This study investigated the impact of a brief meditation workshop on a sample of 223 novice meditators. Participants attended a three-day workshop comprising daily guided seated meditation sessions using music without vocals that focused on various emotional states and intentions (open focus). Based on the theory of integrative consciousness, it was hypothesized that altered states of...
Ibogaine is the main alkaloid in the root bark of Tabernanthe iboga plant which groves in Western-Central Africa. It has been used by natives to overcome fatigue, hunger and thirst, and in higher doses to provoke hallucinations. In the “ibogaine medical subculture” in Europe and America it is used to facilitate abstinence from variety of addictive substances (cocaine, heroin, methadone,...
Ketamine, a multimodal dissociative anesthetic, is a powerful analgesic administered following trauma due to its hemodynamic and respiratory stability. However, ketamine can cause hallucination and dissociation which may adversely impact traumatic memory after an injury. The effects of ketamine on proteins implicated in neural plasticity are unclear due to different doses, routes, and timing of...
Ketamine (KET), a NMDA receptor antagonist, has been studied for its rapid and efficacious antidepressant effect, even for the treatment-resistant depression. Although depression is a major cause of disability worldwide, the treatment can be feasible, affordable and cost-effective, decreasing the population health burden. We evaluated the antidepressive-like effects of KET and its actions on...