developing psychotherapeutic approaches accordingly, and evaluating their synergistic efficacy in scientific studies will be critical to advance the framework of psychedelic-assisted therapy for addiction, create evidence-based approaches, and achieve the best treatment outcome for patients with SUD.

keywords:
Addiction, Hallucinogen, LSD, Mechanism of action, Psilocybin, Psychedelic, Psychedelic-assisted therapy, SUD, Substance use disorder


title: Psychedelic medicines for mood disorders: current evidence and clinical considerations.
authors: Sarris J, Pinzon Rubiano D, Day K, Galvão-Coelho NL, Perkins D.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000759
pubmed_id: 34855694
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1097/yco.0000000000000759
keywords: Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Mood Disorders, Psychotherapy, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Purpose of reviewDespite advances in treatment modalities for mood disorders over recent decades, further therapeutic options are still required. Increased research is occurring, with the pursuit of psychedelic-based pharmacotherapies for a range of mood disorders and other conditions.Recent findingsSerotonergic psychedelics have been found to modulate brain networks underlying various psychiatric disorders, as well promoting neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Randomized placebo-controlled trials have found psilocybin with psychological support effective at treating depression, including treatment-resistant depression; with emergent research also signalling N,N-dimethyltryptamine/ayahuasca also as a potential option for the treatment of depression. Lysergic acid diethylamide has been found to have anxiolytic effects, whereas 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been used effectively to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with Phase III clinical trial evidence. Microdosing of psychedelics is a growing phenomenon that has shown benefits in some preclinical data; however, a recent self-directed controlled trial reported no evidence of improved mood.SummaryCurrent research with medicinal psychedelics, usually as an adjunct to psychotherapy, has shown encouraging results in treating mood disorders. However, there are challenges regarding blinding and sample sizes remain small, and there have been no definitive Phase III studies (aside from MDMA for PTSD). Further work exploring novel formulations, interface with pharmacogenomics and the microbiome, and inflammatory pathways can be advised.

topic_tags:
Depression,PTSD,Neuroplasticity,Neurogenesis,Mechanism of Action,Aging,Microdosing,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Animal Study,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Genomics,Microbiome,Inflammation

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34855694","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and Hallucinogens in Psychiatry: Finding New Pharmacological Targets.
authors: Sousa TR, Rema J, Machado S, Novais F.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.2174/1568026621666211201145800
pubmed_id: 34852736
source_url: https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026621666211201145800
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
abstract:
BackgroundThe therapeutic options for neurobehavioral disorders are still limited, and in many cases, they lack a satisfactory balance between efficacy and side effects.ObjectivesThis work aims to review current evidence regarding the potential contribution of psychedelics and hallucinogens to the discovery of new drugs for treating different psychiatric disorders.DiscussionAyahuasca/N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and psilocybin have evidence supporting their use in depression, and psilocybin and ayahuasca have also shown good results in treatment-resistant depression. In randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted with anxious patients, there were symptomatic improvements with psilocybin and LSD. Psilocybin diminished Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores in a small obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) sample. The evidence is less robust regarding substance use disorders, but it suggests a possible role for LSD and psilocybin in alcohol use disorders and for psilocybin in tobacco addiction. In a clinical setting, these substances seem to be safe and well-tolerated. Their mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated, but there seems to be a preponderant role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) 2A agonism, as well as connectivity changes within the default mode network (DMN) and amygdala and some other molecular modifications.ConclusionThe studies underlying the conclusions have small samples and are heterogeneous in their methods. However, the results suggest that the use of psychedelics and hallucinogens could be considered in some disorders. More studies are needed to reinforce their evidence as potential new drugs.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psychiatry, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,OCD,Mechanism of Action,Default Mode Network,Randomized Controlled Trial,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34852736","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Schimmers N, Breeksema JJ, Smith-Apeldoorn SY, Veraart J, van den Brink W, Schoevers RA.
publication_date: 2021-11-22
doi: 10.1007/s00213-021-06027-y
pubmed_id: 34812901
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-06027-y
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Depression, Anxiety, Quality of Life, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Psychedelics for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with a terminal illness: a systematic review.

abstract:
BackgroundTerminally ill patients may experience existential distress, depression, or anxiety, limiting quality of life in the final stage. Existing psychotherapeutic or pharmacological interventions have (time) limited efficacy. Psychedelic treatment may be a safe and effective alternative treatment option.AimSystematically review studies on psychedelic treatment with and without psychotherapy for existential distress, depression, and anxiety in terminally ill patients.MethodsMedline, PsycINFO, and Embase were searched for original-data studies on the treatment of depression, anxiety, and existential distress with classical or a-typical psychedelics in patients with a terminal illness, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.ResultsA total of 1850 records were screened, and 33 articles were included in this review: 14 studies on classical psychedelics (DPT, LSD, and psilocybin) and 19 studies on atypical psychedelics (MDMA and ketamine). Results of early pre-post studies are promising but have serious methodological flaws. Recent (controlled) trials with LSD, psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA are of higher methodological quality and indicate positive effects on existential and spiritual well-being, quality of life, acceptance, and reduction of anxiety and depression with few adverse and no serious adverse effects.ConclusionsBoth classical and a-typical psychedelics are promising treatment options in patients with terminal illness. To draw final conclusions on effectiveness and safety of psychedelics, we need larger high-quality studies for classical psychedelics and MDMA. Ketamine studies should pay more attention to existential dimensions of well-being and the psychotherapeutic context of the treatment.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Wellbeing,Spirituality,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34812901","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin for the Treatment of Depression: A Promising New Pharmacotherapy Approach.
authors: Agin-Liebes G, Davis AK.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2021_282
pubmed_id: 34811715
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2021_282
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Brain Imaging,Aging,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Depression is highly prevalent and represents the leading cause of global disability and primary contributor to overall global burden of disease. Several lines of evidence from early-phase experimental trials suggest that serotonergic psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, with therapeutic support show great promise in the treatment of depression with large effect sizes. Neuroimaging data have also revealed the dynamic effects of psilocybin on functional activity within and between neural regions. This chapter reviews the methods and findings from three small human laboratory clinical trials examining the effects of psilocybin therapy for patients with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Insights from functional magnetic resonance imaging and qualitative analyses are also presented, as well as a discussion of study limitations and future directions for the research.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Depression, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34811715","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Molecular Mechanisms of Psilocybin and Implications for the Treatment of Depression.
publication_date: 2021-11-16
doi: 10.1007/s40263-021-00877-y
pubmed_id: 34791625
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-021-00877-y
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
authors:
Ling S, Ceban F, Lui LMW, Lee Y, Teopiz KM, Rodrigues NB, Lipsitz O, Gill H, Subramaniapillai M, Mansur RB, Lin K, Ho R, Rosenblat JD, Castle D, McIntyre RS.

abstract:
Therapeutic deficiencies with monoaminergic antidepressants invites the need to identify and develop novel rapid-acting antidepressants. Hitherto, ketamine and esketamine are identified as safe, well-tolerated rapid-acting antidepressants in adults with treatment-resistant depression, and also mitigate measures of suicidality. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid and non-selective agonist at many serotonin receptors, especially at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, and is found in the Psilocybe genus of mushrooms. Preliminary studies with psilocybin have shown therapeutic promise across diverse populations including major depressive disorder. The pharmacodynamic mechanisms mediating the antidepressant and psychedelic effects of psilocybin are currently unknown but are thought to involve the modulation of the serotonergic system, primarily through agonism at the 5-HT2A receptors and downstream changes in gene expression. It is also established that indirect effects on dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems are contributory, as well as effects at other lower affinity targets. Along with the direct effects on neurochemical systems, psilocybin alters neural circuitry and key brain regions previously implicated in depression, including the default mode network and amygdala. The aim of this review is to synthesize the current understanding of the receptor pharmacology and neuronal mechanisms underlying the psychedelic and putative antidepressant properties of psilocybin.

keywords:
Brain, Humans, Antidepressive Agents, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder

topic_tags:
Depression,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Default Mode Network,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34791625","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin for the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders.
authors: Ehrmann K, Allen JJB, Moreno FA.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2021_279
pubmed_id: 34784024
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2021_279
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Prospective Studies, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: OCD,Mechanism of Action,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition for which currently available treatments are insufficiently effective and alternatives merit priority attention. Psilocybin may represent a safe and effective avenue for treatment of individuals affected by this condition. In this chapter we briefly introduce OCD symptoms, epidemiology, as well as relevant hypotheses on the mechanism of disease that may inform treatment interventions. We briefly describe currently available treatments, mechanisms of action, and efficacy limitations, as preamble to the potential use of psilocybin and perhaps similar compounds in the treatment of OCD and related conditions. Although much is reviewed throughout this book about the mechanisms of action of psychedelic agents, a focused discussion of psilocybin effects as they pertain to OCD is also included. Our experience with incidental observation, prospective research, and current explorations of psilocybin in OCD are also described.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34784024","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Dosing Psychedelics and MDMA.
authors: Liechti ME, Holze F.
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2021_270
pubmed_id: 34734392
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2021_270
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Headache / Migraine,Microdosing
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Classic psychedelics, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine, and mescaline, and entactogens/empathogens, especially 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, have received renewed attention in psychiatric research and may be developed into medications for such indications as anxiety, depression, cluster headache, and posttraumatic stress disorder, among others. However, identifying proper doses is crucial. Controlled study data on dosing using well-characterized pharmaceutical formulations of the substances are scarce. The dose equivalence of different substances, dose-response effects, and subjective effects of different doses are of great interest and practically important for their clinical use in psychotherapy. Furthermore, the so-called microdosing of psychedelics has recently gained popularity, and the first placebo-controlled studies of LSD have been published. This chapter discusses different aspects of psychedelic dosing, including pharmaceutical aspects, definitions and characteristics of different doses, including microdoses, aspects of personalized dosing, and non-pharmacological factors, that can influence the response to psychedelics.

keywords:
N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34734392","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics as Novel Therapeutics in Alzheimer's Disease: Rationale and Potential Mechanisms.
authors: Garcia-Romeu A, Darcy S, Jackson H, White T, Rosenberg P
journal: Current topics in behavioral neurosciences
publication_date: 2021-12-31
doi: 10.1007/7854_2021_267
pubmed_id: 34734390
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34734390/
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34734390"}
abstract:
Serotonin 2A receptor (5-HTR) agonist "classic psychedelics" are drawing increasing interest as potential mental health treatments. Recent work suggests psychedelics can exert persisting anxiolytic and antidepressant effects lasting up to several months after a single administration. Data indicate acute subjective drug effects as important psychological factors involved in observed therapeutic benefits. Additionally, animal models have shown an important role for 5-HTR agonists in modulating learning and memory function with relevance for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias. A number of biological mechanisms of action are under investigation to elucidate 5-HTR agonists' therapeutic potential, including enhanced neuroplasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and alterations in brain functional connectivity. These diverse lines of research are reviewed here along with a discussion of AD pathophysiology and neuropsychiatric symptoms to highlight classic psychedelics as potential novel pharmacotherapies for patients with AD. Human clinical research suggests a possible role for high-dose psychedelic administration in symptomatic treatment of depressed mood and anxiety in early-stage AD. Preclinical data indicate a potential for low- or high-dose psychedelic treatment regimens to slow or reverse brain atrophy, enhance cognitive function, and slow progression of AD. In conclusion, rationale and potential approaches for preliminary research with psychedelics in patients with AD are presented, and ramifications of this line of investigation for development of novel AD treatments are discussed.

keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Hallucinogen, Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Psilocybin, Psychedelic

topic_tags:
Anxiety,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Animal Study,Inflammation


authors: Barnett BS, Parker SE, Weleff J.
publication_date: 2021-10-05
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103473
pubmed_id: 34624734
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103473
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
United States National Institutes of Health grant funding for psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials from 2006-2020.

abstract:
BackgroundMedicine is currently experiencing a "psychedelic renaissance", said by many to have commenced in 2006. Since then, clinical trials have consistently demonstrated promising findings for psychedelic-assisted therapies in the treatment of various mental health conditions and addictions. While most of this work has been privately funded, governmental biomedical research funding bodies in countries such as Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have begun supporting it. Given that the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, it is important to understand the degree to which the organization is supporting clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapies. We are unaware of existing literature quantifying direct NIH grant support for psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials, so we sought to answer this important question by searching all NIH grants awarded since the beginning of the psychedelic renaissance.MethodsWe queried NIH RePORTER, NIH's grant database, for grants awarded from 2006-2020 mentioning the psychedelics 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ibogaine, lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, peyote, and psilocybin. We manually reviewed resulting grants to determine whether they directly funded psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials.ResultsWe identified zero NIH grants directly funding psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials during the study period.ConclusionWhile governmental biomedical research funding bodies in other countries have begun funding clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapies during the psychedelic renaissance, NIH has yet to directly fund a single psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trial. Concerns about risks related to psychedelics, a federal law preventing promotion of legalization of Schedule 1 drugs, and prioritization of grants for other types of studies on psychedelics may explain the dearth of NIH funding for psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials.

keywords:
Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, National Institutes of Health (U.S.), United States, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34624734","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Li NX, Hu YR, Chen WN, Zhang B.
publication_date: 2021-09-16
doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.041
pubmed_id: 34587546
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.041
keywords: Humans, Antidepressive Agents, Depression, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article,Cancer Patients
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Dose effect of psilocybin on primary and secondary depression: a preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis.

abstract:
BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that psilocybin has antidepressant effects. In the current study, we aim to explore the dose effects of psilocybin on primary (major depression patients) and secondary depression (depressed cancer patients).MethodsPublished studies concerning psilocybin for depression were retrieved. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov 2.3 and WanFang database) were searched for research studies published or still in progress from inception to 30 November, 2020, with language restricted to English and Chinese. Hedges' g of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score changes was calculated as the primary outcome.Results7 articles were finally included, with a total of 136 participants. In terms of efficacy, Hedges' g was 1.289 (95%CI=[1.020, 1.558], heterogeneity I2=50.995%, p

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34587546","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Leger RF, Unterwald EM.
publication_date: 2021-09-13
doi: 10.1177/02698811211044688
pubmed_id: 34519567
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211044688
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Assessing the effects of methodological differences on outcomes in the use of psychedelics in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

abstract:
BackgroundClassical psychedelics are a group of drugs which act as agonists on the serotonin-2A (5-HT2A) receptor. Evidence suggests they may have a uniquely rapid and enduring positive effect on mood. However, marked heterogeneity between methodological designs in this emerging field remains a significant concern.AimsTo determine how differences in the type of psychedelic agent used and the number of dosing sessions administered affect subjects' depression and anxiety outcomes and adverse drug reactions (ADR).MethodsThis review collected and screened 1591 records from the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases for clinical trials reporting objective data on mood for subjects with a known anxiety or depression.ResultsAfter screening, nine clinical trials met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of these studies showed significant, large positive effect sizes for measures of anxiety (Cohen's d = 1.26) and depression (Cohen's d = 1.38) overall. These positive effects were also significant at acute (⩽1 week) and extended (>1 week) time points. No significant differences were observed between trials using different psychedelic agents (psilocybin, ayahuasca or lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)), however, a significant difference was observed in favour of trials with multiple dosing sessions. No serious ADR were reported.ConclusionPsilocybin, ayahuasca and LSD all appear to be effective and relatively safe agents capable of producing rapid and sustained improvements in anxiety and depression. Moreover, the findings of the present analysis suggest that they may show a greater efficacy when given to patients over multiple sessions as compared to the more common single session used in many of the existing trials.

keywords:
Humans, Banisteriopsis, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Affect, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Psilocybin

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Receptor Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34519567","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Mayer CE, LeBaron VT, Acquaviva KD.
publication_date: 2021-07-15
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2021.1916659
pubmed_id: 34266372
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2021.1916659
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: End-of-Life Distress,Safety
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Exploring the Use of Psilocybin Therapy for Existential Distress: A Qualitative Study of Palliative Care Provider Perceptions.

abstract:
There is a growing body of research suggesting that palliative care patients coping with existential distress may benefit from psilocybin. However, there is a large gap regarding the perceptions of palliative care providers who may provide education, counseling services, recommendations, and/or prescriptions for psilocybin if it is decriminalized, commercialized, and/or federally rescheduled and legalized. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of interdisciplinary palliative care providers regarding existential distress and the use of psilocybin therapy. Five (n = 5) health care providers from a hospital-based palliative care team completed a semi-structured interview related to their experiences supporting patients with existential distress and their beliefs and attitudes related to psilocybin as a possible treatment modality. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to identify key themes which included: 1) multiple barriers to addressing existential distress at the cultural, institutional/organizational, relational, and individual levels, 2) the duality and power of presence, 3) suffering as an intrinsically subjective phenomenon, and 4) uncertainty about the risks and benefits of psilocybin. To inform an inclusive, safe, and holistic approach, more research is needed regarding the possible integration of psilocybin therapy within palliative care for the treatment of existential distress.

keywords:
Humans, Palliative Care, Adaptation, Psychological, Existentialism, Qualitative Research, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34266372","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: McCulloch DE, Madsen MK, Stenbæk DS, Kristiansen S, Ozenne B, Jensen PS, Knudsen GM, Fisher PM.
publication_date: 2021-06-29
doi: 10.1177/02698811211026454
pubmed_id: 34189985
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211026454
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Lasting effects of a single psilocybin dose on resting-state functional connectivity in healthy individuals.

