Psychedelic Drugs

Psilocybin could help patients with chronic cluster headaches sleep better, according to a recent study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Researchers also noted subtle shifts in brain microstructure that tend to accompany these improvements in rest.

A new analysis of combined brain imaging data from 273 people reveals how classic psychedelics flatten the brain’s strict processing hierarchy, increasing communication between sensory systems and the cognitive regions responsible for abstract thought.

People who regularly use psychedelic drugs outside of clinical settings process threatening facial expressions more efficiently than nonusers, according to recent brain imaging research. The scans reveal distinct neural habits that might explain the enduring emotional benefits of these substances.

A recent study in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that a single dose of psilocybin, paired with psychological support, may rapidly and safely reduce chronic suicidal thoughts in adults with severe, treatment-resistant depression.

Adults with a history of childhood trauma who use psychedelics at raves or ceremonies may experience mental health improvements. New research suggests these communal settings are associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms and feelings of shame.

The largest study to date on hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder suggests the condition is closely tied to anxiety and functional somatic syndromes. Researchers hope these findings will pave the way for better, more targeted treatments.

A new study of drug-related fatalities suggests that having antidepressants actively circulating in the body is associated with a lower risk of death from MDMA, raising new questions for psychiatric researchers developing trauma therapies.

A new pilot study suggests that combining the psychedelic compound psilocybin with cognitive behavioral therapy is well-tolerated and highly effective at reducing symptoms of clinical depression. Researchers observed profound improvements in patients' moods and emotional regulation.

A major national survey reveals that 2.8% of Americans over the age of 12 used psilocybin in 2024. The study found strong links between magic mushroom use, cannabis consumption, and recent struggles with depression.

A new analysis of health records suggests a modest link between lifetime hallucinogen use and valvular heart disease. While the increased risk is small, the findings highlight the need for more research into the physical safety of psychedelics.

New research shows that psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, reduces chronic nerve pain in mice. It also significantly enhances the performance of common pain drugs, suggesting the psychedelic might fundamentally rewire how the brain processes pain.

A new meta-analysis found that MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms. However, researchers warn the evidence quality is "very low" due to flaws in how the clinical trials were conducted, including a failure to use proper placebos.

Despite popular beliefs linking psychedelic drugs to open-mindedness, new research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggests that substances like psilocybin and LSD do not reliably alter a person's authoritarian political views.

Taking psychedelics alongside a romantic partner is linked to a deeper mutual understanding and improved relationship satisfaction. Conversely, undertaking an intense psychedelic journey alone might leave couples out of sync and increase the likelihood of a breakup.