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Yao Y, Guo D, Lu TS, Liu FL, Huang SH, Diao MQ, Li SX, Zhang XJ, Kosten TR, Shi J, Bao YP, Lu L, Han Y. Efficacy and safety of psychedelics for the treatment of mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2024; 335:115886. [PMID: 38574699 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
We aim to systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness and safety of psychedelics [psilocybin, ayahuasca (active component DMT), LSD and MDMA] in treating symptoms of various mental disorders. Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and PubMed were searched up to February 2024 and 126 articles were finally included. Results showed that psilocybin has the largest number of articles on treating mood disorders (N = 28), followed by ayahuasca (N = 7) and LSD (N = 6). Overall, psychedelics have therapeutic effects on mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Specifically, psilocybin (Hedges' g = -1.49, 95% CI [-1.67, -1.30]) showed the strongest therapeutic effect among four psychedelics, followed by ayahuasca (Hedges' g = -1.34, 95% CI [-1.86, -0.82]), MDMA (Hedges' g = -0.83, 95% CI [-1.33, -0.32]), and LSD (Hedges' g = -0.65, 95% CI [-1.03, -0.27]). A small amount of evidence also supports psychedelics improving tobacco addiction, eating disorders, sleep disorders, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder. The most common adverse event with psychedelics was headache. Nearly a third of the articles reported that no participants reported lasting adverse effects. Our analyses suggest that psychedelics reduce negative mood, and have potential efficacy in other mental disorders, such as substance-use disorders and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yao
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Dan Guo
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tang-Sheng Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fang-Lin Liu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shi-Hao Huang
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng-Qi Diao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Su-Xia Li
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhang
- School of Psychology, College of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei Province, China
| | - Thomas R Kosten
- Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan-Ping Bao
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Lin Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Cognitive Disorder, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2018RU006).
| | - Ying Han
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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Avram M, Herwig U, Borgwardt S, Majić T. [Towards a Better understanding of Persisting Perceptual Disturbances following the use of Classic Psychedelics.]. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr 2024; 92:118-120. [PMID: 38636490 DOI: 10.1055/a-2264-6472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Klassische Psychedelika wie Psilocybin, Lysergsäurediethylamid (LSD), Ayahuasca oder
5-Methoxy-Dimethyltryptamin (5-MeO-DMT) stehen wieder vermehrt im Fokus des
psychiatrisch-psychotherapeutischen und neurowissenschaftlichen Interesses. Dies ist
vor allem auf aktuelle klinische Studien zurückzuführen, die einen möglichen
therapeutischen Nutzen von Psychedelika in der Behandlung verschiedener psychischer
Störungen nahelegen, wie bei therapieresistenten Depressionen,
Abhängigkeitserkrankungen, Angststörungen und existentiellen Ängsten bei
lebensbedrohlichen körperlichen Erkrankungen 1
2
3
4. Trotz der beobachteten
vielversprechenden Effekte ist es wichtig zu betonen, dass Psychedelika auch
potenzielle Risiken bergen, die sie von vielen anderen psychoaktiven Substanzen
unterscheiden. Diese liegen in der besonderen Phänomenologie der Wirkungen dieser
Substanzen auf das zentrale Nervensystem und die menschliche Psyche begründet, in
der zeitlichen Dynamik ihrer psychologischen Effekte, und in ihrem biologischen
Wirkprofil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Avram
- Translational Psychiatry, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck
| | - Uwe Herwig
- Zentrum für Psychiatrie Reichenau, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus Universität Konstanz, Reichenau
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Translational Psychiatry, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck
| | - Tomislav Majić
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig Krankenhaus, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin
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Holze F, Singh N, Liechti ME, D'Souza DC. Serotonergic Psychedelics: A Comparative Review of Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Binding Profile. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging 2024:S2451-9022(24)00020-X. [PMID: 38301886 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), DMT (N,N -dimethyltryptamine), and 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), all of which are serotonin 2A receptor agonists, are being investigated as potential treatments. This review aims to summarize the current clinical research on these 4 compounds and mescaline to guide future research. Their mechanism(s) of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety were reviewed. While evidence for therapeutic indications, with the exception of psilocybin for depression, is still relatively scarce, we noted no differences in psychedelic effects beyond effect duration. Therefore, it remains unclear whether different receptor profiles contribute to the therapeutic potential of these compounds. More research is needed to differentiate these compounds in order to inform which compounds might be best for different therapeutic uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Holze
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Nirmal Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Deepak Cyril D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut.
