PSYK-ed

A chain of ketamine clinics that provided treatment for depression, anxiety, and PTSD to veterans and other patients abruptly closed down, leaving many patients stranded without access to treatment. The clinics were operated by parent company Actify Neurotherapies, which cited financial difficulties as the reason for the sudden closure. Patients who had prepaid for treatment were left without refunds, and some expressed concern over the loss of medical records.

The closure highlights the lack of regulation in the rapidly growing field of psychedelic medicine, which has seen a surge in interest and investment in recent years. While ketamine has been approved by the FDA for use in treating depression, other psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and M**A are still in the early stages of clinical trials. As the industry continues to expand, it will be important for regulators to establish guidelines to protect patients and ensure the safety and efficacy of these treatments.

Read the full story here:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/abrupt-closure-ketamine-clinic-chain-blindsides-veterans-others-severe-rcna75901

New research has found that ketamine, a powerful psychedelic medicine, may be able to help treat traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBI can be caused by a range of factors such as sports injuries or car accidents, and can have long-lasting and severe effects on cognitive function. The study found that ketamine may be able to promote the growth of new brain cells and improve cognitive function in those suffering from TBI.

While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of ketamine as a TBI treatment, these findings are promising and suggest that psychedelic medicine could have a range of medical applications beyond mental health conditions. This highlights the need for continued research and exploration of the therapeutic potential of these powerful medicines.

Read the full study here:

https://neurosciencenews.com/ketamine-tbi-22914/

Exciting news for those interested in the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics: a new study from the University of Basel suggests that psychedelic substances may actually enhance cognitive flexibility and creativity. The study compared the effects of a microdose of L*D with a placebo on 20 healthy participants and found that those who took the L*D microdose performed better on cognitive tasks and exhibited greater creativity than those who received the placebo.

These findings add to a growing body of research supporting the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics, particularly in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and addiction. As interest in these substances continues to grow, it's important to remember that responsible use and safe access to these powerful tools should always be a top priority.

Access the full article here:

https://neurosciencenews.com/psychedelics-cognition-22907/

A recent study has found that the powerful psychedelic compound, DMT, can hyperconnect the brain. The study involved 13 volunteers who were given intravenous DMT while undergoing brain scans. The results showed that DMT caused an increase in both the number and strength of connections between different regions of the brain, leading to a more interconnected neural network.

This finding sheds light on the potential therapeutic applications of DMT, as it may help treat disorders related to disrupted neural connectivity such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, it provides further evidence of the profound effects that psychedelics can have on the brain, opening up avenues for further research and exploration.

Check out the full article for more details:

https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/dmt-hyperconnects-brain/

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that psychedelic-assisted therapy can lead to significant reductions in alcohol misuse and PTSD symptoms in US special operations forces veterans. The study involved 14 veterans who received two to three sessions of M**A-assisted therapy and found that they experienced a substantial reduction in alcohol misuse and PTSD symptoms. The study highlights the potential of psychedelic medicine as a therapeutic option for individuals suffering from trauma-related disorders.

These findings provide further evidence of the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy to help veterans and others suffering from PTSD and related disorders. With ongoing research and increasing public interest, it is important to continue exploring the potential of psychedelic medicine as a safe and effective treatment option.

Read the full article here:

https://www.psypost.org/2023/03/psychedelic-treatment-linked-to-substantial-reduction-in-alcohol-misuse-and-ptsd-symptoms-in-us-special-operations-forces-veterans-74446

Researchers from Carleton University, BetterLife Pharma Inc., the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the University of California have investigated the effects of a non-hallucinogenic version of lysergic acid diethylamide (L*D) for treating mood disorders. Their findings, published in Cell Reports, suggest that this alternative to L*D may have positive effects on mood and reduce the need for medical supervision while taking the drug.

Researchers found that the non-hallucinogenic analog of L*D, 2-Br-L*D, does not produce hallucinations in humans or HTR in mice, activates the 5-HT2A receptor in the mice brain to a lesser extent than L*D, and retains enough activity to potentially induce therapeutic effects. This analog drug does not activate the 5-HT2B receptor, which has been linked to cardiac function. With the high incidence and debilitating effects of mood disorders, identifying effective treatments for these disorders is of utmost importance.

Read the full article here:

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-hints-non-hallucinogenic-lsd-mood-disorders.html

*Dalternative

Couples counseling with the help of M**A, also known as ecstasy, is a growing trend in the field of mental health. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve the drug for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, which could open the door to other uses, such as couples therapy. M**A enhances the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain that produce positive feelings and minimizes those that are triggered by threats, making couples feel more open and empathetic. It can also promote the release of hormones that help bonding, like oxytocin. Psychotherapist Catherine Auman suggests that M**A can help partners have tough conversations with less judgment and with compassion. Research shows that the effects of the drug can last longer than its high, enabling people to discuss difficult topics without getting emotional. However, the drug does not work as a guaranteed love potion, and there are risks such as high blood pressure, panic attacks, and impaired perception.

The limited research done on the use of M**A in couples therapy shows that it has a long history dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. The therapy helped people experience enhanced communication and more closeness. A small trial of six couples with one PTSD partner showed that the therapy not only improved PTSD symptoms but also improved intimacy and support, reducing conflicts in relationships. Despite potential risks, some therapists continue to legally use M**A in couples counseling. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Albert Garcia-Romeu, states that there are many neurobiological reasons to think that M**A is helpful for couples therapy. He plans to launch a larger trial on M**A-assisted therapy for couples dealing with PTSD before studying its use for couples without PTSD.

