This systematic review investigates the effects of the ayahuasca beverage (Aya) in various animal models. Using the PRISMA protocol and adhering to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews, a comprehensive selection of 2,359 documents was identified from the Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus databases between 2012 and 2022. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were...
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is characterised by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioural changes. Patients suffering from dementia often experience emotional distress, sadness and depression which also impacts the wellbeing of their caregivers. Recent research has explored the potential of psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, when treating various...
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex and debilitating condition affecting approximately 280 million people worldwide. Its heterogeneous nature makes it difficult to establish clinical treatment guidelines that address individual differences in treatment response. As a result, many individuals experience treatment-resistant depression (TRD) failing to respond to first-line...
Abstract Psychedelics have garnered great attention in recent years as treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment‐resistant depression because of their ability to alter consciousness and afflicted cognitive processes with lasting effects. We aimed to characterise how psychedelics are currently being investigated to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). Additionally, we aimed...
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an empirically-supported psychotherapy for chronic pain. Although mindfulness is a key component of ACT, most ACT protocols do not include formal mindfulness meditation practice as a principal treatment method, leaving open the question of whether formal practice may bolster ACT's effects. Addressing this gap, the present study assessed the feasibility...
Abstract This chapter focuses on the integration of motivational interviewing and mindfulness strategies in treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders. Literature on the effect of motivational interviewing and of mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety and other mood disorders is reviewed. Breathing techniques such as square or box breathing, grounding techniques such...
Online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (eMBCT) can reduce psychological distress in people with cancer, but adherence and scalability could be improved. Through co-creation, we developed two eMBCT formats: group-blended and individual-unguided. This trial compared the effects of the two eMBCT to care as usual (CAU) on psychological distress and other mental health outcomes in people with...
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with suicide risk, as well as a number of psychological disorders. This, coupled with its high prevalence rate, make it imperative that effective treatments for those who engage in NSSI are investigated and made available to the public. Despite this, few interventions specifically targeting NSSI have been researched. This study aimed to address this...
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent key drug targets, with approximately 30%-40% of all medications acting on these receptors. Recent advancements have uncovered the complexity of GPCR signaling, including biased signaling, which allows selective activation of specific intracellular pathways-primarily mediated by G proteins and β-arrestins. Among aminergic GPCRs, the serotonin 5-HT2A...
To the Editor: Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) combines psychedelics, such as psilocybin, with guided psychotherapeutic support. 1 These substances interact with patient's mindset ("set") and the surrounding environment ("setting"), 2 making the context of the experience a critical factor in therapeutic outcomes.As these substances gain recognition for their therapeutic potential, it is...