Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition where many patients remain symptomatic despite first-line treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This randomised controlled trial evaluated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) efficacy as an augmentation strategy and its impact on brain functional connectivity....
Despite divergent behavioral and phenomenological profiles, both psychedelic states and reduced states of consciousness have been associated with a flattening of the brain's functional hierarchy. To address this apparent paradox, we developed a more specific definition of hierarchy based on the proximity of the brain to thermodynamic equilibrium and then applied it to investigate the changes to...
Clinical research in psychedelic-assisted therapies is flourishing following the resumption of human trials exploring classic psychedelics and their therapeutic application to a range of mental health conditions. Translation from research to the clinic is underway in Australia and appears imminent in several other countries. Classic psychedelics function primarily as agonists of a subgroup of...
Classical psychedelics such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) modulate consciousness via serotonergic receptor agonism, and are increasingly investigated for their psychotherapeutic potential. When combined with the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitor harmine—mimicking the pharmacological profile of ayahuasca—oral DMT induces a psychedelic experience lasting 4–5 h. While some neuroimaging...
Mystical dynamics-the notion that mystical oneness may unfold involving ego disintegration, renewal, and luminous light-has been discussed anecdotally by psychedelic researchers and therapists but has not yet been empirically examined in controlled settings. This study investigated the occurrence and dose-dependency of mystical dynamics in healthy participants after administration of...
This article proposes a dual-self states framework in which reflective and experiential modes of consciousness are understood as dynamic configurations along a processing continuum. The reflective/experiential self-state corresponds to narrative, denotational, and self-referential consciousness underpinned by default mode network activity. The experiential self state is characterized as an...
Rhabdomyolysis is a recognized complication of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), usually driven by severe hyperthermia and agitation. We describe a previously healthy 45-year-old man who developed profound rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase (CK) 160,000 U/L) and intrinsic acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis after ingesting 1.5 g of "Molly" (pure MDMA), despite remaining afebrile...
Data from previous psychedelic trials suggests that the intensity of mystical experiences positively impacts treatment outcomes. However, not many conceptual frameworks are available to measure how this seems to be the case. According to Yogic and Buddhist philosophies, Kleshas are considered obstacles to self-realization, inner peace, and liberation. Using validated questionnaires, we accessed...
This paper aims to develop and explore the dynamic interrelation between religious theology, psychoanalysis, neurochemistry and psychology, through investigating the extent of the relationship between positive empathetic beliefs, serotonin (5HT), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), empathic emotional states, elevated serotonin levels, and their combined influences relating to the Jungian concept of...
3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐assisted psychotherapy (MDMA‐AP) has shown promise in treating post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly in treatment‐resistant cases. However, little is known about its potential to precipitate adverse psychiatric outcomes. We present the case of a 31‐year‐old woman with nondistressing childhood compulsions, chronic PTSD, and complex medical...