- Psychedelic Journal Watch
- Posts
- Psychedelic Journal Watch
Psychedelic Journal Watch
Keeping health professionals abreast of the latest research in psychedelic medicine
I. The Role of Mystical Experience in Treatment of PTSD
Mystical experiences with ibogaine are associated with improvement in PTSD symptoms, according to the Journal of Affective Disorders.
In this secondary analysis of an open-label prospective study, 30 male combat veterans were given magnesium-ibogaine, mystical experiences were measured using the MEQ30 scale, brain states were measured using EEG, and PTSD severity was assessed before and 1-month after magnesium-ibogaine treatment.
Greater intensity of mystical experience during ibogaine treatment was associated with larger reduction in PTSD symptoms.
According to the authors, “these findings suggest that mystical experiences may contribute to improvements in PTSD following magnesium-ibogaine. Greater mystical experiences during ibogaine treatment may also be related to persisting decreases in peak alpha frequency.”
II. Healthy Behavioral Changes after Psychedelic Use
Psychedelic treatment may be associated with an increase in contemplative practices and time spent in nature and improved diet and nutrition, according to Scientific Reports.
In this retrospective, survey-based study involving 96 psychedelic practitioners, practitioners were asked about changes in their clients’ behavior after psychedelic therapy.
The practitioners perceived that 61% of their clients demonstrated an increase in contemplative practices, 60% showed an increase in the amount of time spent in nature, and 56% showed an improvement in diet and nutrition.
According to the authors, “future research is needed to validate these findings, explore the extent and mechanisms of potential changes, and assess whether such effects are sustained over the long-term. Understanding these effects may help inform future behavior change interventions and public health policy.”
III. Psilocybin for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in Mice
Psilocybin reduces opioid seeking behavior and withdrawal symptoms in male mice but not females, according to Nature Communications.
In this mouse study, male and female mice with opioid conditioned behaviors were given psilocybin treatment. Behavioral changes and opioid withdrawal symptoms were assessed, and sex-specific differences were assessed.
A single dose of psilocybin reduces opioid induced behavior and withdrawal symptoms in males but not females, and this effect is mediated by 5-HT2A (Serotonin 2A) Receptor activation in the frontal cortex.
According to the authors, “these results provide new insights into the neural … mechanisms of psychedelic-induced plasticity in OUD, while also highlighting sex differences in [psilocybin’s] modulation of reward pathways and its therapeutic potential.”
The Eleusinian Mysteries of Ancient Greece may have involved psychedelics in the form of a drink that contained ergot, a precursor of LSD.
If you enjoy our newsletter, please forward it to your friends!
This newsletter is curated and published by:
Haven’t subscribed yet? Subscribe now!
Reply