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Mushrooms / Psilocybin

Psychedelics in the treatment of unipolar mood disorders: A systematic review

October 1, 2016 / Depressive Disorders, LSD, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By / , , , ,

Abstract

Unipolar mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), confer high rates of disability and mortality and a very high socioeconomic burden. Current treatment is suboptimal in most cases and there is little of note in the pharmaceutical development pipeline. The psychedelic drugs, including lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin, were used extensively in the treatment of mood disorders, and other psychiatric conditions, before their prohibition in the late 1960s. They are relatively safe when used in medically controlled environments, with no reported risk of dependence. Here, we present a systematic review of published clinical treatment studies using psychedelics in patients with broadly defined unipolar mood disorder, and consider their place in psychiatry. Whilst all the included studies have methodological shortcomings, of 423 individuals in 19 studies, 335 (79.2%) showed clinician-judged improvement after treatment with psychedelics. A recently completed pilot study in the UK favours the use of psilocybin with psychological support in treatment resistant depressive disorder. The evidence overall strongly suggests that psychedelics should be re-examined in modern clinical trials for their use in unipolar mood disorders and other non-psychotic mental health conditions.

Rucker, J. J., Jelen, L. A., Flynn, S., Frowde, K. D., & Young, A. H. Psychedelics in the Treatment of Unipolar Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review.
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The Entheogen Reformation

October 1, 2016 / Ayahuasca, Humanities & Art, LSD, Mescaline / Cacti, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By /

Abstract

In addition to promising leads for treating PTSD, addictions, depression, and death anxiety, 21st Century research at medical schools finds that with careful screening, insightful attention to the variables of set, setting, and dosage, psychedelic drug administration often facilitates significant spiritual experiences, meaningfulness, altruism, well-being, and similar prospiritual effects. This article calls for theologians, professors of religious studies, philosophy, sociology, and psychology to update their courses. It challenges leaders of religious organizations, ‘‘How can your institution incorporate these practices and benefit from them?’’

Roberts, T. B. (2016). THE ENTHEOGEN REFORMATION. Association for Transpersonal Psychology, 26.

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Psychedelic Psychotherapy Insights From 25 Years of Research

September 29, 2016 / DMT, LSD, MDMA, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By /

Abstract

Presented at a conference titled “Psychedelic Science 2013,” highlighting the resumption of investigations with psychedelic substances (i.e., psilocybin, DMT, LSD, MDMA, etc.) in the United States and Europe after a dormant period of more than two decades, the author presents insights and perspectives gleaned from his 25 years of clinical research experience. After acknowledging the vastness and potential significance of this research frontier, the article focuses on the “cartography of inner space”; the unique therapeutic potential of transcendental states of consciousness; the entelechy of the interpersonally grounded psyche; the importance of integration in drug-free therapy sessions; the roles of expectation, religious education and faith; the role of music; and future research directions.

Richards, W. A. (2016). Psychedelic Psychotherapy Insights From 25 Years of Research. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 0022167816670996. 10.1177/0022167816670996
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Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences

August 30, 2016 / Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By / , , , , , ,

Abstract

Acute and enduring adverse effects of psilocybin have been reported anecdotally, but have not been well characterized. For this study, 1993 individuals (mean age 30 yrs; 78% male) completed an online survey about their single most psychologically difficult or challenging experience (worst “bad trip”) after consuming psilocybin mushrooms. Thirty-nine percent rated it among the top five most challenging experiences of his/her lifetime. Eleven percent put self or others at risk of physical harm; factors increasing the likelihood of risk included estimated dose, duration and difficulty of the experience, and absence of physical comfort and social support. Of the respondents, 2.6% behaved in a physically aggressive or violent manner and 2.7% received medical help. Of those whose experience occurred >1 year before, 7.6% sought treatment for enduring psychological symptoms. Three cases appeared associated with onset of enduring psychotic symptoms and three cases with attempted suicide. Multiple regression analysis showed degree of difficulty was positively associated, and duration was negatively associated, with enduring increases in well-being. Difficulty of experience was positively associated with dose. Despite difficulties, 84% endorsed benefiting from the experience. The incidence of risky behavior or enduring psychological distress is extremely low when psilocybin is given in laboratory studies to screened, prepared, and supported participants.

Carbonaro, T. M., Bradstreet, M. P., Barrett, F. S., MacLean, K. A., Jesse, R., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2016). Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 0269881116662634.
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Psilocybin: panacea or placebo?

August 24, 2016 / Depressive Disorders, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By / ,

Abstract

We write with reference to the study on psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, reported by Robin L Carhart-Harris and colleagues in The Lancet Psychiatry. Although we are relieved that attention is once again being given to basic research into depression—after the hiatus created the effective abandonment of this area of research by Big Pharma from 2010 onwards—we are nonetheless deeply concerned that the mistakes that led to this withdrawal are in danger of being repeated. Carhart-Harris and colleagues’ study included 12 patients, and although the investigators reported that eight patients achieved complete remission at 1 week, only five of these patients were still in complete remission after 3 months of follow-up.

Hendrie, C., & Pickles, A. (2016). Psilocybin: panacea or placebo?. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(9), 805-806. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30103-1
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Question-based Drug Development for psilocybin

August 24, 2016 / Depressive Disorders, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By / , ,

Abstract

In The Lancet Psychiatry, Robin Carhart-Harris and colleagues conclude that there is preliminary support for the safety and efficacy of psilocybin for treatment-resistant unipolar depression. This finding is important because more effective pharmacological treatments with acceptable side-effects are urgently needed for patients suffering from depression. We support the limitations the authors have pointed out about the study population and trial design. We also recognise the paucity of well-designed trials in psychiatry that are based on the principles of clinical pharmacology.

Dijkstra, F. M., Jacobs, G. E., & Cohen, A. F. (2016). Question-based Drug Development for psilocybin. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(9), 806-807. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30214-0
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