Psychedelic Drugs

A naturalistic study published in the journal Scientific Reports provides evidence that the ceremonial use of ayahuasca can lead to significant reductions in neuroticism, a personality trait associated with depression and anxiety.

A new study published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology sheds light on the mechanism connecting psychedelic use to improved mental health. The study found evidence of a pathway whereby the use of psychedelics increases spirituality, and in turn, leads to...

Many mental health professionals are concerned about the possible psychiatric and neurocognitive risks associated with using psychedelic treatment, but most also believe that the use of such substances can have psychological benefits, according to a new study that surveyed hundreds...

At least some of the mental health benefits tied to ayahuasca ceremonies can be elicited by placebo, according to findings published in the journal Psychopharmacology. The study found that ayahuasca users reported reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression following an ayahuasca ceremony,...

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy appears to increase both cognitive and neural flexibility in patients with major depressive disorder, according to new research published in Translational Psychiatry. But the findings suggest that psychedelic-induced increases in neural flexibility do not always result in cognitive...

A study recently published in Frontiers provides new insight into the psychology of raves. The findings suggests that awe-inspiring experiences fueled by psychoactive substances, vigorous dancing, intense rhythmic drums, and a lack of sleep are associated with personal transformation and social...

“Everything became imbued with a sense of vitality and life and vividness. If I picked up a pebble from the beach, it would move. It would glisten and gleam and sparkle and be absolutely captivating,” says neuroscientist Anil Seth. “Somebody...

Scientists have begun to examine whether the psychedelic drug psilocybin, the active component of "magic" mushrooms, can help people who feel insecure in their attachments to others. Their preliminary research, published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, suggests that psilocybin-assisted...

Analysis of data from an open-label study on psilocybin for smoking cessation found a slight benefit of using overtone-based music compared to Western classical music. This research was published in the journal ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science. Psychedelic therapy has...

People who have tried a psychedelic drug at least once in their lifetime have lower odds of heart disease and diabetes, according to new research published in Scientific Reports. The new findings highlight the need for further research to investigate...

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy might help improve sleep in patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a secondary analysis of data collected from randomized, double-blind Phase 2 trials. The new findings appear in the Journal of Traumatic Stress. "People with PTSD...

The use of psychedelic drugs is associated with lower levels of complex posttraumatic stress symptoms and internalized shame in adults who suffered maltreatment in childhood, according to new research published in the journal Chronic Stress. "There's an abundance of clinical...

A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry lends support for a relationship-based approach to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers tested the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy, a couples therapy tailored to patients with PTSD and...

The psychedelic brew known as ayahuasca could help improve the self-perception of those with social anxiety disorder, according to a controlled proof-of-concept study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. Ayahuasca, a concoction used for centuries by indigenous Amazon...

People who use mental health services in Ireland generally have a favorable view of psychedelic research, according to a new study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science. A little over half of those surveyed said they would be...