Alex P. Hood, Chris E. Corlett, Cameron T. Alldredge, Gary R. Elkins
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that affects a sizable proportion of U.S. civilians, military personnel, and veterans. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) is a novel treatment approach for PTSD that has both stirred media enthusiasm and drawn criticism. This critical review analyzes individual randomized, controlled trials of MDMA-AT and provides a narrative synthesis.A library search and analysis of extant literature reviews was conducted to identify publications containing original research findings with inter-group statistical comparisons from randomized, controlled trials of MDMA-AT. Seven articles were identified. One pilot study was excluded due to a lack of inter-group comparison.To date, six (four Phase II and two Phase III) randomized, controlled trials of MDMA-AT have been published which met criteria for inclusion in this review. Study design, sponsor, recruitment methods, and participant demographics are similar across trials.Five out of six reviewed studies provide evidence for the apparent safety and efficacy of MDMA-AT. However, the lack of suitable comparison condition, poor blinding, and rigid study design across trials make interpretation of results difficult. In addition, the high costs of MDMA-AT and lack of head-to-head comparisons with validated PTSD therapies cast doubt on its potential promise as a treatment. The role of the sponsoring organization behind all trials may further introduce bias into findings. Though research to date is encouraging, there is not yet sufficient evidence to suggest that MDMA-AT should be see widespread adoption over current, validated forms PTSD of treatment.
创伤后应激障碍(PTSD)是一种使人衰弱的疾病,影响着相当一部分美国平民、军人和退伍军人。3,4-亚甲二氧基甲基苯丙胺辅助疗法(MDMA-AT)是一种治疗创伤后应激障碍的新型方法,既激起了媒体的热情,也招致了批评。这篇评论性综述分析了亚甲二氧基甲基苯丙胺辅助疗法的各项随机对照试验,并进行了叙述性综述。通过图书馆检索和分析现有文献综述,确定了包含原始研究结果的出版物,这些研究结果来自亚甲二氧基甲基苯丙胺辅助疗法的随机对照试验,并进行了组间统计比较。共找到七篇文章。迄今为止,已发表的六项(四项 II 期和两项 III 期)MDMA-AT 随机对照试验符合本综述的纳入标准。六项综述研究中的五项为亚甲二氧基甲基苯丙胺-AT 的明显安全性和有效性提供了证据。然而,由于缺乏合适的对比条件、盲法不完善以及各试验的研究设计僵化,因此很难对结果做出解释。此外,亚甲二氧基甲基苯丙胺-AT 的高昂成本以及缺乏与有效创伤后应激障碍疗法的正面比较,也使人们对其作为一种治疗方法的潜在前景产生了怀疑。所有试验背后的赞助机构的作用可能会进一步导致研究结果的偏差。尽管迄今为止的研究令人鼓舞,但还没有足够的证据表明亚甲二氧基甲基苯丙胺应被广泛采用,而不是目前有效的创伤后应激障碍治疗方法。
{"title":"Critical review of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Unanswered questions and future directions","authors":"Alex P. Hood, Chris E. Corlett, Cameron T. Alldredge, Gary R. Elkins","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00383","url":null,"abstract":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that affects a sizable proportion of U.S. civilians, military personnel, and veterans. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) is a novel treatment approach for PTSD that has both stirred media enthusiasm and drawn criticism. This critical review analyzes individual randomized, controlled trials of MDMA-AT and provides a narrative synthesis.A library search and analysis of extant literature reviews was conducted to identify publications containing original research findings with inter-group statistical comparisons from randomized, controlled trials of MDMA-AT. Seven articles were identified. One pilot study was excluded due to a lack of inter-group comparison.To date, six (four Phase II and two Phase III) randomized, controlled trials of MDMA-AT have been published which met criteria for inclusion in this review. Study design, sponsor, recruitment methods, and participant demographics are similar across trials.Five out of six reviewed studies provide evidence for the apparent safety and efficacy of MDMA-AT. However, the lack of suitable comparison condition, poor blinding, and rigid study design across trials make interpretation of results difficult. In addition, the high costs of MDMA-AT and lack of head-to-head comparisons with validated PTSD therapies cast doubt on its potential promise as a treatment. The role of the sponsoring organization behind all trials may further introduce bias into findings. Though research to date is encouraging, there is not yet sufficient evidence to suggest that MDMA-AT should be see widespread adoption over current, validated forms PTSD of treatment.","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141826169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Liam B. Engel, S. Thal, Stephen J. Bright, Mitchell Low
Online communities provide insights into psychedelic consumption, assisting in identification of trends, informing both harm reduction provisions and clinical research. This study extracts forum data on psychedelic substances, dosages, and administration routes, categorising and analysing self-reported consumption to inform care services and guide clinical work with psychedelics.Posts (n = 660) from online psychedelic forums (The Shroomery and DMT Nexus) on 'trip sitting' were analysed. Using a Delphi-style expert panel review facilitated by LE, we created drug weight and intensity charts (threshold, light, common, strong and heavy dosages) for psychedelics discussed in these posts. The psychedelic substance, dosage intensity and route of administration [ROA] (smoked/vaporised, oral, injected, insufflated and undisclosed) frequencies and exploring correlations with perceived