This dissertation explores the lasting impact of psychedelic use on brain networks, ranging from basic sensory processing to abstract mystical experiences. Recent research has highlighted the potential of these substances for treating psychiatric disorders, with therapeutic effects persisting weeks after a single dose. We focus on serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD, which are...
Psychedelic substances use is increasing in the United States (US). The approval of new psychedelic drugs and legalization of natural psychedelic substances will likely further increase exposures and subsequent adverse events. The study objective is to describe the clinical effects, therapies, and medical outcomes of patients with psychedelic exposures reported to US poison centers. We...
Approximately 8.5 million Americans over the age of 12 endorsed past year psychedelic use in 2022, with 1.4 million individuals initiating use during this time. Although emerging evidence indicates there may be beneficial aspects of psychedelic use, there is a need to understand how individuals might mitigate potential risks within nonclinical contexts, such as through the use of protective...
Neuroplasticity, the ability of the nervous system to adapt throughout an organism's lifespan, offers potential as both a biomarker and treatment target for neuropsychiatric conditions. Psychedelics, a burgeoning category of drugs, are increasingly prominent in psychiatric research, prompting inquiries into their mechanisms of action. Distinguishing themselves from traditional medications,...
Abstract Background Peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are often used as a biomarker for the rapid plasticity-promoting effects of ketamine, psychedelics, and other psychoplastogens in humans. However, studies analyzing peripheral BDNF after psychoplastogen exposure show mixed results. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to test whether the rapid upregulation of...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sampling method for the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) in San Francisco changed from physical venue time-location sampling (TLS) to online or virtual venue TLS for men who have sex with men (MSM). We present differences in the samples of MSM recruited using physical venue TLS in 2017 and virtual venue TLS in 2021. We further assess changes in...
Serotonergic psychedelics, which display a high affinity and specificity for 5-HT2A receptors like 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI), reliably induce a head-twitch response in rodents characterized by paroxysmal, high-frequency head rotations. Traditionally, this behavior is manually counted by a trained observer. Although automation could simplify and facilitate data collection, current...
Background: Psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are increasingly recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating complex and chronic mental health conditions. Growing public interest in psychedelics may drive increased consumption outside of medically supervised clinical trials. Correspondingly, legality issues and...
Existential-phenomenological therapy was founded by R. D. Laing in the 1960s in Great Britain. His groundbreaking book The Divided Self was mostly about the phenomenological-existential understanding of schizoid phenomena and not about therapeutic interventions. Laing’s therapeutic approach was eclectic: he used psychoanalysis, LSD therapy, rebirthing methods and community psychiatry. In his...
Abstract Psychedelic use has increased in the last decade. However, it is unclear whether the cultural background of the consumers exerts any influence. The aim of the present study was to determine the pattern of psychedelic use in Spain and Spanish-speaking populations in South America and compare these consumption patterns to understand the use of these substances in two culturally distinct...