abstract:
BackgroundPsilocybin is a psychedelic drug that has shown lasting positive effects on clinical symptoms and self-reported well-being following a single dose. There has been little research into the long-term effects of psilocybin on brain connectivity in humans.AimEvaluate changes in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) at 1 week and 3 months after one psilocybin dose in 10 healthy psychedelic-naïve volunteers and explore associations between change in RSFC and related measures.MethodsParticipants received 0.2-0.3 mg/kg psilocybin in a controlled setting. Participants completed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans at baseline, 1-week and 3-month post-administration and [11C]Cimbi-36 PET scans at baseline and 1 week. We examined changes in within-network, between-network and region-to-region RSFC. We explored associations between changes in RSFC and psilocybin-induced phenomenology as well as changes in psychological measures and neocortex serotonin 2A receptor binding.ResultsPsilocybin was well tolerated and produced positive changes in well-being. At 1 week only, executive control network (ECN) RSFC was significantly decreased (Cohen's d = -1.73, pFWE = 0.010). We observed no other significant changes in RSFC at 1 week or 3 months, nor changes in region-to-region RSFC. Exploratory analyses indicated that decreased ECN RSFC at 1 week predicted increased mindfulness at 3 months (r = -0.65).ConclusionsThese findings in a small cohort indicate that psilocybin affects ECN function within the psychedelic 'afterglow' period. Our findings implicate ECN modulation as mediating psilocybin-induced, long-lasting increases in mindfulness. Although our findings implicate a neural pathway mediating lasting psilocybin effects, it is notable that changes in neuroimaging measures at 3 months, when personality changes are observed, remain to be identified.

keywords:
Brain, Neural Pathways, Humans, Benzylamines, Phenethylamines, Hallucinogens, Positron-Emission Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Follow-Up Studies, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Time Factors, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Executive Function, Psilocybin

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

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34189985","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics and health behaviour change.
publication_date: 2021-05-28
doi: 10.1177/02698811211008554
pubmed_id: 34053342
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211008554
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,Eating Disorders,Mechanism of Action,Wellbeing,Safety,Toxicity
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
authors:
Teixeira PJ, Johnson MW, Timmermann C, Watts R, Erritzoe D, Douglass H, Kettner H, Carhart-Harris RL.

abstract:
Healthful behaviours 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 behaviours are increasingly being studied, e.g., using psychobiological models of behavioural 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 favourable changes in patients with depression, anxiety and other conditions marked by rigid behavioural 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 behaviour change science, hoping to generate discussion and new research hypotheses linking the two areas. Therapeutic models including psychedelic experiences and common behaviour change methods (e.g., Cognitive Behaviour 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 well-being.

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Health Behavior, Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Psilocybin, Healthy Lifestyle

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34053342","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Petranker R, Anderson T, Maier LJ, Barratt MJ, Ferris JA, Winstock AR.
publication_date: 2020-10-07
doi: 10.1177/0269881120953994
pubmed_id: 33591231
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881120953994
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing,Creativity,Observational Study,Adolescents,Adverse Events
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Microdosing psychedelics: Subjective benefits and challenges, substance testing behavior, and the relevance of intention.

abstract:
BackgroundMicrodosing psychedelics is the practice of taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of lysergic acid diethylamide or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Despite its surging popularity, little is known about the specific intentions to start microdosing and the effects of this practice.AimsFirst, we aimed to replicate previous findings regarding the subjective benefits and challenges reported for microdosing. Second, we assessed whether people who microdose test their substances before consumption. Third, we examined whether having an approach-intention to microdosing was predictive of more reported benefits.MethodsThe Global Drug Survey runs the world's largest online drug survey. Participants who reported last year use of lysergic acid diethylamide or psilocybin in the Global Drug Survey 2019 were offered the opportunity to answer a sub-section on microdosing.ResultsData from 6753 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 to approach a desired goal - predicted less rather than more benefits. We discuss alternate frameworks that may better capture the reasons people microdose.ConclusionOur results suggest the perceived benefits associated with microdosing greatly outweigh the challenges. Microdosing may have utility for a variety of uses while having minimal side effects. Double-blind, placebo-controlled experiments are required to substantiate these reports.

keywords:
Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Intention, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Adolescent, Adult, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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title: Psychedelic philanthropy: The nonprofit sector and Timothy Leary's 1960s psychedelic movement.
authors: Elcock C.
publication_date: 2021-01-31
doi: 10.1002/jhbs.22083
pubmed_id: 33524159
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/jhbs.22083
keywords: Humans, Cannabis, Hallucinogens, Fund Raising, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Little has been written on the financial support behind Timothy Leary's unorthodox research into mind-altering drugs like LSD and psilocybin and his subsequent psychedelic movement. Indeed several individuals and organizations helped the psychedelic cause by directly funding Leary's ventures, offering legal and logistic assistance, and organizing fund-raising campaigns. I argue that classic philanthropic attitudes and wealthy patrons played a major supporting role for Leary's psychedelic movement in the first part of the decade and that the changes in Leary's research objectives and his transition from academic to LSD guru were accompanied by changes in the patterns of support that occurred throughout the 1960s. This paper also connects Leary's legal troubles in the second part of the decade with the rise of the movement to legalize cannabis and points to historical continuity by looking at contemporary endeavors to fund psychedelic research.

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authors: Frontiers Production Office
abstract: [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.727572.].
journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.832766
pubmed_id: 35002818
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35002818/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Psychological Flexibility
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"35002818"}
title:
Erratum: A Spectrum of Selves Reinforced in Multilevel Coherence: A Contextual Behavioural Response to the Challenges of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Development.

keywords:
acceptance and commitment therapy, integration, internal family systems, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, psychedelic, psychological flexibility, relapse prevention, self-perspective taking


authors: Niles H, Fogg C, Kelmendi B, Lazenby M
journal: BMC palliative care
publication_date: 2021-12-19
doi: 10.1186/s12904-021-00889-x
pubmed_id: 34930220
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34930220/
keywords: Demoralization, Existential distress, Psilocybin, Psychedelic-assisted therapy, Spiritual distress
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: End-of-Life Distress,Spirituality,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34930220"}
title:
Palliative care provider attitudes toward existential distress and treatment with psychedelic-assisted therapies.

abstract:
Existential distress is a significant source of suffering for patients facing life-threatening illness. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (PAT) are novel treatments that have shown promise in treating existential distress, but openness to providing PAT may be limited by stigma surrounding psychedelics and the paucity of education regarding their medical use. How PAT might be integrated into existing treatments for existential distress within palliative care remains underexplored.
The present study aimed to elucidate the attitudes of palliative care clinicians regarding treatments for existential distress, including PAT. We recruited palliative care physicians, advanced practice nurses, and spiritual and psychological care providers from multiple US sites using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Attitudes toward PAT were unknown prior to study involvement. Semi-structured interviews targeted at current approaches to existential distress and attitudes toward PAT were analyzed for thematic content.
Nineteen respondents (seven physicians, four advanced practice nurses, four chaplains, three social workers, and one psychologist) were interviewed. Identified themes were 1) Existential distress is a common experience that is frequently insufficiently treated within the current treatment framework; 2) Palliative care providers ultimately see existential distress as a psychosocial-spiritual problem that evades medicalized approaches; 3) Palliative care providers believe PAT hold promise for treating existential distress but that a stronger evidence base is needed; 4) Because PAT do not currently fit existing models of existential distress treatment, barriers remain.
PAT is seen as a potentially powerful tool to treat refractory existential distress. Larger clinical trials and educational outreach are needed to clarify treatment targets and address safety concerns. Further work to adapt PAT to palliative care settings should emphasize collaboration with spiritual care as well as mental health providers and seek to address unresolved concerns about equitable access.


title: Psychedelic Therapy's Transdiagnostic Effects: A Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Perspective.
authors: Kelly JR, Gillan CM, Prenderville J, Kelly C, Harkin A, Clarke G, O'Keane V
journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.800072
pubmed_id: 34975593
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34975593/
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34975593"}
abstract:
Accumulating clinical evidence shows that psychedelic therapy, by synergistically combining psychopharmacology and psychological support, offers a promising transdiagnostic treatment strategy for a range of disorders with restricted and/or maladaptive habitual patterns of emotion, cognition and behavior, notably, depression (MDD), treatment resistant depression (TRD) and addiction disorders, but perhaps also anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders. Despite the emergent transdiagnostic evidence, the specific clinical dimensions that psychedelics are efficacious for, and associated underlying neurobiological pathways, remain to be well-characterized. To this end, this review focuses on pre-clinical and clinical evidence of the acute and sustained therapeutic potential of psychedelic therapy in the context of a transdiagnostic dimensional systems framework. Focusing on the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) as a template, we will describe the multimodal mechanisms underlying the transdiagnostic therapeutic effects of psychedelic therapy, traversing molecular, cellular and network levels. These levels will be mapped to the RDoC constructs of negative and positive valence systems, arousal regulation, social processing, cognitive and sensorimotor systems. In summarizing this literature and framing it transdiagnostically, we hope we can assist the field in moving toward a mechanistic understanding of how psychedelics work for patients and eventually toward a precise-personalized psychedelic therapy paradigm.

keywords:
dimethyltryptamine (DMT), hallucinogens, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, psychedelics, psychiatry, research domain criteria (RDoC)

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,OCD,Eating Disorders,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Emotional Processing,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression


authors: Vilca-Melendez S, Uthaug MV, Griffin JL.
publication_date: 2021-12-12
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.742856
pubmed_id: 34966300
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.742856
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Depression,Mechanism of Action,Systematic Review,Review Article,Metabolomics,Microbiome
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: A Future Approach to the Metabolic Profiling of Psychedelics in Human Biofluids?

abstract:
While psychedelics may have therapeutic potential for treating mental health disorders such as depression, further research is needed to better understand their biological effects and mechanisms of action when considering the development of future novel therapy approaches. Psychedelic research could potentially benefit from the integration of metabonomics by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy which is an analytical chemistry-based approach that can measure the breakdown of drugs into their metabolites and their metabolic consequences from various biofluids. We have performed a systematic review with the primary aim of exploring published literature where 1H NMR analysed psychedelic substances including psilocin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), LSD derivatives, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and bufotenin. The second aim was to assess the benefits and limitations of 1H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics as a tool in psychedelic research and the final aim was to explore potential future directions. We found that the most current use of 1H NMR in psychedelic research has been for the structural elucidation and analytical characterisation of psychedelic molecules and that no papers used 1H NMR in the metabolic profiling of biofluids, thus exposing a current research gap and the underuse of 1H NMR. The efficacy of 1H NMR spectroscopy was also compared to mass spectrometry, where both metabonomics techniques have previously shown to be appropriate for biofluid analysis in other applications. Additionally, potential future directions for psychedelic research were identified as real-time NMR, in vivo 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and 1H NMR studies of the gut microbiome. Further psychedelic studies need to be conducted that incorporate the use of 1H NMR spectroscopy in the analysis of metabolites both in the peripheral biofluids and in vivo to determine whether it will be an effective future approach for clinical and naturalistic research.

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authors: Whitfield HJ.
publication_date: 2021-12-06
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.727572
pubmed_id: 34950063
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.727572
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,PTSD,Mechanism of Action,Psychological Flexibility,Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
A Spectrum of Selves Reinforced in Multilevel Coherence: A Contextual Behavioural Response to the Challenges of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Development.

abstract:
Psychedelic-assisted therapy research for depression and PTSD has been fast tracked in the United States with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) granting breakthrough designations for MDMA (post-traumatic stress disorder) and psilocybin (major depressive disorder). The psychotherapeutic treatments accompanying these psychedelics have not been well-studied and remain controversial. This article reviews the challenges unique to psychedelic-assisted therapy and introduces a newly optimised psychological flexibility model that adapts Contextual Behavioural Science (CBS)/Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to those multiple challenges, including ego inflation, traumatic memories, and the perceived presence of entities. A methodology aligned with biological mechanisms, psychological processes and therapeutic contexts may be advantageous for improving outcomes. This model expands ACT by integrating practices and data from psychedelic-assisted therapy research into a Contextual Behavioural Science framework, allowing both fields to inform each other. Psychological flexibility processes are questioned and adapted to a psychedelic context, and interventions that operationalise these processes are considered. The principle through-line of the paper is to consider varied constructs of Self, as understood by these fields, and integrates respective elements of varied self-models, interventions and data into a Spectrum of Selves model for psychedelic-assisted therapy. Secondly the paper examines how to select and retain new self-perspectives and their corresponding behaviours systemically, drawing from evolutionary science principles. A case example of such behavioural reinforcement is provided, as well as a psychedelic integration checklist to guide the practical implementation of such an approach. This method can enable a coherent therapeutic framework with clear operational relationships between (1) problematic behaviour patterns that an individual wishes to address (2) the guided psychedelic experiences of that individual, and (3) the barriers to maintaining any changes, thus increasing theoretical-practical coherence, broadening treatment benefits and reducing relapse in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Research questions for further developing a CBS-consistent psychedelic-assisted therapy are offered.

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authors: Rucker J, Jafari H, Mantingh T, Bird C, Modlin NL, Knight G, Reinholdt F, Day C, Carter B, Young A.
publication_date: 2021-11-30
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056091
pubmed_id: 34853114
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056091
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Brain Imaging,Biomarkers,Aging,Randomized Controlled Trial,Review Article
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin-assisted therapy for the treatment of resistant major depressive disorder (PsiDeR): protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility trial.

abstract:
IntroductionPsilocybin-assisted therapy may be a new treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), with encouraging data from pilot trials. In this trial (short name: PsiDeR) we aimed to test the feasibility of a parallel-group, randomised, placebo-controlled design. The primary outcomes in this trial are measures of feasibility: recruitment rates, dropout rates and the variance of the primary outcome measure of depression.Methods and analysisWe are recruiting up to 60 participants at a single centre in London, UK who are unresponsive to, or intolerant of, at least two evidence-based treatments for MDD. Participants are randomised to receive a single dosing session of 25 mg psilocybin or a placebo. All participants receive a package of psychological therapy. The primary outcome measure for depression is the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale collected by blinded, independent raters. The primary endpoint is at 3 weeks, and the total follow-up is 6 weeks. With further informed consent, this study collects neuroimaging and omics data for mechanism and biomarker analyses and offers participants an open label extension consisting of a further, open label dose of 25 mg of psilocybin.Ethics and disseminationAll participants will be required to provide written informed consent. The trial has been authorised by the National Research Ethics Committee (20-LO/0206), Health Research Authority (252750) and Medicine's and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (CTA14523/0284/001-0001) in the UK. Dissemination of results will occur via a peer-reviewed publication and other relevant media.Trial registration numbersEUDRACT2018-003573-97; NCT04959253.

keywords:
Humans, Treatment Outcome, Feasibility Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Psilocybin, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
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authors: Gibbons WJ, McKinney MG, O'Dell PJ, Bollinger BA, Jones JA.
publication_date: 2021-11-30
doi: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1987090
pubmed_id: 34607532
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2021.1987090
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Addiction
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Homebrewed psilocybin: can new routes for pharmaceutical psilocybin production enable recreational use?

abstract:
Psilocybin, a drug most commonly recognized as a recreational psychedelic, is quickly gaining attention as a promising therapy for an expanding range of neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. This growing interest has led to many recent advancements in psilocybin synthesis strategies, including multiple in vivo fermentation-based approaches catalyzed by recombinant microorganisms. In this work, we show that psilocybin can be produced in biologically relevant quantities using a recombinant E. coli strain in a homebrew style environment. In less than 2 days, we successfully produced approximately 300 mg/L of psilocybin under simple conditions with easily sourced equipment and supplies. This finding raises the question of how this new technology should be regulated as to not facilitate clandestine biosynthesis efforts, while still enabling advancements in psilocybin synthesis technology for pharmaceutical applications. Here, we present our homebrew results, and suggestions on how to address the regulatory concerns accompanying this new technology.

keywords:
Humans, Escherichia coli, Hallucinogens, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Fermentation, Metabolic Engineering, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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title: Use of hallucinogens in Slovakia: Does it differ from global trends?
authors: Lukačovič M, Masaryk R.
publication_date: 2021-08-04
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103385
pubmed_id: 34364200
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103385
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study,Safety
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundPeople have been using hallucinogens for thousands of years and interest in these substances has grown in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the basic socio-demographic data, preferences, experiences, and attitudes associated with hallucinogen use in Slovakia.MethodsA cross-sectional research design was used whereby an online survey included participants who had had at least one experience with hallucinogens (N = 422, age M = 27.78; SD = 7.84; SE = 0.38; 35.1% females). Due to the illegal, intimate, and minority nature of the phenomena studied, data was collected using the snowball sampling method via an online social network in groups that declared a drug focus.ResultsUsers of hallucinogens were mostly employed (61,8%) and in some form of partnership (57,6%); they usually have a high school diploma (46,68%) or a university degree (45,41%). They most often use psilocybin mushrooms, while the age of initial use (M = 19,61; SD = 5,39) as well as lifetime frequency use (M = 18,26; SD = 24,21; Median = 10) are similar to global trends. Free use without rituals was preferred to ceremonial use. In general, our sample of hallucinogen users considered the integration of psychedelic experiences to be simple rather than challenging. Concurrently, they tended to see hallucinogens as useful to humans, but realised that they are not without risk and can be somewhat dangerous. Males used hallucinogens for the first time at a younger age (p <.05, r = -.12), used more hallucinogens during their lifetime (p

keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Cross-Sectional Studies, Slovakia, Female, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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authors: Yaden DB, Berghella AP, Regier PS, Garcia-Romeu A, Johnson MW, Hendricks PS.
publication_date: 2021-07-26
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103380
pubmed_id: 34329952
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103380
keywords: Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Alcoholism, Hallucinogens, Psychotherapy, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Aging,Clinical Trial,Review Article
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Classic psychedelics in the treatment of substance use disorder: Potential synergies with twelve-step programs.