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Walsh CA, Gorfinkel L, Shmulewitz D, Stohl M, Hasin DS. Use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide by Major Depression Status. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:89-96. [PMID: 37819655 PMCID: PMC10568444 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.3867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Importance Renewed interest in the clinical potential of hallucinogens may lead people with depression to a generally more positive view of the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Therefore, past-year LSD use among people with depression may be increasing in prevalence. Objective To assess time trends in the prevalence of past-year nonmedical LSD use by past-year major depression status and the variation in this association by sociodemographic characteristics. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study used pooled publicly available data from 478 492 adults aged 18 years or older who were administered the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2008 through 2019. Statistical analysis was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023. Main Outcome and Measures Past-year major depression diagnoses per criteria from the DSM-IV were analyzed. Logistic regression models examined whether time trends in past-year nonmedical LSD use differed between adults with vs without past-year depression, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Secondary analyses examined whether the trends in LSD use by depression status differed between sociodemographic subgroups. Results The analytic sample included 478 492 adults, of whom 51.8% were female, 56.1% were younger than 50 years, 11.7% were Black, 15.1% were Hispanic, 65.8% were White, and 7.5% were another race. Weighted interview response rates ranged from 64.9% to 75.6% during the study time frame. From 2008 to 2019, past-year use of LSD increased significantly more among adults with major depression (2008 prevalence, 0.5%; 2019 prevalence, 1.8%; prevalence difference [PD], 1.3% [95% CI, 1.0%-1.6%]) compared with adults without major depression (2008 prevalence, 0.2%; 2019 prevalence, 0.8%; PD, 0.6% [95% CI, 0.5%-0.7%]) (difference in difference, 0.8% [95% CI, 0.5%-1.1%]). This difference was particularly pronounced among young adults aged 34 years or younger (PD among those aged 18-25 years with depression, 3.3% [95% CI, 2.5%-4.2%]; PD among those aged 26-34 years with depression, 2.7% [95% CI, 1.6%-3.8%]) and individuals with incomes less than $75 000 per year (PD among those with income <$20 000, 1.9% [95% CI, 1.3%-2.6%]; PD among those with income $20 000-$49 999, 1.5% [95% CI, 1.0%-2.1%]; PD among those with income $50 000-$74 999, 1.3% [95% CI, 0.7%-2.0%]). Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that, from 2008 to 2019, there was a disproportionate increase in the prevalence of past-year LSD use among US adults with past-year depression. Among those with depression, this increase was particularly strong among younger adults and those with lower household incomes. Among individuals with depression who also report LSD use, clinicians should discuss potential strategies for mitigating harm and maximizing benefits in medically unsupervised settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A. Walsh
- Department of Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Lauren Gorfinkel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- Department of Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Malki Stohl
- Department of Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Deborah S. Hasin
- Department of Translational Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
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5
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Simonsson O, Hendricks PS, Stenfors CUD, Goldberg SB, Honk L, Osika W. Longitudinal associations between psychedelic use and unusual visual experiences in the United States and the United Kingdom. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:110-115. [PMID: 38140891 PMCID: PMC10851627 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231218931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas findings from case reports and cross-sectional studies suggest that naturalistic psychedelic use may be associated with unusual visual experiences that occur after the acute pharmacological effects have subsided, such findings need to be replicated in longitudinal studies to better understand potential cause-and-effect relationships. AIMS To investigate longitudinal associations between naturalistic psychedelic use and unusual visual experiences. METHODS Using a longitudinal observational research design with samples representative of the US and UK adult populations with regard to sex, age, and ethnicity (N = 9732), we investigated the relationship between psychedelic use during the 2-month study period and changes in past-week unusual visual experiences. RESULTS The follow-up survey was completed by 79% of respondents (n = 7667), with 100 respondents reporting psychedelic use during the 2-month study period (1.3% of those who responded at follow-up). In covariate-adjusted regression models, the results showed that, as hypothesized, psychedelic use during the 2-month study period was associated with greater increases in unusual visual experiences. Notably, there was an interaction between lifetime psychedelic use and psychedelic use during the study period on unusual visual experiences such that those who used psychedelics for the first time reported greater increases in unusual visual experiences. CONCLUSIONS Psychedelic use may elicit unusual visual experiences that occur after the acute pharmacological effects have subsided, especially among those who have not used psychedelics previously. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to further elucidate these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Simonsson
