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A brief survey of drug use and other activities preceding mystical-religious experiences

/ Anthropology & Sociology, Papers, Psychology, Publications / /

Abstract

Many people report having had mystical-religious experiences. The prevalence of these experiences has increased over time, which suggests changing cultural factors may contribute the experience. I conducted an online survey of 6,209 adults to determine how common different activities, including drug use, were before the onset of a mystical-religious experience. 19.6% (1,045) reported having had a mystical-religious experience and were asked a follow-up question on their activities before the experience. The most commonly endorsed pre-onset activity categories were: Prayer, meditation, or contemplation (37.2%); Being outdoors in nature (19.6%); and Religious ceremony, practice, or ritual (16.1%). Less commonly, respondents reported fasting (5.7%) or drug use (4.7%). A large percent (35.2%) reported not engaging in any of these activities before their experiences. Psychoactive drugs and nature are precedents to mystical-religious experience that are not selectively associated with traditional religious institutions and deserve additional study.

Baggott MJ. (2015) A brief survey of drug use and other activities preceding mystical-religious experiences Available at: https://github.com/mattbaggott/mysticalsurvey/blob/master/results/Baggott%20mystical%20survey%20March2015.pdf.
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Special Ayahuasca Issue Introduction: Toward a Multidisciplinary Approach to Ayahuasca Studies

/ Anthropology & Sociology, Ayahuasca, Papers, Publications / /

Beyer, S. V. (2012). Special Ayahuasca issue introduction: Toward a multidisciplinary approach to Ayahuasca studies. Anthropology of Consciousness, 23(1), 1-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-3537.2012.01053.x
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Classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addictions

/ Ayahuasca, DMT, Iboga / Ibogaine, LSD, Mescaline / Cacti, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Neuroscience, Papers, Psychology, Publications, Substance Use Disorder / / ,

Abstract

Addictive disorders are very common and have devastating individual and social consequences. Currently available treatment is moderately effective at best. After many years of neglect, there is renewed interest in potential clinical uses for classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addictions and other behavioral health conditions. In this paper we provide a comprehensive review of both historical and recent clinical research on the use of classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addiction, selectively review other relevant research concerning hallucinogens, and suggest directions for future research. Clinical trial data are very limited except for the use of LSD in the treatment of alcoholism, where a meta-analysis of controlled trials has demonstrated a consistent and clinically significant beneficial effect of high-dose LSD. Recent pilot studies of psilocybin-assisted treatment of nicotine and alcohol dependence had strikingly positive outcomes, but controlled trials will be necessary to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments. Although plausible biological mechanisms have been proposed, currently the strongest evidence is for the role of mystical or other meaningful experiences as mediators of therapeutic effects. Classic hallucinogens have an excellent record of safety in the context of clinical research. Given our limited understanding of the clinically relevant effects of classic hallucinogens, there is a wealth of opportunities for research that could contribute important new knowledge and potentially lead to valuable new treatments for addiction.

Bogenschutz, M. P., & Johnson, M. W. (2015). Classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addictions. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.03.002
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A high-throughput chemical screen reveals that harmine-mediated inhibition of DYRK1A increases human pancreatic beta cell replication

/ Ayahuasca, Papers, Psychiatry & Medicine, Publications / / , , , , , ,

Abstract

Types 1 and 2 diabetes affect some 380 million people worldwide. Both ultimately result from a deficiency of functional pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells. Beta cells proliferate in humans during a brief temporal window beginning around the time of birth, with a peak percentage (~2%) engaged in the cell cycle in the first year of life. In embryonic life and after early childhood, beta cell replication is barely detectable. Whereas beta cell expansion seems an obvious therapeutic approach to beta cell deficiency, adult human beta cells have proven recalcitrant to such efforts. Hence, there remains an urgent need for antidiabetic therapeutic agents that can induce regeneration and expansion of adult human beta cells in vivo or ex vivo. Here, using a high-throughput small-molecule screen (HTS), we find that analogs of the small molecule harmine function as a new class of human beta cell mitogenic compounds. We also define dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase-1a (DYRK1A) as the likely target of harmine and the nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors as likely mediators of human beta cell proliferation and differentiation. Using three different mouse and human islet in vivo–based models, we show that harmine is able to induce beta cell proliferation, increase islet mass and improve glycemic control. These observations suggest that harmine analogs may have unique therapeutic promise for human diabetes therapy. Enhancing the potency and beta cell specificity of these compounds are important future challenges.

