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Oldoni AA, Bacchi AD, Mendes FR, Tiba PA, Mota-Rolim S. Neuropsychopharmacological Induction of (Lucid) Dreams: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:426. [PMID: 38790404 PMCID: PMC11119155 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Lucid dreaming (LD) is a physiological state of consciousness that occurs when dreamers become aware that they are dreaming, and may also control the oneiric content. In the general population, LD is spontaneously rare; thus, there is great interest in its induction. Here, we aim to review the literature on neuropsychopharmacological induction of LD. First, we describe the circadian and homeostatic processes of sleep regulation and the mechanisms that control REM sleep with a focus on neurotransmission systems. We then discuss the neurophysiology and phenomenology of LD to understand the main cortical oscillations and brain areas involved in the emergence of lucidity during REM sleep. Finally, we review possible exogenous substances-including natural plants and artificial drugs-that increase metacognition, REM sleep, and/or dream recall, thus with the potential to induce LD. We found that the main candidates are substances that increase cholinergic and/or dopaminergic transmission, such as galantamine. However, the main limitation of this technique is the complexity of these neurotransmitter systems, which challenges interpreting results in a simple way. We conclude that, despite these promising substances, more research is necessary to find a reliable way to pharmacologically induce LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel A. Oldoni
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, Brazil; (A.A.O.); (P.A.T.)
| | - André D. Bacchi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis 78736-900, Brazil;
| | - Fúlvio R. Mendes
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, Brazil;
| | - Paula A. Tiba
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-045, Brazil; (A.A.O.); (P.A.T.)
| | - Sérgio Mota-Rolim
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
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Onaolapo OJ, Olofinnade AT, Ojo FO, Adeleye O, Falade J, Onaolapo AY. Substance use and substance use disorders in Africa: An epidemiological approach to the review of existing literature. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1268-1286. [PMID: 36389088 PMCID: PMC9641378 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i10.1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between man and substances that have abuse potentials, and whose use has been associated with the development or progression of substance use disorders has continued to evolve in terms of geography, economic implications, and time. History shows that local plants with psychoactive constituents can get exported worldwide through global travel, commerce, or even conquest. Time and globalization also change people’s relationship with substances of abuse; hence, an area that was initially alien to certain substances might evolve to becoming a trafficking hub, and then a destination. A case in point is Africa where a rapidly increasing prevalence of substance use/abuse and substance use disorder among adolescents and young adults is putting enormous strain on the economy, healthcare system, and society at large. However, there appears to be a paucity of scientific literature and data on the epidemiology, risk assessment, and contributing factors to substance use and the development of substance use disorders across Africa. In this narrative review, we examine extant literature (PubMed, Google scholar, Medline) for information on the prevalence, trends, and influencers of substance use and the development of substance use disorders. This is with a view of understanding the determinants of substance use and factors that influence the development of substance use disorders in the region, and how this information can be channeled towards developing a comprehensive intervention and treatment program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olakunle James Onaolapo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Unit, Neuropharmacology Subdivision, Department of Pharmacology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214 Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Tope Olofinnade
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University, Ikeja 100001, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Foluso Olamide Ojo
- Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Olufunto Adeleye
- Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Joshua Falade
- Department of Mental Health, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti 360282, Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Adejoke Yetunde Onaolapo
- Behavioral Neuroscience Unit, Neurobiology Subdivision, Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso 210214, Oyo, Nigeria
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Ona G, Berrada A, Bouso JC. Communalistic use of psychoactive plants as a bridge between traditional healing practices and Western medicine: A new path for the Global Mental Health movement. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:638-651. [PMID: 34665080 DOI: 10.1177/13634615211038416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Global Mental Health (GMH) movement aims to provide urgently needed treatment to those with mental illness, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Due to the complexity of providing mental health services to people from various cultures, there is much debate among GMH advocates regarding the best way to proceed. While biomedical interventions offer some degree of help, complementary approaches should focus on the social/community aspects. Many cultures conduct traditional rituals involving the communal use of psychoactive plants. We propose that these practices should be respected, protected, and promoted as valuable tools with regard to mental health care at the community level. The traditional use of psychoactive plants promotes community engagement and participation, and they are relatively affordable. Furthermore, the worldviews and meaning-making systems of local population are respected. The medical systems surrounding the use of psychoactive plants can be explained in biomedical terms, and many recently published clinical trials have demonstrated their therapeutic potential. Psychoactive plants and associated rituals offer potential benefits as complementary aspects of mental health services. They should be considered as such by international practitioners and advocates of the GMH movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genís Ona
- ICEERS - International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), 16777Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ali Berrada
- Unidad de Medicina Interna, 16548Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- ICEERS - International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), 16777Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
