👁️ Personality and Psychedelics

Did you know that Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, accidentally discovered the psychedelic effects of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) in 1943? He synthesized LSD-25 and later experienced its profound effects unintentionally through skin absorption.

This accidental discovery not only led to a wave of research into LSD's potential therapeutic uses but also significantly influenced art, music, and culture during the 1960s counterculture movement. Hofmann referred to this incident as a "mystical experience" and later became known as the "father of LSD."

Gotta Blast 🚀:

• Does Your Personality Predict Psychedelic Outcomes? : New study results show that certain personality traits could influence psychedelic outcomes by lowering depression. Scroll down to find out which traits!

• Fight for What’s Right!: Discover how clinicians are setting the record straight on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, addressing misrepresented data and spotlighting the science behind the headlines.

• Psychedelic Pain Relief: NIH to invest $8.4 million in researching psychedelic-assisted therapy as a novel treatment for chronic pain in older adults. This initiative aims to tap into the potential of psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD to transform pain management and enhance quality of life.

Quote of the Week 📖:

CHANGING MINDS 🧠

Lower Depression Rates Linked to Psychedelic Use and Personality Type 🙂❤️

A compelling study from Sweden provides new insights into the mental health benefits of psychedelic substances, revealing that individuals who use psychedelics tend to experience significantly lower levels of depression.

With a twist, it’s not only about psychedelic usage; it’s also about the personality traits common among users.

Notably, these individuals often exhibit higher levels of openness and lower levels of neuroticism, traits that may contribute to the positive mental health outcomes observed.

The study matched psychedelic users and non-users by age and sex to isolate the effect of psychedelics on mental health, suggesting a nuanced interaction between personality characteristics and psychedelic experiences.

This research paves the way for more tailored mental health therapies that consider an individual's personality makeup, potentially revolutionizing approaches to treatment and intervention. Learn more about the study’s details here:

MOVING THE NEEDLE 🪡

MDMA Therapy for PTSD: Clinicians Push Back on Misrepresented Data in Recent Report 😐🫸🏻

A group of clinical experts closely involved in the Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) for PTSD is challenging a recent draft report by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER).

Their concern stems from what they see as a misrepresentation of study data and an underestimation of the ethical standards upheld during the trials.

The draft report questions the validity of MDMA-AP for PTSD, citing issues such as biased outcomes due to the psychoactive nature of MDMA.

However, the group of therapists and researchers argue that these criticisms lack a nuanced understanding of the trial protocols and the comprehensive measures taken to ensure scientific rigor and participant safety.

Key points from their response include:

• Informed and Ethical Practice
  

• Robust Study Design
  

• Transparency and Reporting
  

• Standardization and Training

The group's detailed response aims not only to defend the integrity of their work but also to highlight the potential of MDMA-AP as a transformative treatment for PTSD.

They call for a balanced view in the final ICER report, reflecting both the challenges and the significant therapeutic potential of MDMA-assisted therapy. Read the full scoop here:

Unlocking Pain Relief: NIH Invests in Psychedelic Research for Chronic Pain ❤️‍🩹

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is setting the stage for a groundbreaking exploration into psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) as a potential solution for chronic pain in older adults, with $8.4 million for clinical trials.

Innovative Approach to Age-Old Problem:

Chronic pain management in older adults currently relies on a cocktail of treatments ranging from over-the-counter medications and opioids to acupuncture and physical therapies—approaches that are often insufficient.

The NIH's new funding opportunity is inspired by millennia of Indigenous use of sacred plant medicines, now backed by emerging evidence suggesting PAT's effectiveness in mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD.

Details of the Funding Plan:

The grants, managed by NIH’s National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), will distribute up to $3.4 million annually in 2025–2026 and up to $5 million annually in 2027–2029.

A diverse array of institutions, from universities to tribal organizations, are encouraged to participate in this clinical trials network, which will initially focus on safety and early efficacy in older adults.

Expanding Research Horizons:

With a plan to foster extensive collaboration across multiple institutions, this initiative not only aims to validate the therapeutic potential of PAT in older adults but also to enhance the standardization and integration of research efforts across the field. Read the full story:

COMMUNITY PULSE 🌐

Learn about the “Psychedelic Info Line” 📲

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Designing Scientific Studies 🔬

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How Psychedelics Enhance Modern Leadership 🍄

Podcast

Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics

📅 Dates: May 9 – 11

New York, New York

Psychedelic conference featuring three days of programming including workshops, a business forum, and national and global dialogues about the many dimensions of psychedelics. Horizons explores the science, medicine, policy, culture, spirituality, and economic dimensions of psychedelics.

PsyCon

📅 Dates: May 9 – 11

Las Vegas, Nervada

Welcomes both entrepreneurs and consumers with a unique chance to gain knowledge, build relationships, and pave the way for what could be a groundbreaking psychedelic market in the nation. Embracing a dynamic spirit of growth and exploration, the city sets the stage for transformative experiences.