Christopher Lomas

2 papers in the library · 2 citations · publishing 2025-2026

Papers

Breaking the cycle: a systematic review of neurobiological mechanisms and psychotherapeutic innovations in ketamine addiction.

Journal of Addictive Diseases March 6, 2025 Christopher Lomas 2 citations

Non-prescribed ketamine use involves complex interactions of neurobiological, socioeconomic, demographic, and psychological factors, with adolescents, women, and polysubstance users at higher risk. Neurobiological mechanisms include prefrontal-limbic dysconnectivity, maladaptive neuroplasticity, and HPA axis dysregulation. Psychotherapies show varying efficacy, and an innovative framework aligns therapeutic timing with phases of neuroplastic recovery. Biomarkers such as BDNF and HRV may guide personalized interventions. Research gaps include limited representation of low-resource settings and insufficient longitudinal data. A comprehensive neurobiologically informed model integrating digital platforms, culturally tailored strategies, and biomarkers is recommended to improve treatment outcomes.

DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2025.2464356 Full text Substance abuse Treatment innovation Cbt Emdr +9

Breathwork in embodied psychotherapies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy: An International Journal for Theory, Research and Practice January 5, 2026 Christopher Lomas

Breathwork techniques, including diaphragmatic, paced, and box breathing, are increasingly used in psychotherapy but their efficacy and mechanisms are unevenly documented. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 controlled studies (N = 1278) found that breathwork produced moderate to large reductions in anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, along with moderate to large increases in heart-rate variability and activation of neural regions involved in emotion regulation. Slow diaphragmatic and paced breathing protocols, delivered regularly and embedded within psychotherapy, were associated with the most robust effects. The findings support breathwork as a low-cost, scalable component of embodied psychotherapies.

DOI: 10.1080/17432979.2025.2609283 Psychology