OPEN Foundation

Psychiatry

No Difference in Brain Activation During Cognitive Performance Between Ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) Users and Control Subjects: A [H215O]-Positron Emission Tomography Study

February 1, 2001 / Depression, MDMA, Neuroscience, Other subjects, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Publications / By / , , ,

Abstract

The long-term use of the serotonin-releaser and uptake-inhibitor 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”) has been associated with memory impairments and increased liability to depressive mood and anxiety attacks. It is unclear, however, whether these psychologic deviations are reflected in alterations of the underlying neurophysiologic substrate. The authors compared mood and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) profiles between regular polytoxic Ecstasy users and Ecstasy-naive controls. Brain activity as indexed by rCBF was measured during cognitive activation by an attentional task using positron emission tomography and [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][H2(15)O]. Mood was assessed by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the EWL Mood Rating Scale. Statistical parametric mapping revealed that brain activity did not differ between the two groups. Both groups also performed equally on the cognitive task requiring sustained attention. However, significantly higher levels of depressiveness as determined by the HAM-D and EWL scales were found in Ecstasy-using subjects. These data indicate that, despite differences in mood, polytoxic Ecstasy users do not differ from Ecstasy-naive controls in terms of local brain activity. Heightened depressiveness in the Ecstasy group was consistent with results from previous studies and could be related to serotonergic hypofunction resulting from repeated MDMA consumption. However, this study cannot exclude the possibility that the observed differences are preexisting rather than a result of Ecstasy use.

 

Gamma, A., Buck, A., Berthold, T., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2001). No difference in brain activation during cognitive performance between ecstasy (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) users and control subjects: a [H215O]-positron emission tomography study. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 21(1), 66-71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00004714-200102000-00012

 

[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Deconstructing Ecstasy: The Politics of MDMA Research

June 5, 2000 / MDMA, Other subjects, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Publications / By /

Abstract

What is Ecstasy? Defined by the New Webster’s Dictionary as a state of intense overpowering emotion, a condition of exultation or mental rapture induced by beauty, music, artistic creation, or the contemplation of the divine, ecstasy derives etymologically from the ancient Greek ekstasis, which means flight of the soul from tbe body. The anthropologist, Mircea Eliade, who explored the roots of religious experience in his book Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy, has described the function of this intense states of mind among aboriginal peoples. Select individuals are called to become shaman, a role specializing, in inducing ecstastic states of trance where the soul is believed to leave the body and ascend to the sky or descend to the underworld. The shaman is thus considered a ‘technician of the sacred’, having been initiated through a process of isolation, ritual solitude, suffering and the imminence of death. Such initiation into the function of ecstatic states of consciousness, always accompanied by comprehensive tutelage from tribal elders, allows the shaman to assume for his tribal group the vital role of intermediary, or conduit, between the profane world of everyday existence and the sacred domains of alternative reality (Eliade, 1951; Schultes and Hofmann 1992)

Grob, C. S. (2000). Deconstructing Ecstasy: The Politics of MDMA Research. Addiction Research & Theory, 8(6), 549-588. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/16066350008998989
Link to full text

Role of Serotoninergic Neurons and 5-HT Receptors in the Action of Hallucinogens

January 1, 2000 / Neuroscience, Other subjects, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Publications / By /

Abstract

Brain serotonin receptors and serotoninergic pathways have received increasing attention as targets for a wide variety of therapeutic agents. Perhaps peculiar to this realm, however, are the so-called hallucinogenic drugs, which presently lack demonstrated therapeutic utility, and still remain, as they have for at least the past 50 years, pharmacological curiosities. Research into their mechanism of action is generally poorly funded, and we know relatively little about how they affect the brain, despite their continued popularity as recreational drugs among a significant proportion of the population.

Nichols, D. E. (2000). Role of serotoninergic neurons and 5-HT receptors in the action of hallucinogens. In Serotoninergic Neurons and 5-HT Receptors in the CNS (pp. 563-585). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-60921-3_21

Link to full text

Psilocybin induces schizophrenia‐like psychosis in humans via a serotonin‐2 agonist action

December 1, 1998 / Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Psychosis, Publications / By / , , , ,

Abstract

Psilocybin, an indoleamine hallucinogen, produces a psychosis-like syndrome in humans that resembles first episodes of schizophrenia. In healthy human volunteers, the psychotomimetic effects of psilocybin were blocked dose-dependently by the serotonin-2A antagonist ketanserin or the atypical antipsychotic risperidone, but were increased by the dopamine antagonist and typical antipsychotic haloperidol. These data are consistent with animal studies and provide the first evidence in humans that psilocybin-induced psychosis is due to serotonin-2A receptor activation, independently of dopamine stimulation. Thus, serotonin-2A overactivity may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and serotonin-2A antagonism may contribute to therapeutic effects of antipsychotics.

