BJPsych Open
December 15, 2025
Nicole Ledwos, Jenna Baer, Muhammad Ishrat Husain et al.
2 citations
Background Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating mental disorder commonly treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, atypical antipsychotic augmentation and cognitive–behavioural therapy. However, up to 60% of people with OCD do not respond to these treatments. Therefore, a novel intervention, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), is an option of interest....
Acta Neuropsychiatrica
February 8, 2024
Negar Sayrafizadeh, Nicole Ledwos, Muhammad Ishrat Husain et al.
3 citations
Abstract Objective: Monoamine neurotransmitters play a role in aggression, especially when altered by illicit substances. However, some literature suggests that not all illicit substances may lead to aggression, notably psychedelics. This narrative review investigates the associations between serotonergic psychedelics and MDMA on aggressive behaviour. Methods: PubMed and PsycINFO were searched...
BJPsych Open
July 1, 2023
Muhammad Ishrat Husain, Nicole Ledwos, Elise Fellows et al.
41 citations
Background Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of psilocybin have reported large antidepressant effects in adults with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Given psilocybin's psychedelic effects, all published studies have included psychological support. These effects depend on serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor activation, which can be blocked by 5-HT2A receptor...
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
March 4, 2023
Nicole Ledwos, Aurelia I Andreiev, Tianna Costa et al.
NyQuil is an over-the-counter medication containing the pain reliever, acetaminophen; the antihistamine, doxylamine; and dextromethorphan (DXM), the antitussive medication. The Nyquil liquid formulation also contains alcohol, listed among the inactive ingredients. DXM has dependence-producing properties and addiction liability, especially in young people (1). Large doses (>1500 mg/day) can...
Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications
March 1, 2023
David Castle, Nicole Ledwos, David Nutt
Abstract This is an exciting time for psychedelics and related drugs, with a renewed scientific interest in their potential benefits for a range of mental health disorders and addictions. However, much is yet to be discovered about this group of drugs, including precisely how they work in the brain; how their biological effects interact with psychological support to effect therapeutic change;...
Frontiers in Psychiatry
February 10, 2023
Muhammad Ishrat Husain, Nicole Ledwos, Elise Fellows et al.
47 citations
Introduction Current treatment options for major depressive disorder (MDD) have limited efficacy and are associated with adverse effects. Recent studies investigating the antidepressant effect of serotonergic psychedelics—also known as classic psychedelics—have promising preliminary results with large effect sizes. In this context, we conducted a review of the putative neurobiological...
Journal of Psychopharmacology
December 14, 2022
Nicole Ledwos, Justyne D. Rodas, Muhammad Ishrat Husain et al.
20 citations
BACKGROUND: Clinical use of psychedelics has gained considerable attention, with promising benefits across a range of mental disorders. Current pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and eating disorders (EDs) have limited efficacy. As such, other treatment options such as psychedelic-assisted therapies are being explored in these clinical groups....
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
Nicole Ledwos, Joshua D. Rosenblat, Daniel M. Blumberger et al.
16 citations
There has been resurgence of interest in the therapeutic use of serotonergic ("classic") psychedelics in major depressive disorder (MDD) and end-of-life distress. This commentary offers a critical appraisal of current evidence for antidepressant effects of classic psychedelics from contemporary clinical trials and highlights pitfalls that should be addressed before clinical translation. A...