abstract:
Several pilot studies have provided evidence supporting the potential of classic psychedelics like psilocybin in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). If larger trials confirm efficacy, classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may eventually be integrated into existing addiction treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and medication-assisted therapies. Many individuals seeking treatment for SUDs also join twelve-step facilitation (TSF) programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which are among the most widely available and accessed treatments for alcohol use disorder worldwide. For such individuals, engaging in classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy could be seen as controversial, as members of AA/TSF programs have historically rejected medication-assisted treatments in favor of a pharmacotherapy-free approach. We argue that classic psychedelics and the subjective experiences they elicit may represent a special, more compatible case than conventional medications. In support of this claim, we describe Bill Wilson's (the founder of AA) little known experiences with psychedelics and on this basis, we argue that aspects of classic psychedelic treatments could complement AA/TSF programs. We provide a review of clinical trials evaluating psychedelics in the context of SUDs and discuss their potential large-scale impact should they be ultimately integrated into AA/TSF.

raw_json:
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title: Systematized Review of Psychotherapeutic Components of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy.
authors: Horton DM, Morrison B, Schmidt J.
publication_date: 2021-07-22
doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20200055
pubmed_id: 34293927
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20200055
keywords: Humans, Hallucinogens, Psychotropic Drugs, Psychotherapy, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Review Article
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
ObjectiveThis systematized review sought to fill a gap in psilocybin research by investigating the structure and format of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), with a focus on the counseling components of the treatment.MethodsA systematized review of PAP was conducted by using the PubMed and PsycInfo databases to search for peer-reviewed studies of human clinical trials, published within the past 25 years, in which psilocybin was administered with psychological support in a clinical setting.ResultsEleven articles matched the criteria necessary for inclusion in this review. PAP was found to consist of three stages: pretreatment sessions to prepare participants for psilocybin, treatment sessions in which psilocybin was administered, and posttreatment sessions to integrate the experience with daily life. Conventional psychotherapy was primarily seen in the pre- and posttreatment sessions. Psychotherapies included in PAP differed among studies, but most often included music therapy and a nondirective supportive approach to treatment.ConclusionsThis systematized review found important commonalities among clinical trials of PAP published within the past 25 years and revealed key differences among studies in psychotherapy's incorporation into PAP. Additional research is needed to identify the unique effect of psychotherapy in PAP.

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title: Medicinal psychedelics for mental health and addiction: Advancing research of an emerging paradigm.
publication_date: 2021-03-20
doi: 10.1177/0004867421998785
pubmed_id: 33745287
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867421998785
keywords: Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Mental Health, Australia, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Mechanism of Action,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
authors:
Perkins D, Sarris J, Rossell S, Bonomo Y, Forbes D, Davey C, Hoyer D, Loo C, Murray G, Hood S, Schubert V, Galvão-Coelho NL, O'Donnell M, Carter O, Liknaitzky P, Williams M, Siskind D, Penington D, Berk M, Castle D.

abstract:
The medical use of psychedelic substances (e.g. psilocybin, ayahuasca, lysergic acid diethylamide and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is attracting renewed interest, driven by a pressing need for research and development of novel therapies for psychiatric disorders, as well as promising results of contemporary studies. In this Viewpoint, we reflect upon the 'Clinical Memorandum on Psychedelics' recently released by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and note subsequent developments including the application for down-scheduling of psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine presently being considered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and approvals for access via the Special Access Scheme. We suggest that this field is worthy of rigorous research to assess potential benefits, address safety parameters and clarify therapeutic mechanisms. To this end, we outline recent research findings, provide an overview of current knowledge relating to mechanisms of action and discuss salient aspects of the psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy treatment model. The sum of this research points towards medicinal psychedelics as a potential new class of psychiatric treatments when used within a medically supervised framework with integrated psychotherapeutic support. However, before widespread translation into clinical use can occur, appropriately designed and sufficiently powered trials are required to detect both potential positive and negative outcomes. Unique safety and regulatory challenges also need to be addressed. As for any new medical therapy, psychedelic research needs to be conducted in a rigorous manner, through the dispassionate lens of scientific enquiry. Carte blanche availability to practitioners, without specific protocols and appropriate training, would be potentially harmful to individuals and detrimental to the field.

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authors: Angenoorth TJF, Stankovic S, Niello M, Holy M, Brandt SD, Sitte HH, Maier J
journal: International journal of molecular sciences
publication_date: 2021-11-29
doi: 10.3390/ijms222312995
pubmed_id: 34884800
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34884800/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,In Vitro Study,Drug Interactions
study_type: In Vitro Study
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34884800"}
title:
Interaction Profiles of Central Nervous System Active Drugs at Human Organic Cation Transporters 1-3 and Human Plasma Membrane Monoamine Transporter.

abstract:
Many psychoactive compounds have been shown to primarily interact with high-affinity and low-capacity solute carrier 6 (SLC6) monoamine transporters for norepinephrine (NET; norepinephrine transporter), dopamine (DAT; dopamine transporter) and serotonin (SERT; serotonin transporter). Previous studies indicate an overlap between the inhibitory capacities of substances at SLC6 and SLC22 human organic cation transporters (SLC22A1-3; hOCT1-3) and the human plasma membrane monoamine transporter (SLC29A4; hPMAT), which can be classified as high-capacity, low-affinity monoamine transporters. However, interactions between central nervous system active substances, the OCTs, and the functionally-related PMAT have largely been understudied. Herein, we report data from 17 psychoactive substances interacting with the SLC6 monoamine transporters, concerning their potential to interact with the human OCT isoforms and hPMAT by utilizing radiotracer-based in vitro uptake inhibition assays at stably expressing human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK293) cells. Many compounds inhibit substrate uptake by hOCT1 and hOCT2 in the low micromolar range, whereas only a few substances interact with hOCT3 and hPMAT. Interestingly, methylphenidate and ketamine selectively interact with hOCT1 or hOCT2, respectively. Additionally, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a potent inhibitor of hOCT1 and 2 and hPMAT. Enantiospecific differences of R- and S-α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (R- and S-α-PVP) and R- and S-citalopram and the effects of aromatic substituents are explored. Our results highlight the significance of investigating drug interactions with hOCTs and hPMAT, due to their role in regulating monoamine concentrations and xenobiotic clearance.

keywords:
O-desmethyltramadol, bupropion, cocaine, d-amphetamine, diazepam, escitalopram, ketamine, modafinil, psilocybin, tramadol


authors: Strumila R, Nobile B, Korsakova L, Lengvenyte A, Olie E, Lopez-Castroman J, Guillaume S, Courtet P.
publication_date: 2021-11-23
doi: 10.3390/ph14121213
pubmed_id: 34959614
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14121213
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Psilocybin, a Naturally Occurring Indoleamine Compound, Could Be Useful to Prevent Suicidal Behaviors.

abstract:
The available interventions for people who are at risk of suicide have limited efficacy. Recently, research on new mental health treatments has started to consider psychedelic compounds, particularly psilocybin, a molecule with a few thousand years of history of use in human societies. The possible effects of psilocybin on suicidal ideation and behaviors have not been specifically studied yet; however, the current knowledge on the suicidal process and the available data on es/ketamine suggest that psylocibin could be used to modulate the thoughts and behavioral patterns in individuals who are at risk of suicidal behaviors. Here, we summarize the available evidence on the possible mechanisms underlying psilocybin positive effects on suicide risk. Major pathways related to suicidal behaviors that might be modulated by psylocibin include serotonin receptors. Specifically, psylocibin directly stimulates the serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2A), targeting the inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and leading to a rapid increase in brain plasticity and inflammation suppression and increases in cognitive flexibility, spirituality, and empathy. We also present preliminary epidemiological data and provide a rationale for studying psilocybin in individuals with suicidal ideation or who are at risk of suicidal behaviors. This review presents a framework to understand the basis for psilocybin use in individuals who are at risk of suicidal behaviors and calls for clinical studies.

topic_tags:
Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Oxidative Stress,Spirituality,Review Article,Safety,Inflammation

raw_json:
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publication_date: 2021-10-31
doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhab202
pubmed_id: 34255821
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhab202
keywords: Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Electroencephalography, Body Image, Touch, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
title:
Psilocybin Induces Aberrant Prediction Error Processing of Tactile Mismatch Responses-A Simultaneous EEG-FMRI Study.

authors:
Duerler P, Brem S, Fraga-González G, Neef T, Allen M, Zeidman P, Stämpfli P, Vollenweider FX, Preller KH.

abstract:
As source of sensory information, the body provides a sense of agency and self/non-self-discrimination. The integration of bodily states and sensory inputs with prior beliefs has been linked to the generation of bodily self-consciousness. The ability to detect surprising tactile stimuli is essential for the survival of an organism and for the formation of mental body representations. Despite the relevance for a variety of psychiatric disorders characterized by altered body and self-perception, the neurobiology of these processes is poorly understood. We therefore investigated the effect of psilocybin (Psi), known to induce alterations in self-experience, on tactile mismatch responses by combining pharmacological manipulations with simultaneous electroencephalography-functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG-fMRI) recording. Psi reduced activity in response to tactile surprising stimuli in frontal regions, the visual cortex, and the cerebellum. Furthermore, Psi reduced tactile mismatch negativity EEG responses at frontal electrodes, associated with alterations of body- and self-experience. This study provides first evidence that Psi alters the integration of tactile sensory inputs through aberrant prediction error processing and highlights the importance of the 5-HT2A system in tactile deviancy processing as well as in the integration of bodily and self-related stimuli. These findings may have important implications for the treatment of psychiatric disorders characterized by aberrant bodily self-awareness.

raw_json:
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publication_date: 2021-11-16
doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abh2399
pubmed_id: 34788104
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abh2399
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Biomarkers
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocybin targets a common molecular mechanism for cognitive impairment and increased craving in alcoholism.

authors:
Meinhardt MW, Pfarr S, Fouquet G, Rohleder C, Meinhardt ML, Barroso-Flores J, Hoffmann R, Jeanblanc J, Paul E, Wagner K, Hansson AC, Köhr G, Meier N, von Bohlen Und Halbach O, Bell RL, Endepols H, Neumaier B, Schönig K, Bartsch D, Naassila M, Spanagel R, Sommer WH.

abstract:
Alcohol-dependent patients commonly show impairments in executive functions that facilitate craving and can lead to relapse. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to executive dysfunction in alcoholism are poorly understood, and new effective pharmacological treatments are desired. Here, using a bidirectional neuromodulation approach, we demonstrate a causal link between reduced prefrontal mGluR2 function and both impaired executive control and alcohol craving. A neuron-specific prefrontal mGluR2 knockdown in rats generated a phenotype of reduced cognitive flexibility and excessive alcohol seeking. Conversely, virally restoring prefrontal mGluR2 levels in alcohol-dependent rats rescued these pathological behaviors. In the search for a pharmacological intervention with high translational potential, psilocybin was capable of restoring mGluR2 expression and reducing relapse behavior. Last, we propose a FDG-PET biomarker strategy to identify mGluR2 treatment-responsive individuals. In conclusion, we identified a common molecular pathological mechanism for both executive dysfunction and alcohol craving and provided a personalized mGluR2 mechanism-based intervention strategy for medication development for alcoholism.

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publication_date: 2021-11-17
doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-01811-4
pubmed_id: 34795334
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01811-4
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Microdosing,Wellbeing,Observational Study,Adolescents
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Adults who microdose psychedelics report health related motivations and lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-microdosers.

authors:
Rootman JM, Kryskow P, Harvey K, Stamets P, Santos-Brault E, Kuypers KPC, Polito V, Bourzat F, Walsh Z.

abstract:
The use of psychedelic substances at sub-sensorium 'microdoses', has gained popular academic interest for reported positive effects on wellness and cognition. The present study describes microdosing practices, motivations and mental health among a sample of self-selected microdosers (n = 4050) and non-microdosers (n = 4653) via a mobile application. Psilocybin was the most commonly used microdose substances in our sample (85%) and we identified diverse microdose practices with regard to dosage, frequency, and the practice of stacking which involves combining psilocybin with non-psychedelic substances such as Lion's Mane mushrooms, chocolate, and niacin. Microdosers were generally similar to non-microdosing controls with regard to demographics, but were more likely to report a history of mental health concerns. Among individuals reporting mental health concerns, microdosers exhibited lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress across gender. Health and wellness-related motives were the most prominent motives across microdosers in general, and were more prominent among females and among individuals who reported mental health concerns. Our results indicate health and wellness motives and perceived mental health benefits among microdosers, and highlight the need for further research into the mental health consequences of microdosing including studies with rigorous longitudinal designs.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Cross-Sectional Studies, Depression, Anxiety, Motivation, Mental Health, Cognition, International Cooperation, Adolescent, Adult, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Young Adult, Surveys and Questionnaires, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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title: Policy in focus: Is psilocybin the next cannabis?
authors: Basky G.
publication_date: 2021-10-31
doi: 10.1503/cmaj.1095974
pubmed_id: 34782381
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.1095974
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
keywords:
Humans, Hallucinogens, Combined Modality Therapy, Mental Disorders, Psychotherapy, Health Policy, Canada, United States, Medical Marijuana, Psilocybin

raw_json:
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title: Daily briefing: Largest trial shows psilocybin is effective to treat depression.
authors: Graham F.
publication_date: 2021-11-09
doi: 10.1038/d41586-021-03413-6
pubmed_id: 34764467
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-03413-6
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
raw_json:
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publication_date: 2021-11-07
doi: 10.1038/s41398-021-01706-y
pubmed_id: 34750350
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01706-y
keywords: Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Brain Mapping, Cognition, Psilocybin, Major Depressive Disorder
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
title:
Psilocybin therapy increases cognitive and neural flexibility in patients with major depressive disorder.

authors:
Doss MK, Považan M, Rosenberg MD, Sepeda ND, Davis AK, Finan PH, Smith GS, Pekar JJ, Barker PB, Griffiths RR, Barrett FS.

abstract:
Psilocybin has shown promise for the treatment of mood disorders, which are often accompanied by cognitive dysfunction including cognitive rigidity. Recent studies have proposed neuropsychoplastogenic effects as mechanisms underlying the enduring therapeutic effects of psilocybin. In an open-label study of 24 patients with major depressive disorder, we tested the enduring effects of psilocybin therapy on cognitive flexibility (perseverative errors on a set-shifting task), neural flexibility (dynamics of functional connectivity or dFC via functional magnetic resonance imaging), and neurometabolite concentrations (via magnetic resonance spectroscopy) in brain regions supporting cognitive flexibility and implicated in acute psilocybin effects (e.g., the anterior cingulate cortex, or ACC). Psilocybin therapy increased cognitive flexibility for at least 4 weeks post-treatment, though these improvements were not correlated with the previously reported antidepressant effects. One week after psilocybin therapy, glutamate and N-acetylaspartate concentrations were decreased in the ACC, and dFC was increased between the ACC and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Surprisingly, greater increases in dFC between the ACC and PCC were associated with less improvement in cognitive flexibility after psilocybin therapy. Connectome-based predictive modeling demonstrated that baseline dFC emanating from the ACC predicted improvements in cognitive flexibility. In these models, greater baseline dFC was associated with better baseline cognitive flexibility but less improvement in cognitive flexibility. These findings suggest a nuanced relationship between cognitive and neural flexibility. Whereas some enduring increases in neural dynamics may allow for shifting out of a maladaptively rigid state, larger persisting increases in neural dynamics may be of less benefit to psilocybin therapy.

raw_json:
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journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.737738
pubmed_id: 34803761
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34803761/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Creativity,Clinical Trial,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34803761"}
title:
Translating Psychedelic Therapies From Clinical Trials to Community Clinics: Building Bridges and Addressing Potential Challenges Ahead.

