MDMA has shown promise as an adjunct to psychological therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in recent studies, but its historical association with the recreational drug ecstasy makes research controversial. Dr Sessa discusses these controversies and describes a UK-based MDMA/PTSD study currently in development.
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) typically follows use of classical hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin, but its cause is unclear. This case report describes a boy who developed HPPD-like symptoms after using cannabis only seven times, suggesting that cannabis may also trigger the disorder. The authors present this case to highlight the possibility of HPPD occurring with cannabis use alone.
The insula, a key part of the salience network in the brain, is involved in peak experiences like romantic love, profound spirituality, and engagement with the arts, which can give people a sense of connection and meaning. These mental states can also occur in rare neuropsychiatric disorders. The text explores the research on this topic.
After a nearly 40-year pause, psychedelic drugs are being studied again as possible aids to psychotherapy for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders and addictions. This research presents a promising future for these substances, whose reputation suffered due to recreational use since the 1960s. Through careful, evidence-based studies, these medications may return to their original role as valid and effective tools in clinical medicine and neuroscience.