New research shows decaf coffee can mimic caffeine’s effects in habitual drinkers
Drinking coffee might wake you up even without the caffeine. Researchers found that habitual coffee drinkers responded similarly to both regular and decaf coffee, pointing to the influence of expectation and ritual on alertness and brain activity.
Cannabidiol shows promise for treating Alzheimer’s in mice by targeting brain hyperactivity
In a study using an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, researchers found that cannabidiol reduced memory loss and brain abnormalities. The compound worked by enhancing the function of glycine receptors, which help regulate neuronal activity in the brain's memory center.
Psilocybin and escitalopram produce antidepressant effects via distinct brain mechanisms, study suggests
A new study using brain scans found that psilocybin and escitalopram reduce depression symptoms through different neural mechanisms. While escitalopram dampened emotional brain activity, psilocybin preserved or slightly increased it, suggesting distinct pathways to recovery.
Withdrawal symptoms are common after stopping antidepressants
Researchers analyzed data from 35 studies and found that over 40% of antidepressant users experienced withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, irritability, and mood disturbances. The findings suggest the need for better tapering strategies and patient education.
Common blood pressure drug shows promise for treating ADHD symptoms
Amlodipine, typically used for hypertension, may have brain-based effects that make it a candidate for ADHD treatment, according to new research.
Psychedelic’s anti-anxiety effects can be separated from hallucinations by targeting specific brain circuits
A mouse study published in Science shows that stimulating a specific set of brain cells activated by a psychedelic drug can reduce anxiety without triggering hallucination-like behavior, pointing to new possibilities for targeted mental health treatments.
New study sheds light on which post-psychedelic difficulties last longest and what helps people cope
While many praise psychedelics for their therapeutic power, new research reveals that some users face long-lasting psychological challenges. This study explores the most common difficulties and the coping strategies people turn to for support and recovery.
Young adults who drink heavily report more romantic highs and lows
A new study of heavy-drinking young adults found that drinking more on a given day was linked to both regretted and positive romantic or sexual experiences. For women, using cannabis alongside alcohol appeared to reduce the likelihood of regret.
Amphetamine scrambles the brain’s sense of time by degrading prefrontal neuron coordination
Researchers have found that amphetamine alters how the brain processes time, increasing variability in the activity of neurons that encode temporal information. The study provides insight into how the drug affects executive function and decision-making at the neural level.
Inhaled DMT produces rapid and lasting antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression
Vaporized DMT produced fast and lasting improvements in depression symptoms and suicidal ideation, according to a new phase 2a trial, highlighting its potential as a scalable, non-invasive alternative to conventional and long-acting psychedelic treatments for severe depression.
Single dose of 5-MeO-DMT alters gene expression in brain and reduces anxiety-like behavior in stressed mice
New findings reveal that 5-MeO-DMT, a fast-acting psychedelic, can change brain gene activity and reduce anxiety-related behavior in stressed mice, offering promising insights into its lasting effects and potential use in treating anxiety disorders.
New research points to gut serotonin as a potential way to treat depression and anxiety
New research reveals that serotonin in the gut lining can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in mice—without the side effects of traditional antidepressants—and may offer a safer alternative for treating mood disorders during pregnancy.
Ketamine’s antidepressant effects appear unrelated to stress hormones, study finds
New research suggests that hormones linked to the body’s stress response do not influence how people with treatment-resistant depression respond to ketamine. However, lower hormone levels were associated with longer depressive episodes, pointing to possible biomarkers for depression duration.
Psychedelic experiences linked to long-term improvements in psychological flexibility, study finds
French researchers surveyed hundreds of psychedelic users and found that mystical experiences predicted lasting improvements in psychological flexibility. These findings shed light on how psychedelics might promote emotional resilience by disrupting rigid thinking patterns and encouraging openness to experience.
Scientists reveal how DMT alters brain activity and consciousness by lowering control energy
A new study used fMRI and EEG to show that DMT reduces the energy needed for the brain to shift between activity states. These changes tracked with increased signal complexity and were strongest in regions rich in serotonin 2a receptors.