need for assistance from a psychedelic carer were mapped and correlated with perceived need for psychedelic care.Psychedelics appearing in our data were 5-MeO-DMT, ayahuasca, changa, LSA, LSD and psilocybin. There was greater commonality between clinical studies and 'common' doses determined through the Delphi method, for more extensively researched substances like LSD and psilocybin. Many posts indicated opinions that psychedelic care was unnecessary or optional for consumers, particularly for LSD and LSA. 5-MeO-DMT was strongly associated with a perceived need for care. A correlation was identified between greater psychedelic purity, dosage intensity, and a perceived need for care. Oral administration, the most common ROA, showed lower dosage intensity.More research is needed to understand factors influencing psychedelic care practices. Educational information, emphasizing risk management strategies, should be provided to psychedelic consumers, emphasising psychedelic products and administration methods more likely to be dosed at a strong or heavy intensity.
{"title":"Psychedelic trip sitting, dosages and intensities: Supplementing clinical studies with anecdotal reports","authors":"Liam B. Engel, S. Thal, Stephen J. Bright, Mitchell Low","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00377","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00377","url":null,"abstract":"Online communities provide insights into psychedelic consumption, assisting in identification of trends, informing both harm reduction provisions and clinical research. This study extracts forum data on psychedelic substances, dosages, and administration routes, categorising and analysing self-reported consumption to inform care services and guide clinical work with psychedelics.Posts (n = 660) from online psychedelic forums (The Shroomery and DMT Nexus) on 'trip sitting' were analysed. Using a Delphi-style expert panel review facilitated by LE, we created drug weight and intensity charts (threshold, light, common, strong and heavy dosages) for psychedelics discussed in these posts. The psychedelic substance, dosage intensity and route of administration [ROA] (smoked/vaporised, oral, injected, insufflated and undisclosed) frequencies and exploring correlations with perceived need for assistance from a psychedelic carer were mapped and correlated with perceived need for psychedelic care.Psychedelics appearing in our data were 5-MeO-DMT, ayahuasca, changa, LSA, LSD and psilocybin. There was greater commonality between clinical studies and 'common' doses determined through the Delphi method, for more extensively researched substances like LSD and psilocybin. Many posts indicated opinions that psychedelic care was unnecessary or optional for consumers, particularly for LSD and LSA. 5-MeO-DMT was strongly associated with a perceived need for care. A correlation was identified between greater psychedelic purity, dosage intensity, and a perceived need for care. Oral administration, the most common ROA, showed lower dosage intensity.More research is needed to understand factors influencing psychedelic care practices. Educational information, emphasizing risk management strategies, should be provided to psychedelic consumers, emphasising psychedelic products and administration methods more likely to be dosed at a strong or heavy intensity.","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141828788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonas J. Neubert, Katie Anderson, Natasha L. Mason
Engaging in practices of intimacy meant to develop and sustain intimacy can be beneficial for couples. Psychoactive substances such as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have shown to facilitate bonding within couples and it is hypothesised that classic psychedelics, due to their property to increase prosocial behaviours, can similarly promote interactional intimacy. This study explores shared experiences of altered states of consciousness within romantic couples and their impact on intimacy in relationships.Twelve participants (six couples) between 19 and 29 years of age who had used psychedelics with their current partner were recruited.Qualitative data was gathered via simultaneous interviews with both members of a couple. The semi-structured interviews featured an in-depth exploration of multiple shared psychedelic experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the resulting transcripts.Three themes with subsequent subthemes were identified, portraying couples' experiences during psychedelic-induced altered states of consciousness: navigating anxiety (subthemes: novelty, preparation, shifting environment, and calming presence), reshaping practices (subthemes: excessive worrying, spirited discussions, and straight talking), and encountering bliss (subthemes: meeting the unexpected, the beauty around us, leaving the everyday behind, and breaking through).Couples' experiences with classic psychedelics align with criteria for interactional intimacy (i.e., self-exposure, positive involvement, and shared understanding), but their distinct nature warrants a novel definition of psychedelic intimacy. The unique pair bonding during shared psychedelic experiences could be utilized by psychedelic-assisted couples therapy.
