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Bouso JC, Révész D, Ona G, Rossi GN, Rocha JM, Dos Santos RG, Hallak JEC, Alcázar-Corcoles MÁ. Longitudinal and transcultural assessment of the relationship between hallucinogens, well-being, and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14052. [PMID: 37696900 PMCID: PMC10495368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of the global population. This paper presents the results of a longitudinal transcultural study that was begun at the peak of the pandemic (in April, 2020). An online survey was used to collect data from English-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking participants. The survey collected information about sociodemographics, lifestyle activities, COVID-19-related circumstances, and drug use (with an emphasis on hallucinogenic drugs), as well as involving psychometric questionnaires. Users of hallucinogenic drugs had higher psychological well-being and lower scores on psychopathology scales, both at baseline and during follow-ups. This difference was larger when users were distinguished by frequency of use, as regular users scored higher on psychological well-being and lower on psychopathology scales. Subjects with more psychological distress had lower scores for all scales of post-traumatic growth, but if they were regular hallucinogens users, they had higher scores for post-traumatic growth. When comparing the results between cultural contexts, heterogeneous results were obtained. There were more English-speaking regular users of hallucinogenic drugs. Further research should analyse the potential role of hallucinogens in large-scale catastrophes, with a special focus on post-traumatic growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Bouso
- ICEERS-International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service, C/ Sepúlveda, 65 Bajos 2, 08015, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain.
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain.
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - Dóra Révész
- ICEERS-International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service, C/ Sepúlveda, 65 Bajos 2, 08015, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Genís Ona
- ICEERS-International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service, C/ Sepúlveda, 65 Bajos 2, 08015, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Giordano N Rossi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Juliana M Rocha
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Dos Santos
- ICEERS-International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service, C/ Sepúlveda, 65 Bajos 2, 08015, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology-Translational Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miguel Ángel Alcázar-Corcoles
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
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Escobar-Cornejo GS, Escobar-Cornejo DM, Ramos-Vargas LF. Ayahuasca and its interaction with the sigma-1 receptor: a potential treatment for COVID-19. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PSIQUIATRIA (SAO PAULO, BRAZIL : 1999) 2022; 44. [PMID: 35896035 PMCID: PMC9375664 DOI: 10.47626/1516-4446-2022-2541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Khan FI, Hassan F, Lai D. In Silico Studies on Psilocybin Drug Derivatives Against SARS-CoV-2 and Cytokine Storm of Human Interleukin-6 Receptor. Front Immunol 2022; 12:794780. [PMID: 35095870 PMCID: PMC8796858 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.794780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Various metabolites identified with therapeutic mushrooms have been found from different sources and are known to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Over thousands soil growth-based mushroom metabolites have been discovered, and utilized worldwide to combat malignancy. In this study, psilocybin-mushroom that contains the psychedelic compounds such as psilacetin, psilocin, and psilocybine were screened and found to be inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mprotease. It has been found that psilacetin, psilocin, and psilocybine bind to Mprotease with −6.0, −5.4, and −5.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, the psilacetin was found to inhibit human interleukin-6 receptors to reduce cytokine storm. The binding of psilacetin to Mprotease of SARS-CoV-2 and human interleukin-6 receptors changes the structural dynamics and Gibbs free energy patterns of proteins. These results suggested that psilocybin-mushroom could be utilized as viable potential chemotherapeutic agents for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faez Iqbal Khan
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Fakhrul Hassan
- Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Dakun Lai
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Hornick MG, Olson ME, Jadhav AL. SARS-CoV-2 Psychiatric Sequelae: A Review of Neuroendocrine Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:1-12. [PMID: 34648616 PMCID: PMC8524640 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
From the earliest days of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been reports of significant neurological and psychological symptoms following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This narrative review is designed to examine the potential psychoneuroendocrine pathogenic mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 elicits psychiatric sequelae as well as to posit potential pharmacologic strategies to address and reverse these pathologies. Following a brief overview of neurological and psychological sequelae from previous viral pandemics, we address mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 could enter or otherwise elicit changes in the CNS. We then examine the hypothesis that COVID-19-induced psychiatric disorders result from challenges to the neuroendocrine system, in particular the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis and monoamine synthesis, physiological mechanisms that are only further enhanced by the pandemic-induced social environment of fear, isolation, and socioeconomic pressure. Finally, we evaluate several FDA-approved therapeutics in the context of COVID-19-induced psychoneuroendocrine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary G Hornick