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Letheby C, Mattu J. Philosophy and classic psychedelics: A review of some emerging themes. JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.2021.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Serotonergic (or “classic”) psychedelics have struck many researchers as raising significant philosophical questions that, until recently, were largely unexplored by academic philosophers. This paper provides an overview of four emerging lines of research at the intersection of academic philosophy and psychedelic science that have gained considerable traction in the last decade: selfless consciousness, psychedelic epistemology, psychedelic ethics, and spiritual/religious naturalism. In this paper, we highlight philosophical questions concerning (i) psychedelics, self-consciousness, and phenomenal consciousness, (ii) the epistemic profile of the psychedelic experience; (iii) ethical concerns about the appropriate use of psychedelics; and (iv) whether spiritual or religious dimensions of psychedelic use are compatible with a naturalistic worldview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Letheby
- Department of Philosophy, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Philosophy, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jaipreet Mattu
- Department of Philosophy, Rotman Institute of Philosophy, Western University, 7170 Western Interdisciplinary Research Building, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario, N6A 5B8, Canada
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Williams MT, Reed S, George J. Culture and psychedelic psychotherapy: Ethnic and racial themes from three Black women therapists. JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.2020.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPsychedelic medicine is an emerging field of research and practice that examines the psychotherapeutic effects of substances classified as hallucinogens on the human mind, body, and spirit. Current research explores the safety and efficacy of these substances for mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although current studies explore psychotherapeutic effects from a biomedical perspective, gaps in awareness around cultural issues in the therapeutic process are prominent. African Americans have been absent from psychedelic research as both participants and researchers, and little attention has been paid to the potential of psychedelics to address traumas caused by racialization. This paper examines cultural themes and clinical applications from the one-time use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as part of an US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical trial and training exercise for three African American female therapists. The primary themes that emerged across the varied experiences centered on strength, safety, connection, and managing oppression/racialization. The participants' experiences were found to be personally meaningful and instructive for how Western models of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy could be more effective and accessible to the Black community. Included is a discussion of the importance of facilitator training to make best use of emerging material when it includes cultural, racial, and spiritual themes. A lack of knowledge and epistemic humility can create barriers to treatment for underserved populations. Implications for future research and practice for marginalized cultural groups are also discussed, including consideration of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) as an adjunct to the psychedelic-therapy approaches currently advanced. As women of color are among the most stigmatized groups of people, it is essential to incorporate their perspectives into the literature to expand conversations about health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnica T. Williams
- 1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- 2Behavioral Wellness Clinic, LLC, Tolland, CT, USA
- 3School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sara Reed
- 1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- 2Behavioral Wellness Clinic, LLC, Tolland, CT, USA
| | - Jamilah George
- 1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gibson
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Zuma T, Wight D, Rochat T, Moshabela M. Traditional health practitioners' management of HIV/AIDS in rural South Africa in the era of widespread antiretroviral therapy. Glob Health Action 2017; 10:1352210. [PMID: 28771116 PMCID: PMC5645651 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1352210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional health practitioners (THPs) have been identified as a key local resource in the fight against human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in South Africa. However, their approaches to the treatment of people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been met with scepticism by some biomedical practitioners amid increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). OBJECTIVE In light of this ambivalence, this study aims to document and identify treatment approaches of THPs to the management of illness among PLHIV in the current era of widespread access to ART. METHODS The study was conducted as part of a larger trial of Treatment as Prevention (TasP) in rural northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, intended to treat PLHIV regardless of CD4 count. Nine THPs were enrolled using purposive and snowballing techniques. Repeat group discussions, triangulated with community walks and photovoice techniques, were conducted. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Eight of the nine THPs had received training in biomedical aspects of HIV. THPs showed a multilayered decision-making process in managing illness among PLHIV, influenced by the attributes and choices of the THPs. THPs assessed and managed illness among PLHIV based on THP training in HIV/AIDS, THP type, as well as knowledge and experience in the traditional healing practice. Management of illness depended on the patients' report of their HIV status or willingness to test for HIV. CONCLUSIONS THPs' approaches to illness in PLHIV appear to be shifting in light of increasing exposure to HIV/AIDS-related information. Importantly, disclosure of HIV status plays a major role in THPs' management of illness among PLHIV, as well as linkage to HIV testing and care for their patients. Therefore, THPs can potentially enhance the success of ART for PLHIV when HIV status is known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Daniel Wight
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tamsen Rochat
- Human Sciences Research Council/Human and Social Development (HSD) and MRC Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
- Discipline of Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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