authors:
Williams ML, Korevaar D, Harvey R, Fitzgerald PB, Liknaitzky P, O'Carroll S, Puspanathan P, Ross M, Strauss N, Bennett-Levy J

abstract:
Research exploring the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat a range of mental illnesses is flourishing, after the problematic sociopolitical history of psychedelics led to the shutdown of clinical research for almost 40 years. Encouraged by positive results, clinicians and patients are now hopeful that further interruptions to research will be avoided, so that the early promise of these therapies might be fulfilled. At this early stage of renewed interest, researchers are understandably focusing more on clinical trials to investigate safety and efficacy, than on longer-term goals such as progression to community practice. Looking to identify and avoid potential pitfalls on the path to community clinics, the authors, a group of Australian clinicians and researchers, met to discuss possible obstacles. Five broad categories of challenge were identified: 1) inherent risks; 2) poor clinical practice; 3) inadequate infrastructure; 4) problematic perceptions; and 5) divisive relationships and fractionation of the field. Our analysis led us to propose some strategies, including public sector support of research and training to establish best practice and optimize translation, and funding to address issues of equitable access to treatment. Above all, we believe that strategic planning and professional cohesion will be crucial for success. Accordingly, our key recommendation is the establishment of a multidisciplinary advisory body, broadly endorsed and representing all major stakeholders, to guide policy and implementation of psychedelic-assisted therapies in Australia. Although these challenges and strategies are framed within the Australian context, we sense that they may generalize to other parts of the world. Wherever they apply, we believe that anticipation of potential difficulties, and creative responses to address them, will be important to avoid roadblocks in the future and keep the "psychedelic renaissance" on track.

keywords:
clinical research, community clinics, depression, mental health, psilocybin, psychedelics, translation, trauma


title: Neuroplasticity as a convergent mechanism of ketamine and classical psychedelics.
authors: Aleksandrova LR, Phillips AG.
publication_date: 2021-09-23
doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.08.003
pubmed_id: 34565579
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2021.08.003
keywords: Humans, Ketamine, Glutamic Acid, Hallucinogens, Antidepressive Agents, Neuronal Plasticity
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
The emerging therapeutic efficacy of ketamine and classical psychedelics for depression has inspired tremendous interest in the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. We review preclinical and clinical evidence supporting neuroplasticity as a convergent downstream mechanism of action for these novel fast-acting antidepressants. Through their primary glutamate or serotonin receptor targets, ketamine and psychedelics [psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT)] induce synaptic, structural, and functional changes, particularly in pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex. These include increased glutamate release, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) activation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated signaling, expression of synaptic proteins, and synaptogenesis. Such influences may facilitate adaptive rewiring of pathological neurocircuitry, thus providing a neuroplasticity-focused framework to explain the robust and sustained therapeutic effects of these compounds.

raw_json:
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authors: Hendin HM, Penn AD.
publication_date: 2021-05-17
doi: 10.1111/bdi.13095
pubmed_id: 33934465
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1111/bdi.13095
keywords: Humans, Agaricales, Bipolar Disorder, Eating, Female, Self Report, Psilocybin, Mania
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Case Report
study_type: Case Report
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
An episode of mania following self-reported ingestion of psilocybin mushrooms in a woman previously not diagnosed with bipolar disorder: A case report.

raw_json:
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title: A potential effect of psilocybin on anxiety in neurotic personality structures in adolescents.
authors: Bogadi M, Kaštelan S.
publication_date: 2021-09-30
pubmed_id: 34730895
source_url: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/34730895
keywords: Humans, Anxiety, Personality, Adolescent, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Personality Change,Adolescents
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34730895","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Analysis of Five Mushroom Toxins in Blood by UPLC-HRMS.
authors: Liu WQ, Shi Y, Xiang P, Yu F, Xie B, Dong M, Ha J, Ma CL, Wen D.
publication_date: 2021-09-30
doi: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2020.301001
pubmed_id: 35187916
source_url: https://doi.org/10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2020.301001
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
ObjectivesTo develop a method for the simultaneous and rapid detection of five mushroom toxins (α-amanitin, phallacidin, muscimol, muscarine and psilocin) in blood by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS).MethodsThe blood samples were precipitated with acetonitrile-water solution(Vacetonitril∶Vwater=3∶1) and PAX powder, then separated on ACQUITY Premier C18 column, eluted gradient. Five kinds of mushroom toxins were monitored by FullMS-ddMS2/positive ion scanning mode, and qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted according to the accurate mass numbers of primary and secondary fragment ions.ResultsAll the five mushroom toxins had good linearity in their linear range, with a determination coefficient (R2)≥0.99. The detection limit was 0.2-20 ng/mL. The ration limit was 0.5-50 ng/mL. The recoveries of low, medium and high additive levels were 89.6%-101.4%, the relative standard deviation was 1.7%-6.7%, the accuracy was 90.4%-101.3%, the intra-day precision was 0.6%-9.0%, the daytime precision was 1.7%-6.3%, and the matrix effect was 42.2%-129.8%.ConclusionsThe method is simple, rapid, high recovery rate, and could be used for rapid and accurate qualitative screening and quantitative analysis of various mushroom toxins in biological samples at the same time, so as to provide basis for the identification of mushroom poisoning events.

keywords:
Humans, Agaricales, Mushroom Poisoning, Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid, Tandem Mass Spectrometry

raw_json:
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title: Study Protocol for "Psilocybin as a Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study".
publication_date: 2021-10-19
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.735523
pubmed_id: 34744825
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.735523
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
authors:
Spriggs MJ, Douglass HM, Park RJ, Read T, Danby JL, de Magalhães FJC, Alderton KL, Williams TM, Blemings A, Lafrance A, Nicholls DE, Erritzoe D, Nutt DJ, Carhart-Harris RL.

abstract:
Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and life-threatening psychiatric condition. With a paucity of approved treatments, there is a desperate need for novel treatment avenues to be explored. Here, we present (1) an overview of the ways through which Public Patient Involvement (PPI) has informed a trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for AN and (2) a protocol for a pilot study of psilocybin-assisted therapy in AN currently underway at Imperial College London. The study aims to assess the feasibility, brain mechanisms and preliminary outcomes of treating anorexia nervosa with psilocybin. Methods: (1) PPI: Across two online focus groups, eleven individuals with lived experience of AN were presented with an overview of the protocol. Their feedback not only identified solutions to possible barriers for future participants, but also helped the research team to better understand the concept of "recovery" from the perspective of those with lived experience. (2) Protocol: Twenty female participants [21-65 years old, body mass index (BMI) 15 kg/m2 or above] will receive three oral doses of psilocybin (up to 25 mg) over a 6-week period delivered in a therapeutic environment and enveloped by psychological preparation and integration. We will work with participant support networks (care teams and an identified support person) throughout and there will be an extended remote follow-up period of 12 months. Our two-fold primary outcomes are (1) psychopathology (Eating Disorder Examination) across the 6-month follow-up and (2) readiness and motivation to engage in recovery (Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire) across the 6-week trial period. Neurophysiological outcome measures will be: (1) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain changes from baseline to 6-week endpoint and (2) post-acute changes in electroencephalography (EEG) activity, including an electrophysiological marker of neuronal plasticity. Discussion: The results of this pilot study will not only shed light on the acceptability, brain mechanisms, and impression of the potential efficacy of psilocybin as an adjunct treatment for AN but will be essential in shaping a subsequent Randomised Control Trial (RCT) that would test this treatment against a suitable control condition. Clinical Trial Registration: identifier: NCT04505189.

topic_tags:
Eating Disorders,End-of-Life Distress,Neuroplasticity,Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Biomarkers,Aging,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial

raw_json:
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title: Psilocin Derivatives as Serotonergic Psychedelic Agents for the Treatment of CNS Disorders.
authors: Kargbo RB.
publication_date: 2021-09-11
doi: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00467
pubmed_id: 34676027
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00467
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
raw_json:
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title: Psychedelics and Other Psychoplastogens for Treating Mental Illness.
authors: Vargas MV, Meyer R, Avanes AA, Rus M, Olson DE
journal: Frontiers in psychiatry
publication_date: 2020-12-31
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.727117
pubmed_id: 34671279
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34671279/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Neuroplasticity
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34671279"}
abstract:
Psychedelics have inspired new hope for treating brain disorders, as they seem to be unlike any treatments currently available. Not only do they produce sustained therapeutic effects following a single administration, they also appear to have broad therapeutic potential, demonstrating efficacy for treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorder, and alcohol use disorder, among others. Psychedelics belong to a more general class of compounds known as psychoplastogens, which robustly promote structural and functional neural plasticity in key circuits relevant to brain health. Here we discuss the importance of structural plasticity in the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases, as well as the evidence demonstrating that psychedelics are among the most effective chemical modulators of neural plasticity studied to date. Furthermore, we provide a theoretical framework with the potential to explain why psychedelic compounds produce long-lasting therapeutic effects across a wide range of brain disorders. Despite their promise as broadly efficacious neurotherapeutics, there are several issues associated with psychedelic-based medicines that drastically limit their clinical scalability. We discuss these challenges and how they might be overcome through the development of non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogens. The clinical use of psychedelics and other psychoplastogenic compounds marks a paradigm shift in neuropsychiatry toward therapeutic approaches relying on the selective modulation of neural circuits with small molecule drugs. Psychoplastogen research brings us one step closer to actually curing mental illness by rectifying the underlying pathophysiology of disorders like depression, moving beyond simply treating disease symptoms. However, determining how to most effectively deploy psychoplastogenic medicines at scale will be an important consideration as the field moves forward.

keywords:
depression, hallucinogenic, ketamine, neuroplasticity, prefrontal cortex, psilocybin, psychedelic, psychoplastogen


title: Many Drugs of Abuse May Be Acutely Transformed to Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine In Vivo.
authors: Fitzgerald PJ
journal: International journal of molecular sciences
publication_date: 2021-10-01
doi: 10.3390/ijms221910706
pubmed_id: 34639047
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34639047/
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Neuroplasticity,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Adverse Events
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:20:39
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34639047"}
abstract:
It is well established that a wide range of drugs of abuse acutely boost the signaling of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, where norepinephrine and epinephrine are major output molecules. This stimulatory effect is accompanied by such symptoms as elevated heart rate and blood pressure, more rapid breathing, increased body temperature and sweating, and pupillary dilation, as well as the intoxicating or euphoric subjective properties of the drug. While many drugs of abuse are thought to achieve their intoxicating effects by modulating the monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems (i.e., serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) by binding to these receptors or otherwise affecting their synaptic signaling, this paper puts forth the hypothesis that many of these drugs are actually acutely converted to catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) in vivo, in addition to transformation to their known metabolites. In this manner, a range of stimulants, opioids, and psychedelics (as well as alcohol) may partially achieve their intoxicating properties, as well as side effects, due to this putative transformation to catecholamines. If this hypothesis is correct, it would alter our understanding of the basic biosynthetic pathways for generating these important signaling molecules, while also modifying our view of the neural substrates underlying substance abuse and dependence, including psychological stress-induced relapse. Importantly, there is a direct way to test the overarching hypothesis: administer (either centrally or peripherally) stable isotope versions of these drugs to model organisms such as rodents (or even to humans) and then use liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine if the labeled drug is converted to labeled catecholamines in brain, blood plasma, or urine samples.

keywords:
DMT, LSD, MDMA, amphetamine, atropine, buprenorphine, cocaine, ecstasy, ephedrine, fentanyl, heroin, mescaline, methamphetamine, morphine, naloxone, naltrexone, nightshades, oxycontin, psilocybin, scopolamine


authors: Vejmola Č, Tylš F, Piorecká V, Koudelka V, Kadeřábek L, Novák T, Páleníček T.
publication_date: 2021-10-01
doi: 10.1038/s41398-021-01603-4
pubmed_id: 34601495
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01603-4
keywords: Animals, Rats, Mescaline, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Electroencephalography, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:03
title:
Psilocin, LSD, mescaline, and DOB all induce broadband desynchronization of EEG and disconnection in rats with robust translational validity.

abstract:
Serotonergic psychedelics are recently gaining a lot of attention as a potential treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders. Broadband desynchronization of EEG activity and disconnection in humans have been repeatedly shown; however, translational data from animals are completely lacking. Therefore, the main aim of our study was to assess the effects of tryptamine and phenethylamine psychedelics (psilocin 4 mg/kg, LSD0.2 mg/kg, mescaline 100 mg/kg, and DOB5 mg/kg) on EEG in freely moving rats. A system consisting of 14 cortical EEG electrodes, co-registration of behavioral activity of animals with subsequent analysis only in segments corresponding to behavioral inactivity (resting-state-like EEG) was used in order to reach a high level of translational validity. Analyses of the mean power, topographic brain-mapping, and functional connectivity revealed that all of the psychedelics irrespective of the structural family induced overall and time-dependent global decrease/desynchronization of EEG activity and disconnection within 1-40 Hz. Major changes in activity were localized on the large areas of the frontal and sensorimotor cortex showing some subtle spatial patterns characterizing each substance. A rebound of occipital theta (4-8 Hz) activity was detected at later stages after treatment with mescaline and LSD. Connectivity analyses showed an overall decrease in global connectivity for both the components of cross-spectral and phase-lagged coherence. Since our results show almost identical effects to those known from human EEG/MEG studies, we conclude that our method has robust translational validity.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34601495","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psilocybin for End-of-Life Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
authors: Yu CL, Yang FC, Yang SN, Tseng PT, Stubbs B, Yeh TC, Hsu CW, Li DJ, Liang CS.
publication_date: 2021-10-07
doi: 10.30773/pi.2021.0209
pubmed_id: 34619818
source_url: https://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2021.0209
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
ObjectiveTo systematically examine the effectiveness and tolerability of psilocybin for treating end-of-life anxiety symptoms.MethodsThe Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and PsycINFO databases were searched up to November 25, 2020. We enrolled clinical trials investigating psilocybin for treating end-of-life anxiety symptoms. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model.ResultsOverall, five studies were included, revealing that psilocybin was superior to the placebo in treating state anxiety at 1 day (Hedges' g, -0.70; 95% confidence interval, -1.01 to -0.39) and 2 weeks (-1.03; -1.47 to -0.60) after treatment. Psilocybin was more effective than placebo in treating trait anxiety at 1 day (-0.71; -1.15 to -0.26), 2 weeks (-1.08; -1.80 to -0.36), and 6 months (-0.84; -1.37 to -0.30) after treatment. Psilocybin was associated with transient elevation in systolic (19.00; 13.58-24.41 mm Hg) and diastolic (8.66; 5.18-12.15 mm Hg) blood pressure compared with placebo. The differences between psilocybin and placebo groups with regard to allcause discontinuation, serious adverse events, and heart rates were nonsignificant.ConclusionPsilocybin-assisted therapy could ameliorate end-of-life anxiety symptoms without serious adverse events. Because of the small sample sizes of the included studies and high heterogeneity on long-term outcomes, future randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes are needed.

topic_tags:
Anxiety,End-of-Life Distress,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety,Adverse Events

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34619818","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Magic mushroom: all is not as it seems.
authors: Castro BN, Prata Saraiva R, Afonso João D, Dantas Costa S
journal: Acta chirurgica Belgica
publication_date: 2021-09-30
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2021.1972590
pubmed_id: 34427171
source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34427171/
keywords: Radiotherapy, squamous cell carcinoma
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: PubMed
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 06:54:14
raw_json: {"pubmed_id":"34427171"}
abstract:
The late adverse effects of radiotherapy are caused by microvascular injury or depletion of differentiated cells.
Here we describe a clinical case of a late and unusual complication related to radiotherapy, in a patient with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.
The patient presented with a large perianal vegetating lesion suspicious of local recurrence, however the biopsy of the lesion did not show malignancy.
Fortunately, all is not as it seems, and what appeared as a suspected relapse turned out to be a benign reactive lesion, consequence of radiotherapy.


authors: Fogg C, Michaels TI, de la Salle S, Jahn ZW, Williams MT.
publication_date: 2021-06-06
doi: 10.1037/pha0000490
pubmed_id: 34096755
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000490
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,Pharmacology,Clinical Trial,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Ethnoracial health disparities and the ethnopsychopharmacology of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies.

