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Frontiers in Psychology

35 Papers Indexed in Blossom

Published Papers

Open Accessmeta

Enhanced meaning in life following psychedelic use: converging evidence from controlled and naturalistic studies

Across a randomised clinical trial, a controlled psilocybin study and a naturalistic retreat cohort, psychedelic use produced robust, long‑lasting increases in the presence of meaning in life with only small reductions in the search for meaning. These increases correlated moderately with improved mental wellbeing and reduced depression and were associated with mystical, ego‑dissolution and emotional‑breakthrough experiences, with context‑dependent effect sizes.

Published
Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Authors
Roseby, W., Kettner, H., Roseman, L., Spriggs, M. J., Lyons, T., Peill, J. M., Giribaldi, B., Erritzoe, D., Nutt, D. J., Carhart-Harris, R. L.
Open Accessindividual

Evaluation of the peak experience scale as a rapid assessment tool for the strength of a psychoactive experience with 5-MeO-DMT

The three-item Peak Experience Scale (PES) reliably and rapidly measures the strength of 5‑MeO‑DMT experiences, showing dose-related increases, a single PCA component explaining 83.5% of variance, high internal consistency (α = 0.896) and strong correlations with established measures (MEQ-30, EDI, 5D-ASC) but not the CEQ. The authors conclude the PES could be used to gain fast insight into psychedelic intensity in individual patients and to guide dose and re-dose decisions for rapid-acting psychedelics.

Published
Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Authors
Reckweg, J. T., Mason, N. L., Theunissen, E. L., Svendsen, C. B., Terwey, T. H., Ramaekers, J. G.
Open Accessmeta

The conceptual framework for the therapeutic approach used in phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD

This paper articulates the conceptual framework behind the inner‑directed, relational and trauma‑informed psychotherapeutic approach used in Phase 3 MDMA‑assisted therapy trials for PTSD, centring the participant’s "inner healing intelligence", a non‑pathologising stance, therapist attunement, and integration of top‑down and bottom‑up processes. It notes that MDMA plus therapy outperformed placebo plus therapy on symptom reduction, while substantial improvement in control groups underscores the psychotherapy model’s independent efficacy and the need to identify which elements drive clinical benefit.

Published
Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Authors
O'Donnell, K., Okano, L., Alpert, M., Nicholas, C. R., Thomas, C., Poulter, B., Mithoefer, A. T., Mithoefer, M. C., Ot’alora G, M.
Open Accessindividual

Coming back together: A qualitative survey study of coping and support strategies used by people to cope with extended difficulties after the use of psychedelic drugs

This international qualitative study of 608 people who experienced extended difficulties after psychedelic use identified a range of individual (notably meditation, prayer, reading and journaling) and social (friends/family, therapists/coaches) coping strategies reported as helpful, with valued social features including feeling heard, non‑judgemental attitudes and shared experience. The findings offer practical guidance for developing therapeutic interventions and educational resources to support those with post‑psychedelic difficulties.

Published
Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Authors
Robinson, O., Evans, J., Luke, D., McAlpine, R., Sahely, A., Fisher, A., Sundeman, S., Ketzitzidou-Argyri, E., Murphy-Beiner, A., Michelle, K., Prideaux, E.
Open Accessmeta

Naturalism and the hard problem of mysticism in psychedelic science

This philosophical article (2024) discusses the compatibility of mystical-type experiences induced by psychedelic substances with naturalism. The author suggests that while mystical insights may align with naturalism by considering the ultimate nature of reality as observation-independent, accessing the fundamental nature of all reality remains a challenging hard problem. Psychedelics are proposed to enhance awareness of consciousness and the limitations of our reality models, but it is unclear if they provide access to the fundamental nature of all reality. In conclusion, the author contends that mystical-type conceptions about reality may coexist with naturalism but are generally unverifiable, similar to many metaphysical theses.

Published
Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Authors
Jylkkä, J.
Open Accessmeta

Back from the rabbit hole. Theoretical considerations and practical guidelines on psychedelic integration for mental health specialists

In response to inadequate graduate training, this international, bottom-up project produced consensus-based guidelines to equip mental health specialists to support clients around psychedelic experiences. The guidelines define psychedelic integration and provide clinician-friendly information on psychedelic effects, a practical model for integration, theoretical considerations and a catalogue of psychotherapeutic interventions and existing integration models.

Published
Journal
Frontiers in Psychology
Authors
Greń, J., Tylš, F., Lasocik, M., Kiraly, C.

Quick Facts

Papers Indexed
35
h-Index
212
Open Access
Yes
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Country
Switzerland
Website
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