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Herrmann Z, Earleywine M, De Leo J, Slabaugh S, Kenny T, Rush AJ. Scoping Review of Experiential Measures from Psychedelic Research and Clinical Trials. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023; 55:501-517. [PMID: 36127639 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2125467] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Subjective responses to psychoactive drugs have served as intriguing windows into consciousness as well as useful predictors. Subjective reactions to psychedelic molecules are particularly interesting given how they covary with subsequent improvements associated with psychedelic-assisted treatments. Although links between subjective reactions and decreases in treatment-resistant clinical depression, end-of-life anxiety, and maladaptive consumption of alcohol and nicotine appear in the empirical literature, the measurement of these subjective responses has proven difficult. Several scales developed over many decades show reasonable internal consistency. Studies suggest that many have a replicable factor structure and other good psychometric properties, but samples are often small and self-selected. We review the psychometric properties of some of the most widely used scales and detail their links to improvement in response to psychedelic-assisted treatments. Generally, assessments of mystical experiences or oceanic boundlessness correlate with improvements. Challenging subjective experiences, psychological insight, and emotional breakthroughs also show considerable promise, though replication would strengthen conclusions. We suggest a collaborative approach where investigators can focus on key responses to ensure that the field will eventually have data from many participants who report their subjective reactions to psychedelic molecules in a therapeutic setting. This may aid in predicting improvement amongst targeted conditions and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
- New Hampshire Hospital, Concord, NH, USA
| | | | - Joseph De Leo
- Center for Compassionate Care, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Slabaugh
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Timothy Kenny
- Library & Knowledge Services, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - A John Rush
- Emeritus, Duke - National University of Singapore (Nus); Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Gonçalves J, Luís Â, Gallardo E, Duarte AP. A Systematic Review on the Therapeutic Effects of Ayahuasca. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2573. [PMID: 37447135 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Traditional therapies, resorting to the use of plants, have acquired a great demand over the years, both for economic reasons and the preference for natural treatments. Some studies suggest that ayahuasca may have beneficial properties in treating some physical and psychological imbalances. Thus, we carried out a systematic review of studies published up to December 2022, where these themes were addressed. The search was carried out in the PubMed database, and only studies written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Thus, 228 publications were identified, of which 66 were included in the present study. The reviewed studies suggest that ayahuasca may have beneficial effects on various physical and psychological conditions, namely in the treatment of depression, anxiety and various diseases of the neurobiological system, as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, demonstrating its therapeutic potential. The number of studies that address this issue has also been growing, demonstrating interest in the search for alternative treatments. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review where all the findings of therapeutic effects associated with the consumption of ayahuasca are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Luís
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Gallardo
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Laboratório de Fármaco-Toxicologia, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, Estrada Municipal 506, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
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Wießner I, Falchi M, Palhano-Fontes F, Feilding A, Ribeiro S, Tófoli LF. LSD, madness and healing: Mystical experiences as possible link between psychosis model and therapy model. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1151-1165. [PMID: 34253268 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For a century, psychedelics have been investigated as models of psychosis for demonstrating phenomenological similarities with psychotic experiences and as therapeutic models for treating depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. This study sought to explore this paradoxical relationship connecting key parameters of the psychotic experience, psychotherapy, and psychedelic experience. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 24 healthy volunteers received 50 μg d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or inactive placebo. Psychotic experience was assessed by aberrant salience (Aberrant Salience Inventory, ASI), therapeutic potential by suggestibility (Creative Imagination Scale, CIS) and mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, FFMQ; Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS; Experiences Questionnaire, EQ), and psychedelic experience by four questionnaires (Altered State of Consciousness Questionnaire, ASC; Mystical Experiences Questionnaire, MEQ; Challenging Experiences Questionnaire, CEQ; Ego-Dissolution Inventory, EDI). Relationships between LSD-induced effects were examined. RESULTS LSD induced psychedelic experiences, including alteration of consciousness, mystical experiences, ego-dissolution, and mildly challenging experiences, increased aberrant salience and suggestibility, but not mindfulness. LSD-induced aberrant salience correlated highly with complex imagery, mystical experiences, and ego-dissolution. LSD-induced suggestibility correlated with no other effects. Individual mindfulness changes correlated with aspects of aberrant salience and psychedelic experience. CONCLUSIONS The LSD state resembles a psychotic experience and offers a tool for healing. The link between psychosis model and therapeutic model seems to lie in mystical experiences. The results point to the importance of meaning attribution for the LSD psychosis model and indicate that psychedelic-assisted therapy might benefit from therapeutic suggestions fostering mystical experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Wießner
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Falchi
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Palhano-Fontes
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Sidarta Ribeiro
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ayahuasca's therapeutic potential: What we know - and what not. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 66:45-61. [PMID: 36368095 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of the psychedelic brew ayahuasca has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, the most consistent evidence refers to depression. However, various studies suggest that ayahuasca may comprise therapeutic benefits in other health conditions. This narrative review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of ayahuasca's therapeutic effects in diverse clinical conditions in human (clinical, cross-sectional, observational, and qualitative) and preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies. In addition to summarizing and discussing the most commonly studied conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders (SUD), we also examine less frequently studied psychiatric, neurological, and physical conditions. Moreover, we discuss evidence from epidemiological studies on the impact of regular, long-term ayahuasca use on health and psychosocial outcomes. Overall, evidence for depression and SUD is more consistent, with numerous and diverse studies. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that other conditions equally relevant to public health might be promising targets for ayahuasca's therapeutic effects. This includes preliminary studies indicating potential for grief, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and severe physical illnesses (e.g., cancer, chronic conditions). Moreover, preliminary evidence in long-term ayahuasca users does not suggest detrimental effects but possible benefits for individual and collective health. In light of the emerging evidence of psychedelic drugs as therapeutic agents, it is essential to further investigate in rigorous designs the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca in conditions other than depression.