abstract:
Emerging evidence from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials suggests psychedelic compounds such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), psilocybin, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), when administered as an adjunct to psychotherapy, that is, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), may be beneficial for treating substance use disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. Previous ethnopsychopharmacological research has identified ethnoracial differences in the metabolism, safety, and efficacy of psychotropic drugs, yet no studies have directly investigated the impact of ethnoracially based differences in psychedelic drug pharmacology. Although there is an extensive global history of psychedelic use among peoples of various cultures, ethnicities, and intersectional identities, psychedelic research has been conducted almost exclusively on White populations in North America and Western Europe. The failure to include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in psychedelic research trials neglects the ethnic, racial, and cultural factors that may impact individual responses to PAP and thereby prevents generalizability of findings. This article investigates the impact of biological and social factors related to culture, ethnicity, and race on pharmacological responses to PAP, as well as clinical outcomes. The limitations of ethnopsychopharmacology are discussed, and the authors present expected cultural, clinical, and public health benefits of expanding funding for this area. This work will draw attention to the unique and individualized needs of ethnoracially diverse clients in therapeutic settings and is intended to inform future PAP trials. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

keywords:
Humans, N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psychotherapy, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34096755","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Psychedelics, Sociality, and Human Evolution.
authors: Rodríguez Arce JM, Winkelman MJ.
publication_date: 2021-09-28
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.729425
pubmed_id: 34659037
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.729425
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Wellbeing,Emotional Processing,Drug Interactions
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Our hominin ancestors inevitably encountered and likely ingested psychedelic mushrooms throughout their evolutionary history. This assertion is supported by current understanding of: early hominins' paleodiet and paleoecology; primate phylogeny of mycophagical and self-medicative behaviors; and the biogeography of psilocybin-containing fungi. These lines of evidence indicate mushrooms (including bioactive species) have been a relevant resource since the Pliocene, when hominins intensified exploitation of forest floor foods. Psilocybin and similar psychedelics that primarily target the serotonin 2A receptor subtype stimulate an active coping strategy response that may provide an enhanced capacity for adaptive changes through a flexible and associative mode of cognition. Such psychedelics also alter emotional processing, self-regulation, and social behavior, often having enduring effects on individual and group well-being and sociality. A homeostatic and drug instrumentalization perspective suggests that incidental inclusion of psychedelics in the diet of hominins, and their eventual addition to rituals and institutions of early humans could have conferred selective advantages. Hominin evolution occurred in an ever-changing, and at times quickly changing, environmental landscape and entailed advancement into a socio-cognitive niche, i.e., the development of a socially interdependent lifeway based on reasoning, cooperative communication, and social learning. In this context, psychedelics' effects in enhancing sociality, imagination, eloquence, and suggestibility may have increased adaptability and fitness. We present interdisciplinary evidence for a model of psychedelic instrumentalization focused on four interrelated instrumentalization goals: management of psychological distress and treatment of health problems; enhanced social interaction and interpersonal relations; facilitation of collective ritual and religious activities; and enhanced group decision-making. The socio-cognitive niche was simultaneously a selection pressure and an adaptive response, and was partially constructed by hominins through their activities and their choices. Therefore, the evolutionary scenario put forward suggests that integration of psilocybin into ancient diet, communal practice, and proto-religious activity may have enhanced hominin response to the socio-cognitive niche, while also aiding in its creation. In particular, the interpersonal and prosocial effects of psilocybin may have mediated the expansion of social bonding mechanisms such as laughter, music, storytelling, and religion, imposing a systematic bias on the selective environment that favored selection for prosociality in our lineage.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34659037","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Castelhano J, Lima G, Teixeira M, Soares C, Pais M, Castelo-Branco M.
publication_date: 2021-09-28
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.739053
pubmed_id: 34658876
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.739053
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Meta-Analysis,Review Article
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
The Effects of Tryptamine Psychedelics in the Brain: A meta-Analysis of Functional and Review of Molecular Imaging Studies.

abstract:
There is an increasing interest in the neural effects of psychoactive drugs, in particular tryptamine psychedelics, which has been incremented by the proposal that they have potential therapeutic benefits, based on their molecular mimicry of serotonin. It is widely believed that they act mainly through 5HT2A receptors but their effects on neural activation of distinct brain systems are not fully understood. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of brain imaging studies to investigate the effects of substances within this class (e.g., LSD, Psilocybin, DMT, Ayahuasca) in the brain from a molecular and functional point of view. We investigated the question whether the changes in activation patterns and connectivity map into regions with larger 5HT1A/5HT2A receptor binding, as expected from indolaemine hallucinogens (in spite of the often reported emphasis only on 5HT2AR). We did indeed find that regions with changed connectivity and/or activation patterns match regions with high density of 5HT2A receptors, namely visual BA19, visual fusiform regions in BA37, dorsal anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and regions involved in theory of mind such as the surpramarginal gyrus, and temporal cortex (rich in 5HT1A receptors). However, we also found relevant patterns in other brain regions such as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Moreover, many of the above-mentioned regions also have a significant density of both 5HT1A/5HT2A receptors, and available PET studies on the effects of psychedelics on receptor occupancy are still quite scarce, precluding a metanalytic approach. Finally, we found a robust neuromodulatory effect in the right amygdala. In sum, the available evidence points towards strong neuromodulatory effects of tryptamine psychedelics in key brain regions involved in mental imagery, theory of mind and affective regulation, pointing to potential therapeutic applications of this class of substances.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34658876","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Rediscovering Psilocybin as an Antidepressive Treatment Strategy.
authors: Zeiss R, Gahr M, Graf H.
publication_date: 2021-09-27
doi: 10.3390/ph14100985
pubmed_id: 34681209
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14100985
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Pharmacology,Mechanism of Action,Review Article,Safety,Adverse Events
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:02
abstract:
There has recently been a renewal of interest in psychedelic research on the use of psilocybin in psychiatric treatment and, in particular, for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Several state-of-the-art studies have provided new insight into the mechanisms of action of psilocybin and its therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered. With this review, we provide an overview of the current state of research on the potential mechanisms of psilocybin, its antidepressant potential, and the associated risks and adverse effects, to provide an update on a controversial topic discussed in psychopharmacology. A database search was conducted in Medline including articles on psilocybin over the period of the last 20 years. Despite the promising progress in understanding the mechanisms of psilocybin, the exact antidepressive mechanism and the role of the psychedelic experience remain elusive. The studies included in this review found high treatment effect sizes for psilocybin as an antidepressant. However, the results must be regarded as preliminary due to several limitations. Although the current studies observed no severe adverse events, several questions regarding safety and utility remain and must be subject of future research.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34681209","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: A Complex Impact of Systemically Administered 5-HT2A Receptor Ligands on Conditioned Fear.
authors: Hagsäter SM, Pettersson R, Pettersson C, Atanasovski D, Näslund J, Eriksson E.
publication_date: 2021-08-31
doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab040
pubmed_id: 34228806
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyab040
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Anxiety,Receptor Pharmacology
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundThough drugs binding to serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors have long been claimed to influence human anxiety, it remains unclear if this receptor subtype is best described as anxiety promoting or anxiety dampening. Whereas conditioned fear expressed as freezing in rats is modified by application of 5-HT2A-acting drugs locally into different brain regions, reports on the effect of systemic administration of 5-HT2A receptor agonists and 5-HT2A antagonists or inverse agonists on this behavior remain sparse.MethodsWe assessed the possible impact of systemic administration of 5-HT2A receptor agonists, 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonists, and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-per se or in combination-on the freezing displayed by male rats when re-exposed to a conditioning chamber in which they received foot shocks 7 days earlier.ResultsThe 5-HT2A receptor agonists psilocybin and 25CN-NBOH induced a reduction in conditioned fear that was countered by pretreatment with 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist MDL100907. While both MDL100907 and another 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist, pimavanserin, failed to impact freezing per se, both compounds unmasked a robust fear-reducing effect of an SSRI, escitalopram, which by itself exerted no such effect.ConclusionsThe results indicate that 5-HT2A receptor activation is not a prerequisite for normal conditioned freezing in rats but that this receptor subtype, when selectively over-activated prior to expression, exerts a marked fear-reducing influence. However, in the presence of an SSRI, the 5-HT2A receptor, on the contrary, appears to counter an anti-freezing effect of the enhanced extracellular serotonin levels following reuptake inhibition.

keywords:
Animals, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Methylamines, Fluorobenzenes, Urea, Piperidines, Ligands, Behavior, Animal, Fear, Conditioning, Classical, Male, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists, Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Antagonists, Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Psilocybin, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34228806","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Basedow LA, Riemer TG, Reiche S, Kreutz R, Majić T.
publication_date: 2021-09-15
doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.739966
pubmed_id: 34603053
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.739966
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Receptor Pharmacology,Consciousness,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Neuropsychological Functioning in Users of Serotonergic Psychedelics - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

abstract:
Background: Serotonergic psychedelics (SPs) like LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline are a heterogeneous group of substances that share agonism at 5-HT2a receptors. Besides the ability of these substances to facilitate profoundly altered states of consciousness, persisting psychological effects have been reported after single administrations, which outlast the acute psychedelic effects. In this review and meta-analysis, we investigated if repeated SP use associates with a characteristic neuropsychological profile indicating persisting effects on neuropsychological function. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies investigating the neuropsychological performance in SP users, searching studies in Medline, Web of Science, embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EudraCT. Studies were included if they reported at least one neuropsychological measurement in users of SPs. Studies comparing SP users and non-users that reported mean scores and standard deviations were included in an exploratory meta-analysis. Results: 13 studies (N = 539) published between 1969 and 2020 were included in this systematic review. Overall, we found that only three SPs were specifically investigated: ayahuasca (6 studies, n = 343), LSD (5 studies, n = 135), and peyote (1 study, n = 61). However, heterogeneity of the methodological quality was high across studies, with matching problems representing the most important limitation. Across all SPs, no uniform pattern of neuropsychological impairment was identified. Rather, the individual SPs seemed to be associated with distinct neuropsychological profiles. For instance, one study (n = 42) found LSD users to perform worse in trials A and B of the Trail-Making task, whereas meta-analytic assessment (5 studies, n = 352) of eleven individual neuropsychological measures indicated a better performance of ayahuasca users in the Stroop incongruent task (p = 0.03) and no differences in the others (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of the included studies were not completely successful in controlling for confounders such as differences in non-psychedelic substance use between SP-users and non-users. Our analysis suggests that LSD, ayahuasca and peyote may have different neuropsychological consequences associated with their use. While LSD users showed reduced executive functioning and peyote users showed no differences across domains, there is some evidence that ayahuasca use is associated with increased executive functioning.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34603053","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2021-09-15
doi: 10.1039/d1ay01157j
pubmed_id: 34528944
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1039/d1ay01157j
keywords: Animals, Mice, Agaricales, Hallucinogens, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Psilocybe
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Derivatization-assisted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for identifying hallucinogenic mushrooms with enhanced sensitivity.

authors:
Morita I, Kiguchi Y, Oyama H, Takeuchi A, Tode C, Tanaka R, Ogata J, Kikura-Hanajiri R, Kobayashi N.

abstract:
A sensitive immunochemical method for identifying hallucinogenic mushrooms (magic mushrooms) is required for regulating their illicit use. We have previously generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that targets psilocin (Psi), the major psychoactive compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms, and developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, this ELISA failed to achieve the expected low-picomole-range sensitivity, as a result of insufficient affinity of the mAb to Psi. It is recognized that haptenic antigens with a larger molecular mass tend to induce antibodies with higher affinities. Thus, we herein report a "derivatization-assisted ELISA," in which the "real analyte" Psi was determined as a "surrogate analyte," the tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether analog thereof (TBS/Psi) having a 1.6-fold greater molecular mass (Mr 318.53) than Psi. A novel mAb against TBS/Psi, prepared by immunizing mice with a TBS/Psi-albumin conjugate showed a 69-fold higher affinity to TBS/Psi residues (Ka = 3.6 × 107 M-1 as IgG) than that of our previous mAb against Psi. This mAb consequently enabled a competitive ELISA for measuring TBS/Psi with the desired sensitivity: the dose-response curve midpoint (12.1 pmol per assay) was >100-fold lower than that of the previous ELISA for determining Psi. Extracts of dried mushroom powders were mixed with TBS triflate for 30 min at room temperature, converting Psi into TBS/Psi in approximately 50% yield. The reaction mixture was then subjected to an ELISA using the anti-TBS/Psi mAb to determine TBS/Psi. Psilocybe cubensis, a species of hallucinogenic mushrooms, gave rise to positive signals, indicating the presence of Psi therein in the expected quantity, while no detectable response was observed for four kinds of edible mushrooms available in the markets.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34528944","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: de Vos CMH, Mason NL, Kuypers KPC.
publication_date: 2021-09-09
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724606
pubmed_id: 34566723
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724606
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Neuroplasticity,Neurogenesis,Mechanism of Action,Systematic Review,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics.

abstract:
Clinical studies suggest the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, including ayahuasca, DMT, psilocybin, and LSD, in stress-related disorders. These substances induce cognitive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects suggested to arise from biological changes similar to conventional antidepressants or the rapid-acting substance ketamine. The proposed route is by inducing brain neuroplasticity. This review attempts to summarize the evidence that psychedelics induce neuroplasticity by focusing on psychedelics' cellular and molecular neuroplasticity effects after single and repeated administration. When behavioral parameters are encountered in the selected studies, the biological pathways will be linked to the behavioral effects. Additionally, knowledge gaps in the underlying biology of clinical outcomes of psychedelics are highlighted. The literature searched yielded 344 results. Title and abstract screening reduced the sample to 35; eight were included from other sources, and full-text screening resulted in the final selection of 16 preclinical and four clinical studies. Studies (n = 20) show that a single administration of a psychedelic produces rapid changes in plasticity mechanisms on a molecular, neuronal, synaptic, and dendritic level. The expression of plasticity-related genes and proteins, including Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), is changed after a single administration of psychedelics, resulting in changed neuroplasticity. The latter included more dendritic complexity, which outlasted the acute effects of the psychedelic. Repeated administration of a psychedelic directly stimulated neurogenesis and increased BDNF mRNA levels up to a month after treatment. Findings from the current review demonstrate that psychedelics induce molecular and cellular adaptations related to neuroplasticity and suggest those run parallel to the clinical effects of psychedelics, potentially underlying them. Future (pre)clinical research might focus on deciphering the specific cellular mechanism activated by different psychedelics and related to long-term clinical and biological effects to increase our understanding of the therapeutic potential of these compounds.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34566723","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


authors: Argento E, Christie D, Mackay L, Callon C, Walsh Z.
publication_date: 2021-09-05
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.716593
pubmed_id: 34552518
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.716593
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy After COVID-19: The Therapeutic Uses of Psilocybin and MDMA for Pandemic-Related Mental Health Problems.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34552518","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Treatment-Resistant Depression: Approaches to Treatment.
authors: Kverno KS, Mangano E.
publication_date: 2021-08-31
doi: 10.3928/02793695-20210816-01
pubmed_id: 34459676
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20210816-01
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Approximately 30% of people treated for a major depressive episode will not achieve remission after two or more treatment trials of first-line antidepressants and are considered to have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Because the odds of remission decrease with every subsequent medication trial, it is important for clinicians to understand the characteristics and risk factors for TRD, subtypes of major depressive disorder that are more likely to be less responsive to first-line anti-depressants, and the available treatment options. In the current article, we review the approved treatments for TRD, including esketamine, and the evidence for psilocybin and pramipexole. Although limited in specificity, guidelines to help prescribers identify person-centered treatments for TRD are available. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(9), 7-11.].

keywords:
Humans, Antidepressive Agents, Drug Therapy, Combination, Depression, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
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authors: Nayak SM, Gukasyan N, Barrett FS, Erowid E, Erowid F, Griffiths RR.
publication_date: 2021-08-03
doi: 10.1055/a-1524-2794
pubmed_id: 34348413
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1524-2794
keywords: Humans, Seizures, Lithium, Hallucinogens, Psilocybin, Lamotrigine
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
title:
Classic Psychedelic Coadministration with Lithium, but Not Lamotrigine, is Associated with Seizures: An Analysis of Online Psychedelic Experience Reports.

abstract:
IntroductionPsychedelics show promise in treating unipolar depression, though patients with bipolar disorder have been excluded from recent psychedelic trials. There is limited information on the use of classic psychedelics (e. g., LSD or psilocybin) in individuals using mood stabilizers to treat bipolar disorder. This is important to know, as individuals with bipolar depression may attempt to treat themselves with psychedelics while on a mood stabilizer, particularly given enthusiastic media reports of the efficacy of psilocybin for depression.MethodsThis study analyzed reports of classic psychedelics administered with mood stabilizers from 3 websites (Erowid.org, Shroomery.org, and Reddit.com).ResultsStrikingly, 47% of 62 lithium plus psychedelic reports involved seizures, and an additional 18% resulted in bad trips while none of 34 lamotrigine reports did. Further, 39% of lithium reports involved medical attention. Most of the lamotrigine reports (65%) but few (8%) of the lithium reports were judged to not affect the psychedelic experience.DiscussionAlthough further research is needed, we provisionally conclude that psychedelic use may pose a significant seizure risk for patients on lithium.

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34348413","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


publication_date: 2021-07-07
doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.06.001
pubmed_id: 34246868
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.06.001
keywords: Brain, Humans, Hallucinogens, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Mechanism of Action,Receptor Pharmacology,Default Mode Network,Consciousness,Aging
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:01
title:
Psilocybin-induced changes in brain network integrity and segregation correlate with plasma psilocin level and psychedelic experience.

authors:
Madsen MK, Stenbæk DS, Arvidsson A, Armand S, Marstrand-Joergensen MR, Johansen SS, Linnet K, Ozenne B, Knudsen GM, Fisher PM.

abstract:
The emerging novel therapeutic psilocybin produces psychedelic effects via engagement of cerebral serotonergic targets by psilocin (active metabolite). The serotonin 2A receptor critically mediates these effects by altering distributed neural processes that manifest as increased entropy, reduced functional connectivity (FC) within discrete brain networks (i.e., reduced integrity) and increased FC between networks (i.e., reduced segregation). Reduced integrity of the default mode network (DMN) is proposed to play a particularly prominent role in psychedelic phenomenology, including perceived ego-dissolution. Here, we investigate the effects of a psychoactive peroral dose of psilocybin (0.2-0.3 mg/kg) on plasma psilocin level (PPL), subjective drug intensity (SDI) and their association in fifteen healthy individuals. We further evaluate associations between these measures and resting-state FC, measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging, acquired over the course of five hours after psilocybin administration. We show that PPL and SDI correlate negatively with measures of network integrity (including DMN) and segregation, both spatially constrained and unconstrained. We also find that the executive control network and dorsal attention network desegregate, increasing connectivity with other networks and throughout the brain as a function of PPL and SDI. These findings provide direct evidence that psilocin critically shapes the time course and magnitude of changes in the cerebral functional architecture and subjective experience following psilocybin administration. Our findings provide novel insight into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying profound perceptual experiences evoked by this emerging transnosological therapeutic and implicate the expression of network integrity and segregation in the psychedelic experience and consciousness.