Vollenweider, F. X., Vollenweider-Scherpenhuyzen, M. F., Bäbler, A., Vogel, H., & Hell, D. (1998). Psilocybin induces schizophrenia‐like psychosis in humans via a serotonin‐2 agonist action. Neuroreport, 9(17), 3897-3902. https://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1097/00001756-199812010-00024
Link to full text

Ketamine psychedelic therapy (KPT): a review of the results of ten years of research

January 1, 1997 / Addiction, Ketamine, Neuroscience, Papers, Personality, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Publications / By / ,

Abstract

Ketamine is a prescription drug used for general anesthesia. In subanesthetic doses, it induces profound psychedelic experiences and hallucinations. The subanesthetic effect of ketamine was the hypothesized therapeutic mechanism in the authors’ use of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for alcoholism. The results of a controlled clinical trial demonstrated a considerable increase in efficacy of the authors’ standard alcoholism treatment when supplemented by ketamine psychedelic therapy (KPT). Total abstinence for more than one year was observed in 73 out of 111 (65.8%) alcoholic patients in the KPT group, compared to 24% (24 out of 100 patients) of the conventional treatment control group (p < 0.01). The authors’ studies of the underlying psychological mechanisms of KPT have indicated that ketamine-assisted psychedelic therapy of alcoholic patients induces a harmonization of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) personality profile, positive transformation of nonverbalized (mostly unconscious) self-concept and emotional attitudes to various aspects of self and other people, positive changes in life values and purposes, important insights into the meaning of life and an increase in the level of spiritual development. Most importantly, these psychological changes were shown to favor a sober lifestyle. The data from biochemical investigations showed that pharmacological action of KPT affects both monoaminergic and opioidergic neurotransmitter metabolism, i.e., those neurochemical systems which are involved in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence. The data from EEG computer-assisted analysis demonstrated that ketamine increases theta activity in cerebrocortical regions of alcoholic patients. This is evidence of the reinforcement of limbic cortex interaction during KPT session.

Krupitsky, E. M., & Grinenko, A. Y. (1997). Ketamine psychedelic therapy (KPT): a review of the results of ten years of research. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 29(2), 165-183. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1997.10400185

Link to full text

Positron emission tomography and fluorodeoxyglucose studies of metabolic hyperfrontality and psychopathology in the psilocybin model of psychosis

October 14, 1996 / Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Neuroscience, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychosis, Publications / By / , , , , ,

Abstract

The effects of the indolehallucinogen psilocybin, a mixed 5-HT2 and 5-HT1 agonist, on regional cerebral glucose metabolism were investigated in 10 healthy volunteers with PET and [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][F-18]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) prior to and following a 15- or 20-mg dose of psilocybin.

Psychotomimetic doses of psilocybin were found to produce a global increase in cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglu) with significant and most marked increases in the frontomedial and frontolateral cortex (24.3%), anterior cingulate (24.9%), and temporomedial cortex (25.3%). Somewhat smaller increases of CMRglu were found in the basal ganglia (18.5%), and the smallest increases were found in the sensorimotor (14.7%) and occipital cortex (14.4%). The increases of CMRglu in the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, temporomedial cortex, and putamen correlated positively with psychotic symptom formation, in particular with hallucinatory ego disintegration. The present data suggest that excessive 5-HT2 receptor activation results in a hyperfrontal metabolic pattern that parallels comparable metabolic findings associated with acute psychotic episodes in schizophrenics and contrasts with the hypofrontality in chronic schizophrenic patients.

Vollenweider, F. X., Leenders, K. L., Scharfetter, C., Maguire, P., Stadelmann, O., & Angst, J. (1997). Positron emission tomography and fluorodeoxyglucose studies of metabolic hyperfrontality and psychopathology in the psilocybin model of psychosis. Neuropsychopharmacology, 16(5), 357-372. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0893-133X(96)00246-1
Link to full text[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The psychopharmacology of hallucinogens.

April 1, 1996 / History, LSD, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychosis, Publications, Safety, Toxicology / By / , ,

Abstract

Hallucinogenic drugs have been inhaled, ingested, worshipped, and reviled since prehistory. With the purification and synthesis of bontanical preparations and the ensuing discovery of chemically unique agents, hope was raised regarding their therapeutic potential, but this hope has been clouded by an epidemic of abuse and an inventory of adverse effects. This review examines aspects of that controversy, including the history of hallucinogens, epidemiology of current hallucinogen abuse, the association of LSD use with prolonged psychoses and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, and the efforts to demonstrate the drug’s therapeutic efficacy. Human subject ramifications in hallucinogen experimentation are discussed. Future lines of research are suggested in human, animal, and tissue culture paradigms.