{"title":"Psychedelic intimacy: Altered states of consciousness in romantic relationships","authors":"Jonas J. Neubert, Katie Anderson, Natasha L. Mason","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00319","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00319","url":null,"abstract":"Engaging in practices of intimacy meant to develop and sustain intimacy can be beneficial for couples. Psychoactive substances such as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have shown to facilitate bonding within couples and it is hypothesised that classic psychedelics, due to their property to increase prosocial behaviours, can similarly promote interactional intimacy. This study explores shared experiences of altered states of consciousness within romantic couples and their impact on intimacy in relationships.Twelve participants (six couples) between 19 and 29 years of age who had used psychedelics with their current partner were recruited.Qualitative data was gathered via simultaneous interviews with both members of a couple. The semi-structured interviews featured an in-depth exploration of multiple shared psychedelic experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the resulting transcripts.Three themes with subsequent subthemes were identified, portraying couples' experiences during psychedelic-induced altered states of consciousness: navigating anxiety (subthemes: novelty, preparation, shifting environment, and calming presence), reshaping practices (subthemes: excessive worrying, spirited discussions, and straight talking), and encountering bliss (subthemes: meeting the unexpected, the beauty around us, leaving the everyday behind, and breaking through).Couples' experiences with classic psychedelics align with criteria for interactional intimacy (i.e., self-exposure, positive involvement, and shared understanding), but their distinct nature warrants a novel definition of psychedelic intimacy. The unique pair bonding during shared psychedelic experiences could be utilized by psychedelic-assisted couples therapy.","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141652833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kristoffer Andreas Aamodt Andersen, Bjørn Holmøy, L. Stewart
Previous international clinical trials have indicated that mystical experiences resulting from the consumption of classic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, may represent a subjective psychological mechanism of action associated with therapeutic effects for various mental disorders. The revised 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire is one of several psychometric scales designed to evaluate such subjective experiences induced by psychedelic drugs. The field of psychedelic research is growing in Scandinavian countries, yet there is currently a lack of translated and culturally adapted Norwegian versions of rating scales for assessing psychedelic drug-induced states of consciousness. With planned and upcoming psychedelic research projects in Norway, there is a need for a Norwegian version of the MEQ30.We aimed to translate and adapt the Revised Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30) from English to Norwegian.We used rigorous translation methods, including two independent forward translations, one back-translation, pilot testing on a small psychedelic user group (n = 6) and cognitive debriefing in an expert-panel (n = 6) to ensure a culturally adapted Norwegian translation.Our translation and adaptation procedure resulted in a final Norwegian version of the MEQ30.The Norwegian MEQ30 is ready to be implemented in future Norwegian trials. Its psychometric properties have not yet been assessed.
