The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
October 21, 2022
James J Gattuso, Daniel Perkins, Simon Ruffell et al.
233 citations
Classical psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca consistently disrupt resting-state connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN) and increase functional connectivity between canonical resting-state networks. The DMN, a set of brain regions active during self-referencing and mind wandering, is altered in various neuropsychiatric conditions. While DMN modulation is central to some cognitive models of psychedelics, its role in their therapeutic potential remains unclear. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview to guide future research on the neurocognitive mechanisms of these agents.
European Neuropsychopharmacology
March 1, 2014
Andrew C. Parrott, H. Sands, Lewis Jones et al.
35 citations
Repeated heavy use of Ecstasy/MDMA is associated with nearly 4-fold higher cortisol levels in hair compared to non-users. Hair samples from 101 participants (aged 21.75 years on average) showed that heavy users (5+ times in 3 months) had mean cortisol levels of 55.0 pg/mg, light users (1-4 times) had 19.4 pg/mg, and non-users had 13.8 pg/mg. The difference between heavy users and non-users was statistically significant. These elevated cortisol levels may help explain cognitive, psychiatric, and other problems seen in some abstinent users and support the bio-energetic stress model for MDMA.
Behavioural Pharmacology
July 11, 2014
A. C. Parrott, Catharine Montgomery, Mark Wetherell et al.
34 citations
Recreational use of MDMA (ecstasy) increases cortisol levels, a marker of stress, both immediately and over longer periods. In laboratory settings, acute use raises cortisol by 100-200%, while dance clubbers combining the drug with dancing experience an 800% increase. Abstinent users' three-month hair samples show cortisol levels 400% higher than controls. Chronic users exhibit heightened cortisol in stressful settings, deficits in complex cognitive tasks, and altered brain activation patterns suggesting increased mental effort. Mood deficits include more daily stress and higher depression in susceptible individuals. Changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may explain these neuropsychobiological stress effects.
Frontiers in Psychology
March 4, 2022
Agnieszka D. Sekula, Luke A. Downey, Prashanth Puspanathan
27 citations
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PP) shows promise for treating PTSD, anxiety, addiction, and depression, relying heavily on participant mindset and therapeutic environment. Virtual reality (VR) may enhance PP by aiding relaxation, reducing anxiety, promoting mindfulness, inducing altered states of consciousness, and evoking mystical experiences. However, VR's role remains speculative due to a lack of empirical evidence on combined use. Potential disadvantages include sensory overstimulation, cyber-sickness, and triggering traumatic memories. A balanced, evidence-based approach is needed for design and implementation across treatment phases.
JAMA
December 21, 2021
Luke A. Downey, Jerome Sarris, Daniel Perkins
8 citations
No Summary
Psychoactives
March 25, 2024
Agnieszka D. Sekula, Prashanth Puspanathan, Luke A. Downey et al.
1 citation
A review of three interventions that produce altered states of consciousness—psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, Transcendental Meditation, and hypnotherapy—finds that the first two are linked to significant reductions in substance misuse and improvements in emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, motivation, self-identity, and meaning. Hypnotherapy, despite wider acceptance, shows mixed and minimal results for substance misuse treatment. The review notes common phenomenological, psychological, and neurobiological features among the interventions, suggesting possible convergent mechanisms, but also highlights mixed findings and methodological issues. Key research gaps and promising future directions are outlined.