Editorial: The psychotherapeutic framing of psychedelic drug administration

Review Clinical Neurology

Models of psychedelic drug action: modulation of cortical-subcortical circuits

Manoj K. Doss et al.

Summary: Classic psychedelic drugs have potential in treating psychiatric disorders, and the involvement of the serotonin 2A receptor and the cerebral cortex is crucial in their action. Different models, including the CSTC model, REBUS model, and CCC model, have been proposed to explain the impact of 5-HT2A activation on neural systems during psychedelic drug effects.

BRAIN (2022)

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Review Clinical Neurology

Adverse effects of psychedelics: From anecdotes and misinformation to systematic science

Anne K. Schlag et al.

Summary: This narrative review examines the evidence for potential harms of classic psychedelics and emphasizes the importance of adhering to high safety and ethical standards. The review finds that medical risks are often minimal and many negative perceptions of psychological risks lack scientific support.

JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (2022)

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Article Ethics

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of major depression: a synthesis of phenomenological explanations

Riccardo Miceli McMillan et al.

Summary: Psychedelic-assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) combines the use of psychedelic compounds with psychotherapy and shows promise as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This paper draws on phenomenology to explain the therapeutic potential of psychedelic experiences. By inducing a state of broadened pre-intentional possibility, PAP alleviates the suffering associated with MDD in terms of embodiment, self-narratives, and social experience. This phenomenological account supports the plausibility of recent claims about treatment success and justifies further empirical research in this area.

MEDICINE HEALTH CARE AND PHILOSOPHY (2022)

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Article Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Therapeutic Alliance and Rapport Modulate Responses to Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for Depression

Roberta Murphy et al.

Summary: This study investigated the relationship between therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes, finding that the strength of therapeutic alliance influenced the effectiveness of depression treatment, especially in psychedelic-assisted therapy, where emotional breakthrough and mystical experiences also played a role in treatment outcomes.

FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY (2022)

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Review Clinical Neurology

Therapeutic (Sub)stance: Current practice and therapeutic conduct in preparatory sessions in substance-assisted psychotherapy-A systematized review

Sascha B. Thal et al.

Summary: This systematic review outlines the current practice recommendations for preparatory sessions in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAPT). The literature agrees on the importance of adequate preparation before the administration of psychoactive substances in SAPT. However, the extent and approaches of these preparatory sessions vary across different models, highlighting the need for further research to assess different approaches and techniques for optimal preparation of clients in SAPT.

JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (2022)

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Review Psychology, Clinical

Systematized Review of Psychotherapeutic Components of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy

David M. Horton et al.

Summary: This systematic review focused on investigating the structure and format of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), highlighting the counseling components of the treatment. The study identified commonalities in PAP clinical trials published within the past 25 years, while also noting key differences in the incorporation of psychotherapy. Further research is needed to understand the unique effects of psychotherapy in PAP.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOTHERAPY (2021)

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Article Chemistry, Medicinal

The Subjective Effects of Psychedelics Are Necessary for Their Enduring Therapeutic Effects

David B. Yaden et al.

Summary: The subjective effects of psychedelics are crucial for their lasting benefits, accounting for the majority of their therapeutic outcomes.

ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE (2021)

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Article Psychology, Clinical