{"title":"Assessment of psychedelic--induced states: Norwegian translation and adaptation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30)","authors":"Kristoffer Andreas Aamodt Andersen, Bjørn Holmøy, L. Stewart","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00346","url":null,"abstract":"Previous international clinical trials have indicated that mystical experiences resulting from the consumption of classic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, may represent a subjective psychological mechanism of action associated with therapeutic effects for various mental disorders. The revised 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire is one of several psychometric scales designed to evaluate such subjective experiences induced by psychedelic drugs. The field of psychedelic research is growing in Scandinavian countries, yet there is currently a lack of translated and culturally adapted Norwegian versions of rating scales for assessing psychedelic drug-induced states of consciousness. With planned and upcoming psychedelic research projects in Norway, there is a need for a Norwegian version of the MEQ30.We aimed to translate and adapt the Revised Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30) from English to Norwegian.We used rigorous translation methods, including two independent forward translations, one back-translation, pilot testing on a small psychedelic user group (n = 6) and cognitive debriefing in an expert-panel (n = 6) to ensure a culturally adapted Norwegian translation.Our translation and adaptation procedure resulted in a final Norwegian version of the MEQ30.The Norwegian MEQ30 is ready to be implemented in future Norwegian trials. Its psychometric properties have not yet been assessed.","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141652845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alyssa B. Oliva, Mitch Earleywine, Fiona Low, Brianna R. Altman, Joseph A. De Leo
Research on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), a promising treatment option for major depression, has not revealed if potential clients show preferences about the demographic characteristics of providers comparable to those common in other forms of psychotherapy. Previous work suggests that honoring comparable client preferences can enhance therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to investigate the importance ratings for a same-gender and a same-race therapist in both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and PAT.Participants (N = 635) responded between December 2020 and January 2021 on Amazon's Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing platform. Participants rated the import of provider characteristics, including having a provider who is the same-gender or the same-race, for a CBT therapist and a PAT guide.Importance ratings for a same-gender practitioner varied by both race and gender; racial and ethnic minority and female participants had the highest importance ratings for a same-gender practitioner. A same-gender CBT therapist was more important than a same-gender PAT guide. Importance ratings for a same-race practitioner did not differ by therapy type or gender and only varied by race; racial and ethnic minority participants rated a same-race practitioner as more important than White participants.Accommodating client preferences appears important, particularly for members of racial, ethnic, and gender minority groups. A concerted effort to train diverse CBT therapists and PAT guides to meet this demand seems justified.
迷幻药辅助疗法(PAT)是治疗重度抑郁症的一种很有前景的治疗方法,但有关该疗法的研究并未揭示潜在客户是否对提供者的人口特征表现出与其他形式的心理疗法中常见的人口特征相类似的偏好。以往的研究表明,尊重客户的类似偏好可以提高治疗效果。本研究旨在调查认知行为疗法(CBT)和PAT中同性别和同种族治疗师的重要性评级。参与者(N = 635)于2020年12月至2021年1月期间在亚马逊的Mechanical Turk众包平台上做出了回应。参与者对 CBT 治疗师和 PAT 指南的提供者特征(包括提供者为同一性别的或同一种族)的重要性进行了评分。对同一性别的提供者的重要性评分因种族和性别而异;少数民族和女性参与者对同一性别的提供者的重要性评分最高。同性别的 CBT 治疗师比同性别的 PAT 指导员更重要。对于同种族从业者的重要性评分没有因治疗类型或性别而异,只有因种族而异;少数种族和少数民族参与者对同种族从业者的重要性评分高于白人参与者。为满足这一需求,我们有必要共同努力培训多样化的 CBT 治疗师和 PAT 指南。
{"title":"Client treatment preferences in psychedelic-assisted therapy for depression in participants with depressive symptoms","authors":"Alyssa B. Oliva, Mitch Earleywine, Fiona Low, Brianna R. Altman, Joseph A. De Leo","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00334","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00334","url":null,"abstract":"Research on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), a promising treatment option for major depression, has not revealed if potential clients show preferences about the demographic characteristics of providers comparable to those common in other forms of psychotherapy. Previous work suggests that honoring comparable client preferences can enhance therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to investigate the importance ratings for a same-gender and a same-race therapist in both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and PAT.Participants (N = 635) responded between December 2020 and January 2021 on Amazon's Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing platform. Participants rated the import of provider characteristics, including having a provider who is the same-gender or the same-race, for a CBT therapist and a PAT guide.Importance ratings for a same-gender practitioner varied by both race and gender; racial and ethnic minority and female participants had the highest importance ratings for a same-gender practitioner. A same-gender CBT therapist was more important than a same-gender PAT guide. Importance ratings for a same-race practitioner did not differ by therapy type or gender and only varied by race; racial and ethnic minority participants rated a same-race practitioner as more important than White participants.Accommodating client preferences appears important, particularly for members of racial, ethnic, and gender minority groups. A concerted effort to train diverse CBT therapists and PAT guides to meet this demand seems justified.","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141658797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Despite growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) research, there remains a lack of consensus about key issues relevant to difficulties in predicting acute drug effects, and the role of therapeutic support in clinical trials. In the absence of a clear theoretical model to conceptualize multifaceted components in PAT research, dialogue across contexts (e.g., popular media, peer reviewed journals, conference settings) is becoming increasingly polarized and siloed. This has even contributed to somewhat unusual recommendations by the FDA and others that removing critical aspects of psychological and medical safety could enhance our ability to investigate the impact of these drugs on clinical outcomes. Considering the importance of determining and maximizing safety in ongoing PAT research, this commentary suggests that an ecological systems theory (EST) approach provides a structure to make contextual and practical factors a more explicit and testable component of research. Utilizing systems theory and Bronfenbrenner’s EST approach adapted for healthcare settings, we propose that a more detailed conceptual model in PAT research would enable more explicit consideration of contextual factors informing and influencing outcomes. This commentary is accompanied by a custom figure that illustrates application of this model for psychedelic research and highlights the limitations of current measurement of acute subjective experience.