Abraham, H. D., Aldridge, A. M., & Gogia, P. (1996). The psychopharmacology of hallucinogens. Neuropsychopharmacology, 14(4), 285-298. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0893-133X(95)00136-2
Link to full text

Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens

January 1, 1986 / MDMA, Neuroscience, New substances, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Publications / By /

Nichols, D. E. (1986). Differences between the mechanism of action of MDMA, MBDB, and the classic hallucinogens. Identification of a new therapeutic class: entactogens. Journal of psychoactive drugs, 18(4), 305-313. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1986.10472362
Link to full text

LSD-assisted psychotherapy in patients with terminal cancer

May 22, 1973 / Anxiety disorders / PTSD, Depression, LSD, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy, Publications / By / , , ,

Abstract

The paper describes the results of a clinical study exploring the potential of a complex psychotherapeutic program utilizing psychedelic compounds to alleviate the emotional and physical suffering of cancer patients. A total of 60 cancer patients participated in this experimental study. In 44 of these patients, LSD (200-500 ug per os) was administered as an adjunct to psychotherapy; in 19 patients, a new psychedelic compound, dipropyltryptamine (DPT) was administered (60-105 mg i.m.). Three of these patients received both LSD and DPT administered on different sessions.

The therapeutic results were assessed by means of a rating scale reflecting the degree of the patients’ depression, psychological isolation, anxiety, difficulty in management, fear of death, and pain. The ratings were done by attending physicians, nurses, family members, LSD therapists and cotherapists, and independent raters. In addition, the amount of narcotics required in the management of the patient was measured before and after the psychedelic sessions.

Systematic rating was carried out in a group of 31 cancer patients treated by LSD. The comparison of the means of individual ratings from pre- to posttreatment showed significant improvement in all the measured parameters for most of the raters. There was a definite reduction of the narcotic medication; it did not, however, reach the level of statistical significance. The pre- to post-treatment comparison of the global indexes used as gross indicators of the degree of emotional and physical distress, indicated that approximately 29 % of the patients showed dramatic improvement, and another 41.9 % moderate improvement, with 22.6 % essentially unchanged. In 6.4 % of the patients, global indexes showed a decrement in the post therapy ratings.

Grof, S., Goodman, L. E., Richards, W. A., & Kurland, A. A. (1972). LSD-assisted psychotherapy in patients with terminal cancer. International pharmacopsychiatry, 8(3), 129-144.
Link to full text

LSD-Assisted Psychotherapy in Patients with Terminal Cancer

February 1, 1973 / Anxiety disorders / PTSD, Depression, LSD, Other subjects, Other substances, Papers, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy, Publications / By / , , ,

Abstract

The paper describes the results of a clinical study exploring the potential of a complex psychotherapeutic program utilizing psychedilic compounds to alleviate the emotional and physical suffering of cancer patients. A total of 60 cancer patients participated in this experimental study. In 44 of these patients, LSD (200-500 μg per os) was administered as an adjunct to psychotherapy; in 19 patients, a new psychedelic compound, dipropyltryptamine (DPT) was administered (60-105 mg i.m.). Three of these patients received both LSD and DPT administered on different sessions. The therapeutic results were assessed by means of a rating scale reflecting the degree of the patients’ depression, psychological isolation, anxiety, difficulty in management, fear of death, and pain. The ratings were done by attending physicians, nurses, family members, LSD therapists and cotherapists, and independent raters. In addition, the amount of narcotics required in the management of the patient was measured before and after the psychedelic sessions. Systematic rating was carried out in a group of 31 cancer patients treated by LSD. The comparison of the means of individual ratings from pre to posttreatment showed significant improvement in all the measured parameters for most of the raters. There was a definite reduction of the narcotic medication; it did not, however, reach the level of statistical significance. The pre to posttreatment comparison of the global indexes used as gross indicators of the degree of emotional and physical distress, indicated that approximately 29% of the patients showed dramatic improvement, and another 41.9% moderate improvement, with 22.6% essentially unchanged. In 6.4% of the patients, global indexes showed a decrement in the posttherapy ratings.
Grof, S., Goodman, L. E., Richards, W. A., & Kurland, A. A. (1973). LSD-assisted psychotherapy in patients with terminal cancer. International pharmacopsychiatry, 8, 129-144., 10.1159/000467984
Link to full text
 

7 May - Psychedelics, Nature & Mental Health with Sam Gandy

REGISTER NOW!
X