The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
June 1, 1992
Mitchell B. Liester, Charles S. Grob, Gary Bravo et al.
130 citations
Twenty psychiatrists who had previously taken MDMA were interviewed about their subjective experiences during the drug's effects and its short- and long-term aftereffects. The study retrospectively examined side effects, insight gained, pleasure, intensity of the experience, and the influence of set, setting, and dosage. The authors discuss the methodological limitations of this type of retrospective self-report study.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
July 1, 2012
Mitchell B. Liester, James I. Prickett
78 citations
Ayahuasca, a medicinal plant mixture used by indigenous peoples in the Amazon, combines monoamine oxidase inhibitors and DMT to produce profound changes in consciousness. It is increasingly used to treat addictions, though its mechanism of action remains unclear. Four hypotheses are offered to explain possible biochemical, physiological, psychological, and transcendent mechanisms behind its anti-addiction effects.
Current Drug Abuse Reviews
January 9, 2015
Mitchell B. Liester
46 citations
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semisynthetic compound chemically related to serotonin with strong psychoactive properties. Initially hypothesized to produce a psychosislike state, it was later reported to have benefits in treating addictions. Widespread indiscriminate use and adverse effects led to its classification as an illicit drug with no accepted medical use. This article reviews LSD's history from discovery to use as a research tool, association with the 1960s counterculture, and rebirth as a potential medicine for addictions. Its pharmacology, phenomenology, effects at neurotransmitter receptors, and effects on gene expression are reviewed. Based on the literature, further research into LSD's potential as an addiction treatment is warranted.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
May 31, 2004
Bruce Greyson, Mitchell B. Liester
24 citations
Among people who have had near-death experiences, 80% also report later auditory hallucinations. Those who have these hallucinations overwhelmingly view them positively, unlike most schizophrenia patients who regard their auditory hallucinations negatively. Auditory hallucinations that are not tied to illness are common and can be highly valued by those who experience them.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
June 1, 1992
Charles S. Grob, Gary Bravo, Roger Walsh et al.
21 citations
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) can cause lasting damage to serotonin neurons in the brain, raising concerns about its safety for both recreational and therapeutic use. The authors review evidence from animal studies showing that MDMA produces dose-dependent serotonergic neurotoxicity, and they discuss the implications for humans who use the drug. They note that while some studies suggest potential therapeutic benefits for MDMA in psychotherapy, the neurotoxic risks must be carefully weighed. The paper emphasizes the need for further research to clarify the extent of neurotoxicity in humans and to establish safe guidelines for any medical applications.
November 22, 2013
James I. Prickett, Mitchell B. Liester
16 citations
Ayahuasca shows promise in treating addiction, with a study involving 120 participants revealing that 70% experienced significant reductions in substance use after just one session. This ancient medicine, gaining popularity in modern psychiatry, combines psychedelics with psychotherapy to address addiction effectively. The findings suggest that ayahuasca’s unique pharmacological properties may enhance psychological well-being and facilitate recovery. As interest grows in cannabinoids and other psychedelics for addiction treatment, ayahuasca stands out as a compelling option within the evolving landscape of drug studies and mental health.
Cureus
April 1, 2024
Mitchell B. Liester, Rachel Wilkenson, Barry Patterson et al.
3 citations
A woman with borderline personality disorder and treatment-resistant depression improved after taking very low doses of ketamine under the tongue. Ketamine, typically given intravenously, has shown rapid antidepressant effects and can also reduce borderline personality disorder symptoms when given repeatedly through a vein. A single previous case reported improvement with intranasal esketamine. This case suggests that very low-dose sublingual ketamine may be an effective treatment for psychiatric conditions like borderline personality disorder and co-occurring treatment-resistant depression.
Cureus
November 1, 2024
Ana I Flores, Mitchell B. Liester
2 citations
Memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information, and recent research suggests it extends beyond the brain to include body-based and cellular mechanisms. Synaptic changes in the hippocampus are crucial for memory consolidation, but somatic memory shows how sensory and traumatic experiences are stored implicitly. Studies indicate that memories can be encoded and stored in cells and may be transferred between individuals through organ transplantation. Observations in organisms without nervous systems, such as bacteria, fungi, and plants, expand traditional memory concepts. This review compiles findings across disciplines to build a framework explaining cellular processes in memory retention and transfer, though critical gaps remain in understanding how cellular memory interfaces with neural systems.
Cureus
November 23, 2025
Luiza Haruyunyan, Mitchell B. Liester, Bertrand Liang
A 75-year-old man with chronic exploding head syndrome—loud internal noises, lightning-like sensations, and sleep paralysis for over five years—failed multiple standard medications. Sublingual ketamine, starting at 25 mg every third night and increasing to nightly, reduced episodes from 3-4 times weekly to once every two weeks after one month, monthly by three months, and resolved completely by six months, with only occasional sleep paralysis remaining. The treatment improved quality of life. Ketamine may work through NMDA receptor modulation and neuroplasticity. This case suggests a potential new approach for this difficult-to-treat sleep disorder.
Cureus
January 1, 2025
Mitchell B. Liester
A woman with primary Raynaud's phenomenon experienced significant symptom improvement while receiving low-dose sublingual ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine, an FDA-approved anesthetic, has vasodilatory properties that may enhance blood flow and reduce vascular constriction. This case report suggests that ketamine could be a safe and inexpensive treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon, warranting further research.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
January 1, 2024
Mitchell B. Liester
The article explores how the experience of time changes across different states of consciousness, such as near-death experiences and those induced by mystical practices or psychedelic medicines. It introduces new terms for additional dimensions of time-experience and reviews the potential benefits and methods for achieving higher states of consciousness.