This epilogue synthesizes Gnostic cosmology, the "ontological turn" in anthropology, and systems theory to present a rigorous diagnostic framework for the converging crises of the modern era. The text posits that our current geopolitical and psychological malaise is not merely a series of policy failures, but the manifestation of a fundamental ontological war - a struggle over the nature of...
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) overlap in behavioral signs, particularly in social functioning; consequently, SSD patients are frequently misdiagnosed with ASD and vice versa. The neurodevelopmental and spectrum nature of both disorders, including milder variants, further complicates differential diagnosis, which calls for a better differentiation by...
Humanity is facing troubled times, as witnessed by increased polarization and division that are exploding into various forms of violence. Collectively, we are facing unprecedented ecological and environmental disasters. On campuses throughout North America, and closer to home, student anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are increasingly prevalent. The academic fields of...
PLoS One2025Jiuhong You, Zunera Khan, Reena Swaroop et al.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal aging and mild dementia. Patients with MCI and dementia usually experience impairment in cognitive functions such as memory, executive function, and processing speed. They may also develop neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. While previous studies suggest that mindfulness meditation may...
The global rise in age-related neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, significantly impacts healthcare systems and quality of life. Mindfulness and meditation (MM), rooted in ancient philosophical traditions, are gaining attention as promising non-pharmacological treatments. This chapter examines the historical evolution,...
Aim/Purpose: The mental health crisis of graduate students is often overlooked, though this population may experience higher rates of stress and anxiety than undergraduates. The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions and experiences of students practicing loving-kindness meditation (LKM) during synchronous online Doctor of Education classes at a large university. Background: Doctoral...
Introduction: Depression is a multifaceted disorder with a limited therapeutic repertoire. A significant breakthrough in depression research has been the discovery of fast-acting antidepressants that target the glutamate/GABA system, namely ketamine and neurosteroids. Positive modulation of GABA A receptors containing the a5 subunit (a5GABAARs) represents a promising new approach for targeted...
This structured review critically examines the psychological and neuropsychological effects of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) use during adolescence, focusing exclusively on human studies. MDMA is a widely consumed psychoactive substance among adolescents, particularly in social and recreational contexts. Drawing on 14 eligible studies identified through a comprehensive literature...
Ayahuasca is a decoction native to the Amazon, where it plays a central role in the traditional medicine of many local cultures and has expanded internationally over the last decades. Ayahuasca has also attracted the interest of scientists for its potential benefits on mental health, but its adverse effects are under-researched. We analyzed data from the Global Ayahuasca Survey, including...
Individuals with addiction, anxiety, depression, existential distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have experienced rapid and long-lasting relief of debilitating symptoms after ingestion of psychedelics.After experiencing treatment resistance or dropout, patients experienced success with psychedelics they had not with prescribed medicine.The Netherlands (NL) and the United States...