尽管人们对迷幻辅助疗法(PAT)研究的兴趣与日俱增,但对于难以预测急性药物效应以及治疗支持在临床试验中的作用等关键问题,仍然缺乏共识。由于缺乏一个清晰的理论模型来概念化 PAT 研究中的多方面内容,不同场合(如大众媒体、同行评审期刊、会议环境)的对话正变得越来越两极分化和各自为政。这甚至导致美国食品及药物管理局(FDA)和其他机构提出了一些不同寻常的建议,认为去除心理和医疗安全的关键方面可以提高我们研究这些药物对临床结果影响的能力。考虑到在正在进行的 PAT 研究中确定并最大限度地提高安全性的重要性,本评论建议采用生态系统论 (EST) 的方法提供一种结构,使背景和实际因素成为研究中更明确、更可检验的组成部分。利用系统理论和布朗芬布伦纳的 EST 方法(适用于医疗环境),我们建议在 PAT 研究中采用更详细的概念模型,以便更明确地考虑影响结果的背景因素。本评论附有一张定制图,说明了该模型在迷幻药研究中的应用,并强调了当前急性主观体验测量方法的局限性。
{"title":"Seeing the forest for the trees: An ecological systems theory approach to addressing emergent issues in psychedelic-assisted therapy research","authors":"M. DellaCrosse, A. Garcia-Romeu, Alan K. Davis","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00374","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00374","url":null,"abstract":"Despite growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) research, there remains a lack of consensus about key issues relevant to difficulties in predicting acute drug effects, and the role of therapeutic support in clinical trials. In the absence of a clear theoretical model to conceptualize multifaceted components in PAT research, dialogue across contexts (e.g., popular media, peer reviewed journals, conference settings) is becoming increasingly polarized and siloed. This has even contributed to somewhat unusual recommendations by the FDA and others that removing critical aspects of psychological and medical safety could enhance our ability to investigate the impact of these drugs on clinical outcomes. Considering the importance of determining and maximizing safety in ongoing PAT research, this commentary suggests that an ecological systems theory (EST) approach provides a structure to make contextual and practical factors a more explicit and testable component of research. Utilizing systems theory and Bronfenbrenner’s EST approach adapted for healthcare settings, we propose that a more detailed conceptual model in PAT research would enable more explicit consideration of contextual factors informing and influencing outcomes. This commentary is accompanied by a custom figure that illustrates application of this model for psychedelic research and highlights the limitations of current measurement of acute subjective experience.","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141383578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This commentary addresses the potential for a nocebo effect arising from the public discourse on psychedelics, especially considering the increasing interest and engagement with these substances. The resurgence of psychedelics in the public and scientific arenas has led to a proliferation of discussions, both positive and cautionary, about their use. However, an imbalance in this discourse, particularly a focus on potential harms without adequate contextualisation, might inadvertently create a nocebo effect. This effect could manifest in naturalistic settings, influencing individuals' experiences with psychedelics, possibly leading to adverse outcomes. The paper discusses the importance of a balanced narrative that equally acknowledges the benefits and risks associated with psychedelic use. It advocates for comprehensive and transparent information dissemination to enable informed decision-making by users.
