Psychedelics and the Mind, offered by the renowned UC Berkeley, delves deep into the intricate world of psychedelic substances and their profound connection with the human mind.

This prospective longitudinal study (n=2,833) examined naturalistic psilocybin use among adults outside of clinical research settings. Participants were primarily college-educated White men in the United States who used dried psilocybin mushrooms for self-exploration. The study found that after psilocybin use, there were persisting reductions in anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse, increased cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, spiritual well-being, and extraversion, as well as reduced neuroticism and burnout. However, a minority of participants (11% at 2-4 weeks and 7% at 2-3 months) reported persisting negative effects. Overall, this is the largest prospective survey of naturalistic psilocybin use to date and supports the potential for psilocybin to produce lasting improvements in mental health symptoms and general well-being.

This randomized-controlled trial (n=51) assessed the short-term effects of three subanesthetic esketamine infusions (17.5mg/70kg) in adolescents aged 13–18 with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal ideation. The study found a significant improvement in processing speed and working memory in the esketamine group from baseline to days 6 and 12, with no harm to cognition observed. However, there was no significant association between baseline cognition and the antidepressant or antisuicidal effects of esketamine.

This open-label pilot study (n=20) investigated the use of Visual Healing, a nature-themed video intervention, to enhance set and setting in psychedelic-assisted therapy with psilocybin for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants were randomized to either use Visual Healing or standard procedures during two psilocybin dosing sessions. The study found that Visual Healing was feasible, safe, and well-tolerated, with participants viewing the videos without adverse events. It also noted a significant decrease in alcohol use in both groups and found that Visual Healing did not interfere with the psychedelic experience or treatment outcomes related to alcohol use. The study suggests that Visual Healing may reduce cardiovascular risks in psychedelic therapy and calls for further research to replicate these findings and explore set and setting interventions with other psychedelic medications and indications.

This longitudinal transcultural study (n=2971) conducted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 collected data through an online survey from English-, Spanish-, and Portuguese-speaking participants. The study found that users of hallucinogenic drugs, particularly regular users, had higher psychological well-being and lower psychopathology scores both at baseline and during follow-ups. Regular hallucinogen users also showed higher scores for post-traumatic growth, especially among subjects with more psychological distress. The study noted variations between cultural contexts, with more English-speaking participants reporting regular use of hallucinogenic drugs.

The 4th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics & Drug Development Conference, May 23-24, 2024, in Boston (MA), builds on the success of its previous editions by bringing together leading researchers, academics, industry professionals, non-profit organizations, and government representatives.

This multi-site, randomized, double-blind, Phase IIIb trial (n=104) evaluated the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for individuals with moderate to severe PTSD. The study found significant reductions in PTSD severity (CAPS-5 score) and functional impairment (SDS score) for the MDMA-AT group compared to placebo with therapy. Seven participants experienced severe treatment-emergent adverse events, but no deaths or serious adverse events were reported. The treatment was found to be generally well tolerated in a diverse population.

This study designed an infusion protocol for DMT using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling. Comparing a continuous variable model to two bounded integer models, optimal doses for desired psychedelic intensity were identified. However, achieving consistent target intensity was challenging across models, indicating individual dose adjustments might be needed. Differences between models were especially notable at the scale's boundaries.

This prospective study (n=86) examined the effects of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment on U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans with trauma exposure. Younger age and higher baseline levels of depression and anxiety were correlated with significant improvements in mental and psychosocial outcomes from baseline to 1-month follow-up. Greater intensity of changes in consciousness was linked to improved long-term mental health and psychosocial outcomes up to 6 months post-treatment.

This focus group study (n=19) investigated the perspectives of adolescents, parents, and clinicians on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for adolescents with PTSD. Initial attitudes towards MDMA were mainly unfavourable, but after an explanation of the therapy, all but one participant supported its potential use, emphasizing the importance of research.