Wang, P., Alvarez-Perez, J. C., Felsenfeld, D. P., Liu, H., Sivendran, S., Bender, A., … & Stewart, A. F. (2015). A high-throughput chemical screen reveals that harmine-mediated inhibition of DYRK1A increases human pancreatic beta cell replication. Nature medicine. https://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1038/nm.3820
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Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study

/ Anxiety Disorders / PTSD, Depressive Disorders, LSD, Mescaline / Cacti, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychology, Psychotic Disorders, Publications, Substance Use Disorder / / ,

Abstract

A recent large population study of 130,000 adults in the United States failed to find evidence for a link between psychedelic use (lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin or mescaline) and mental health problems. Using a new data set consisting of 135,095 randomly selected United States adults, including 19,299 psychedelic users, we examine the associations between psychedelic use and mental health. After adjusting for sociodemographics, other drug use and childhood depression, we found no significant associations between lifetime use of psychedelics and increased likelihood of past year serious psychological distress, mental health treatment, suicidal thoughts, suicidal plans and suicide attempt, depression and anxiety. We failed to find evidence that psychedelic use is an independent risk factor for mental health problems. Psychedelics are not known to harm the brain or other body organs or to cause addiction or compulsive use; serious adverse events involving psychedelics are extremely rare. Overall, it is difficult to see how prohibition of psychedelics can be justified as a public health measure.

Johansen, P. Ø., & Krebs, T. S. (2015). Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study. Journal of Psychopharmacology. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269881114568039
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Prosocial effects of MDMA: A measure of generosity

/ MDMA, Papers, Psychology, Publications / / , , ,

Abstract

Background: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces “prosocial” effects that contribute to its recreational use. Few studies have examined the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms by which MDMA produces these effects. Here we examined the effect of MDMA on a specific prosocial effect, i.e. generosity, using a task in which participants make decisions about whether they or another person will receive money (Welfare Trade-Off Task; WTT).

Methods: The project included one study without drug administration and one with MDMA. In Study 1, we administered the WTT to healthy adults (N = 361) and examined their performance in relation to measures of personality and socioeconomic status. In Study 2, healthy volunteers with MDMA experience (N = 32) completed the WTT after MDMA administration (0, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg).

Results: As expected, in both studies participants were more generous with a close friend than an acquaintance or stranger. In Study 1, WTT generosity was related to household income and trait Agreeableness. In Study 2, MDMA (1.0 mg/kg) increased generosity toward a friend but not a stranger, whereas MDMA (0.5 mg/kg) slightly increased generosity toward a stranger, especially among female participants.

Conclusions: These data indicate that the WTT is a valuable, novel tool to assess a component of prosocial behavior, i.e. generosity to others. The findings support growing evidence that MDMA produces prosocial effects, but, as with oxytocin, these appear to depend on the social proximity of the relationships. The brain mechanisms underlying the construct of generosity, or the effects of MDMA on this measure, remain to be determined.

Kirkpatrick, M., Delton, A. W., de Wit, H., & Robertson, T. E. (2015). Prosocial effects of MDMA: A measure of generosity. Journal of Psychopharmacology. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269881115573806
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Ketamine Users Have High Rates of Psychosis and/or Depression

/ Depressive Disorders, Ketamine, Papers, Psychology, Psychotic Disorders, Publications, Substance Use Disorder / / , , , ,

Abstract

Ketamine has been linked to psychosis and used in the treatment of depression. However, no study has examined the prevalence of psychotic and depressive disorders in dependent ketamine users. This study aimed to examine the frequency of various psychopathologies among a series of patients seeking treatment for ketamine use in Hong Kong, China. The case records of 129 patients with a history of ketamine use receiving treatment at three substance use clinics between January 2008 and August 2012 were retrieved for data collection. Patients’ demographic data, patterns of substance misuse, and comorbid psychiatric diagnoses were recorded and entered into analyses. The mean age of onset and length of ketamine use were 17.7 ± 4.4 and 8.7 ± 5.7 years, respectively. All patients were dependent on ketamine at the time of data collection. Multiple substance misuse was common. Eighty-four of the 129 (65.1%) patients were found to have comorbid psychiatric disorders, most commonly substance-induced psychotic disorder (31.8%) followed by depressive disorder (27.9%). Psychosis and/or depression were common in ketamine-dependent patients referred to a psychiatric substance use clinic. The findings provide evidence of an association between chronic ketamine use and the presence of psychosis and/or depression. The results raise the issue of safety when using ketamine in the long-term treatment of depression.

Liang, H. J., Tang, K. L., Chan, F., Ungvari, G. S., & Tang, W. K. (2015). Ketamine Users Have High Rates of Psychosis and/or Depression. Journal of addictions nursing, 26(1), 8-13. https://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JAN.0000000000000060
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Ketamine as a promising prototype for a new generation of rapid-acting antidepressants

/ Depressive Disorders, Ketamine, Neuroscience, Papers, Psychology, Publications / / , ,

Abstract

The discovery of ketamine’s rapid and robust antidepressant effects opened a window into a new generation of antidepressants. Multiple controlled trials and open-label studies have demonstrated these effects across a variety of patient populations known to often achieve little to no response from traditional antidepressants. Ketamine has been generally well tolerated across patient groups, with transient mild-to-moderate adverse effects during infusion. However, the optimal dosing and route of administration and the safety of chronic treatment are not fully known. This review summarizes the clinical effects of ketamine and its neurobiological underpinnings and mechanisms of action, which may provide insight into the neurobiology of depression, relevant biomarkers, and treatment targets. Moreover, we offer suggestions for future research that may continue to advance the field forward and ultimately improve the psychopharmacologic interventions available for those individuals struggling with depressive and trauma-related disorders.

