Psychopharmacology

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.

In a pilot study, physicians and nurses who took part in mindfulness training combined with psilocybin therapy experienced greater reductions in depression symptoms than those who practiced mindfulness alone, offering preliminary evidence for a new approach to burnout treatment.

A promising new treatment for chronic low back pain has emerged from a large clinical trial. Published in Nature Medicine, the study found a cannabis extract provided significant pain relief while showing no signs of causing dependence, addiction, or withdrawal...

A new study suggests that semaglutide, a drug best known as Ozempic, may reduce cocaine use, motivation, and relapse in rats. These findings point to a possible role for GLP-1-based drugs in treating cocaine addiction.

A new study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology questions whether psychedelics reliably enhance creative thinking, finding that the effects of an ayahuasca-inspired formulation may actually impair some aspects of creativity while modifying others.

A new study suggests cannabis use may offer same-day reductions in PTSD symptoms and negative affect among veterans. However, the effects appear short-lived, raising questions about long-term reliance on cannabis for managing trauma-related symptoms.

A new study suggests that cannabidiol may not ease fear or panic when tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Canadian researchers found that even high doses of cannabidiol did not reduce fear responses triggered by carbon dioxide inhalation in healthy adults.

Findings from the largest study of its kind suggest that alcohol consumption—regardless of amount—may increase the risk of dementia. Genetic data challenge the idea that moderate drinking offers any protective effect on brain health.

How does caffeine influence human behavior when tasks seem impossible? A new study suggests it may help people persist during stressful situations. The research bridges animal models of coping with human motivation and performance.