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Academic JournalOpen Access

Brain and Behavior

2 Papers Indexed in Blossom

Published Papers

Open Accessindividual

Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Psychedelics Administered to Military Veterans in Naturalistic Retreat Settings

Veterans attending naturalistic psilocybin or ayahuasca retreats showed significant improvements across eight mental‑health and reintegration measures, with the largest reductions in depression (PHQ‑9, 29.1%) and PTSD (PCL‑5, 26.1%). Psilocybin retreats produced greater gains on most outcomes while ayahuasca yielded slightly larger PTSD improvement; those with worse baseline symptoms benefited most, with some gender-specific differences.

Published
Journal
Brain and Behavior
Authors
Calnan, M., Blest-Hopley, G., Busch, C., Adams, M., Ruffell, S. G. D., Piper, T., Roseman, L., Kettner, H., Carhart-Harris, R.
Open Accessindividual

Participant experiences of therapeutic touch in psilocybin-assisted therapy

In a longitudinal qualitative study of 18 participants in a psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for generalized anxiety disorder, most participants valued therapeutic touch—particularly after first-hand experience during dosing sessions—reporting it fostered connection, helped manage acute psychedelic intensity and was sometimes experienced as directly therapeutic. Responses were diverse, however, and participants emphasised the need for a strong therapeutic relationship, individualised use within comprehensive consent, and further research on safety and therapist training.

Published
Journal
Brain and Behavior
Authors
Ham, R., Gardner, J., Carter, A., Liknaitzky, P.

Quick Facts

Papers Indexed
2
h-Index
69
Open Access
Yes
Publisher
Wiley
Country
United States
Website
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