Ketamine and its (S)-enantiomer show distinct psychological effects that are investigated in psychiatric research. Its antidepressant activity may depend on the extent and quality of these psychological effects which may greatly differ between the enantiomers. Previous data indicate that the (S)-ketamine isomer is a more potent anesthetic than (R)-ketamine. In contrast, in subanesthetic doses...
Modern psychological research on meditation has demonstrated its extensive psychological and physical benefits. Much of this modern research relies on ‘mindfulness’ training protocols, such as the popular MBSR program (from the 1970s) and similar offshoots. Though certainly useful, these mindfulness interventions are limited in scope. Their contents do not reflect voluminous recent research...
BACKGROUND Depression severity and efficacy measurement scales employed for rapid-acting treatments (e.g., ketamine) were initially validated in adults receiving conventional monoamine-based antidepressants. The emergence of rapid-acting antidepressants in psychiatry provides the impetus for outcome measures that have been validated as sensitive to change with rapid-acting treatments. Herein,...
Frontiers in PsychologyFebruary 26, 2021János Kállai, Gábor Vincze, Imre András Török et al.
Background: This study aimed to examine magical ideation and absorption traits across non-clinical and clinical groups to determine their potential adaptive and maladaptive functions. Method: We enrolled 760 healthy participants from neighboring communities (female = 53.2%). Moreover, we recruited 318 patients (female = 66.5%), which included 25, 183, and 110 patients with schizophrenia...
Background There is a need to regularly update the evidence base on the effectiveness of online mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), especially considering how fast this field is growing and developing. Objective This study presents an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of online MBIs on mental health and the potential moderators of these effects....
Pain MedicineFebruary 23, 2021Anna M. Polaski, A. Phelps, Thomas J. Smith et al.
OBJECTIVE This pilot trial examined the effects of a combined intervention of mindfulness meditation followed by aerobic walking exercise compared with a control condition in chronic low back pain patients. We hypothesized that meditation before exercise would reduce disability, pain, and anxiety by increasing mindfulness prior to physical activity compared with an audiobook control group....
Background: Psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and irritability are common in Huntington’s disease, even for premanifest individuals. However, very little evidence exists of psychological approaches to manage this distress. We have conducted a feasibility study with an embedded qualitative component to investigate the possibility of using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy...
Background/Objective Healthcare workers play a critical role in the health of a nation, yet rates of healthcare worker stress are disproportionately high. We evaluated whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for life (MBCT-L), could reduce stress in healthcare workers and target a range of secondary outcomes. Method: This is the first parallel randomised controlled trial of MBCT-L....
As one of the foundations of existential positive psychology, self-transcendence can bring positive intrapersonal and interpersonal outcomes, especially in the COVID-19 era in which people are suffering huge mental stress. Based on Schwartz's theory of human basic values, the current study combines variable-centered and person-centered approaches to examine the relationships between...
Background: Cannabis is known to have a broad range of effects on behavior, including experiencing a “high” and tranquility/relaxation. However, there are several adverse behavioral sequalae that can arise from cannabis use, depending on frequency of use, potency (e.g., THC content), age of onset, and cumulative exposure. This systematic review examined evidence for cannabis-related adverse...