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.
Alcohol use has particularly negative impact on individuals with ADHD
A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research finds that alcohol harms quality of life more severely in individuals with ADHD. Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity appear to intensify the negative effects of alcohol in this vulnerable group.
Psychedelics linked to religious disaffiliation—but not spiritual change—in large-scale study
Psychedelics are often described as spiritual tools—but do they change people’s religious beliefs? A large new study found that while psychedelic use was associated with religious disaffiliation, it did not cause lasting changes in religiosity or spirituality over time.
New research links antidepressant effects of escitalopram to endocannabinoid system changes
In a rodent model of childhood adversity, escitalopram treatment during adolescence reduced signs of emotional distress. The study also found gene-level changes in the endocannabinoid system, pointing to a possible biological mechanism for the drug’s effectiveness.
A single dose of psilocybin might help reduce symptoms in treatment-resistant depression
A new open-label study suggests that a single dose of psilocybin, combined with psychological support, may reduce symptoms in people with severe treatment-resistant depression. Improvements were sustained for up to 12 weeks, although effects were weaker in those with PTSD.
Cannabidiol boosts social learning by enhancing brain acetylcholine signaling, study finds
Cannabidiol appears to improve social memory in mice, according to new research in Psychopharmacology. The study shows that CBD enhances the ability to remember food-related information from peers by increasing acetylcholine activity in the basal forebrain.
Common antidepressant may increase pain sensitivity later in life if taken during adolescence
A new animal study shows that adolescent use of fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, may have long-lasting effects on how the brain processes pain. Female mice exposed to the drug displayed increased sensitivity to heat stimuli as adults.
Psilocybin use has surged in the United States since 2019
Psilocybin use has surged across the U.S. in recent years, with the biggest increases seen among adults with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Little-known psychedelic drug shows promise in treating low motivation in depression
Researchers investigating the psychedelic drug DOPR discovered that very low doses can enhance motivation in low-performing mice—without triggering behaviors linked to hallucinations. The findings point to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics at doses too low to alter perception.
Researchers uncover causal evidence that cannabis legalization reduces problematic consumption
Researchers in Switzerland have completed the first randomized trial comparing legal and illegal cannabis use. The study suggests that public health-oriented cannabis access may help reduce misuse, particularly among people with more complex patterns of drug use.
