Psychedelic Drugs

A new study finds that individuals with treatment-resistant depression experienced similar improvements from psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy whether or not they had recently discontinued antidepressant medications.

A new study suggests that vivid encounters with perceived entities during ayahuasca experiences are associated with reduced atheism and increased spirituality, particularly among men. Before the experience, men were less religious—but gender differences disappeared afterward.

A new study of Nova festival massacre survivors suggests that taking classic psychedelics before the attack was linked to lower anxiety and trauma symptoms weeks later, offering rare insights into how psychedelics may influence trauma memory formation in real-world settings.

A detailed case report describes how a 21-year-old man died from self-inflicted ocular trauma during a bad psilocybin trip. The tragic event illustrates how rare but extreme reactions to psychedelics can lead to fatal outcomes.

A recent study found that a single moderate dose of psilocybin produced lasting antidepressant-like effects in rats, while higher doses led to unwanted side effects. The findings highlight the importance of optimal dosing.

A new study using brain scans found that psilocybin and escitalopram reduce depression symptoms through different neural mechanisms. While escitalopram dampened emotional brain activity, psilocybin preserved or slightly increased it, suggesting distinct pathways to recovery.

A mouse study published in Science shows that stimulating a specific set of brain cells activated by a psychedelic drug can reduce anxiety without triggering hallucination-like behavior, pointing to new possibilities for targeted mental health treatments.

While many praise psychedelics for their therapeutic power, new research reveals that some users face long-lasting psychological challenges. This study explores the most common difficulties and the coping strategies people turn to for support and recovery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Psilocybin use has surged across the U.S. in recent years, with the biggest increases seen among adults with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.