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authors: Bambauer TP, Wagmann L, Weber AA, Meyer MR.
publication_date: 2021-06-09
doi: 10.1002/dta.3106
pubmed_id: 34080326
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.3106
substance_tags: psilocin
topic_tags: Biomarkers,Drug Interactions
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Further development of a liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry-based strategy for analyzing eight biomarkers in human urine indicating toxic mushroom or Ricinus communis ingestions.

abstract:
Recently, we presented a strategy for analysis of eight biomarkers in human urine to verify toxic mushroom or Ricinus communis ingestions. However, screening for the full panel is not always necessary. Thus, we aimed to develop a strategy to reduce analysis time and by focusing on two sets of analytes. One set (A) for biomarkers of late-onset syndromes, such as phalloides syndrome or the syndrome after castor bean intake. Another set (B) for biomarkers of early-onset syndromes, such as pantherine-muscaria syndrome and muscarine syndrome. Both analyses should be based on hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS)/MS (HILIC-HRMS/MS). For A, urine samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction using dichloromethane and subsequent solid-phase extraction of the aqueous supernatant. For B urine was precipitated using acetonitrile. Method A was validated for ricinine and α- and β-amanitin and method B for muscarine, muscimol, and ibotenic acid according to the specifications for qualitative analytical methods. In addition, robustness of recovery and normalized matrix factors to matrix variability measured by urinary creatinine was tested. Moreover, applicability was tested using 10 urine samples from patients after suspected mushroom intoxication. The analytes α- and β-amanitin, muscarine, muscimol, and ibotenic acid could be successfully identified. Finally, psilocin-O-glucuronide could be identified in two samples and unambiguously distinguished from bufotenine-O-glucuronide via their MS2 patterns. In summary, the current workflow offers several advantages towards the previous method, particularly being more labor-, time-, and cost-efficient, more robust, and more sensitive.

keywords:
Humans, Ricinus, Mushroom Poisoning, Creatinine, Chromatography, Liquid, Time Factors, Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Solid Phase Extraction, Biomarkers

raw_json:
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authors: Magaraggia I, Kuiperes Z, Schreiber R.
publication_date: 2021-05-25
doi: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107467
pubmed_id: 34048913
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107467
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Neuroplasticity,Neurogenesis,Resilience,Emotional Processing
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
title:
Improving cognitive functioning in major depressive disorder with psychedelics: A dimensional approach.

abstract:
The high symptomatic and biological heterogeneity of major depressive disorder (MDD) makes it very difficult to find broadly efficacious treatments that work against all symptoms. Concentrating on single core symptoms that are biologically well understood might consist of a more viable approach. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework is a trans-diagnostic dimensional approach that focuses on symptoms and their underlying neurobiology. Evidence is accumulating that psychedelics may possess antidepressant activity, and this can potentially be explained through a multi-level (psychobiological, circuitry, (sub)cellular and molecular) analysis of the cognitive systems RDoC domain. Cognitive deficits, such as negative emotional processing and negativity bias, often lead to depressive rumination. Psychedelics can increase long-term cognitive flexibility, leading to normalization of negativity bias and reduction in rumination. We propose a theoretical model that explains how psychedelics can reduce the negativity bias in depressed patients. At the psychobiological level, we hypothesize that the negativity bias in MDD is due to impaired pattern separation and that psychedelics such as psilocybin help in depression because they enhance pattern separation and hence reduce negativity bias. Pattern separation is a mnemonic process that relies on adult hippocampal neurogenesis, where similar inputs are made more distinct, which is essential for optimal encoding of contextual information. Impairment in this process may underlie the negative cognitive bias in MDD by, for example, increased pattern separation of cues with a negative valence that can lead to excessive deliberation on aversive outcomes. On the (sub) cellular level, psychedelics stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis as well as synaptogenesis, spinogenesis and dendritogenesis in the prefrontal cortex. Together, these effects help restoring resilience to chronic stress and lead to modulation of the major connectivity hubs of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. Based on these observations, we propose a new translational framework to guide the development of a novel generation of therapeutics to treat the cognitive symptoms in MDD.

keywords:
Hippocampus, Prefrontal Cortex, Humans, Hallucinogens, Neuronal Plasticity, Anhedonia, Psilocybin, Cognitive Dysfunction, Major Depressive Disorder

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"34048913","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Blinding and expectancy confounds in psychedelic randomized controlled trials.
authors: Muthukumaraswamy SD, Forsyth A, Lumley T.
publication_date: 2021-08-25
doi: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1933434
pubmed_id: 34038314
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2021.1933434
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
Introduction: There is increasing interest in the potential for psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin, LSD and ketamine to treat several mental health disorders, with a growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) being conducted to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of psychedelics.Areas covered: We review previous literature on expectancy effects and blinding in the context of psychedelic RCTs - literature which strongly suggest that psychedelic RCTs might be confounded by de-blinding and expectancy. We conduct systematic reviews of psychedelic RCTs using Medline, PsychInfo and EMBASE (Jan 1990 - Nov 2020) and show that currently reported psychedelic RCTs have generally not reported pre-trial expectancy, nor the success of blinding procedures.Expert opinion: While psychedelic RCTs have generally shown promising results, with large effect sizes reported, we argue that treatment effect sizes in psychedelic RCTs are likely over-estimated due to de-blinding of participants and high levels of response expectancy. We suggest that psychedelic RCTs should routinely measure de-blinding and expectancy. Careful attention should be paid to clinical trial design and the instructions given to participants to allow these confounds to be reduced, estimated and removed from effect size estimates. We urge caution in interpreting effect size estimates from extant psychedelic RCTs.

keywords:
Humans, Ketamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Mental Disorders, Research Design, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Psilocybin, Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic

raw_json:
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title: Trends in the Top-Cited Articles on Classic Psychedelics.
authors: Lawrence DW, Sharma B, Griffiths RR, Carhart-Harris R.
publication_date: 2021-02-02
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2021.1874573
pubmed_id: 33535907
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2021.1874573
keywords: Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Observational Study,Animal Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
This study was designed to identify trends in the top-cited classic psychedelic publications. The top 50 publications on classic psychedelics with the greatest total of number of citations and annual citation rate were identified and pooled. Unique articles (n = 76) were dichotomized by median year of publication (2010.5); the differential distribution of study characteristics between the "Recent Cohort" (n = 38) and "Older Cohort" (n = 38) were documented. The Recent Cohort had a greater annual citation rate (median 76.0, IQR38.5 to 101.5) compared to the Older Cohort (median10.0, IQR5.2 to 19.3, p <.001). The Recent Cohort included a greater number of clinical studies (n = 26 [68.4%] vs. n = 9 [23.7%]) while the Older Cohort included more basic science and preclinical studies (n = 21 [55.3%] vs. n = 2 [5.3%], p <.001). Psilocybin was the predominant psychedelic studied in the Recent Cohort (n = 25 [65.8%] vs. n = 9 [23.7%]) while lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was predominantly studied in the Older Cohort (n = 25 [65.8%] vs. n = 18 [47.4%], p =.013). The Recent Cohort included more studies examining affective disorders (n = 15 [39.5%] vs. n = 3 [7.9%]) and substance use disorders (n = 6 [15.8%] vs. n = 0 [0.0%]), while the Older Cohort included a greater number of pharmacological outcomes (n = 29 [76.3%] vs. n = 6 [15.8%], p <.001). This study identified and documented trends in the top-cited classic psychedelic publications. The field is continuing to form a foundational understanding of the pharmacological effects of psychedelics and is now advancing with the identification of therapeutic uses within clinical populations.

raw_json:
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title: Sociological investigations of human enhancement drugs: The case of microdosing psychedelics.
authors: Liokaftos D.
publication_date: 2021-01-28
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103099
pubmed_id: 33518382
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103099
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Microdosing
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:05
abstract:
Microdosing psychedelics is the regular use of sub-perceptive threshold doses of substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin ('magic') mushrooms. The phenomenon has attracted increasing public and scientific attention in numerous countries in recent years. This commentary looks at microdosing psychedelics as an emerging facet of human enhancement through drugs. After presenting a narrative based on a multidisciplinary body of literature on human enhancement drugs and microdosing, the commentary maps out directions for further sociological studies of the phenomenon as well as outlining the different fields such research can contribute to.

keywords:
Humans, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Hallucinogens, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Narration, Psilocybin

raw_json:
{"europe_pmc_id":"33518382","source":"MED","pub_type":null,"publisher":null,"importer":"Europe PMC"}


title: Rethinking enhancement substance use: A critical discourse studies approach.
authors: Askew R, Williams L.
publication_date: 2020-11-29
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102994
pubmed_id: 33272772
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102994
keywords: Humans, Substance-Related Disorders, Motivation, Cognition
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:06
abstract:
BackgroundWe draw on both interdisciplinary enhancement substance use research and critical drug studies scholarship to reconceptualise enhancement substance use. Our critical discourse approach illuminates how a variety of substances are positioned as tools for self-improvement. In reconceptualising enhancement substance use, we ask what different substances can be positioned as providing enhancement? How are they positioned as tools for achieving enhancement or self-improvement goals? What discursive repertoires are employed to achieve these aims?MethodsForty interviews were conducted with people who use substances, such as ayahuasca, psilocybin, cocaine, alcohol, nootropics and non-prescription pharmaceuticals, including Adderall and modafinil. To explore the meanings of and motivations for substance consumption, we apply the sociocognitive approach (SCA) pioneered by Teun van Dijk (2014; 2015) and examine language through the triangulation of cognition, discourse and society. We analyse how different substances are positioned as tools for achieving enhancement or self-improvement goals.ResultsWe identify three distinct discursive repertoires that frame substance use as enhancement: the discourse of transformation, the discourse of healing and the discourse of productivity. When accounting for enhancement substance use, our participants employ a number of discursive strategies, including ideological polarisation or 'othering', analogies, examples, maxims, metaphors and figurative speech. We also find evidence of interdiscursivity with most participants drawing on more than one discourse when speaking about how substances are positioned as providing enhancement.ConclusionWe conclude that the concept of enhancement has wider applicability than current understandings allow. We argue that if we reframe all substance use as providing enhancement or achieving a self-improvement goal, we have the potential to destigmatise substance use and eliminate the over-simplistic binaries that surround it.

raw_json:
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title: Psilocybin for Depression.
authors: Wiley JF, Bei B.
publication_date: 2021-07-31
doi: 10.1056/nejmc2108082
pubmed_id: 34437794
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmc2108082
keywords: Humans, Depression, Anxiety, Psilocybin
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety
study_type: Other
source_name: Europe PMC
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:48:06
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:04
raw_json:
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journal: Journal of Affective Disorders Reports
publication_date: 2026-06-30
doi: 10.1016/j.jadr.2026.101098
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2026.101098
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: OCD,Systematic Review,Review Article,Animal Study
study_type: Systematic Review
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-02 06:54:51
title:
Revealing shortcomings in the assessment of psilocybin effects on OCD-related symptoms in preclinical and clinical studies: A systematic review

authors:
Jalalian-Javadpour Marzieh, Yekta Batool Ghorbani, Reyhani Niloufar, Hajizamani Shadi, Azizi Ali, Azad Najma Khoshrooz, Mohammadi Hamidreza, Vaseghi Salar

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title: Phase 1 trial suggests benefit of psilocybin in OCD treatment
journal: The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update
publication_date: 2026-07-31
doi: 10.1002/pu.31474
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/pu.31474
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: OCD,Clinical Trial,Adverse Events
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-02 06:54:51
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1002/pu.31474","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
abstract:
A Phase 1 trial comprising 15 patients has found that repeated high-dose administration of psilocybin was more effective than low-dose psilocybin or placebo in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Psilocybin was generally well-tolerated, with no reports of serious adverse events.


authors: Sabani Astrit, Khatak Adnan
journal: Annals of Medicine &amp; Surgery
publication_date: 2026-06-18
doi: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000005244
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1097/ms9.0000000000005244
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Receptor Pharmacology,Aging,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Psilocybin-assisted therapy in treatment-resistant depression: rapid remission, uncertain durability, and the next phase of clinical evidence

abstract:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a major clinical challenge and is typically defined as the persistence of depressive symptoms despite at least two adequate antidepressant trials. Individuals with TRD experience substantial morbidity, impaired functioning, and elevated suicide risk, highlighting the need for therapeutic strategies beyond incremental refinements of conventional monoaminergic pharmacotherapy. Psilocybin-assisted therapy has recently emerged as a mechanistically distinct intervention, combining transient 5-HT2A receptor agonism with structured psychological support delivered in supervised sessions. Early randomized trials have demonstrated rapid reductions in depressive symptoms and encouraging short-term remission rates, primarily in patients with major depressive disorder, with more limited but emerging evidence in treatment-resistant populations. However, the central clinical question is not merely whether psilocybin can produce acute improvement, but whether these effects can be sustained without cumulative harm. Current evidence remains limited by modest sample sizes, relatively short follow-up periods, challenges in maintaining blinding, and limited comparisons with established TRD interventions such as esketamine, electroconvulsive therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The durability of benefit beyond several weeks remains an open clinical question, and the implications of repeated dosing are not yet well established. In addition, implementation demands substantial therapeutic infrastructure, raising questions regarding scalability, cost, and equitable access. Future research should prioritize standardized definitions of treatment resistance, recognition of clinical heterogeneity within TRD populations, longer-term outcomes, rigorous active comparators, improved trial methodology, safety monitoring, and cost-effectiveness analyses to determine the appropriate clinical role of psilocybin-assisted therapy.

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journal: Frontiers in Public Health
publication_date: 2026-06-16
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1845943
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1845943
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: PTSD,Aging,Clinical Trial,Veterans,Healthcare Workers,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Community engagement as a foundation for implementation research for group psilocybin assisted therapy in New Mexico

authors:
Leeman Lawrence, Armstrong Maya, Menashi Dara, Nayo-Washington Hanifa, Marseille Elliot, Herrera Janus, Romero Crystal, Page-Reeves Janet

abstract:
Informed by a community engagement process, we have developed a pragmatic, open-label, hybrid feasibility-implementation study of Group Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (GPAT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As psychedelic-assisted therapies begin to enter the broader mental health arena, engaging communities in the design of research and care models is essential to ensuring that those most impacted have access to-and trust in-the treatments being developed. Guided by the principle of “nothing about us without us,” the proposed study was designed from the outset to be community-informed and co-designed. We established a tripartite collaborative partnership among researchers from the University of New Mexico (UNM) Department of Family &amp; Community Medicine (DFCM) and the UNM Office for Community Health (OCH), the Bernalillo County Health Equity Council, and the national Psychedelic Mental Health Access (PMHA) Alliance. The protocol for the FDA-approved study uses a group therapy model incorporating peer facilitators with shared affinity with the participant group. There will be six groups of six participants, including veterans/first responders and women survivors of sexual violence. The study is aligned with the New Mexico Therapeutic Psilocybin Program in its focus on access and equity, as well as the use of state-regulated whole psilocybin mushrooms rather than synthesized psilocybin. Each group will participate in two sessions using psilocybin mushroom-infused chocolates containing 20 mg and 30 mg of psilocybin, along with both group and individual therapy sessions. Outcomes will include safety and feasibility measures, as well as standard measures of PTSD, including the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). An extended integration model provides longer-term support to participants both within and beyond the clinical trial. A barrier to scaling psychedelic-assisted therapy is understanding what it actually costs to deliver a safe, comprehensive model of care, particularly for populations facing structural barriers to access. The University of California, Berkeley Collaborative for the Economics of Psychedelics (CEP) will conduct a prospective micro-costing study in parallel with GPAT. The analysis will capture delivery costs for community engagement, the group psilocybin therapy model, and the post-clinical protocol extended integration program. Study protocol registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07506395.

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title: “I even saw four deer grazing”: online-offline entanglements in the psilocybin pluriverse
authors: Wanke Michał, Matuszewski Paweł, Siuda Piotr
journal: Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
publication_date: 2026-06-14
doi: 10.1108/dhs-01-2026-0003
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1108/dhs-01-2026-0003
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Aging,Safety
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
abstract:
Purpose This paper aims to examine evolving practices and discourses surrounding psilocybin mushrooms on an online drug forum. Situating use within hybrid digital and ecological contexts, it traces shifts in user engagement before and after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic to contextualize localized realities of the contemporary psychedelic renaissance. Design/methodology/approach Using an agential cut framework, the authors conducted a thematic analysis of approximately 3,000 qualitative posts from the largest Polish forum (mid-2000s-2023). The study tracks how forum users integrate digital tools (mapping, smartphone verification) with environmental field observations, mapping the online-offline entanglements and more-than-human relations of foraging. Findings Analysis reveals a post-2020 shift from immersive, metaphysical narratives toward predictive, scientifically informed and risk-managed practices. Building directly on critical drug scholarship regarding assemblage thinking and ontological multiplicity, the authors conceptualize the forum as an apparatus within a psychedelic pluriverse, where radically different versions of psilocybin simultaneously coexist, negotiate legitimacy and sustain themselves. Originality/value By integrating longitudinal forum analysis with a multispecies and pluriverse perspective, the study shows how digital platforms and embodied ecological practices jointly shape contemporary psychedelic practices, highlighting their relational, contingent and ethically informed character and demonstrating how shifts in discursive framings coincide with changing modes of ecological attention and risk reflexivity.