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Radakovic C, Radakovic R, Peryer G, Geere JA. Psychedelics and mindfulness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.2022.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background and aims
The benefits of classic serotonergic psychedelics (e.g. psilocybin, LSD, DMT, ayahuasca) are becoming more widely known with the resurgence in research in the past decade. Furthermore, the benefits of mindfulness are well documented. However, no systematic reviews have examined linkage of mindfulness and psychedelics use. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the link between psychedelics and characteristics of mindfulness.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search across multiple databases, inclusive of grey literature and backwards/forward-citation tracking, on the 18 January 2021. The search strategy included terms relating to mindfulness and psychedelics, with no restriction on clinical or non-clinical conditions. Study quality was assessed. An exploratory random-effects meta-analysis was conducted on pre-post mindfulness data relative to psychedelic ingestion.
Results
Of 1805 studies screened, 13 were included in the systematic review. There was substantial variability in participant characteristics, psychedelic administration method and measurement of mindfulness. The ingestion of psychedelics is associated with an increase in mindfulness, specifically relating to domains of acceptance, which encompasses non-judgement of inner experience and non-reactivity. The meta-analysis of a subset of studies (N = 6) showed small effects overall relative to ayahuasca ingestion, increasing mindfulness facets of non-judgement of inner experience and non-reactivity, as well as acting with awareness.
Conclusions
Further methodologically robust research is needed to elucidate the relationship between psychedelics and mindfulness. However, mindfulness and specific facets relating to acceptance have been shown to increase following ingestion of psychedelics in a number of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Radakovic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Ratko Radakovic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Peryer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Jo-Anne Geere
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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6
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Earleywine M, Low F, Lau C, De Leo J. Integration in Psychedelic-Assisted Treatments: Recurring Themes in Current Providers’ Definitions, Challenges, and Concerns. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00221678221085800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Integration therapy, an integral part of psychedelic-assisted treatment, usually includes sessions devoted to making meaning of relevant psychedelic experiences after subjective effects have subsided. As the psychedelic renaissance continues, offers for this integration therapy have proliferated. In the present project, semi-structured interviews with 30 integration therapists focused on definitions of integration as well as challenges and concerns that they associated with the practice. A mixed-methods approach revealed 19 themes that coders identified reliably. Prevalent themes included expressing concern about nonresponsive clients, defining integration as a bridge between the psychedelic experience and daily life, and apprehensions about the commercialization of psychedelic psychotherapy. Interviewees viewed integration as a process that begins prior to the administration of substances, never ends, makes sense of the psychoactive experience, creates behavioral change, is personalized, and makes the individual whole. Most participants also discussed issues related to client resistance, unrealistic expectations of psychedelic psychotherapy, problems associated with power differentials, the importance of an integration therapist’s connection to other service providers, and the need for self-care. These data might help the standardization of integration therapy, inform lay impressions of the process, and help generate hypotheses for continued research on this aspect of psychedelic-assisted treatment. These data also suggest that psychedelic integration practitioners would appreciate regular support from a community of like-minded colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiona Low
- University at Albany, State University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Carmen Lau
- MindCure Health Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joseph De Leo
- Centre for Compassionate Care, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Kirkham N, Letheby C. Psychedelics and environmental virtues. PHILOSOPHICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09515089.2022.2057290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nin Kirkham
- Department of Philosophy, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chris Letheby
- Department of Philosophy, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Philosophy, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)'s reputation for creating dramatic effects at high doses, empirical work rarely addresses cannabis's impact on subjective responses common to the tryptamine psychedelics. We focused on these effects because they have preceded and covaried with the therapeutic impact of psilocybin in previous work. AIMS The current study examined if self-reported responses to cannabis products might parallel those found in clinical trials of psilocybin administration. We also investigated if measures of demographics and cannabis use might correlate with these responses. METHODS Participants reported the subjective effect of their highest THC experience using 27 items that assess oceanic boundlessness, a correlate of mystical experiences. They also answered infrequency items and questions on demographics and cannabis consumption. RESULTS In an effort to address concerns about replication, we divided respondents who passed infrequency items into two random samples. Self-reported "breakthrough" experiences were significantly greater than zero but significantly lower than those reported in randomized clinical trials of psilocybin (17-19% vs. 59%). Total scores covaried with perceived dosages of THC, but only in one sample. Heavier users of cannabis reported lower scores. CONCLUSIONS Self-report data suggest that high doses of cannabis can create subjective effects comparable to those identified in trials of psilocybin that precede relief from cancer-related distress, treatment-resistant depression, alcohol problems, and cigarette dependence. Given the disparate mechanisms of action, comparing THC-induced to psilocybin-induced effects might improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying subjective experiences. This work might also support the development of a cannabis-assisted psychotherapy comparable to psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch Earleywine
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, USA
| | - Luna F Ueno
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, USA