Read the full article here:

https://time.com/6262291/psychedelics-mdma-couples-therapy/

**Atherapy

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the use of M**A to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression from July 1, 2023. However, the TGA has not approved any products containing psilocybin or M**A for use in Australia. Patients will be required to pay out-of-pocket costs of at least $25,000 to receive the treatment since there is no form of government subsidy for the drugs or associated treatment. Researchers estimate that most clinical trials will cost at least $20,000 before additional operating costs of a private clinic and profit are factored in.

Dr Paul Liknaitzky announced that he and other experts will partner with a capital investment company to open a mental healthcare clinic in Melbourne later this year, with a focus on psychedelic-assisted therapy. They plan to work with private insurance companies and relevant organisations to subsidise treatments in the short term, while the long-term goal would be working towards a subsidy through Medicare.

Read the full article here:

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/it-s-going-to-be-for-people-with-money-psychedelic-treatments-tipped-to-cost-at-least-25-000-at-first-20230313-p5crpd.html

**A

Over 21 million adults in the United States reported experiencing depression in 2020, and Utah has the highest prevalence of mental health problems in the country, according to a study by Nice Rx Health. However, relief may come from an unlikely source – ketamine, a powerful drug that has been used for decades in medical treatment. Recent studies show that ketamine can quickly alleviate symptoms of depression, including treatment-resistant depression, although the scientific reasons for its efficacy are still being studied. Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants by creating new pathways in the brain and reducing inflammation. It also bypasses the traditional serotonin route and goes directly to activating glutamate, which produces an almost immediate antidepressant effect.

At Ketamine SLC, patients can expect six treatments within a three-week period, with each dose gradually increasing to maximize effectiveness. Ketamine is administered through IV or injection, with doses significantly lower than those used in anesthesia. Patients may experience mild side effects, but professionals at Ketamine SLC are there to minimize those effects and make them as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Once a patient has developed an optimal relationship with ketamine, treatments can become as infrequent as two or three times per year, with the goal of long-term remission from symptoms. For many patients, ketamine has changed their lives for the better, offering a new way of living without the crippling effects of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Read the full article here:

https://www.ksl.com/article/50604355/how-ketamine-is-improving-utah-lives-by-reducing-depression-anxiety-and-ptsd

Oregon became the first state in the United States to legalize the use of psilocybin for mental health treatment in 2020. But as businesses prepare to offer legal treatments with psychedelic mushrooms, the financial obstacles have become a major issue. To open a service center for psilocybin, the costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars, and therapists have to navigate a labyrinth of state fees, federal tax pitfalls, and licensing fees. The state of Oregon does not have a tax to develop the psilocybin program, so the industry it created requires heavy regulation. People who are paying for certifications to oversee sessions may never see a return on their investment. As a result, many business owners are worried that they may end up paying an 80% or higher tax rate.

In some ways, the financial uncertainty has been baked into Oregon's psilocybin program from the beginning. Measure 109 did not ask the state of Oregon to create a tax to develop the program. Sam Chapman, the former campaign manager for 109, who now runs the nonprofit Healing Advocacy Fund, said that allocating a bunch of money in the measure would not have made it pass. Many Oregonians who voted to approve psilocybin treatments through Measure 109, including Noah Heller, are excited about the possibility of the drug. Heller hoped psilocybin could be used as an alternative to ketamine, but with a lower cost to patients.

Read the full article here:

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/03/24/oregon-psilocybin-mushroom-financial-undertaking-business-industry/

A new study from Imperial College London has provided detailed brain imaging data from 20 healthy volunteers, revealing how the potent psychedelic compound DMT alters brain function. During the immersive DMT experience, there was increased connectivity across the brain, with more communication between different areas and systems. The changes to brain activity were most prominent in areas linked with “higher level” functions, such as imagination. DMT is a potent psychedelic found naturally in certain plants and animals. It occurs in trace amounts in the human body and is the major psychoactive compound in ayahuasca—the psychedelic brew prepared from vines and leaves and used in ceremonies in south and central America.

In the latest study, 20 healthy volunteers were given an injection of the drug while researchers from Imperial’s Center for Psychedelic Research captured detailed imagery of their brains, enabling the team to study how activity changes before, during and after the trip. The fMRI scans found changes to activity within and between brain regions in volunteers under the influence of DMT. Effects included increased connectivity across the brain, with more communication between different areas and systems. The researchers highlight that while their study is not the first to image the brain under the influence of psychedelics or the first to show the signatures of brain activity linked to psychedelics, it is the first to combine imaging techniques to study the brain during a highly immersive psychedelic experience.

Read more here:
https://lnkd.in/da4mHvb6

Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of the effects of DMT, the psychedelic compound found in ayahuasca, by monitoring the brain on the drug. The recordings reveal a profound impact on the brain, particularly in areas that are highly evolved in humans and instrumental in planning, language, memory, complex decision-making and imagination. The regions from which we conjure reality become hyperconnected, with communication more chaotic, fluid and flexible. This ability to make brain activity more fluid and flexible is thought to underpin not only the profound psychedelic experience but the promising results from early clinical trial patients who were given DMT in combination with psychotherapy to treat depression.

The latest study recruited 20 healthy volunteers who received a 20mg injection of DMT and a placebo on separate visits to the lab. Using electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the scientists recorded the participants’ brain activity before, during and after the drug took hold. The volunteers gave updates throughout on how intense the experience felt. None vomited as the emetic is another ingredient in ayahuasca. The results provide the most advanced picture yet of the human brain on psychedelics. The recordings show how the brain’s normal hierarchical organisation breaks down, electrical activity becomes anarchic, and connectivity between regions soars, particularly those handling “higher level” functions such as imagination, which evolved most recently in humans.

Read the full article from The Guardian here:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/mar/20/psychedelic-brew-ayahuasca-profound-impact-brain-scans-dmt