A JAMA Psychiatry study explores the link between psychedelic use in adolescents and mental health, finding an association with fewer psychotic symptoms and a correlation with increased manic symptoms in those with genetic risks for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
A study found ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in rats hinge on activating the brain's opioid system, particularly β-endorphin in the prefrontal cortex. Blocking this pathway negates ketamine's benefits, unveiling potential targets for new depression treatments.
A twin study found cannabis use has limited direct impact on psychological outcomes, attributing most associations to genetics and environment. However, modest effects on cannabis disorder and illicit drug use were noted, challenging simplistic narratives about cannabis's negative effects.
A meta-analysis of over 200,000 participants found prenatal cannabis exposure significantly increases the risk of ADHD symptoms in offspring and suggests a possible risk for ASD. This highlights the need for caution regarding cannabis use during pregnancy.
Ayahuasca was found to speed up the extinction of fear memories in rats by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain. This effect, consistent across new and old memories, points to potential therapeutic uses for anxiety and trauma-related conditions.
Scientists have identified how cannabis vapor triggers increased eating in rats and mice by activating the brain's "hunger neurons." Inhibiting these neurons negates the munchies effect, providing insight into the neural mechanisms of cannabis-induced appetite stimulation.
A study revealed psilocybin diminishes the amygdala response to angry faces, potentially impacting emotion processing. This discovery underscores its potential for treating conditions like depression and anxiety, highlighting the profound effects of psychedelics on the brain.
Northwestern University researchers have uncovered how ketamine delivers rapid and prolonged depression relief by activating new neurons for immediate effects and increasing their production for lasting benefits. This breakthrough could lead to safer, ketamine-inspired antidepressants.
A recent study delves into how consecutive nights of alcohol consumption before sleep alter sleep architecture, revealing increased deep sleep early on but reduced REM sleep and more disturbances later. This nuanced insight highlights the body's adaptation over time, underscoring...
MDMA enhances positive responses to social feedback without affecting negative responses. This sheds light on MDMA's potential in treating social processing impairments, spotlighting its unique empathogenic effects.
Studies reveal over 50% of ayahuasca users experience a personal death phenomenon, profoundly altering beliefs on consciousness and environmental concerns. These insights, derived from two studies, highlight the psychedelic's impact on spiritual growth and attitudes towards life and death.
A study published in Nature Communications found that SSRIs like fluoxetine can affect early brain development, altering connections in the prefrontal cortex. The research, using rodents, highlights serotonin's crucial role in brain maturation.
Can cannabis offer a lifeline in the battle against drug addiction, particularly for those grappling with the perils of stimulants like crystal methamphetamine? New research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) suggests it might.
A recent study explores psilocybin's effects on larval zebrafish, revealing it enhances exploratory behavior and buffers stress-induced activity changes, offering insights into psychedelic compounds' potential in mental health treatment.
DMT, a psychedelic, reduced depression symptoms in a study with experienced volunteers. The stronger the DMT experience, the greater the mental health benefits observed. However, results for anxiety and well-being were mixed, suggesting more research is needed to fully understand...
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