| | - Maha N Mian
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, USA
| | - Brianna R Altman
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, USA
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Perkins D, Schubert V, Simonová H, Tófoli LF, Bouso JC, Horák M, Galvão-Coelho NL, Sarris J. Influence of Context and Setting on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of Ayahuasca Drinkers: Results of a Large International Survey. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:623979. [PMID: 33967757 PMCID: PMC8097729 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.623979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a traditional plant decoction containing N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and various β-carbolines including harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine, which has been used ceremonially by Amazonian Indigenous groups for healing and spiritual purposes. Use of the brew has now spread far beyond its original context of consumption to North America, Europe, and Australia in neo-shamanic settings as well as Christian syncretic churches. While these groups have established their own rituals and protocols to guide use, it remains unknown the extent to which the use of traditional or non-traditional practices may affect drinkers' acute experiences, and longer term wellbeing and mental health outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to provide the first detailed assessment of associations between ceremony/ritual characteristics, additional support practices, motivations for drinking, and mental health and wellbeing outcomes. The paper uses data from a large cross-sectional study of ayahuasca drinkers in more than 40 countries who had used ayahuasca in various contexts (n = 6,877). It captured detailed information about participant demographics, patterns and history of ayahuasca drinking, the setting of consumption, and ritualistic practices employed. Current mental health status was captured via the Kessler 10 psychological distress scale and the mental health component score of the SF-12 Health Questionnaire, while reported change in prior clinically diagnosed anxiety or depression (n = 1276) was evaluated using a (PGIC) Patient Global Impression of Change tool. Various intermediate outcomes were also assessed including perceived change in psychological wellbeing, number of personal self-insights attained, and subjective spiritual experience measured via the spirituality dimension of the Persisting Effects Questionnaire (PEQ) and Short Index of Mystical Orientation. Regression models identified a range of significant associations between set and setting variables, and intermediate and final mental health and wellbeing outcomes. A generalized structural equation model (GSEM) was then used to verify relationships and associations between endogenous, mediating and final outcome variables concurrently. The present study sheds new light on the influence of ceremonial practices, additional supports and motivations on the therapeutic effects of ayahuasca for mental health and wellbeing, and ways in which such factors can be optimized in naturalistic settings and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Perkins
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Violeta Schubert
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Luís Fernando Tófoli
- Interdisciplinary Cooperation for Ayahuasca Research and Outreach (ICARO), School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanic Education, Research and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Miroslav Horák
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Department of Languages and Cultural Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicole Leite Galvão-Coelho
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology and Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Payne JE, Chambers R, Liknaitzky P. Combining Psychedelic and Mindfulness Interventions: Synergies to Inform Clinical Practice. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:416-423. [PMID: 33860171 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic and mindfulness interventions have been shown to improve mental ill-health and wellbeing, with a range of clinical processes and effects in common. However, each appear to contain specific challenges in the context of mental health treatment. In this Perspective, we focus on a set of distinct affordances, "useful differences", within psychedelic and mindfulness interventions that might address common challenges within the other intervention. Accordingly, we propose a set of applied synergies, indicating specific ways in which these two promising interventions might be combined for greater benefit. Metaphorically, on the journey toward mental health and wellbeing, we propose that psychedelic treatments may serve the role of Compass (initiating, motivating, and steering the course of mindfulness practice), with mindfulness interventions serving the role of Vehicle (integrating, deepening, generalizing, and maintaining the novel perspectives and motivation instigated by psychedelic experience). We outline a set of testable hypotheses and future research associated with the synergistic action of psychedelic and mindfulness interventions toward improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake E Payne
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - Richard Chambers
- Mindfulness Programs, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Paul Liknaitzky
- Turner Institute, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Crego A, Yela JR, Gómez-Martínez MÁ, Riesco-Matías P, Petisco-Rodríguez C. Relationships between Mindfulness, Purpose in Life, Happiness, Anxiety, and Depression: Testing a Mediation Model in a Sample of Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:925. [PMID: 33494471 PMCID: PMC7908241 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mindfulness is connected to positive outcomes related to mental health and well-being. However, the psychological mechanisms that account for these relationships are largely unknown. A multiple-step multiple mediator structural equation modeling (SEM) model was tested with mindfulness as the independent variable; purpose in life and behavioral activation as serial mediators; and happiness, anxiety, and depression as outcome measures. Data were obtained from 1267 women. Higher mindfulness was associated with higher levels of happiness and lower anxiety and depression symptoms. The association of mindfulness with the outcome variables could be partially accounted for by purpose in life and behavioral activation. The SEM model explained large proportions of variance in happiness (50%), anxiety (34%), and depression (44%) symptoms. Mindfulness is associated with both a sense of purpose in life and engagement in activities, which are also connected with positive outcomes. Moreover, having purposes in life is linked to higher levels of behavioral activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Crego
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Calle de la Compañía 5, 37002 Salamanca, Spain; (J.R.Y.); (M.Á.G.-M.); (P.R.-M.)
