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Alan K. Davis

Johns Hopkins University, Behavioral Pharma (United States)

77 papers in the library · 5,924 citations · publishing 2015-2026

Papers

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Prospective associations of psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans.

Military psychology : the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association 2024 Stacey B. Armstrong, Yitong Xin, Nathan D. Sepeda et al. 19 citations

This study evaluated prospective associations of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment for risky alcohol use and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among United States (US) Special Operations Forces Veterans (SOFV). Data were collected during standard clinical operations at pre-treatment and 1-month (1 m), 3-months (3 m), and 6-months (6 m) post-treatment in an ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT...

Psychedemia: Charting the future of interdisciplinary Psychedelic Studies

Journal of Psychedelic Studies December 29, 2023 Neşe Devenot, Brian A. Pace, Jason C. Slot et al. 1 citation

Amidst an unfolding resurgence of psychedelic research, there is the opportunity to discuss new approaches for integrating psychedelics into both academia and society.In partnership with the newly founded Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education (CPDRE) at The Ohio State University, the editors of this special issue convened the Psychedemia, 2022 conference as a rigorous...

Differences in attitudes and beliefs about psychedelic-assisted therapy among social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists in the United States

Journal of Psychedelic Studies August 21, 2023 Stacey B. Armstrong, Adam W. Levin, Yitong Xin et al. 12 citations

Abstract Background and aims Because psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is likely to be provided by interdisciplinary professional teams comprised of social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, understanding the acceptability of this treatment approach among these professional disciplines is essential as the treatment advances through approval processes at the Food and Drug...

Assessing the risk of symptom worsening in psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

Psychiatry Research July 23, 2023 Otto Simonsson, Per Carlbring, Robin Carhart-Harris et al. 24 citations

We conducted a meta-analysis using individual participant data from three, two-dose psilocybin trials for depression (N = 102) with the aim of assessing the risk of symptom worsening. Clinically significant symptom worsening occurred for a minority of participants in the psilocybin and escitalopram conditions (∼10%) and for a majority of participants in the waitlist condition (63.6%). Using...

Translation and Initial Psychometric Evaluation of Spanish Versions of Three Psychedelic Acute Effects Measures: Mystical, Challenging, and Insight Experiences

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs July 14, 2023 Christopher Timmermann, Aki Nikolaidis, Alan K. Davis et al. 4 citations

This study translated and tested the psychometric properties of acute psychedelic effects measures among Spanish-speaking people. The Psychological Insight Questionnaire (PIQ), Challenging Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ), and Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ) were translated before being incorporated into a web-based survey. We recruited native Spanish-speakers (N = 442; Mage = 30.8, SD...

Effects of ayahuasca on gratitude and relationships with nature: An open-label, naturalistic study

June 7, 2023 Jacob S. Aday, Emily K. Bloesch, Alan K. Davis et al. 1 citation preprint

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew that has been the focus of an increasing number of investigations for its potential therapeutic effects. In addition to psychiatric improvements, qualitative studies and anecdotal reports suggest that ayahuasca use may influence gratitude and relationships with nature. Yet, to date, these specific changes have been understudied. Here, participants (N = 54)...

Investigating the associations of acute psychedelic experiences and changes in racial trauma symptoms, psychological flexibility, and substance use among People with Racial and Ethnic Minoritized Identities in the United States and Canada.

Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment June 1, 2023 Angela M Haeny, Joel A Lopez, Pamela A Colón Grigas et al. 10 citations

Evidence suggests that psychedelics may serve as a therapeutic approach to reduce substance use; however, people with racial and ethnic minoritized (REM) identities are often excluded from this research. We investigated whether psychedelic use affects other substance use among REM people and whether perceived changes in psychological flexibility and racial trauma mediates this association. REM...

Increases in aesthetic experience following ayahuasca use: An open-label, naturalistic study

May 15, 2023 Jacob S. Aday, Emily K. Bloesch, Alan K. Davis et al. 3 citations preprint

Psychedelic drugs are currently being investigated for their potential to facilitate a variety of long-lasting psychological changes. One area of psychological functioning that has yet to be systematically investigated in psychedelic research regards aesthetic experiences. This is surprising given the notable acute changes in perception induced by the drugs as well as the wealth of anecdotal...

