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Psychedelics

All articles tagged with #psychedelics

Synthetic DMT Trials Hint at Rapid Depression Relief With Guided Therapy
health2 days ago

Synthetic DMT Trials Hint at Rapid Depression Relief With Guided Therapy

A phase II trial sponsored by Small Pharma (now Cybin UK) found a synthetic DMT formulation, delivered by injection with psychotherapeutic support, reduced depressive symptoms more than placebo after two weeks in 17 treated vs 17 controls. The study emphasizes the therapists’ role and notes the synthetic DMT yields a short, ~30-minute experience without vomiting (unlike traditional ayahuasca). While promising, the results are preliminary and require clinic-based administration, with broader context including FDA-approved ketamine therapy and ongoing psychedelics research.

via The Guardian|
#clinical-trials#depression#dmt
Single-Dose DMT Triggers Rapid Depression Relief in Early Trial
health9 days ago

Single-Dose DMT Triggers Rapid Depression Relief in Early Trial

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 34 adults suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, a single intravenous dose of DMT with psychotherapeutic support produced a rapid and meaningful reduction in depressive symptoms within a week, with effects lasting up to three months (some in remission for six months); the dose appeared safe with mostly mild side effects, though blinding was challenged by noticeable psychedelic effects and the small sample size calls for larger trials.

via ScienceAlert|
#clinical-trial#depression#dmt
Consciousness Without the Afterlife: From Brains to Bots
science10 days ago

Consciousness Without the Afterlife: From Brains to Bots

Nature’s book review of Michael Pollan’s A World Appears traces how consciousness remains hard to explain despite brain research; it surveys embodied approaches and theories (like integrated information theory and global neuronal workspace), plant sentience, interoception in the brainstem, and the free-energy principle, while questioning whether AI can ever be truly conscious given current data-driven models and the absence of subjective experience.

via Nature|
#artificial-intelligence#consciousness#neuroscience
Pollan probes consciousness: from plant sentience to AI myths in a world of mind
books19 days ago

Pollan probes consciousness: from plant sentience to AI myths in a world of mind

Journalist Michael Pollan discusses his new book A World Appears, which ties together questions about consciousness—what it is, who has it, and why—with explorations of plant sentience, psychedelic experience, and the risk that we mistake chatbots for true consciousness, all while examining how humans relate to mind, self, and technology.

via The Guardian|
#artificial-intelligence#books#consciousness
Psychedelics May Rewire PTSD Brains, Opening Doors for Rapid Therapy
science20 days ago

Psychedelics May Rewire PTSD Brains, Opening Doors for Rapid Therapy

New research suggests psychedelics such as MDMA and psilocybin may help PTSD by promoting neuroplasticity and rebalancing fear circuits, enabling faster, therapy-assisted recovery. In MDMA-assisted therapy trials, about 67% of participants no longer met PTSD criteria compared with 32% on placebo; psilocybin trials are also showing promise in reducing symptoms and increasing cognitive flexibility. The proposed mechanisms involve dampened amygdala activity, enhanced prefrontal control, restoration of BDNF, and disruption of the default mode network, which may help patients reprocess trauma during psychotherapy. However, large, controlled trials are still needed, and regulatory hurdles persist due to Schedule I status and safety/blinding challenges.

via Live Science|
#mdma#neuroplasticity#psilocybin
Light-Activated Amino Acids Yield Psychedelic-Style Brain Drugs Without Hallucinations
neuroscience1 month ago

Light-Activated Amino Acids Yield Psychedelic-Style Brain Drugs Without Hallucinations

UC Davis researchers developed a light-driven method that combines amino acids with tryptamine and, after UV exposure, reshapes them into new molecules that activate the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and may offer psychedelic-like brain benefits without altering perception. In mice, the leading compound fully activated 5-HT2A but did not induce hallucinogenic behaviors (head-twitch responses), leading researchers to pursue further studies on how other serotonin receptors might modulate or suppress perceptual effects.

via SciTechDaily|
#5-ht2a-receptor#drug-discovery#neuroscience
Neuroscientists Redefine Psychedelic Effects Through Receptor Mapping
science5 months ago

Neuroscientists Redefine Psychedelic Effects Through Receptor Mapping

A comprehensive study reveals that classical psychedelics interact with multiple brain receptors beyond the well-known 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, including dopamine and adrenergic receptors, which may explain their diverse effects and therapeutic potential. The research highlights the importance of receptor polypharmacology in understanding psychedelic effects and safety, providing a valuable dataset for future drug development.

via PsyPost|
#drug-safety#neuroscience#psychedelics
Beyond Serotonin: The Comprehensive Brain Engagement of Psychedelics
science7 months ago

Beyond Serotonin: The Comprehensive Brain Engagement of Psychedelics

A new study reveals that psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline interact with a wide range of neural receptors beyond just serotonin, engaging multiple pathways that may explain their complex effects and therapeutic potential. These compounds activate numerous serotonin, dopamine, and adrenergic receptors, stimulating diverse intracellular signaling pathways, which could allow for the development of targeted, non-hallucinogenic therapies for mental health conditions. The findings highlight the intricate pharmacology of psychedelics and their potential for precision medicine in neuropsychiatry.

via Neuroscience News|
#brain#psychedelics#receptors