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journal: Psychiatry International
publication_date: 2026-06-14
doi: 10.3390/psychiatryint7030137
source_url: https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030137
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Randomized Controlled Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Efficacy of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

authors:
Labra-Lorenzana Angel, Lima-Sánchez Dania Nimbe, Delaflor-Wagner Christian Alejandro, Martínez-Hernández Diana, Ramos-Jiménez Christian, Toledo-Lozano Christian Gabriel

abstract:
Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: A PROSPERO-registered search (CRD42024561979) of CENTRAL, Scopus, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE (2010-2024) identified clinical trials assessing PAP. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while non-randomized studies were appraised separately. Evidence certainty was evaluated using GRADE. Results: Ten trials were included; eight provided quantitative data. PAP was associated with large short-term reductions in depressive symptom severity. The overall pooled effect was large (d = 1.15, 95% CI0.83-1.48), though within-subject designs yielded larger estimates (d = 1.63) than between-subject controlled comparisons (d = 0.96). Adverse events were transient and manageable, with no increased risk of serious adverse events on dosing days. Primary risk-of-bias concerns included functional unblinding. Conclusions: PAP may produce clinically meaningful, large short-term reductions in depressive symptoms. However, long-term efficacy remains understudied, and the overall certainty of evidence is low to moderate. Larger, rigorously blinded trials are required.

topic_tags:
Depression,Clinical Trial,Randomized Controlled Trial,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article,Safety,Adverse Events

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title: Psilocybin and Mental Health Outcomes: Scoping Review with ☸️SAIMSARA
journal: SAIMSARA Journal
publication_date: 2026-06-14
doi: 10.62487/saimsara7a54f680
source_url: https://doi.org/10.62487/saimsara7a54f680
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
abstract:
This scoping review aims to comprehensively map and synthesize the breadth of evidence from original research on the relationship between psilocybin and health, spanning clinical trials, epidemiological surveys, mechanistic experiments, and cross-sectional attitudinal studies. The review uses 145 references and builds its evidence map from 216 original studies with 271241797 total participants/sample observations (topic-deduplicated ΣN). This review indicates that the most consistent and replicated signal for psilocybin and health is rapid, large, and sustained reduction of depressive symptoms in clinical populations, with a randomized, waiting-list-controlled major depressive disorder (MDD) trial reporting Cohen's d=2.5 at week 5 and benefits in treatment-resistant depression persisting up to 6 months. Converging evidence suggests broader therapeutic potential for anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and existential distress, alongside preliminary signals for substance use disorders, though risks such as manic or psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals warrant rigorous screening. A recurring caveat is that real-world benefits and access are moderated by race and ethnicity, with protective associations and program participation concentrated among White participants. These findings support a cautiously optimistic but equity-conscious role for psilocybin-assisted therapy in psychiatric and palliative care. Future work should prioritize controlled, prospective trials that test mechanisms and confirm durability while embedding culturally adapted, equitable access strategies.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,PTSD,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Mechanism of Action,Clinical Trial,Review Article,Observational Study,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety

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title: Unmixing the Psychedelic Connectome: Brain Network Traits of Psilocybin
journal: Network Neuroscience
publication_date: 2026-06-13
doi: 10.1162/netn.a.594
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1162/netn.a.594
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Brain Imaging,Consciousness,Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1162/netn.a.594","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
authors:
Bhavaraju Kirshna Prasad, Mason Natasha L., Mallaroni Pablo, Heinke Dietmar, Toennes Stefan W., Ramaekers Johannes G., Amico Enrico

abstract:
Abstract Psilocybin induces profound alterations in consciousness, yet prevailing neural models often describe a monolithic change in brain connectivity that may not fully capture the multifaceted nature of the psychedelic state. To test the hypothesis of a composite neural state, this study applied a data-driven framework, Connectome Independent Component Analysis (connICA) with multi-level resampling, to resting-state fMRI data from healthy volunteers. The analysis decomposed connectomes into distinct, empirically uncorrelated functional connectivity traits (“FC-Traits”), revealing two dissociable patterns: a primary trait whose expression scaled with plasma psilocin concentration, and a second, independent trait whose expression was associated with impaired performance on a visual divergent thinking task. These findings are consistent with the view that the acute psilocybin state involves co-occurring, dissociable connectivity patterns rather than a single global reconfiguration. This work demonstrates the potential of a decompositional connectomic framework to move beyond global descriptions and characterise dissociable connectivity patterns associated with distinct pharmacological and cognitive measures.


journal: Neurology
publication_date: 2026-06-08
doi: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000212934
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000212934
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1212/wnl.0000000000212934","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Psilocybin-assisted Physiotherapy for Refractory Motor Functional Neurological Disorder: A Randomized Dose-comparison Pilot Study (P7-17.001)

authors:
Bryson Alexander, Bhagavan Chiranth, Carter Olivia, Nielsen Glenn, Berlowitz David, Issak Sara, Attard Zachary, Eleftheriadis Dina, Oliver Gina, Mayne Deanne, Roebuck Greg, Rucker James, Butler Matthew, Kanaan Richard


authors: Ziadi Yosr, Park Taehwan
journal: Value in Health
publication_date: 2026-05-31
doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2026.03.635
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2026.03.635
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.jval.2026.03.635","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
EE341 COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF PSILOCYBIN-ASSISTED THERAPY (PAT) FOR PATIENTS WITH TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION


title: Demoralization in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Advanced Cancer: An Exploratory Network Analysis
journal: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
publication_date: 2026-05-31
doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2026.04.025
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2026.04.025
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2026.04.025","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
authors:
Mallard Austin, Harbour Jessica, Pappano Catherine, Mancuso Mary, Kilbourn Kristin, Fischer Stacy M.


journal: The Lancet Regional Health - Europe
publication_date: 2026-05-31
doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101719
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101719
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Observational Study,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Real-World Psilocybin Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Retrospective Observational Study

authors:
Jungwirth Johannes, Westenhöfer Samuel, Aicher Helena D., Provaznikova Barbora, Kronenberg Golo, Seifritz Erich, Prinz Susanne, Olbrich Sebastian

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authors: Sidovar Matthew, O'Connor Shane J., Orsini Lucinda
journal: Value in Health
publication_date: 2026-05-31
doi: 10.1016/j.jval.2026.03.422
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jval.2026.03.422
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Review Article
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.jval.2026.03.422","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
EE127 A REVIEW OF HEALTH ECONOMIC ANALYSES OF PSILOCYBIN, MIDOMAFETAMINE(MDMA), AND KETAMINE-BASED TREATMENTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE


title: Comparative medico-legal frameworks for psilocybin regulation: A March 2026 update
authors: Brinzei Octavian Victor
journal: Drug Science, Policy and Law
publication_date: 2026-05-31
doi: 10.1177/20503245261458143
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245261458143
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
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journal: Drug Science, Policy and Law
publication_date: 2026-05-31
doi: 10.1177/20503245261459447
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245261459447
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1177/20503245261459447","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Corrigendum to “From Prohibited to Prescribed: The Rescheduling of MDMA and Psilocybin in Australia”


journal: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
publication_date: 2026-05-31
doi: 10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108228
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108228
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Impact of formulation variables on the quality attributes of psilocybin-loaded oral thin films for early-phase development

authors:
Wongumpornpinit Vorawut, Ingkaninan Kornkanok, Temkitthawon Prapapan, Waranuch Neti, Copetti Pivetta Rhannanda, Zuo Jieyu, Araujo Gabriel Lima Barros de, Bou-Chacra Nádia, Somayaji Vijay, Loebenberg Raimar

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authors: Hood Alex, Elkins Gary
journal: Journal of Psychedelic Studies
publication_date: 2026-05-28
doi: 10.1556/2054.2026.00507
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2026.00507
substance_tags: psilocybin
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Effect of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy on anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

abstract:
Abstract Background and Aims Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is a novel, transdiagnostic treatment in which the 5-HT2A receptor agonist psilocybin is combined with psychotherapy. Studies to date have evaluated PAP's effects on depression, substance use, and end-of-life adjustment. Relatively less attention has been given to its effects on anxiety symptoms, which are highly comorbid with other psychiatric conditions and are a leading cause of global disability. This review systematically evaluated evidence for PAP's effects on anxiety symptoms across diagnoses, with attention to variations in interventional components across studies. Methods A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were completed in six databases and independent reviewers screened records. Study quality was assessed and data extracted on participant demographics and intervention features. Random-effects models estimated within- and between-group effects from baseline to primary endpoint. Results Twenty-five studies were determined eligible for inclusion. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in psychotherapy format, dosing, session structure, and outcome timing. Pooled results showed a large within-groups effect on anxiety after controlling for measurement artifacts (Hedge's g = 0.96) and a small between-groups effect (Hedge's g = 0.48). High heterogeneity persisted even after controlling for the influence of different anxiety measures and moderators related to intervention formulation and delivery. Conclusions PAP shows promise for reducing anxiety across primary diagnoses. However, variability in study quality, interventional design, sample representativeness, and high heterogeneity warrant caution in interpretation. More rigorous, high-quality trials with diverse populations are needed. Implications and directions for future research are summarized.

topic_tags:
Depression,Anxiety,Addiction,End-of-Life Distress,Receptor Pharmacology,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article

raw_json:
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title: Psilocybin shows mixed results for patients with treatment-resistant depression
journal: The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update
publication_date: 2026-06-30
doi: 10.1002/pu.31461
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/pu.31461
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1002/pu.31461","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
abstract:
Patients with treatment-resistant depression who received psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy showed clinically meaningful improvement in depressive symptoms relative to placebo, a Phase 2b trial has found. However, the study did not show a significant effect on the primary outcome of treatment response 6 weeks after the first of two doses of psilocybin. Study results were published online March 18, 2026 in JAMA Psychiatry.


title: Psilocybin shows rapid relief for depression symptoms
authors: Canady Valerie A.
journal: Mental Health Weekly
publication_date: 2026-05-31
doi: 10.1002/mhw.34890
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.34890
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1002/mhw.34890","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
abstract:
A single dose of psilocybin may provide rapid relief for people with major depressive disorder (MDD), with benefits emerging within days and lasting for several weeks, according to a randomized clinical trial published May 15 in JAMA Network Open. Researchers of the study, “Short-Term and Late-Term Effects of Psilocybin on Symptoms in Major Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” found that patients receiving psilocybin experienced significantly larger reductions in depression scores compared with those given an active placebo, meeting the study's primary endpoint at eight days.


authors: Lin Wei, Chen Hong, Li Yuanyuan
journal: Journal of Raman Spectroscopy
publication_date: 2026-05-27
doi: 10.1002/jrs.70178
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.70178
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: Aging,Toxicity
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:49:23
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Psilocybin and Psilocin in Urine by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

abstract:
ABSTRACT Psilocybin, one of the primary active compounds in magic mushrooms, is metabolized into psilocin in the human body. In this study, we employed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), leveraging its unique molecular fingerprinting capabilities and high sensitivity, in combination with silver-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) as the enhancement substrate (enhancement factor ~1.14 × 10 5 ), to detect psilocybin and psilocin in human urine samples. The method demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, with detection limits as low as 1.11 × 10 −10 mol·L −1 for psilocybin and 6.75 × 10 −12 mol·L −1 for psilocin. In real sample analysis, the total recovery rates for psilocybin and psilocin ranged from 80.79% to 109.53% and 83.98% to 106.78%, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 9%, indicating excellent accuracy and stability. By enabling rapid, accurate detection of psilocybin and psilocin at trace levels, this technique holds significant potential for practical use in drug enforcement, clinical toxicology, and future psychoactive substance surveillance.

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journal: PsyArXiv
publication_date: 2026-03-29
source_url: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/8s7xk_v1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Pharmacology,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Other
source_name: PsyArXiv
publication_status: preprint
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:22:30
raw_json: {"osf_id":"8s7xk_v1","version":1,"reviews_state":"accepted"}
title:
Strong alliance, weak conclusions: Comment on Goodwin et al. (2026) “The role of therapeutic alliance in psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression”

abstract:
This commentary critically examines the interpretation and analytic choices in Goodwin et al.’s (2026) analysis of therapeutic alliance in psilocybin treatment for treatment-resistant depression. While the authors conclude that alliance did not meaningfully contribute to treatment efficacy, we argue that this interpretation is not supported by the reported results, which are, in addition, shaped by methodological decisions that obscure relevant effects. By contextualizing the observed associations, clarifying the logic of mediation analysis, and pointing out methodological weaknesses, we show that the available evidence is more consistent with a meaningful role of therapeutic alliance in shaping both the psychedelic experience and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we highlight unexplained deviations from the study protocol that warrant scrutiny. The commentary underscores the importance of accurately characterizing psychological and contextual factors in psychedelic treatment research and calls for more comprehensive and transparent analyses of psychotherapeutic processes.

keywords:
depression, psilocybin, psychedelic therapy, psychotherapy, therapeutic alliance, Psychiatry, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychopharmacology


journal: Neuroethics
publication_date: 2026-07-31
doi: 10.1007/s12152-026-09645-5
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12152-026-09645-5
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Qualitative Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
title:
Ethical Complexities and Best Practices in Informed Consent Processes for Psilocybin Services: A Qualitative Study

authors:
Chwyl Christina, Bazinet Alissa, Wilson-Poe Adrianne R., Hoffman Kim, Pertl Kellie, Wolf R. Cameron, Korthuis P. Todd, Luoma Jason B.

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journal: Journal of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research
publication_date: 2026-05-11
doi: 10.26444/jpccr/221219
source_url: https://doi.org/10.26444/jpccr/221219
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression
study_type: Review Article
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.26444/jpccr/221219","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Rapid-acting interventions in treatment-resistant depression - a comparative review of esketamine and psilocybin

authors:
Kosiarski Bartłomiej, Skrzypek Anna, Markowicz Patrycja, Zbrożek Mikołaj, Biłyk Krzysztof, Hutkowski Maciej, Chwostek Zuzanna, Maruchniak Hanna, Marzec Wiktoria, Biedroń Paulina


title: Neural correlates of insight on psilocybin: a within-subjects, healthy volunteer study
journal: JoCN Forum
publication_date: 2026-05-07
doi: 10.21428/8e6ba8ef.1db8272c
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21428/8e6ba8ef.1db8272c
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.21428/8e6ba8ef.1db8272c","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
authors:
Pasquini Lorenzo, Girn Manesh, Kettner Hannes, Ostrand Avery, Allison Kate, Valtierra Christian, Lucas Will, McConnell Patrick, Miller Catriona, Griffith Sydney, Weinstein Dawn, Anderson Brian, Rosati Andrea, Mitchell Jennifer, Carhart-Harris Robin


journal: Journal of Education, Health and Sport
publication_date: 2026-05-06
doi: 10.12775/jehs.2026.91.70672
source_url: https://doi.org/10.12775/jehs.2026.91.70672
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Anxiety,Headache / Migraine,Review Article,Treatment-Resistant Depression,Safety
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.12775/jehs.2026.91.70672","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Depressive Disorders: Efficacy, Safety, and Persistence of Clinical Effects - A Narrative Review

authors:
Zachar Kinga, Sito Maksymilian, Jurkowski Filip, Wójcik Łukasz, Gawron Natalia, Bojanowski Hubert Tomasz, Dobracka Aleksandra, Marczak Zuzanna, Jarowicz Monika, Czmyr Jędrzej

abstract:
Introduction and purpose: Depressive disorders, particularly major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD), remain major causes of disability worldwide. Conventional treatments are limited by delayed onset, incomplete response, relapse, and adverse effects. This review summarizes current evidence on the efficacy, safety, and durability of psilocybin-assisted therapy in depressive disorders. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Evidence from randomized trials, open-label studies, follow-up analyses, and meta-analyses indicates that psilocybin-assisted therapy can produce rapid reductions in depressive symptoms, often within days, in carefully selected patients treated in controlled settings. Short-term benefits have been reported in both MDD and TRD, although findings in TRD are less consistent. In a head-to-head trial, psilocybin was not superior to escitalopram on the primary endpoint, while several secondary outcomes favored psilocybin. Follow-up studies suggest that benefits may persist for weeks to months, but longer-term evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. Under supervision, psilocybin was generally well tolerated, with mostly transient adverse effects, including anxiety, nausea, headache, dizziness, and brief cardiovascular activation. Summary: Psilocybin-assisted therapy appears to be a promising investigational approach for depressive disorders, with rapid onset and possible medium-term benefit in some patients. However, the evidence base remains limited by small samples, heterogeneous designs, restricted comparative data, and delivery in specialized settings. Larger and longer-term studies are needed to clarify comparative efficacy, durability, long-term safety, and feasibility in routine clinical practice.


