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Orłowski P, Hobot J, Ruban A, Szczypiński J, Bola M. Naturalistic use of psychedelics does not modulate processing of self-related stimuli (but it might modulate attentional mechanisms): An event-related potentials study. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14583. [PMID: 38584307 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Classic psychedelics are able to profoundly alter the state of consciousness and lead to acute experiences of ego dissolution - the blurring of the distinction between representations of self and the external world. However, whether repeated use of psychedelics is associated with more prolonged and permanent modifications to the concept of self remains to be investigated. Therefore, we conducted a preregistered, cross-sectional study in which experienced psychedelics users (15 or more lifetime experiences with psychedelics; N = 56) were compared to nonusers (N = 57) in terms of neural reactivity to a Self-name (i.e., each participant's own name) stimulus, which is known to robustly activate a representation of self. Two control stimuli were additionally used: an Other-name stimulus, as a passive control condition in which no reaction was required, and a Target-name stimulus, to which participants provided a manual response and which thus constituted an active control condition. Analysis of the amplitude of the P300 ERP component evoked by the Self- or Target-names revealed no difference between the psychedelics users and nonusers. However, psychedelic users exhibited increased P300 amplitude during perception of Other-names. In addition, in comparison to nonusers, psychedelics users exhibited a smaller increase in P300 amplitude when processing the task-relevant Target-names (in relation to both Self- and Other-names). Therefore, our data suggests that regular naturalistic use of psychedelics may not be related to long-term changes in the representation of self, but it might potentially affect the allocation of attentional resources to task-relevant stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Orłowski
- Centre for Brain Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School in the Social Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Hobot
- Consciousness Lab, Psychology Institute, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anastasia Ruban
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Szczypiński
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Bola
- Centre for Brain Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Walker C, Piatkowski T, Ferris J, Davies E, Barratt M, Winstock A, Puljević C. From chaos to kaleidoscope: Exploring factors in psychedelic self-treatment for mental health conditions. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:749-760. [PMID: 39075756 PMCID: PMC11311900 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241265762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study explores how individuals self-treat psychiatric conditions with psychedelics outside medical guidance bridging the gap in understanding unregulated therapeutic use. AIMS The primary objective was to extract specific factors underlying the effects of psychedelics, exploring their relationship with the need for medication, particularly for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Additionally, we aimed to understand how the likelihood of being prescribed pharmacological medication varies based on mental health diagnoses and demographic factors. METHODS This research utilised the Global Drug Survey 2020, an annual online survey focused on substance use patterns and demographics, incorporating modules addressing mental health and psychedelic use. The study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis to discern latent factors underlying the self-reported effects of psychedelics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the association between identified factors and the likelihood of current prescribed medication usage. RESULTS In all, 2552 respondents reported using psychedelics for self-treatment of mental health conditions. Three significant factors were identified: Improved Mental Health, Improved Self-Awareness and Neuro-Sensory Changes. The majority of the sample reported a history of depression (80%) or anxiety (65.6%), with a significant association observed between reported factors of psychedelics' effects and current medication usage for mental health, especially notable in cases of depression or comorbid depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Perceived symptom improvement following psychedelic self-treatment may reduce the need for medically supervised pharmacological interventions. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics to positively influence mental health and self-awareness, paving the way for further research into their therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Walker
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy Piatkowski
- School of Applied Psychology and Center for Mental Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason Ferris
- Center for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma Davies
- Center for Psychological Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Monica Barratt
- Social Equity Research Center and Digital Ethnography Research Center, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam Winstock
- University College London, London, UK
- Global Drug Survey, London, UK
| | - Cheneal Puljević
