Prevalence and therapeutic impact of adverse life event reexperiencing under ceremonial ayahuasca

Weiss, Brandon; Wingert, Aleksandra; Erritzoe, David; Campbell, W. Keith

doi:10.1038/s41598-023-36184-3

Cited by 19 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 80 publications

(92 reference statements)

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“…Thus, our results support the notion that psychedelic and MDMA-assisted therapy are two distinct forms of therapies that are applicable to different disorders and different treatment approaches, as reflected in their distinct cognitive effects facilitating distinct therapeutic interventions. In addition to the consistent evidence that altered reconsolidation of memories is a main mechanism of MDMA-assisted therapy 173 , 176 , the re-experiencing of memories might be relevant in therapy with classic psychedelics as well 177 , 178 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Cognitive functioning associated with acute and subacute effects of classic psychedelics and MDMA - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Basedow,

Majić,

Hafiz

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have been carried out to assess potential long-term effects of a regular use on cognition, delivering distinct results for psychedelics and MDMA. However, to date knowledge is scarce on cognitive performance during acute effects of those substances. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate how cognitive functioning is affected by psychedelics and MDMA during the acute drug effects and the sub-acute (“afterglow”) window. Our quantitative analyses suggest that acute cognitive performance is differentially affected by psychedelics when compared to MDMA: psychedelics impair attention and executive function, whereas MDMA primarily affects memory, leaving executive functions and attention unaffected. Our qualitative analyses reveal that executive functioning and creativity may be increased during a window of at least 24 h after the acute effects of psychedelics have subsided, whereas no such results have been observed for MDMA. Our findings may contribute to inform recommendations on harm reduction for recreational settings and to help fostering differential approaches for the use of psychedelics and MDMA within a therapeutic framework.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Cognitive functioning associated with acute and subacute effects of classic psychedelics and MDMA - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Basedow,

Majić,

Hafiz

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Mindfulness meditation and psychedelics: potential synergies and commonalities

Holas,

Kamińska

2023

Pharmacol. Rep

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There has been increasing scientific and clinical interest in studying psychedelic and meditation-based interventions in recent years, both in the context of improving mental health and as tools for understanding the mind. Several authors suggest neurophysiological and phenomenological parallels and overlaps between psychedelic and meditative states and suggest synergistic effects of both methods. Both psychedelic-assisted therapy and meditation training in the form of mindfulness-based interventions have been experimentally validated with moderate to large effects as alternative treatments for a variety of mental health problems, including depression, addictions, and anxiety disorders. Both demonstrated significant post-acute and long-term decreases in clinical symptoms and enhancements in well-being in healthy participants, in addition. Postulated shared salutogenic mechanisms, include, among others the ability to alter self-consciousness, present-moment awareness and antidepressant action via corresponding neuromodulatory effects. These shared mechanisms between mindfulness training and psychedelic intervention have led to scientists theorizing, and recently demonstrating, positive synergistic effects when both are used in combination. Research findings suggest that these two approaches can complement each other, enhancing the positive effects of both interventions. However, more theoretical accounts and methodologically sound research are needed before they can be extended into clinical practice. The current review aims to discuss the theoretical rationale of combining psychedelics with mindfulness training, including the predictive coding framework as well as research findings regarding synergies and commonalities between mindfulness training and psychedelic intervention. In addition, suggestions how to combine the two modalities are provided.

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