OPEN Foundation

Day: 6 October 2015

Validation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire in experimental sessions with psilocybin

October 6, 2015 / Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Mystical experiences, Papers, Psychology, Publications, Spirituality / By / , ,

Abstract

The 30-item revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) was previously developed within an online survey of mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The rated experiences occurred on average eight years before completion of the questionnaire. The current paper validates the MEQ30 using data from experimental studies with controlled doses of psilocybin. Data were pooled and analyzed from five laboratory experiments in which participants (n=184) received a moderate to high oral dose of psilocybin (at least 20 mg/70 kg). Results of confirmatory factor analysis demonstrate the reliability and internal validity of the MEQ30. Structural equation models demonstrate the external and convergent validity of the MEQ30 by showing that latent variable scores on the MEQ30 positively predict persisting change in attitudes, behavior, and well-being attributed to experiences with psilocybin while controlling for the contribution of the participant-rated intensity of drug effects. These findings support the use of the MEQ30 as an efficient measure of individual mystical experiences. A method to score a “complete mystical experience” that was used in previous versions of the mystical experience questionnaire is validated in the MEQ30, and a stand-alone version of the MEQ30 is provided for use in future research.

Barrett, F. S., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2015). Validation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire in experimental sessions with psilocybin. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England). http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269881115609019
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Banisteriopsis caapi, a Forgotten Potential Therapy for Parkinson's Disease?

October 6, 2015 / Medicine, Neuroscience, Other subjects, Other substances, Papers, Psychopharmacology, Publications / By / , , ,

Abstract

Banisteriopsis caapi, a liana indigenous to the Amazon basin with metagnomigenic properties and possible anti-depressant effects is one of the natural sources of harmala alkaloids. A summary of early trials with extracts of Banisteriopsis caapi and Peganum harmala (from which harmine was first isolated) in the 1920s and 1930s on various forms of parkinsonism is given as well as a brief overview of the known pharmacological properties of harmine. Despite its earlier abandonment because of perceived weaker efficacy than solanaceous alkaloids like scopolamine and hyoscine we propose that harmine should be reconsidered as a potential rapidly acting anti-Parkinsonian agent.

Djamshidian, A., Bernschneider‐Reif, S., Poewe, W., & Lees, A. J. (2015). Banisteriopsis caapi, a Forgotten Potential Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease?. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mdc3.12242
Link to full text

Banisteriopsis caapi, a Forgotten Potential Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease?

October 6, 2015 / Medicine, Neuroscience, Other subjects, Other substances, Papers, Psychopharmacology, Publications / By / , , ,

Abstract

Banisteriopsis caapi, a liana indigenous to the Amazon basin with metagnomigenic properties and possible anti-depressant effects is one of the natural sources of harmala alkaloids. A summary of early trials with extracts of Banisteriopsis caapi and Peganum harmala (from which harmine was first isolated) in the 1920s and 1930s on various forms of parkinsonism is given as well as a brief overview of the known pharmacological properties of harmine. Despite its earlier abandonment because of perceived weaker efficacy than solanaceous alkaloids like scopolamine and hyoscine we propose that harmine should be reconsidered as a potential rapidly acting anti-Parkinsonian agent.

Djamshidian, A., Bernschneider‐Reif, S., Poewe, W., & Lees, A. J. (2015). Banisteriopsis caapi, a Forgotten Potential Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease?. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mdc3.12242
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30 April - Q&A with Rick Strassman

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