Study protocol of an open-label proof-of-concept trial examining the safety and clinical efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD

BMJ Open May 1, 2023 Alan K. Davis, Adam W. Levin, Paul Nagib et al. 19 citations

Introduction Psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown significant promise in treating the cluster of mood and anxiety symptoms that comprise post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has yet to be tested specifically in this condition. Furthermore, current pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for PTSD are difficult to tolerate and limited in efficacy, especially in the US Military...

Subtypes of the psychedelic experience have reproducible and predictable effects on depression and anxiety symptoms.

J Affect Disord December 27, 2022 Aki Nikolaidis, Rafaelle Lancelotta, Natalie Gukasyan et al. 24 citations

BackgroundSubjective experiences seem to play an important role in the enduring effects of psychedelic experiences. Although the importance of the subjective experience on the impact of psychedelics is frequently discussed, a more detailed understanding of the subtypes of psychedelic experiences and their associated impacts on mental health has not been well documented.MethodsIn the current...

Reactivations after 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine use in naturalistic settings: An initial exploratory analysis of the phenomenon’s predictors and its emotional valence

Frontiers in Psychiatry November 29, 2022 Ana María Ortiz Bernal, Charles L. Raison, Rafael Lancelotta et al. 26 citations

Background The psychedelic 5-MeO-DMT has shown clinical potential due to its short duration and ability to induce mystical experiences. However, a phenomenon known as “reactivations” (similar to “flashbacks”) is a poorly understood and frequently reported phenomenon which appears associated with 5-MeO-DMT use and warranted further investigation. Aims This study examined whether differences in...

Predictors of attitudes toward psychedelics among psychologists in the USA

Drugs Education Prevention and Policy September 4, 2022 Jason B. Luoma, Brian Pilecki, Alan K. Davis et al. 13 citations

As evidence for psychedelic-assisted therapy accumulates, legalization becomes more likely. As a result, there is an increasing need for psychologists to become educated about psychedelics and their therapeutic effects as they will play an important role in disseminating this treatment. Therefore, understanding psychologists’ current attitudes toward psychedelics is integral in informing...

Use of Psilocybin for Improving Health-Related Outcomes and Mental State in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Protocol for a Living Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

August 22, 2022 John M. Pederson, Kathryn Cowie, Averi Barrett et al.

BACKGROUND Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic that induces feelings of euphoria and spiritual awakening when administered in doses of approximately 20-30 mg/70 kg. In the last decade, there has been renewed interest in using psilocybin for major depressive disorder (MDD). OBJECTIVE This individual patient data meta-analysis will investigate the efficacy and safety of psilocybin for...

Psilocybin use patterns and perception of risk among a cohort of Black individuals with Opioid Use Disorder

Journal of Psychedelic Studies August 5, 2022 John Clifton, Annabelle M. Belcher, Aaron D. Greenblatt et al. 6 citations

Abstract Background and aims There is growing evidence that psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic substance, may be useful in the treatment of substance use disorders. However, there is a lack of data on the beliefs and attitudes towards psilocybin amongst Black individuals diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). This study characterized psilocybin use patterns and perception of risk amongst...

Applying Lessons From Cannabis to the Psychedelic Highway

JAMA Health Forum June 17, 2022 Kevin F. Boehnke, Alan K. Davis, Jenna McAfee 20 citations

In 2020, Oregon became the first state in the US to decriminalize use of many illicit substances, including mushrooms containing psilocybin, and allow adults aged 21 years and older to take psilocybin under supervision in state-licensed service centers.Numerous states and municipalities have since proposed similar policies, 1 a process catalyzed by excitement about positive clinical trials of...

Race, Ethnic, and Sex Differences in Prevalence of and Trends in Hallucinogen Consumption Among Lifetime Users in the United States Between 2015 and 2019

Frontiers in Epidemiology March 23, 2022 Alan K. Davis, Brooke J. Arterberry, Yitong Xin et al. 20 citations

Background The current study is one of the first to examine race, ethnic, and sex differences in the prevalence of and trends in hallucinogen use among lifetime users in the United States. Methods Data came from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and included respondent's reporting ever-using hallucinogens ( n = 41,060; female = 40.4%). Descriptive and multinomial logistic...

The epidemiology of mescaline use: Pattern of use, motivations for consumption, and perceived consequences, benefits, and acute and enduring subjective effects.

Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) March 1, 2022 Malin Vedøy Uthaug, Alan K. Davis, Trevor Forrest Haas et al. 64 citations

Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychoactive phenethylamine found in several cacti and historically used ceremonially by Indigenous and Latin American populations. Broader recognition of its possible therapeutic value in Western science began in the 1950s; however, knowledge of the safety profile of mescaline and the extent of its use remains limited. The primary aim of this study is to...

The clinical pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT)

Journal of Neurochemistry February 12, 2022 Johannes T. Reckweg, Malin V. Uthaug, Attila Szabo et al. 108 citations

Abstract 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine that primarily acts as an agonist at the 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A receptors, whereby affinity for the 5‐HT1A subtype is highest. Subjective effects following 5‐MeO‐DMT administration include distortions in auditory and time perception, amplification of emotional states, and feelings of ego dissolution that...

Efficacy and safety of psilocybin-assisted treatment for major depressive disorder: Prospective 12-month follow-up

Journal of Psychopharmacology February 1, 2022 Natalie Gukasyan, Alan K. Davis, Frederick S. Barrett et al. 419 citations

Background: Preliminary data suggest that psilocybin-assisted treatment produces substantial and rapid antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), but little is known about long-term outcomes. Aims: This study sought to examine the efficacy and safety of psilocybin through 12 months in participants with moderate to severe MDD who received psilocybin. Methods: This...

Effects of Psychedelic Use on Racial Trauma Symptoms and Ethnic Identity among Asians in North America

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 11, 2022 Terence H. W. Ching, Alan K. Davis, Yitong Xin et al. 34 citations

There is a need to understand ways in which Asians in North America attempt to heal from racial trauma, given their well-documented high risk of exposure and associated adverse mental health outcomes. We conducted a secondary analysis of Asians from a survey of people of color in North America who have consumed psychedelics in response to racial discrimination. Ninety-two Asian participants...

Knowledge, Perceptions, and Use of Psychedelics among Individuals with Fibromyalgia

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 10, 2022 Nicolas G. Glynos, Jennifer Pierce, Alan K. Davis et al. 39 citations

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a difficult to treat chronic pain condition for which there is strong interest in alternative treatments. There is growing interest in the potential of psychedelic substances (e.g., psilocybin) in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat chronic pain. Via a cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey, we aimed to characterize knowledge, perceptions, and past use of...

Psilocybin for the Treatment of Depression: A Promising New Pharmacotherapy Approach.

Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2022 Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Alan K. Davis 16 citations

Depression is highly prevalent and represents the leading cause of global disability and primary contributor to overall global burden of disease. Several lines of evidence from early-phase experimental trials suggest that serotonergic psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, with therapeutic support show great promise in the treatment of depression with large effect sizes. Neuroimaging data have...

Psychedelic treatment for co-occurring alcohol misuse and post-traumatic stress symptoms among United States Special Operations Forces Veterans

Journal of Psychedelic Studies November 19, 2021 Pratheek Mangini, Lynnette A. Averill, Alan K. Davis 18 citations

Abstract Background & aims Special Operations Forces Veterans (SOFV) have unique treatment needs stemming from multiple repeated forms of combat exposure resulting in a complex sequela of problems including alcohol misuse and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Current approved pharmacologic treatments for alcohol misuse and PTSD are lacking in adherence and efficacy, warranting novel treatment...

Psilocybin therapy increases cognitive and neural flexibility in patients with major depressive disorder.

Translational Psychiatry November 8, 2021 Manoj K. Doss, Michal Považan, Monica D Rosenberg et al. 343 citations

Psilocybin has shown promise for the treatment of mood disorders, which are often accompanied by cognitive dysfunction including cognitive rigidity. Recent studies have proposed neuropsychoplastogenic effects as mechanisms underlying the enduring therapeutic effects of psilocybin. In an open-label study of 24 patients with major depressive disorder, we tested the enduring effects of psilocybin...

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for trauma-exposed patients in an outpatient setting: A clinical chart review study

Journal of Psychedelic Studies October 1, 2021 Alan K. Davis, Pratheek Mangini, Yitong Xin 10 citations

Abstract Trauma exposure across the lifespan produces risks for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, as well as global disability in functioning. This retrospective clinical chart review is the first of its kind to assess the utility of sublingual ketamine-assisted body-centered psychotherapy in trauma-exposed patients in a real world clinic setting. De-identified clinical...