Psychedelics
May 14, 2026
Joseph T. la Torre, Jade Gallo, Matteo Buonaroti et al.
This paper presents qualitative data reported by individuals with histories of psychotic symptoms and experiences who engaged in naturalistic psychedelic use compiled as a case series. Through detailed first-person narratives, we explore how both classic and non-classic psychedelic experiences were subjectively experienced and integrated by individuals in this population, which is usually...
Schizophrenia Research
March 13, 2026
Michel Sabé, Paul Grof, Nathan Sackett et al.
1 citation
Serotonergic psychedelics are re-emerging as therapeutic candidates across psychiatry, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. Their rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, alongside evidence for neuroplastic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic modulation, have prompted interest in whether they could address depressive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs)....
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
November 18, 2025
Joseph T. la Torre, Ariana Kam, Todd Youngs et al.
This novel qualitative study examines the lived experiences of long-term participants in ayahuasca spiritual communities (ASCs) in the United States. Semi-structured interviews ( n = 11) were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis indicating that these communities (1) attract individuals seeking healing from trauma, addiction, and psychological distress, while offering a sense of belonging...
Research Square
November 5, 2025
Joseph T. la Torre, Step Cheung, Ariana Kam et al.
Abstract Drawing on an unprecedentedly larger sample (N = 236) than previous studies, we investigated the subjective effects of ibogaine by asking a series of three original, open-ended questions to participants enrolled in an ibogaine-assisted treatment program at a specialized healthcare facility in México. The objective was to characterize the overall phenomenology of the subjective ibogaine...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
September 14, 2025
Jacopo Sapienza, Marco Spangaro, Stefano Comai et al.
2 citations
Schizophrenia is a highly polygenic disease, and several genetic variants associated with the disease converge on altered synaptic homeostasis. In particular, the gene encoding complement component 4 (C4) showed the strongest association with schizophrenia, and this protein is involved in complement-dependent and microglia-mediated synaptic pruning. As a matter of fact, microglia are overactive...
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
October 29, 2024
Pamela Kryskow, Paul Stamets, Joseph T. la Torre et al.
4 citations
Abstract Interest in psychedelic research in the West is surging, however, clinical trials have almost exclusively studied synthetic compounds such as MDMA, ketamine, DMT, LSD, ibogaine, and psilocybin. To date, few clinical trials have utilized whole mushroom/plant material like Psilocybe mushrooms, Iboga, or Ayahuasca. Individuals participating in the Roots To Thrive Psilocybin-Assisted...
BMC Medical Education
October 24, 2024
Susanne Birnkammer, Olga Chernoloz, Sergio Pérez Rosal et al.
10 citations
As clinical trials for psychedelics move into phase III in the USA, Europe must address its lag in integrating professional education around psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) and supporting psychedelic drug research. This paper evaluates the necessary frameworks for implementing PAT in Germany, emphasizing the nation's potential leadership role within the European Union. With Australia having...
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
July 31, 2024
Joseph T. la Torre, Jade Gallo, Mehdi Mahammadli et al.
6 citations
Individuals with a history of psychotic experiences and disorders such as schizophrenia, and mood disorders with psychotic features tend to be excluded from psychedelic-assisted therapy research and treatment programs, despite minimal research demonstrating heightened risk of adverse effects for this group. Participants (n = 100) were asked to complete an online, retrospective survey that asked...
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
May 6, 2024
Mark Cornfield, S. Mcbride, Joseph T. la Torre et al.
6 citations
This study contributes to the understanding of the efficacy, safety, and experience of ketamine-assisted therapy. The paper documents how individuals describe the effects of a protocolized and personalized use of ketamine (‘the relational dose’) in the context of group couples therapy based on Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT). Little is known about simultaneously administering ketamine to both...
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
2024
Raymond Feng, Terence H. W. Ching, Amy Bartlett et al.
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is gaining renewed interest as a treatment for various mental disorders. However, there has been limited Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) representation in PAP clinical trials, signaling the need for culturally consonant communication about the efficacy and safety of PAP. We randomly assigned 321 BIPOC and 301 non-Hispanic White...
Research Square (Research Square)
January 25, 2022
Joseph T. la Torre, Mehdi Mahammadli, Kyle T. Greenway et al.
18 citations
Abstract Background Currently, personal or familial histories of psychotic symptoms are exclusionary criteria for most psychedelic clinical trials, studies, and treatment programs. This study sought to determine why such an exclusion exists, what the implications of the exclusion criteria are, and if there was agreement in expert opinion. Methods In-depth interviews with 12 experts in the...