| | - José Ramón Yela
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Calle de la Compañía 5, 37002 Salamanca, Spain; (J.R.Y.); (M.Á.G.-M.); (P.R.-M.)
| | - María Ángeles Gómez-Martínez
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Calle de la Compañía 5, 37002 Salamanca, Spain; (J.R.Y.); (M.Á.G.-M.); (P.R.-M.)
| | - Pablo Riesco-Matías
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Calle de la Compañía 5, 37002 Salamanca, Spain; (J.R.Y.); (M.Á.G.-M.); (P.R.-M.)
| | - Cristina Petisco-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Education, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Calle Henry Collet 52-70, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
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Eleftheriou ME, Thomas E. Examining the Potential Synergistic Effects Between Mindfulness Training and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:707057. [PMID: 34456763 PMCID: PMC8386240 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.707057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness-based interventions and psychedelic-assisted therapy have been experimentally utilised in recent years as alternative treatments for various psychopathologies with moderate to great success. Both have also demonstrated significant post-acute and long-term decreases in clinical symptoms and enhancements in well-being in healthy participants. These two therapeutic interventions share various postulated salutogenic mechanisms, such as the ability to alter present-moment awareness and anti-depressive action, via corresponding neuromodulatory effects. Recent preliminary evidence has also demonstrated that psychedelic administration can enhance mindfulness capacities which has already been demonstrated robustly as a result of mindfulness-based interventions. These shared mechanisms between mindfulness-based interventions and psychedelic therapy have led to scientists theorising, and recently demonstrating, synergistic effects when both are used in combination, in the form of potentiated therapeutic benefit. These synergistic results hold great promise but require replication in bigger sample groups and better controlled methodologies, to fully delineate the effect of set and setting, before they can be extended onto clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleni Eleftheriou
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Thomas
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Earleywine M, De Leo J. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for depression: How dire is the need? How could we do it? JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.2020.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDespite the popular support for psychedelics as aids for depression, academics and the public frequently overestimate the efficacy of available medications and psychotherapies. Metaanalyses reveal that antidepressant medications alone help only one in four patients and rarely surpass credible placebos. Their effects, though statistically significant, might not impress depressed patients themselves. Psychotherapies create better outcomes than antidepressant drugs alone; combining the two provides measurable advantages. Nevertheless, the best combinations help only 65% of the clients who complete treatment. The drugs create side-effects and withdrawal surprisingly more severe than professional guidelines imply, too. Psychedelics appear to improve depression through some of the same mechanisms as psychotherapy, as well as some novel ones, suggesting that the combination could work very well. In addition, subjective experiences during the psychedelic sessions covary with improvement. Guiding clients to focus on these targeted thoughts and feelings could improve outcome. These data underscore the serious need for clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted, empirically supported treatment for depression with guided experiences during the psychedelic session. These trials would require important components to maximize their impact, including meaningful preparatory sessions designed to enhance motivation and explain empirically supported approaches, guided administration sessions that focus on oceanic boundlessness, integration sessions that support progress, and follow-up sessions consistent with established research. This combination involves markedly more than a simple pairing of medication and talk therapy, but proper application could have an unparalleled impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch Earleywine
- 1University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY, USA
- 3WIN Consulting International, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph De Leo
- 2University of Guelph-Humber, Etobicoke, ON, Canada
- 3WIN Consulting International, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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