- Roosevelt University, College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
| | - Margaret E Olson
- Roosevelt University, College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
| | - Arun L Jadhav
- Roosevelt University, College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
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Hayes C, Wahba M, Watson S. Will psilocybin lose its magic in the clinical setting? Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022; 12:20451253221090822. [PMID: 35480296 PMCID: PMC9036342 DOI: 10.1177/20451253221090822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin as a novel treatment for depression is garnering a lot of attention from both the mainstream media and the academic community. Although phase 3 trials are only just beginning, we feel that it is important for clinicians to consider what psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy might look like in the clinical setting. In this narrative review article we have considered the difficulties that may arise as psilocybin emerges from the research setting, which may hamper its progress towards becoming a licenced medication. Psilocybin has its own unique challenges: the expectation patients come to dosing with having read overwhelmingly positive media; patient suggestibility under the influence of psilocybin and requirement for specialised therapists to name a few. We have also made some recommendations for measures that should be taken in both the phase 3 trials and with clinicians to try and minimise some of the issues raised. In doing so our hope is that psilocybin will continue towards becoming a licenced medication that suitable patients are able to access with relative ease. Practicing psychiatrists need to have an awareness of the potential pitfalls of psilocybin as they will be responsible for prescribing it in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Hayes
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT, UK
| | - Mourad Wahba
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stuart Watson
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Carhart-Harris RL, Wagner AC, Agrawal M, Kettner H, Rosenbaum JF, Gazzaley A, Nutt DJ, Erritzoe D. Can pragmatic research, real-world data and digital technologies aid the development of psychedelic medicine? J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:6-11. [PMID: 33888025 PMCID: PMC8801625 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211008567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Favourable regulatory assessments, liberal policy changes, new research centres and substantial commercial investment signal that psychedelic therapy is making a major comeback. Positive findings from modern trials are catalysing developments, but it is questionable whether current confirmatory trials are sufficient for advancing our understanding of safety and best practice. Here we suggest supplementing traditional confirmatory trials with pragmatic trials, real-world data initiatives and digital health solutions to better support the discovery of optimal and personalised treatment protocols and parameters. These recommendations are intended to help support the development of safe, effective and cost-efficient psychedelic therapy, which, given its history, is vulnerable to excesses of hype and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK,Robin L Carhart-Harris, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, Burlington Danes Building, London W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Anne C Wagner
- Remedy, Toronto, Canada,Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Manish Agrawal
- Maryland Oncology and Hematology, Rockville, USA,Aquilino Cancer Center, Rockville, USA
| | - Hannes Kettner
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Adam Gazzaley
- Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Kelly JR, Gillan CM, Prenderville J, Kelly C, Harkin A, Clarke G, O'Keane V. Psychedelic Therapy's Transdiagnostic Effects: A Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Perspective. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:800072. [PMID: 34975593 PMCID: PMC8718877 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.800072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating clinical evidence shows that psychedelic therapy, by synergistically combining psychopharmacology and psychological support, offers a promising transdiagnostic treatment strategy for a range of disorders with restricted and/or maladaptive habitual patterns of emotion, cognition and behavior, notably, depression (MDD), treatment resistant depression (TRD) and addiction disorders, but perhaps also anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders. Despite the emergent transdiagnostic evidence, the specific clinical dimensions that psychedelics are efficacious for, and associated underlying neurobiological pathways, remain to be well-characterized. To this end, this review focuses on pre-clinical and clinical evidence of the acute and sustained therapeutic potential of psychedelic therapy in the context of a transdiagnostic dimensional systems framework. Focusing on the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) as a template, we will describe the multimodal mechanisms underlying the transdiagnostic therapeutic effects of psychedelic therapy, traversing molecular, cellular and network levels. These levels will be mapped to the RDoC constructs of negative and positive valence systems, arousal regulation, social processing, cognitive and sensorimotor systems. In summarizing this literature and framing it transdiagnostically, we hope we can assist the field in moving toward a mechanistic understanding of how psychedelics work for patients and eventually toward a precise-personalized psychedelic therapy paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claire M. Gillan
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Psychology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jack Prenderville
