Mindfulness
September 10, 2026
Joshua Marmara, Warwick Hosking, Siân A. McLean
Abstract Objectives Self-compassion, which incorporates mindfulness, self-kindness, and common humanity, has been linked to greater body appreciation and positive well-being. This randomised controlled trial examined the effects of a brief, self-guided self-compassion meditation intervention, delivered without appearance-focused instructions, on body appreciation, positive well-being,...
Health Psychology Research
September 10, 2026
Vinu Vijayakumar, Mahesh Pudukudru Anand, Srikanth N. Jois et al.
Background: In pranic healing, a naturopathic biofield (prana) therapy, wellness is achieved by balancing life energy, also known as prana. Studies confirm its effectiveness in lowering rates of depression and anxiety, along with improving sleep quality and functional health. Objective: To evaluate the effects of mass pranic healing (MPH) on lung function and physical performance among...
npj Mental Health Research
September 10, 2026
Lucas Cruz, Marcio S. C. Longo, Rafael S. Rodrigues et al.
Abstract This observational survey study investigated the relationship between prior ayahuasca experience and mental health and mindset outcomes. Participants planning to attend an ayahuasca ceremony completed a survey before their upcoming ayahuasca use. Measures included substance use, depression, anxiety, stress, spiritual well-being, aberrant salience, and metaphysical beliefs. Participants...
September 9, 2026
Csaba Gal
preprint
Caffeine is widely studied as a facilitator of externally directed cognition, yet comparatively little is known about its effects on spontaneous cognition when external behavioural demands are weak. This paper proposes that caffeine can induce a distinctive state of ego-confrontation during rest. Acute caffeine reduces posterior default mode network (DMN) coherence while increasing DMN temporal...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
Z-J Zhang
Abstract Background While nitrous oxide (N2O) abuse has been a growing international public health issue, there is a dearth of effective intervention strategies. Our previous study has demonstrasted that addictive properties of N2O are associated with its regulation of D1 receptor and BDNF pathway in the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens. Aims & Objectives This study aimed to investigate...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
M Saje, Jurij Bon, Aleš Oblak
Abstract Background Esketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist that has been approved as treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Unlike serotoninergic therapies requiring weeks for effect, intranasal esketamine modulates glutamate neurotransmission, often yielding symptom relief within hours and significant response rates within one month [1]. This rapid action is particularly...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
Y-H Chan, H-M Chang
Abstract Background Esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine, is an NMDA receptor antagonist approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Although regulated clinical trials suggest a low risk of misuse, concerns remain that esketamine exposure may facilitate transition to ketamine dependence, particularly in East Asia where illicit ketamine is widely available. Aims & Objectives To...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
Todd M Solomon, Robert Barrow, Daniel R Karlin et al.
Abstract Background Effective and well-tolerated pharmacotherapies for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, are needed. Aims & Objectives To determine the dose-response relationship of MM120 (lysergide D-tartrate) in adults with moderate to severe GAD. Method This phase 2b, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
Z Wang, W Chen, C Hu et al.
Abstract Background Within the rapidly expanding field of psychedelic research, psilocybin, along with its active metabolite psilocin, has emerged as a highly promising candidate in the search for innovative treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. In this context, preclinical research using animal disease models has produced somewhat inconsistent results when employing standard tests to...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
D McCulloch
Abstract Background LSD has recently entered phase 3 clinical trials for anxiety and depressive disorders, yet understanding of its mechanisms of action in the human brain remains incomplete. The serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is the critical target for psychedelic effects, but no investigations to date have evaluated the relation between target engagement and systems-level brain function....