Translational Psychiatry
September 14, 2026
Muhammad Asim, Julia A. Galiza Soares, Jason M Tucciarone
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) modulates a vast array of brain functions via its diverse receptor subtypes. Among these, the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) has garnered intense recent interest for its pivotal role in mediating the effects of psychedelic compounds. Substantial evidence indicates that psychedelics act as agonists at the 5-HT2AR, triggering profound alterations in...
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
September 14, 2026
Prafful Singi, Mukul Pal Chowdhury, Rajesh Arora
preprint
While modern contemplative science has extensively investigated mindfulness and meditation techniques, the critical chronobiological variable of timing remains largely unexplored. Ancient Eastern traditions universally emphasize the pre-dawn window—traditionally termed Brahma Muhurta or Amritvela (3:00 AM – 6:00 AM)—as the optimal time for spiritual practice. This paper establishes an...
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
September 13, 2026
Tae Jun Park, Sang Woong Park, Solah Park et al.
preprint
Abstract MK-801, a phencyclidine (PCP) derivative also known as dizocilpine, is a potent noncompetitive antagonist of the N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr). The NMDAr plays a critical role in mediating excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS) and is important in regulating synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. MK-801 is known to induce schizophrenia-like...
Journal of Psychiatric Research
September 10, 2026
Background: Major depressive and bipolar disorders are leading causes of disability, with many patients developing treatment-resistant depression (TRD/TRBD). Ketamine offers rapid symptom relief, yet recovery extends beyond symptoms. Life engagement (LE) is a key patient-centered outcome encompassing the ability to experience pleasure, function effectively, and participate in meaningful...
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
September 10, 2026
Xizhen Zhang, Xiaowen Zhang, Haiyu Zhang et al.
Depression, characterized by persistent low mood and anhedonia, represents a prevalent affective disorder imposing substantial medical and economic burdens. Current first-line antidepressants are limited by delayed onset and treatment resistance. Psilocybin (PSI) has re-emerged as a promising therapeutic agent with rapid, sustained antidepressant effects. This systematic review was conducted...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
Orla Mallon
Abstract Background Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, with relapse remaining common despite the availability of opioid agonist and antagonist pharmacotherapies. Scotland continues to experience a disproportionate burden of drug-related deaths relative to other parts of the United Kingdom and Europe, reflecting the ongoing clinical and public...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
Noemi Nicosia, Jessica Mingardi, G Terribile et al.
Abstract Background Chronic stress is a key risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the leading causes of disability worldwide1. Despite available pharmacological therapies, treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a clinical challenge. Hallucinogens such as ketamine and serotonergic psychedelics including psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)2 show rapid...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
Claudio Agnorelli, Joseph Peill, Danielle Kurtin et al.
Abstract Background Clinical studies have shown that ketamine and classic psychedelics can produce robust and rapid antidepressant effects after a single or a few administrations. However, the neurobiological mechanisms driving these long-lasting changes remain unclear. A leading framework proposes that both drug classes induce sustained increases in neuroplasticity, potentially reshaping...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
David Erritzøe
Abstract Background Recent clinical and neuroscientific work has revived interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies as promising treatments for a range of psychiatric conditions. Mechanistically, classical psychedelics and atypical agents such as ketamine appear to act as catalysts of neural and psychological flexibility, disrupting entrenched patterns of activity in “stuck” brain networks and...
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
September 9, 2026
R Freire, C Chaves, M Cabo et al.
Abstract Background Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders worldwide, causing significant impacts on physical and emotional health and substantial functional impairment. Not only individuals with anxiety disorders have severe and debilitating anxiety symptoms; patients with PTSD, OCD and mood disorders often present with anxiety. The term classic psychedelics...