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Zheng S, Ma R, Yang Y, Li G. Psilocybin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1420601. [PMID: 39050672 PMCID: PMC11266071 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1420601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a formidable neurodegenerative ailment and a prominent contributor to dementia. The scarcity of available therapies for AD accentuates the exigency for innovative treatment modalities. Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid intrinsic to hallucinogenic mushrooms, has garnered attention within the neuropsychiatric realm due to its established safety and efficacy in treating depression. Nonetheless, its potential as a therapeutic avenue for AD remains largely uncharted. This comprehensive review endeavors to encapsulate the pharmacological effects of psilocybin while elucidating the existing evidence concerning its potential mechanisms contributing to a positive impact on AD. Specifically, the active metabolite of psilocybin, psilocin, elicits its effects through the modulation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2A receptor). This modulation causes heightened neural plasticity, diminished inflammation, and improvements in cognitive functions such as creativity, cognitive flexibility, and emotional facial recognition. Noteworthy is psilocybin's promising role in mitigating anxiety and depression symptoms in AD patients. Acknowledging the attendant adverse reactions, we proffer strategies aimed at tempering or mitigating its hallucinogenic effects. Moreover, we broach the ethical and legal dimensions inherent in psilocybin's exploration for AD treatment. By traversing these avenues, We propose therapeutic potential of psilocybin in the nuanced management of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wolff M, Evens R, Mertens LJ, Schmidt C, Beck J, Rutrecht H, Cherniak AD, Gründer G, Jungaberle H. Measuring psychotherapeutic processes in the context of psychedelic experiences: Validation of the General Change Mechanisms Questionnaire (GCMQ). J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:432-457. [PMID: 38742761 PMCID: PMC11102652 DOI: 10.1177/02698811241249698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic and salutogenic effects of psychedelic drugs have been attributed to psychotherapeutic or psychotherapy-like processes that can unfold during the acute psychedelic experience and beyond. Currently, there are no psychometric instruments available to comprehensively assess psychotherapeutic processes (as conceptualized by empirical psychotherapy research) in the context of psychedelic experiences. AIMS We report the initial validation of the General Change Mechanisms Questionnaire (GCMQ), a self-report instrument designed to measure five empirically established general change mechanisms (GCMs) of psychotherapy-(1) resource activation, (2) therapeutic relationship, (3) problem actuation, (4) clarification, and (5) mastery-in the context of psychedelic experiences. METHODS An online survey in a sample of 1153 English-speaking and 714 German-speaking psychedelic users was conducted to evaluate simultaneously developed English- and German-language versions of the GCMQ. RESULTS The theory-based factor structure was confirmed. The five GCMQ scales showed good internal consistency. Evidence for convergent validity with external measures was obtained. Significant associations with different settings and with therapeutic, hedonic, and escapist use motives confirmed the hypothesized context dependence of GCM-related psychedelic experiences. Indicating potential therapeutic effects, the association between cumulative stressful life events and well-being was significantly moderated by resource activation, clarification, and mastery. Factor mixture modeling revealed five distinct profiles of GCM-related psychedelic experiences. CONCLUSION Initial testing indicates that the GCMQ is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in future clinical and nonclinical psychedelic research. The five identified profiles of GCM-related experiences may be relevant to clinical uses of psychedelics and psychedelic harm reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- MIND Foundation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ricarda Evens
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lea J Mertens
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Jessica Beck
- MIND Foundation, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Aaron D Cherniak
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Gerhard Gründer
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Lowe MX, Kettner H, Jolly DRP, Carhart-Harris RL, Jackson H. Long-term benefits to psychological health and well-being after ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in Middle Eastern and North African immigrants and refugees. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1279887. [PMID: 38666090 PMCID: PMC11044680 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1279887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Refugees and immigrants can experience complex stressors from the process of immigration that can have lasting and severe long-term mental health consequences. Experiences after ayahuasca ingestion are shown to produce positive effects on psychological wellbeing and mental health, including anecdotal reports of improved symptoms of trauma and related disorders. However, data on the longitudinal health impact of naturalistic ayahuasca use in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) immigrant and refugee populations is limited. Aims The current longitudinal online survey study was conducted to gather prospective data on ceremonial ayahuasca use in a group (N = 15) of primarily female MENA immigrants and refugees and to provide further insight into the patterns and outcomes surrounding that use. The study sought to assess self-reported changes in physical and mental health, well-being, and psychological functioning, examine relationships between aspects of individual mindset (e.g., psychedelic preparedness) prior to ayahuasca use and observed outcomes during (e.g., subjective drug effects) and afterwards (i.e., persisting effects), characterize risks and negative experiences, and describe trauma exposure and personal history. Results/Outcomes Our findings revealed ceremonial use of ayahuasca is associated with significant improvements in mental health, well-being, and psychological functioning, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and shame, and increases in cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion. Most participants reported no lasting adverse effects and experienced notable positive behavioral changes persisting months after ingestion. Conclusion/Interpretation While preliminary, results suggest naturalistic ayahuasca use might hold therapeutic potential for MENA populations exposed to trauma prior to and during the process of migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannes Kettner