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Simon B Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ludwig Honk
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Walter Osika
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Madrid-Gambin F, Fabregat-Safont D, Gomez-Gomez A, Olesti E, Mason NL, Ramaekers JG, Pozo OJ. Present and future of metabolic and metabolomics studies focused on classical psychedelics in humans. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115775. [PMID: 37944438 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics are classical hallucinogen drugs that induce a marked altered state of consciousness. In recent years, there has been renewed attention to the possible use of classical psychedelics for the treatment of certain mental health disorders. However, further investigation to better understand their biological effects in humans, their mechanism of action, and their metabolism in humans is needed when considering the development of future novel therapeutic approaches. Both metabolic and metabolomics studies may help for these purposes. On one hand, metabolic studies aim to determine the main metabolites of the drug. On the other hand, the application of metabolomics in human psychedelics studies can help to further understand the biological processes underlying the psychedelic state and the mechanisms of action underlying their therapeutic potential. This review presents the state of the art of metabolic and metabolomic studies after lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and β-carboline alkaloids (ayahuasca brew), 5-methoxy-DMT and psilocybin administrations in humans. We first describe the characteristics of the published research. Afterward, we reviewed the main results obtained by both metabolic and metabolomics (if available) studies in classical psychedelics and we found out that metabolic and metabolomics studies in psychedelics progress at two different speeds. Thus, whereas the main metabolites for classical psychedelics have been robustly established, the main metabolic alterations induced by psychedelics need to be explored. The integration of metabolomics and pharmacokinetics for investigating the molecular interaction between psychedelics and multiple targets may open new avenues in understanding the therapeutic role of psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Madrid-Gambin
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Fabregat-Safont
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, Research Institute for Pesticides and Water, University Jaume I, 12071 Castelló, Spain
| | - Alex Gomez-Gomez
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; CERBA Internacional, Chromatography Department, 08203 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Eulàlia Olesti
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Area Medicament, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natasha L Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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Rhee TG, Davoudian PA, Sanacora G, Wilkinson ST. Psychedelic renaissance: Revitalized potential therapies for psychiatric disorders. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103818. [PMID: 37925136 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent the largest cause of disability worldwide. Global interests in psychedelic substances as potentially therapeutic agents for psychiatric disorders has recently re-emerged. Here, we review progress in the development of psychedelic compounds that have potential therapeutic effects as well as the safety concerns. We include psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and the entactogen 3,4-methyl-enedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). We also review the potential interactive effects these compounds can have with psychotherapeutic approaches. We provide a cutting-edge review of active and recently completed clinical trials based on the published literature (from MEDLINE), published abstracts at citable conferences, clinical trials from the US Clinical Trials registry (clinicaltrials.gov) and media press releases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeho Greg Rhee
- Yale Depression Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Pasha A Davoudian
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Yale Depression Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Samuel T Wilkinson
- Yale Depression Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Iorgu AM, Vasilescu AN, Pfeiffer N, Spanagel R, Mallien AS, Inta D, Gass P. Psilocybin does not induce the vulnerability marker HSP70 in neurons susceptible to Olney's lesions. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01699-3. [PMID: 37934233 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
S-ketamine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, and psilocybin, a 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (serotonin) 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist, are reported as effective rapid-acting antidepressants. Both compounds increase glutamate signalling and evoke cortical hyperexcitation. S-ketamine induces neurotoxicity especially in the retrosplenial cortex (Olney's lesions). Whether psilocybin produces similar neurotoxic effects has so far not been investigated. We performed an immunohistochemical whole-brain mapping for heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in rats treated with psilocybin, S-ketamine, and MK-801. In contrast to S-ketamine- and MK-801-treated animals, we did not detect any HSP70-positive neurons in retrosplenial cortex of rats treated with psilocybin. Our results suggest that psilocybin might be safer for clinical use compared to S-ketamine regarding neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Iorgu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Research Group Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Andrei-Nicolae Vasilescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Research Group Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Natascha Pfeiffer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Research Group Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Stephanie Mallien
