Science

Magic mushroom compound might treat depression by reviving emotional responsiveness in the brain

“I believe that psychedelics hold a potential to cure deep psychological wounds, and I believe that by investigating their neuropsychopharmacological mechanism, we can learn to understand this potential,” explained study author Leor Roseman, a PhD student at Imperial College London. “It is important to emphasize that psilocybin-assisted therapy is a model in which the patient…

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Psychology

Magic mushrooms do the opposite of anti-depressants, but that may be why they work

What’s striking is the alleviation of depression occurs from emotional receptivity being enhanced – the opposite of SSRI antidepressants. ​ “It has been proposed that decreased amygdala responsiveness to negative emotional stimuli under SSRIs is a key component of their therapeutic action,” the researchers explain, “but the present study’s findings suggest that this model does…

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Psychology

Can ‘magic’ mushrooms ease the pain of rejection?

“Lead researcher Katrin Preller of the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich explained that psilocybin has much more specific targets than antidepressants currently on the market.” It’s too small of a study to draw any strong conclusions from, and the participants were all healthy — they didn’t actually suffer from severe social anxiety or depression. But…

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Biography/Memoir

‘Magic mushrooms’ study challenges stereotypes of psychedelic drug use

“[Our goal was to bring] an unknown topic to most people on campus and the Madison community,” Hanley said. “But it also highlights this really unique research happening on campus.” Wisconsin Union Directorate Society and Politics Committee hosted the event in collaboration with Nicholas Cozzi, a pharmacologist in the School of Medicine and Public Health.…

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Anthropology

The new ‘Psychoactive substances Bill’ – the nail in the coffin for cognitive liberty…

“Under the [adopted] legislation, substances are… banned solely on the basis of whether or not they are psychoactive: regardless of any research or understanding of the potential harms or benefits of a given substance.” This legislation is tantamount to a prescription of approved psychological states: working, consuming, [producing]… the “legitimacy” of given substances has nothing…

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