Recreational ketamine use has increased globally and is associated with psychiatric and cognitive concerns. The hippocampus in preclinical models shows damage and working-memory disruption with repeated dosing. However, whether specific hippocampal subregions may differ in people with chronic ketamine use remains unclear. In Taiwan, ketamine is predominantly consumed by smoking ketamine mixed...
Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), often persisting beyond initial abstinence and hindering recovery. However, the underlying sleep abnormalities warrant further investigation, particularly given mixed findings regarding specific substances. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify sleep-related abnormalities associated with...
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) frequently co-occurs with depression. IGD and depression have overlapping and distinct biological and psychological substrates. Mindfulness meditation (MM) has demonstrated efficacy in treating IGD and depression separately. However, its efficacy in treating concurrent IGD and depression and the possible brain mechanisms remain largely unknown. Seventy individuals...
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a public health issue, with only some having FDA-approved indicated treatments and these having high attrition. Consequently, there has been interest in novel interventions (e.g. psychedelics that target 5-HT2A receptors) with some promising results. In this narrative review, we aim to focus on the role of the 5-HT2A receptors on the effectiveness of the...
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), recently identified internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition warranting more research, and few empirically validated treatments exist. Mindfulness meditation (MM) has multiple health benefits; however, its efficacy in treating IGD and potential neural mechanisms underlying MM treatment of...
Background Ketamine and psychedelics have abuse liability. They can also induce “transformative experiences” where individuals experience enhanced states of awareness. This enhanced awareness can lead to changes in preexisting behavioral patterns which could be beneficial in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that ketamine and psychedelics...
Purpose of review: This review summarizes recent clinical trial research on pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders, with a specific focus on agents with potential abuse liability. Recent findings: Pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders may include gabapentinoids, baclofen, modafinil, ketamine, cannabinoids, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, and psychedelics. Gabapentinoids...
Impairments in feedback processing, often associated with risk-taking behavior, may have implications for development of substance abuse in adolescents. The most commonly used substances by adolescents include tobacco and cannabis, with some individuals using both substances, potentially heightening risk. Our objective was to examine feedback processing and impulsivity in adolescents who smoke...
Background and aims Spirituality is an important component of 12-step programs for behavioral and substance addictions and has been linked to recovery processes. Understanding the neural correlates of spiritual experiences may help to promote efforts to enhance recovery processes in behavioral addictions. We recently used general linear model (GLM) analyses of functional magnetic resonance...
PURPOSE Women with epilepsy (WWE) frequently experience sexual problems, including sexual dysfunction and sexual distress. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the efficacy of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for sexuality (MBCT-S) on sexual function and intimacy among older adult WWE in Iran. METHODS A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted at 15 neurology clinics in...
Background and aims: Mindfulness-based approaches, derived from centuries of eastern philosophy and practice, have been increasingly incorporated into western medicine. For example, data support the efficacy of mindfulness-based therapies to reduce stress and promote mental health. Methods: In this study, we briefly review models and approaches to sexual health in the context of considering...
Across cultures and throughout history, human beings have reported a variety of spiritual experiences and the concomitant perceived sense of union that transcends one's ordinary sense of self. Nevertheless, little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms of spiritual experiences, particularly when examined across different traditions and practices. By adapting an individualized...
Both depression and substance use disorders represent major global public health concerns and are often co-occurring. Although there are ongoing discoveries regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of each condition, common mechanisms and effective treatments for co-occurring depression and substance abuse remain elusive. Mindfulness training has been shown recently to benefit both...