Psychopharmacology

Researchers examined 54 clinical trials to see if cannabis helps treat mental health or addiction issues. They found minimal proof of benefit, alongside a higher risk of mild side effects like dizziness and nausea.

Post-orgasmic illness syndrome is a rare condition that causes extreme exhaustion and muscle pain after ejaculation. A newly published case report suggests that altering brain chemistry with a standard antidepressant might provide a much-needed therapeutic option.

A non-intoxicating compound in cannabis could offer a breakthrough treatment for alcohol use disorder. New research shows CBD significantly reduces withdrawal symptoms, blocks cravings, and physically protects the brain from alcohol-induced cell death.

Published in Scientific Reports, new research provides evidence that minor compounds in psychedelic mushrooms work alongside psilocybin to interact with brain receptors. This chemical teamwork explains why whole mushroom extracts often affect people differently than isolated, lab-made psilocybin.

New research shows the herbal supplement Ashwagandha can ease depressive symptoms in adolescent rats exposed to chronic stress. The herb protected brain cells from damage and prevented stress-induced weight loss better than a standard antidepressant drug.

A person's basic personality traits might help predict if they will start drinking again after alcohol withdrawal. A new study shows that people with a strong desire for new experiences are more likely to relapse within three months.

A new analysis of hundreds of thousands of adults reveals that drinking moderate amounts of coffee is linked to a lower risk of developing anxiety and depression, though excessive consumption may reverse those benefits.

Archival records reveal that the 1971 global ban on psychedelics was fueled by Cold War politics and media sensationalism, not medical science. This historical analysis suggests international drug laws should be updated to reflect actual scientific evidence.

A recent study in Translational Psychiatry shows that one dose of DMT reversed loss of pleasure and cognitive deficits in stressed mice. The psychedelic promoted new brain cell growth, highlighting its potential as a rapid-acting antidepressant.

A new four-year study brings reassuring news to parents: taking stimulant medications like Ritalin during childhood does not permanently alter brain development, suggesting that initial adaptations to the drug are only temporary.

Many people use cannabis to help cut back on drinking. However, a new study reveals that smoking THC only reduces alcohol cravings for individuals with average or high working memory, leaving those with poorer cognitive control without this benefit.

Exploring the overlooked aspects of substance-related sexuality, a new analysis of young adults demonstrates how cannabis serves to heighten physical pleasure and intimacy.

Physical exertion combined with deep concentration can severely slow down human reaction times. A recent trial reveals that taking a dietary supplement derived from cocoa plants helps active individuals retain their mental sharpness during taxing workouts.

A new study in Communications Biology provides evidence that a psychedelic drug induces a hybrid sleep-wake state in active mice. This unusual brain activity suggests a potential mechanism for how psychedelics might help remodel neural connections.

A new mouse study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology provides evidence that psilocybin selectively enhances the brain's ability to rewire itself. The research suggests that optimizing specific doses could help tailor treatments for different psychiatric symptoms.