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Stay up to date with the latest research papers, clinical trials, blog posts, and site updates.
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Stay up to date with the latest research papers, clinical trials, blog posts, and site updates.
This exploratory observational study (n=14) examines the phenomenological and neuronal effects of 5-MeO-DMT through micro-phenomenological interviews, psychometric questionnaires, and EEG recordings in naturalistic ceremonial settings. The findings reveal that 5-MeO-DMT induces variable experiences of visual imagery, bodily and narrative self-disruption, and reduced phenomenal distinctions, with EEG showing alpha and beta power reductions suggesting inhibited top-down processing.
An exploratory randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial of a patient‑informed low‑dose psilocybin pulse regimen for cluster headache found no statistically significant reduction in attack frequency overall, although a moderate overall effect size (d = 0.69) and a large, sustained effect in chronic patients (d = 1.25) were observed. Psilocybin was well tolerated, therapeutic effects did not correlate with acute psychotropic intensity, and the authors conclude larger definitive trials are warranted.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study (n=10) finds that a medium dose of psilocybin (10mg/70kg) significantly reduced migraines (headaches) in the two weeks after dosing.
This survey (n=68) of researchers and clinicians involved in MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) examines opinions on clinical practices, training, and regulation. The study finds broad support for training standardization and highlights challenges in the national (European) approval process. Experts emphasize the importance of science-informed policy, active regulatory involvement, and international cooperation to integrate MDMA-AT into the European mental healthcare system, particularly for treating PTSD.
Experts concluded that blanket exclusion of people with psychotic symptoms from psychedelic trials is not universally justified and that highly supportive psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may benefit some individuals. Treatment outcomes are likely to depend on factors such as symptom type, illness duration and severity, quality of the therapeutic alliance, trauma history and level of social support.
This expert consultation study (n=12) investigated the exclusion of individuals with personal or familial histories of psychopathological experiences from most psychedelic clinical trials and treatment programs. Experts in psychiatry, clinical psychology, medicine, and psychedelics were interviewed, and the findings revealed that exclusion criteria may be justified in studies with minimal psychological support. They agreed that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, as well as therapy with MDMA and ketamine, might be beneficial for some individuals within this group.
In a retrospective online survey of 100 people with psychotic symptoms or disorders, most reported that a memorable psychedelic experience produced personal growth, mystical-type experiences, increased spirituality and insight, and some symptomatic improvement. However, 11% reported overall negative experiences (including symptom exacerbation, dysphoria and terror) and a slightly larger portion reported mixed outcomes.
Using anonymous online semi‑structured interviews with 13 participants and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, this study found that users approached microdosing methodically as a self-directed attempt to support mental health and wellbeing and reported perceived cognitive, physical and social benefits, describing microdosing as a catalyst for positive change. The paper adds qualitative, experiential insight into the rationale and meaning of the microdosing phenomenon to inform future research on psychedelics and mental health.
This qualitative study (n=25) examined retrospectively reported experiences of western ayahuasca use and identified common structures of their reports, which entailed transcendent experiences that facilitated shifts in worldview and a new orientation to their life.
This randomised controlled trial (n=116) investigated the psychological mechanisms of ketamine's antidepressant effects. Participants receiving ketamine reported significantly heightened feelings of awe compared to those receiving a placebo. Awe experiences, as measured by the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-S), mediated depression outcomes (% improvement in MADRS scores) at multiple time points (24 hours and 5, 12, 21, and 30 days) post-infusion, indicating a potential role of awe in ketamine's therapeutic efficacy for depression.
This survey study (n=93) investigated the subjective harms and benefits of eleven drugs as reported by experienced drug users. Alcohol and tobacco were ranked as the most harmful, MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin as some of the least harmful drugs.
In a sample of 314 adults, ceremonial ayahuasca use was associated with modest self-reported reductions in some narcissistic antagonism facets (lower entitlement-exploitativeness, higher leadership authority, reduced NPD proxy) lasting up to three months. Effects were small, mixed across measures and not corroborated by informants, indicating no meaningful change and highlighting the need for further targeted research, especially in high-antagonism samples with antagonism-focused therapy.