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Research Group Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dragos Inta
- Department for Community Health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Research Group Animal Models in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
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Banushi B, Polito V. A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1380. [PMID: 37997979 PMCID: PMC10669348 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric disorders. This review delves into the intricate cellular neurobiology of psychedelics, emphasizing their potential therapeutic applications in addressing the global burden of mental illness. It focuses on contemporary research into the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms underlying these substances, particularly the role of 5-HT2A receptor signaling and the promotion of plasticity through the TrkB-BDNF pathway. The review also discusses how psychedelics affect various receptors and pathways and explores their potential as anti-inflammatory agents. Overall, this research represents a significant development in biomedical sciences with the potential to transform mental health treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blerida Banushi
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Vince Polito
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
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Simonsson O, Goldberg SB, Chambers R, Osika W, Simonsson C, Hendricks PS. Psychedelic use and psychiatric risks. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06478-5. [PMID: 37874345 PMCID: PMC11039563 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Research on psychedelics has recently shown promising results in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, but relatively little remains known about the psychiatric risks associated with naturalistic use of psychedelics. OBJECTIVE The objective of the current study was to investigate associations between naturalistic psychedelic use and psychiatric risks. METHODS Using a sample representative of the US adult population with regard to sex, age, and ethnicity (N=2822), this study investigated associations between lifetime naturalistic psychedelic use, lifetime unusual visual experiences, and past 2-week psychotic symptoms. RESULTS Among respondents who reported lifetime psychedelic use (n=613), 1.3% reported having been told by a doctor or other medical professional that they had hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. In covariate-adjusted linear regression models, lifetime psychedelic use was associated with more unusual visual experiences at any point across the lifetime, but no association was observed between lifetime psychedelic use and past 2-week psychotic symptoms. There was an interaction between lifetime psychedelic use and family (but not personal) history of psychotic or bipolar disorders on past 2-week psychotic symptoms such that psychotic symptoms were highest among respondents who reported lifetime psychedelic use and a family history of psychotic or bipolar disorders and lowest among those who reported lifetime psychedelic use and no family history of psychotic or bipolar disorders. CONCLUSIONS Although the results in this study should be interpreted with caution, the findings suggest that lifetime naturalistic use of psychedelics might be associated with more unusual visual experiences across the lifetime, as well as more psychotic symptoms in the past 2 weeks for individuals with a family history of psychotic or bipolar disorders and the reverse for those without such a family history. Future research should distinguish between different psychotic and bipolar disorders and should also utilize other research designs (e.g., longitudinal) and variables (e.g., polygenic risk scores) to better understand potential cause-and-effect relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Simonsson
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Center for Social Sustainability, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Sociology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Simon B Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Richard Chambers
- Monash Centre for Consciousness & Contemplative Studies, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Walter Osika
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Social Sustainability, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Simonsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter S Hendricks
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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11
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Soyka M. [Paranoid hallucinatory psychosis following intoxication with fly agaric]. Nervenarzt 2023; 94:849-851. [PMID: 37336796 PMCID: PMC10499686 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-023-01511-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- Psychiatrische Klinik München, Universität München, Nußbaumstr. 7, 80336, München, Deutschland.