authors: Sayali Ceyda, Weisman Eli, Barrett Frederick
journal: JoCN Forum
publication_date: 2026-05-01
doi: 10.21428/8e6ba8ef.31e358f9
source_url: https://doi.org/10.21428/8e6ba8ef.31e358f9
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.21428/8e6ba8ef.31e358f9","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Effects of Psilocybin Treatment on Cognitive Effort Avoidance in Major Depressive Disorder and Co-Occurring Alcohol Use Disorder


authors: Gupta Gyandev, Yadav Ravina
journal: JOURNAL OF ADVANCE AND FUTURE RESEARCH
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.56975/jaafr.v4i5.509087
source_url: https://doi.org/10.56975/jaafr.v4i5.509087
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.56975/jaafr.v4i5.509087","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Role of Psychological support in sustaining Antidepressants effects in Psilocybin - Assisted Clinical


authors: Vidot Denise, Diggs Bria-Necole, Baral Amrit, Thompson Michelle, Jean-Louis Girardin
journal: SLEEPJ
publication_date: 2026-05-07
doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsag091.0408
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsag091.0408
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Observational Study
study_type: Observational Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1093/sleep/zsag091.0408","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
0408 Insomnia Severity Differences by Psilocybin, LSD, and DMT Use Status Among Young Adult Daily Cannabis Consumers in the Herbal Heart Study

abstract:
Abstract Introduction Psychedelic use and interest in its therapeutic potential are rapidly increasing; yet its relationship with insomnia remains poorly understood. This study aims to estimate differences in insomnia severity by type of psychedelic consumed among a cohort of 18-to-35-year olds. Methods Data are from the Herbal Heart Study - Sleep Ancillary (N=100) cannabis consumers. Psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) was self-reported. Insomnia and sleep problems were assessed via the Insomnia Severity Index: no clinical insomnia ( &lt; 7), subthreshold clinical insomnia (8-10), moderate-severity clinical insomnia (15-21), and severe clinical insomnia (&gt; 22). Measures were self-reported via REDCap. Chi-square tests, Fisher’s Exact tests, and independent t-tests were conducted where appropriate. Results Among daily cannabis consumers, 55.6% reported lifetime history of psychedelics, of which 42.9% reported past-year consumption. Psilocybin was the most prevalent (50.0%), followed by LSD (29.3%) and DMT (3.5%). Overall, 33.3% met criteria for subthreshold insomnia; 3.2% for moderate severity clinical insomnia; and 1.6% for severe clinical insomnia. There were differential associations between insomnia and psychedelic types (p&lt; 0.05). LSD: 17.7% had moderate-to-severe-clinical-insomnia vs. 0.0% of non-LSD, p=0.006); DMT: 50.0% had moderate-to-severe-clinical-insomnia vs. 3.6% of non-DMT (p= 0.004); Psilocybin: 10.3% had moderate-to-severe-clinical-insomnia vs. 0.0% of non-psilocybin (p=0.07). Sleep problems interfered with daily functioning more frequently among LSD consumers (16.6%) than non-LSD consumers (2.8%, p=0.01). There were no differences consuming cannabis for sleep (p=0.70), or demographics [age: 26.9y (SD: 4.56) vs. 27.2y (SD: 5.56), p= 0.81, sex: 60.0% vs 60.7% female, p=0.95; or ethnicity: 68.6% vs. 57.1% Hispanic/Latino, p=0.26] by psychedelic use. Conclusion LSD and DMT were associated with clinical insomnia; and LSD consumers reported greater sleep problem interference in daily functioning. Longitudinal studies are warranted to evaluate causal effects and long-term sleep outcomes. Given the high burden of insomnia in this population, understanding psychedelic-specific associations with insomnia is essential for clinical and harm-reduction guidelines. Support (if any) R01HL153467 (Vidot); T37MD008647 (Diggs); T32 DA007292 (Baral).


journal: RevSALUS - Revista Científica da Rede Académica das Ciências da Saúde da Lusofonia
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.51126/revsalus.v8isupii.46839
source_url: https://doi.org/10.51126/revsalus.v8isupii.46839
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.51126/revsalus.v8isupii.46839","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Cytochrome P450 Inhibition by Psilocybin and Psilocin: A Combined Molecular Dynamics and Enzymatic Screening Study


authors: Pagni Broc, Ross Stephen, Kim Yuna, Bogenschutz Michael
journal: Biological Psychiatry
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.240
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.240
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Addiction,Safety
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.240","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
6. Open-Label Extension of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: Continued Safety and Short-Term Efficacy Signal for Drinking, Craving, and Self-Efficacy


journal: Journal of Hepatology
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/s0168-8278(26)01861-1
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0168-8278(26)01861-1
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Receptor Pharmacology,Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/s0168-8278(26)01861-1","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
SAT-219 Hepatic 5-HT2B receptor antagonism mediates the anti-steatotic and antifibrotic effects of psilocybin in preclinical MASH models

authors:
Signor Anna, Colognesi Martina, Finzi Giovanna, Gabbia Daniela, Mattarei Andrea, Comai Stefano, Pasut Gianfranco, Folli Franco, Manfredi Paolo, De Martin Sara


title: Sa1731 A PILOT STUDY OF OPEN-LABEL PSILOCYBIN-ASSISTED THERAPY IN TREATMENT-REFRACTORY IBS
journal: Gastroenterology
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/s0016-5085(26)04432-x
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0016-5085(26)04432-x
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/s0016-5085(26)04432-x","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
authors:
Mauney Erin, Zambrano Juliana, Clukey Jenna, Burton-Murray Helen, Datko Michael, Napadow Vitaly, Kuo Braden, King Franklin


title: 1080 Psilocybin Elicits Non-Linear Night to Night Changes in Sleep Spectral Power
authors: Reid Matthew, Weisman Eli, Martinez Luis Luna, Coon William, Barrett Frederick
journal: SLEEPJ
publication_date: 2026-05-07
doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsag091.1079
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsag091.1079
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Addiction,Brain Imaging,Pharmacology,Consciousness,Clinical Trial
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1093/sleep/zsag091.1079","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
abstract:
Abstract Introduction Despite evidence of an acute effect of psilocybin on sleep physiology, its enduring effects beyond the period of acute administration and active metabolism remain unexplored. Within a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorder comorbid with major depressive disorder, we monitored sleep for ten continuous nights (3 pre-dose | 7 post-dose) in participants (N=22) undergoing an open-label psilocybin-dosing session. Methods We obtained two frontal bipolar-derivations (AF7-FPZ & AF8-FPZ) of sleep-EEG to quantify whole-night power spectral density (PSD). Artifactual epochs (30s) were rejected automatically using our validated convolutional neural network (CNN) based sleep-state classifier (‘ezscore-f’) before deriving whole-night PSD (10·log10 μV²/Hz) in canonical bands (SWA: 0.5-2Hz, Delta2: 2-4Hz, Theta: 4-8Hz, Alpha:8-13Hz, Sigma:13-15Hz, beta:18-30Hz) from 30s-windowed multitaper spectral analyses using six orthogonal tapers. Night-to-night (N−2 to N+7) changes in PSD displayed evidence of curvilinear trajectories and were modeled through mixed-effects growth-curve models, using 3rd-degree polynomial spline terms with participant-specific random intercepts. Results Across all models, between-participant variance of random intercepts was small (mean ICC=0.66), indicating consistent baseline spectral levels. SWAPSD, ThetaPSD, and AlphaPSD showed no evidence of systematic change, with all spline terms non-significant (all p&gt;0.15), suggesting stable dynamics across nights. In contrast, Delta2PSD showed low-order curvature, with two natural spline (ns) components reaching significance (ns1: p=0.009; ns2: p=0.042), consistent with an increase in nights following dosing followed by stabilization. SigmaPSD demonstrated a similar pattern, with a significant second-order spline component (p=0.017) and a third-order spline component approaching significance (p=0.067). BetaPSD likewise exhibited a small but detectable nonlinear fluctuation, with a significant second-order spline term (ns2: p=0.024). First-derivative estimates from fitted trajectories suggested that Delta2PSD approached its peak at night-five, and subsequently trended toward baseline, whereas SigmaPSD and BetaPSD approached local maxima on night-three, yet values remained above baseline thereafter. Conclusion While SWA, Theta, & Alpha remained stable across nights, night-to-night variability in delta2, sigma, and beta bands were observed characterized by subtle early increases that did not persist across the full observation window. Support (if any) Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Sleep Research Society (Small Research Award), Tim Ferriss, Matt Mullenweg, Blake Mycoskie, Craig Nerenberg, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation.


authors: Hennessey Joseph, Mantsch John, McCorvy John
journal: The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.jpet.2026.104291
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpet.2026.104291
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.jpet.2026.104291","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Effects of Psilocybin on Attentional Set-Shifting Following Chronic Unpredictable Stress in Rats (Abstract ID: 231339)


title: Prevalence and Correlates of Past-Year Psilocybin Use in the U.S., 2024, USA
authors: Yockey R. Andrew, Amis Amber, Devier Elise, Apu Aminul, Hoopsick Rachel
journal: AJPM Focus
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.focus.2026.100518
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focus.2026.100518
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json:
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title: C29-12 Psilocybin Treatment Could Improve Outcomes for Age-associated Lung Diseases
authors: Hecker L, Kleinhenz J M, Coarfa C, Kato K
journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.144
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.144
substance_tags: psilocybin,psilocin
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1093/ajrccm/aamag162.144","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
abstract:
Abstract Rationale The elderly population is rapidly growing. Overwhelming epidemiologic data has demonstrated worse health outcomes with increasing age for a multitude of lung diseases (COVID being one of numerous examples). There is an increasingly urgent need for a more complete understanding of the molecular pathways and biological processes underlying aging to improve outcomes for age-associated lung diseases. Psilocybin is the psychoactive substance in psychedelic mushrooms, which has been used in &gt; 150 clinical studies for numerous disease indications. However, the overwhelming majority of psilocybin studies have focused on its neuro/psych impacts or clinical outcomes; Few studies have evaluated its systemic impacts. It has been hypothesized that psilocybin may exert beneficial effects on aging; however, no prior studies have experimentally evaluated this. Methods Human lung fibroblasts were treated with psilocin (the active metabolite of psilocybin) throughout their replicative life span, and hallmarks of aging were evaluated. To evaluate the impact of psilocybin on aging in vivo, aged (19 month) female mice (∼60-65 human years) were treated with vehicle or psychedelic-dose psilocybin via oral gavage once/month for 10 months. Survival was evaluated and bulk RNA-seq, proteomic profiling, and bioinformatic analyses were used to evaluate organ-specific function. Results Psilocin treatment led to a dose-dependent increase in cellular life extension in human lung fibroblasts (10μM - 29%; 100μM - 57%). These results were consistent with dose-dependent impacts multiple hallmarks of aging, including delayed senescence, preservation of telomere length, enhanced DNA stability, and decreased oxidative stress (associated with decreased Nox4 and increased Nrf2). In mice, psilocybin treatment led to significantly increased survival (80%), compared to vehicle (50%). Bulk RNA-seq data and bioinformatic analyses demonstrated that the lung exhibited the greatest number of rescued hallmark pathways (32 out of 50), compared to any other organ, including the brain. Further, inflammatory response was the most significantly downregulated pathway across all organs. Conclusions Our studies support the untapped potential of psilocybin beyond its neurological/psychological benefits, as we demonstrate that psilocybin influences systemic aging processes. Psilocybin may represent a “disruptive” geroprotective agent that could be used as a novel therapeutic intervention to improve age-related lung disease outcomes. This abstract is funded by: Imagine, Innovate and Impact (I3) Award from the Emory School of Medicine. This work was also funded by a grant from the Emory Woodruff Health Sciences Center for Health in Aging

topic_tags:
Mechanism of Action,Aging,Telomeres,Cellular Senescence,Oxidative Stress,Animal Study,Older Adults,Proteomics,Inflammation


journal: RevSALUS - Revista Científica da Rede Académica das Ciências da Saúde da Lusofonia
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.51126/revsalus.v8isupii.46826
source_url: https://doi.org/10.51126/revsalus.v8isupii.46826
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.51126/revsalus.v8isupii.46826","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Pure psilocybin reduces reward-associated preference while mushroom extract shows transient exploratory effects in rats


authors: Poulin Joshua, Viulet Nic, Liu Ashley, MacIntosh Bradley J., Nestor Sean M.
journal: Biological Psychiatry
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.717
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.717
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Depression,Meta-Analysis,Systematic Review,Review Article
study_type: Meta-Analysis
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.717","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
483. Acute Functional Brain Changes Associated With Psilocybin in Depression and Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Coordinate-Based Meta-Analysis


journal: Biological Psychiatry
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.590
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.590
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Biomarkers,Mitochondrial Function,Clinical Trial,Inflammation
study_type: Clinical Trial
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.590","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
356. Psilocybin Therapy is Associated With Decreases in Markers of Mitochondrial Stress and Inflammation in an Open-Label Clinical Trial of Parkinson’s Disease

authors:
Bradley Ellen, Kelley D Parker, Picard Martin, Szigeti Balazs, Sakai Kimberly, Fernandes Gisele, Ostrem Jill, Tanner Caroline, Finley Patrick, Ludwig Connie, Llerena Katiah, Busby Zach, McKernan Amber, Zuzuarregui Jose Rafael, Bock Meredith, Wang Aliss, Penn Andrew, Woolley Josh, O'Donovan Aoife


title: Profiling the Cell-Type Specific Effects of Psilocybin in Medial Prefrontal Cortexh
journal: Biological Psychiatry
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.054
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.054
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: General
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.054","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
authors:
Schuler Heike, Zhou Delong, Savignac Chloé, Cvetkovska Vedrana, Tse Yiu-Chung, Meccia Juliet, Bzdok Danilo, Bagot Rosemary


authors: Hayduk Sean, Stringer Amy, Zagorski Satoria, Ward Sara Jane
journal: The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.jpet.2026.104282
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpet.2026.104282
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Animal Study
study_type: Animal Study
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.jpet.2026.104282","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
PDE4B Inhibition and Psilocybin as Promising Approaches for Treating Methamphetamine Use Disorder: Preclinical Evidence From Rat Models (Abstract ID: 232554)


authors: Holze Friederike, Arikci Denis, Thomann Jan, Rudin Deborah, Luethi Dino, Liechti Matthias E.
journal: Biological Psychiatry
publication_date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.056
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.056
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Healthy Volunteers
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.03.056","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
Acute Effects of 4-Bromo-2,5-Dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B) Compared With Psilocybin and MDMA in Healthy Participants


authors: Reid Matthew, Yaffe Abigail, Geithner Ian, Rebman Alison, Aucott John, Garcia-Romeu Albert
journal: SLEEPJ
publication_date: 2026-05-07
doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsag091.1019
source_url: https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsag091.1019
substance_tags: psilocybin
topic_tags: Chronic Pain,Consciousness
study_type: Other
source_name: Crossref
publication_status: published
date_added: 2026-07-01 06:52:05
last_checked: 2026-07-01 11:21:33
raw_json: {"doi":"10.1093/sleep/zsag091.1019","reference_dois":[],"reference_count":0}
title:
1020 Long-term Impact of Psilocybin Administration on Sleep-Continuity via Wearable Sensor Time-series: Preliminary-results in Post-Treatment Lyme Disease

abstract:
Abstract Introduction Post-treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD) is a post-infectious syndrome characterized by fatigue, hypersomnia, sleep-disturbance, musculoskeletal pain and/or cognitive difficulties. As part of an open-label pilot study of psilocybin-assisted treatment for PTLD, we explored potential for psilocybin-assisted treatment to remedy sleep-related disturbances in this population. Methods 12 participants consented to undergo continuous sleep-monitoring using a non-intrusive consumer smart-ring, throughout an 8-week treatment protocol, which included two psilocybin sessions (15mg and 25mg at weeks 4 and 6, respectively), with follow-up assessments 1, 3, and 6 months after the final psilocybin session. Sleep data were captured continuously throughout the entire study period, beginning three weeks prior to the first dosing session. We obtained nightly estimates of Total Sleep Time (TST mins), which were modeled using Bayesian structural time-series (BSTS) models. Results BSTS models indicated a cumulative reduction in total sleep time (TST) following the first psilocybin session (-613 min; 95% Credible Interval: -1216 to -33), with a high posterior probability of a causal effect (97.9%). Following the second session, the cumulative reduction was smaller (-153 min; 95% Credible Interval: -458 to 165) and accompanied by greater uncertainty. Average causal effects across the post-session windows were -32 min (95% Credible Interval: -64 to -2) after session one and -17 min (95% Credible Interval: -51 to +18) after session two. However, the credible interval for session two spanned zero, indicating reduced certainty regarding both the presence and direction of the effect relative to session one. Conclusion Findings suggest a long-term reduction in actigraphy-TST following psilocybin administration that was maximal following the first dose. This decrease in actigraphy-TST could reflect a normalization of hypersomnia and excessive sleep drive typically observed in PTLD. Future work is required to further align these findings within the conceptual framework of PTLD symptomatology by examining whether these actigraphic estimates of sleep continuity align with participant-reports of sleep quality, and daytime somnolence. Support (if any) Work was supported by the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research with funding provided by Tim Ferriss, Matt Mullenweg, Blake Mycoskie, Craig Nerenberg, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation.


