Psychopharmacology

Could your daily coffee offset the cognitive effects of a high-fat, high-sugar diet? New research explores the relationship between diet, caffeine, and memory, with results that may surprise regular coffee drinkers.

How does cannabis use during pregnancy affect the developing brain? A new study in rats explored the role of a key nutrient in brain development, finding that dietary changes could influence some, but not all, of the outcomes associated with...

A clinical trial found that for hospitalized patients with severe depression, adding repeated ketamine infusions to standard care showed no significant benefit over a psychoactive placebo, suggesting the drug's antidepressant effects may be smaller than previously thought.

A treatment for depression involving just two doses of psilocybin may have effects that last for years. A new follow-up study found that two-thirds of participants were still in remission five years after their therapy, pointing to its potential durability.

Scientists may have found a reason why cannabis users who also smoke tobacco report worse mental health. A new study reveals that co-use is associated with elevated levels of a specific brain enzyme involved in mood regulation.

A new meta-analysis suggests LSD has a small but significant positive effect on substance use disorders. The review found inconclusive evidence for its use in treating anxiety or depression, highlighting a split in its therapeutic potential.

A new study suggests that combining L-theanine and caffeine can help improve attention and reaction time in sleep-deprived adults. Participants were more accurate and quicker to respond during a traffic-related task after taking the supplement compared to a placebo.

A study of adolescent twins links occasional cannabis use with increased psychotic-like experiences. The findings suggest the relationship is shaped by individual environments rather than shared genetics or specific brain connectivity patterns.

People who reported meaningful psychedelic experiences later showed reduced cannabis use and increased psychological flexibility. These findings suggest psychedelics might influence substance use behaviors in lasting ways, particularly when the experience is intense or transformative.

People who regularly use ayahuasca in ceremonial settings may develop more resilient psychological traits and altered emotional brain activity, according to new research exploring how long-term use of this psychedelic affects the mind and brain.

A large study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds that lower IQ scores at age 18 are linked to increased risk of alcohol use disorder. Genetic factors and societal conditions both appear to influence how this risk develops over time.

Inhaled CBD reduced inflammation and improved cognition in mice with Alzheimer’s, according to a study in eNeuro, pointing to a promising immune-based approach for treating the disease beyond traditional amyloid-focused therapies.

Researchers have found that a moderate dose of THC lowers connectivity between key brain networks in young adults. These changes, seen on brain scans, could help explain how cannabis use affects mood, attention, and perception during intoxication.

Psilocybin therapy may reduce suicidal thoughts in people with mental health diagnoses, according to a new review in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. The analysis combined results from clinical trials and found a modest but significant reduction in suicidal ideation.

A new study in Psychopharmacology reveals a powerful performance-enhancing combination for combat athletes. Researchers found that pairing a low dose of caffeine with preferred warm-up music boosted the attack frequency and efficiency of elite male taekwondo athletes.