- Transpharmation Ireland Ltd, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clare Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Psychology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Harkin
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Psychedelic perceptions: mental health service user attitudes to psilocybin therapy. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 191:1385-1397. [PMID: 34131812 PMCID: PMC8205319 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-021-02668-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Despite the rapid advance of psychedelic science and possible translation of psychedelic therapy into the psychiatric clinic, very little is known about mental health service user attitudes. Objectives To explore mental health service user attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy. Methods A questionnaire capturing demographics, diagnoses, previous psychedelic and other drug use, and attitudes to psychedelics and psilocybin therapy was distributed to mental health service users. Results Ninety-nine participants completed the survey (52% female, mean age 42 years). The majority (72%) supported further research, with 59% supporting psilocybin as a medical treatment. A total of 27% previously used recreational psilocybin, with a male preponderance (p = 0.01). Younger age groups, those with previous psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin. A total of 55% of the total sample would accept as a treatment if doctor recommended, whereas 20% would not. Fewer people with depression/anxiety had used recreational psychedelics (p = 0.03) but were more likely to support government funded studies (p = 0.02). A minority (5%) of people with conditions (psychosis and bipolar disorder) that could be exacerbated by psilocybin thought it would be useful for them. One fifth of the total sample viewed psychedelics as addictive and unsafe even under medical supervision. Concerns included fear of adverse effects, lack of knowledge, insufficient research, illegality, and relapse if medications were discontinued. Conclusions The majority supported further research into psilocybin therapy. Younger people, those with previous recreational psychedelic experience, and those with non-religious beliefs were more likely to have favourable attitudes towards psilocybin therapy. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11845-021-02668-2.
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Kettner H, Rosas FE, Timmermann C, Kärtner L, Carhart-Harris RL, Roseman L. Psychedelic Communitas: Intersubjective Experience During Psychedelic Group Sessions Predicts Enduring Changes in Psychological Wellbeing and Social Connectedness. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:623985. [PMID: 33995022 PMCID: PMC8114773 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.623985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent years have seen a resurgence of research on the potential of psychedelic substances to treat addictive and mood disorders. Historically and contemporarily, psychedelic studies have emphasized the importance of contextual elements ('set and setting') in modulating acute drug effects, and ultimately, influencing long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, current small-scale clinical and laboratory studies have tended to bypass a ubiquitous contextual feature of naturalistic psychedelic use: its social dimension. This study introduces and psychometrically validates an adapted Communitas Scale, assessing acute relational experiences of perceived togetherness and shared humanity, in order to investigate psychosocial mechanisms pertinent to psychedelic ceremonies and retreats. Methods: In this observational, web-based survey study, participants (N = 886) were measured across five successive time-points: 2 weeks before, hours before, and the day after a psychedelic ceremony; as well as the day after, and 4 weeks after leaving the ceremony location. Demographics, psychological traits and state variables were assessed pre-ceremony, in addition to changes in psychological wellbeing and social connectedness from before to after the retreat, as primary outcomes. Using correlational and multiple regression (path) analyses, predictive relationships between psychosocial 'set and setting' variables, communitas, and long-term outcomes were explored. Results: The adapted Communitas Scale demonstrated substantial internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and construct validity in comparison with validated measures of intra-subjective (visual, mystical, challenging experiences questionnaires) and inter-subjective (perceived emotional synchrony, identity fusion) experiences. Furthermore, communitas during ceremony was significantly correlated with increases in psychological wellbeing (r = 0.22), social connectedness (r = 0.25), and other salient mental health outcomes. Path analyses revealed that the effect of ceremony-communitas on long-term outcomes was fully mediated by communitas experienced in reference to the retreat overall, and that the extent of personal sharing or 'self-disclosure' contributed to this process. A positive relationship between participants and facilitators, and the perceived impact of emotional support, facilitated the emergence of communitas. Conclusion: Highlighting the importance of intersubjective experience, rapport, and emotional support for long-term outcomes of psychedelic use, this first quantitative examination of psychosocial factors in guided psychedelic settings is a significant step toward evidence-based benefit-maximization guidelines for collective psychedelic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Kettner
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - F. E. Rosas
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - C. Timmermann
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - L. Kärtner
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - R. L. Carhart-Harris
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - L. Roseman
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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