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robin L. Carhart-Harris
- Psychedelics Division, Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Glynos NG, Aday JS, Kruger D, Boehnke KF, Lake S, Lucas P. Psychedelic substitution: altered substance use patterns following psychedelic use in a global survey. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1349565. [PMID: 38455520 PMCID: PMC10917882 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1349565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent research suggests that psychedelics may have potential for the treatment of various substance use disorders. However, most studies to date have been limited by small sample sizes and neglecting to include non-North American and European populations. Methods We conducted a global, cross-sectional online survey of adults (n = 5,268, 47.2% women) self-reporting past or current psychedelic use and investigated whether psychedelic use was associated with changes in use of other substances. Results Nearly three-quarters (70.9%; n = 3,737/5,268) reported ceasing or decreasing use of one or more non-psychedelic substances after naturalistic psychedelic use. Among those with previous use, 60.6% (n = 2,634/4,344) decreased alcohol use, 55.7% (n = 1,223/2,197) decreased antidepressant use, and 54.2% (n = 767/1,415) decreased use of cocaine/crack. Over a quarter of the sample indicated that their decrease in substance use persisted for 26 weeks or more following use of a psychedelic. Factors associated with decreased use included a motivation to either decrease one's substance use or self-treat a medical condition. Importantly, 19.8% of respondents also reported increased or initiated use of one or more other substances after psychedelic use, with illicit opioids (14.7%; n = 86/584) and cannabis (13.3%; n = 540/4,064) having the highest proportions. Factors associated with increased substance use included having a higher income and residing in Canada or the US. Discussion Although limited by cross-sectional study design, this large observational study will help inform future studies aiming to investigate the relationship between substance use patterns and psychedelic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G. Glynos
- Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Abor, MI, United States
- Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jacob S. Aday
- Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Abor, MI, United States
- Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniel Kruger
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Kevin F. Boehnke
- Anesthesiology Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Abor, MI, United States
- Michigan Psychedelic Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Stephanie Lake
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Orłowski P, Hobot J, Ruban A, Szczypiński J, Bola M. The relation between naturalistic use of psychedelics and perception of emotional stimuli: An event-related potential study comparing non-users and experienced users of classic psychedelics. J Psychopharmacol 2024; 38:68-79. [PMID: 38069478 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231216322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has suggested that controlled administration of psychedelic substances can modulate emotional reactivity, enhancing positive and diminishing negative emotions. However, it is unclear whether similar effects are associated with using psychedelics in less-controlled naturalistic environments. AIMS This cross-sectional study investigated the neural markers associated with the perception of emotional stimuli in individuals with extensive experience of naturalistic psychedelic use (15 or more lifetime experiences), comparing them to non-users. METHODS Electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded from two groups: experienced psychedelics users (N = 56) and non-users (N = 55). Participants were presented with facial images depicting neutral or emotional expressions (anger, sadness, and happiness). Event-related potential (ERP) components were analyzed as indices of emotional reactivity. RESULTS Psychedelic users were characterized by significantly lower amplitudes of the N200 component in response to fearful faces, in comparison to non-users. In addition, interaction effects between Group and Emotional expression were observed on N170 and N200 amplitudes, indicating group differences in the processing of fearful faces. However, no significant between-group differences emerged in the analysis of later ERP components associated with attention and cognitive processes (P200 and P300). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that naturalistic use of psychedelics may be linked to reduced reactivity to emotionally negative stimuli at the early and automatic processing stages. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the effects related to using psychedelics in naturalistic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Orłowski
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Justyna Hobot
- Consciousness Lab, Psychology Institute, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anastasia Ruban
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Szczypiński
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Bola
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
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