Abdallah, C. G., Averill, L. A. and Krystal, J. H. (2015), Ketamine as a promising prototype for a new generation of rapid-acting antidepressants. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1344: 66–77. doi: 10.1111/nyas.12718

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Switch to mania after ayahuasca consumption in a man with bipolar disorder: a case report

/ Ayahuasca, Depressive Disorders, Papers, Psychology, Publications / / , ,

Abstract

Background

There is an increasing use of ayahuasca for recreational purposes. Furthermore, there is a growing evidence for the antidepressant properties of its components. However, there are no reports on the effects of this substance in the psychiatric setting. Harmaline, one of the main components of ayahuasca, is a selective and reversible MAO-A inhibitor and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Case report

We present the case of a man with bipolar disorder who had a manic episode after an ayahuasca consumption ritual. This patient had had at least one hypomanic episode in the past and is currently depressed. We discuss the diagnostic repercussion of this manic episode.

Conclusion

There is lack of specificity in the diagnosis of substance-induced mental disorder. The knowledge of the pharmacodynamic properties of ayahuasca consumption allows a more physiopathological approach to the diagnosis of the patient.
Szmulewicz, A. G., Valerio, M. P., & Smith, J. M. (2015). Switch to mania after ayahuasca consumption in a man with bipolar disorder: a case report. International journal of bipolar disorders, 3(1), 4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40345-014-0020-y

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Tweede deel van door OPEN samengesteld special issue gepubliceerd

/ Uncategorized /

cdarcover

Eind vorige maand publiceerden we het eerste deel van een special issue van het wetenschappelijk tijdschrift CDAR, waarin de heilzame effecten van psychedelica bij de behandeling van verslaving werden besproken. Ondertussen is het tweede deel gepubliceerd met drie extra artikelen over dit onderwerp.

In het eerste artikel stelt Robin Mackenzie dat er te weinig aandacht wordt besteed aan de mogelijkheid om psychedelica te gebruiken om iemands leven zowel als dood positief te beïnvloeden. Ze beweert dat neurowetenschappelijk onderzoek te vaak de focus legt op het genezen van ziektes en aandoeningen. Mackenzie pleit daarentegen voor cognitieve vrijheid en stelt dat de neurowetenschappen de potentiële rol van psychedelica binnen ‘menselijke groei’ en welzijn zou moeten belichten.

Mitch Liester overloopt de turbulente geschiedenis van LSD, van haar oorspronkelijke functie als ‘psychotomimeticum’ (een middel dat psychose-achtige bewustzijnstoestanden nabootst) en als farmacologisch hulpmiddel voor ‘verslaafde’ patiënten tot haar wijdverbreide associatie met de massale counterculture van de jaren ’60. Liester biedt een overzicht van de farmacologische en neurobiologische eigenschappen van LSD en een gedetailleerde fenomenologie van haar subjectieve effecten. De auteur stelt dat het tijd is voor een onpartijdige herevaluering van het potentieel van LSD als farmacologisch hulpmiddel in de verslavingszorg.

Verschillende onderzoeken aan de Johns Hopkins University hebben onlangs de aandacht gevestigd op het belang van de transcendentale en spirituele aspecten van de psychedelische ervaring. Deze studies schrijven een belangrijke rol toe aan mystieke ervaringen ter bevordering van algeheel welzijn, met meetbare positieve veranderingen in zowel het gedrag, de opvattingen en de waarden van gezonde deelnemers. Het grondig onderzoek dat Albert Garcia-Romeu en zijn collega’s uitvoerden aan dezelfde universiteit verstrekt een dieper inzicht in hoe door psilocybine geïnduceerde mystieke ervaringen zich laten toepassen binnen de context van een zware tabaksverslaving. Hun klinische pilotstudie toont aan dat het aantal gestopte gebruikers na een psilocybinebehandeling significant hoger ligt dan bij gebruikelijke behandelingen voor tabaksverslaving, wat stof biedt voor een belangrijke discussie over de toekomst van de verslavingszorg.

De artikelen zijn vrij toegankelijk en kunnen hier worden gevonden.

We zijn erg trots op het feit dat we deze artikelen met iedereen kunnen delen en willen graag alle auteurs en peer-reviewers bedanken die ons hebben geholpen om dit special issue samen te stellen.

Overzicht van de artikelen

Editorial (Thematic Issue: Introduction to ‘Beneficial Effects of Psychedelics with a Special Focus on Addictions’)
What Can Neuroscience Tell Us About the Potential of Psychedelics in Healthcare? How the Neurophenomenology of Psychedelics Research Could Help us to Flourish Throughout Our Lives, as Well as to Enhance Our Dying
A Review of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) in the Treatment of Addictions: Historical Perspectives and Future Prospects
Psilocybin-Occasioned Mystical Experiences in the Treatment of Tobacco Addiction

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Embrace Pleasure: Supporting Sexual Flourishing Through Psychedelic Experience - October 14

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