{"title":"Considering the nocebo effect in the psychedelic discourse","authors":"M. Bălăeţ","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00365","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00365","url":null,"abstract":"This commentary addresses the potential for a nocebo effect arising from the public discourse on psychedelics, especially considering the increasing interest and engagement with these substances. The resurgence of psychedelics in the public and scientific arenas has led to a proliferation of discussions, both positive and cautionary, about their use. However, an imbalance in this discourse, particularly a focus on potential harms without adequate contextualisation, might inadvertently create a nocebo effect. This effect could manifest in naturalistic settings, influencing individuals' experiences with psychedelics, possibly leading to adverse outcomes. The paper discusses the importance of a balanced narrative that equally acknowledges the benefits and risks associated with psychedelic use. It advocates for comprehensive and transparent information dissemination to enable informed decision-making by users.","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140993632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Liquid light: Ayahuasca spirituality and the Santo Daime tradition","authors":"Bonnie Glass-Coffin","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00376","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00376","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140990968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Expanding mindscapes: A global history of psychedelics","authors":"J. Rose","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00393","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00393","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140992936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mark Cornfield, Susan McBride, Joseph T. La Torre, Daniel Zalewa, Jade Gallo, Mehdi Mahammadli, Monnica T. Williams
This study contributes to the understanding of the efficacy, safety, and experience of ketamine-assisted therapy. The paper documents how individuals describe the effects of a protocolized and personalized use of ketamine (‘the relational dose’) in the context of group couples therapy based on Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT). Little is known about simultaneously administering ketamine to both members of a couple in this context, and no research to date has been published on whether ketamine facilitates couples to better engage in and benefit from the therapeutic process. The paper includes both qualitative and quantitative results.The study utilized a mixed methods approach. One approach was an inductive content analysis that produced overarching themes gleaned from participants' check-ins pre and post their weekly ketamine sessions. Transcripts were examined to better understand ketamine's effects on couples' ability to engage in therapeutic dialogue and resolve challenging relationship issues, as well as themes related to the non-ordinary-state-of-consciousness (NOSC) experience. The second approach involved the analysis of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up data from the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI).The couples described a wide range of effects that ketamine produced in the context of their relational dialoguing including: empathogenic effects, mystical/spiritual/psychedelic experiences, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. They also affirmed ketamine's ability to generate alternative perspectives, promote insight, heighten awareness, enhance vulnerability and communication, lower defenses, and produce novel somatic experiences. Participants' description of ketamine effects included its short duration, rapid onset, idiosyncratic sensitivity to dose, cumulative effects, as well as transient and mild side-effects. Several t-tests were statistically significant, and indicated improved relationship satisfaction following the treatment.In the context of couples therapy, ketamine produced a wide range of therapeutic effects and possessed unique pharmacological properties as a rapid-acting novel psychoactive molecule. The drug may have profound therapeutic benefits when administered in the context of couples therapy, under clinical supervision, however more research should be carried out.
{"title":"Exploring effects and experiences of ketamine in group couples therapy","authors":"Mark Cornfield, Susan McBride, Joseph T. La Torre, Daniel Zalewa, Jade Gallo, Mehdi Mahammadli, Monnica T. Williams","doi":"10.1556/2054.2024.00302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00302","url":null,"abstract":"This study contributes to the understanding of the efficacy, safety, and experience of ketamine-assisted therapy. The paper documents how individuals describe the effects of a protocolized and personalized use of ketamine (‘the relational dose’) in the context of group couples therapy based on Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT). Little is known about simultaneously administering ketamine to both members of a couple in this context, and no research to date has been published on whether ketamine facilitates couples to better engage in and benefit from the therapeutic process. The paper includes both qualitative and quantitative results.The study utilized a mixed methods approach. One approach was an inductive content analysis that produced overarching themes gleaned from participants' check-ins pre and post their weekly ketamine sessions. Transcripts were examined to better understand ketamine's effects on couples' ability to engage in therapeutic dialogue and resolve challenging relationship issues, as well as themes related to the non-ordinary-state-of-consciousness (NOSC) experience. The second approach involved the analysis of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up data from the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI).The couples described a wide range of effects that ketamine produced in the context of their relational dialoguing including: empathogenic effects, mystical/spiritual/psychedelic experiences, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. They also affirmed ketamine's ability to generate alternative perspectives, promote insight, heighten awareness, enhance vulnerability and communication, lower defenses, and produce novel somatic experiences. Participants' description of ketamine effects included its short duration, rapid onset, idiosyncratic sensitivity to dose, cumulative effects, as well as transient and mild side-effects. Several t-tests were statistically significant, and indicated improved relationship satisfaction following the treatment.In the context of couples therapy, ketamine produced a wide range of therapeutic effects and possessed unique pharmacological properties as a rapid-acting novel psychoactive molecule. The drug may have profound therapeutic benefits when administered in the context of couples therapy, under clinical supervision, however more research should be carried out.","PeriodicalId":34732,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Psychedelic Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141008042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}