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12
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Kopra EI, Ferris JA, Winstock AR, Kuypers KP, Young AH, Rucker JJ. Investigation of self-treatment with lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin mushrooms: Findings from the Global Drug Survey 2020. J Psychopharmacol 2023:2698811231158245. [PMID: 36876583 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231158245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing numbers of people are using psychedelics for personal psychotherapy outside clinical settings, but research on such use is scarce. AIMS This study investigated the patterns of use, self-reported outcomes and outcome predictors of psychedelic 'self-treatment' of mental health conditions or specific worries/concerns in life. METHODS We use data from the Global Drug Survey 2020, a large online survey on drug use collected between November 2019 and February 2020. In all, 3364 respondents reported their self-treatment experiences with lysergic acid diethylamide (N = 1996) or psilocybin mushrooms (N = 1368). The primary outcome of interest was the 17-item self-treatment outcome scale, items reflecting aspects of well-being, psychiatric symptoms, social-emotional skills, and health behaviours. RESULTS Positive changes were observed across all 17 outcome items, with the strongest benefits on items related to insight and mood. Negative effects were reported by 22.5% of respondents. High intensity of psychedelic experience, seeking advice before treatment, treating with psilocybin mushrooms and treating post-traumatic stress disorder were associated with higher scores on the self-treatment outcome scale after averaging values across all 17 items. Younger age, high intensity of experience and treating with LSD were associated with increased number of negative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study brings important insights into self-treatment practices with psychedelics in a large international sample. Outcomes were generally favourable, but negative effects appeared more frequent than in clinical settings. Our findings can help inform safe practices of psychedelic use in the community, and inspire clinical research. Future research can be improved with utilisation of prospective designs and additional predictive variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma I Kopra
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jason A Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adam R Winstock
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK.,Global Drug Survey Ltd, London, UK
| | - Kim Pc Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Allan H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James J Rucker
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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13
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Holze F, Gasser P, Müller F, Dolder PC, Liechti ME. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-Assisted Therapy in Patients With Anxiety With and Without a Life-Threatening Illness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:215-23. [PMID: 36266118 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)-assisted therapy in patients who experienced anxiety with or without association with a life-threatening illness. METHODS The study is an investigator-initiated 2-center trial that used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-period, random-order, crossover design with 2 sessions with either oral LSD (200 μg) or placebo per period. The primary end point was anxiety symptoms 16 weeks after the last treatment session, assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Global score in 42 patients. Further outcome measures included ratings for depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 21-item version) and ratings for acute subjective drug effects. The outcomes for the first period (between-subjects analysis) are primarily shown due to carryover effects. RESULTS LSD treatment resulted in significant reductions of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Global scores up to 16 weeks after treatment (least-square mean [standard error] change from baseline difference = -16.2 [5.8], 95% CI, -27.8 to -4.5, d = -1.18, p = .007). Similar effects were observed for ratings of comorbid depression on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 21-item version (-7.0 [1.9], 95% CI, -10.8 to -3.2, d = -1.1, p = .0004) and the Beck Depression Inventory (-6.1 [2.6], 95% CI, -11.4 to -0.9, d = -0.72, p = .02). Positive acute subjective drug effects and mystical-type experiences correlated with the long-term reductions in anxiety symptoms. Transient, mild, acute untoward effects of LSD treatment were reported by 8 patients (19%). One treatment-related serious adverse event (acute transient anxiety) occurred (2%). CONCLUSIONS LSD produced long-lasting and notable reductions in anxiety and comorbid depression symptoms up to 16 weeks.
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14
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Rosenblat JD, Husain MI, Lee Y, McIntyre RS, Mansur RB, Castle D, Offman H, Parikh SV, Frey BN, Schaffer A, Greenway KT, Garel N, Beaulieu S, Kennedy SH, Lam RW, Milev R, Ravindran AV, Tourjman V, Ameringen MV, Yatham LN, Taylor V. The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Task Force Report: Serotonergic Psychedelic Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder. Can J Psychiatry 2023; 68:5-21. [PMID: 35975555 PMCID: PMC9720483 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221111371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Serotonergic psychedelics are re-emerging as potential novel treatments for several psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder. The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) convened a task force to review the evidence and provide a consensus recommendation for the clinical use of psychedelic treatments for major depressive disorder. METHODS A systematic review was conducted to identify contemporary clinical trials of serotonergic psychedelics for the treatment of major depressive disorder and cancer-related depression. Studies published between January 1990 and July 2021 were identified using combinations of search terms, inspection of bibliographies and review of other psychedelic reviews and consensus statements. The levels of evidence for efficacy were graded according to the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments criteria. RESULTS Only psilocybin and ayahuasca have contemporary clinical trials evaluating antidepressant effects. Two pilot studies showed preliminary positive effects of single-dose ayahuasca for treatment-resistant depression (Level 3 evidence). Small randomized controlled trials of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy showed superiority to waitlist controls and comparable efficacy and safety to an active comparator (escitalopram with supportive psychotherapy) in major depressive disorder, with additional randomized controlled trials showing efficacy specifically in cancer-related depression (Level 3 evidence). There was only one open-label trial of psilocybin in treatment-resistant unipolar depression (Level 4 evidence). Small sample sizes and functional unblinding were major limitations in all studies. Adverse events associated with psychedelics, including psychological (e.g., psychotomimetic effects) and physical (e.g., nausea, emesis and headaches) effects, were generally transient. CONCLUSIONS There is currently only low-level evidence to support the efficacy and safety of psychedelics for major depressive disorder. In Canada, as of 2022, psilocybin remains an experimental option that is only available through clinical trials or the special access program. As such, Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments considers psilocybin an experimental treatment and recommends its use primarily within clinical trials, or, less commonly, through the special access program in rare, special circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Rosenblat
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,7978Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Ishrat Husain
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yena Lee
- 7978Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,7978Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rodrigo B Mansur
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,7978Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Castle
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hilary Offman
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sagar V Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Depression Program, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, McMaster University, Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nicolas Garel
- McGill University, Psychiatry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sidney H Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,7978Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Roumen Milev
- Department of Psychiatry, Providence Care, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Arun V Ravindran
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie Tourjman
- Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Psychiatry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael Van Ameringen
- McMaster University Medical Centre, Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lakshmi N Yatham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Valerie Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,7978Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Ledwos N, Rodas JD, Husain MI, Feusner JD, Castle DJ. Therapeutic uses of psychedelics for eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:3-13. [PMID: 36515406 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221140009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical use of psychedelics has gained considerable attention, with promising benefits across a range of mental disorders. Current pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and eating disorders (EDs) have limited efficacy. As such, other treatment options such as psychedelic-assisted therapies are being explored in these clinical groups. AIMS This systematic review evaluates evidence related to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in individuals diagnosed with BDD and EDs. METHODS Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of all study designs published to the end of February 2022 that identified changes in ED/BDD symptom severity from psychedelics using validated measures to assess symptom changes. RESULTS Our search detected a total of 372 studies, of which five met inclusion criteria (two exploratory studies, two case reports, and one prospective study). These were included in the data evaluation. Effects of psychedelics on BDD and various ED symptoms were identified mostly through thematic analyses and self-reports. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight that more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of psychedelics in BDD and EDs and we suggest avenues for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ledwos
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Justyne D Rodas
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Ishrat Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jamie D Feusner
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David J Castle
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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16
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Abstract
Classic psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin, and the DMT-containing beverage ayahuasca, show some potential to treat depression, anxiety, and addiction. Importantly, clinical improvements can last for months or years after treatment. It has been theorized that these long-term improvements arise because psychedelics rapidly and lastingly stimulate neuroplasticity. The focus of this review is on answering specific questions about the effects of psychedelics on neuroplasticity. Firstly, we review the evidence that psychedelics promote neuroplasticity and examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the effects of different psychedelics on different aspects of neuroplasticity, including dendritogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and expression of plasticity-related genes (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor and immediate early genes). We then examine where in the brain psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, particularly discussing the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. We also examine what doses are required to produce this effect (e.g., hallucinogenic doses vs. "microdoses"), and how long purported changes in neuroplasticity last. Finally, we discuss the likely consequences of psychedelics' effects on neuroplasticity for both patients and healthy people, and we identify important research questions that would further scientific understanding of psychedelics' effects on neuroplasticity and its potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E. Calder
- grid.8534.a0000 0004 0478 1713University Center for Psychiatric Research, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Hasler
- University Center for Psychiatric Research, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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17
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Breeksema JJ, Kuin BW, Kamphuis J, van den Brink W, Vermetten E, Schoevers RA. Adverse events in clinical treatments with serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA: A mixed-methods systematic review. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1100-1117. [PMID: 36017784 PMCID: PMC9548934 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221116926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Small-scale clinical studies with psychedelic drugs have shown promising results for the treatment of several mental disorders. Before psychedelics become registered medicines, it is important to know the full range of adverse events (AEs) for making balanced treatment decisions. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the presence of AEs during and after administration of serotonergic psychedelics and 3,4-methyenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in clinical studies. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical trials with psychedelics since 2000 describing the results of quantitative and qualitative studies. RESULTS We included 44 articles (34 quantitative + 10 qualitative), describing treatments with MDMA and serotonergic psychedelics (psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca) in 598 unique patients. In many studies, AEs were not systematically assessed. Despite this limitation, treatments seemed to be overall well tolerated. Nausea, headaches, and anxiety were commonly reported acute AEs across diagnoses and compounds. Late AEs included headaches (psilocybin, MDMA), fatigue, low mood, and anxiety (MDMA). One serious AE occurred during MDMA administration (increase in premature ventricular contractions requiring brief hospitalization); no other AEs required medical intervention. Qualitative studies suggested that psychologically challenging experiences may also be therapeutically beneficial. Except for ayahuasca, a large proportion of patients had prior experience with psychedelic drugs before entering studies. CONCLUSIONS AEs are poorly defined in the context of psychedelic treatments and are probably underreported in the literature due to study design (lack of systematic assessment of AEs) and sample selection. Acute challenging experiences may be therapeutically meaningful, but a better understanding of AEs in the context of psychedelic treatments requires systematic and detailed reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost J Breeksema
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden
University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands,OPEN Foundation, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands,Joost J Breeksema, University Center of
Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen 9700
RB, The Netherlands.
| | - Bouwe W Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Kamphuis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden
University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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18
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Basedow LA, Kuitunen‐Paul S. Motives for the use of serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1391-1403. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.13480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sören Kuitunen‐Paul
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Technische Universität Chemnitz Chemnitz Germany
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19
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de Wit H, D'Souza DC. Psychedelics: Old trips, new destinations in psychopharmacology research. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022. [PMID: 35460341 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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20
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Husain MI, Umer M, Mulsant BH. Can the revival of serotonergic psychedelic drugs as treatments for mental disorders help to characterize their risks and benefits? Expert Opin Drug Saf 2022; 21:721-724. [PMID: 35387542 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2063274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Ishrat Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madeha Umer
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benoit H Mulsant
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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