2024
Psychological flexibility as a mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression: results from an exploratory placebo-controlled trial
Sloshower J, Zeifman R, Guss J, Krause R, Safi-Aghdam H, Pathania S, Pittman B, D’Souza D. Psychological flexibility as a mechanism of change in psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression: results from an exploratory placebo-controlled trial. Scientific Reports 2024, 14: 8833. PMID: 38632313, PMCID: PMC11024097, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58318-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAcceptance and Commitment TherapyDepressionDepressive Disorder, MajorHallucinogensHumansPsilocybinConceptsPsilocybin-assisted therapyPsychological flexibilityDepression severityModerate to severe MDDSpectrum of neuropsychiatric conditionsTarget psychological flexibilityIncrease psychological flexibilityMental health conditionsManualized psychotherapyPsilocybin treatmentSevere MDDDepressive disorderExperiential acceptanceCommitment therapyDosing sessionsNeuropsychiatric conditionsPsychedelic trialsPlacebo-controlled trialWithin-subjectMDDPsilocybinAdministered placeboPlacebo-controlledDepressionClinical samplesPsilocybin pulse regimen reduces cluster headache attack frequency in the blinded extension phase of a randomized controlled trial
Schindler E, Sewell R, Gottschalk C, Flynn L, Zhu Y, Pittman B, Cozzi N, D'Souza D. Psilocybin pulse regimen reduces cluster headache attack frequency in the blinded extension phase of a randomized controlled trial. Journal Of The Neurological Sciences 2024, 460: 122993. PMID: 38581739, DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.122993.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultCluster HeadacheDouble-Blind MethodFemaleHallucinogensHumansMaleMiddle AgedPsilocybinTreatment OutcomeConceptsAttack frequencyCluster headacheCluster headache attack frequencyExtension phaseEffects of repeated treatmentReduction of attack frequencyPlacebo-controlled studyHeadache attack frequencyAdministration of psilocybinRandomized controlled trialsDouble-blindPsilocybin administrationPulse regimenAdverse eventsPulse regimensHeadache diaryTherapeutic efficacyDrug sessionsPulse administrationHeadacheStudy participantsWeeksSerotonergic Psychedelics: A Comparative Review of Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Binding Profile
Holze F, Singh N, Liechti M, D'Souza D. Serotonergic Psychedelics: A Comparative Review of Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Binding Profile. Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience And Neuroimaging 2024, 9: 472-489. PMID: 38301886, DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.01.007.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsHallucinogensHumansLysergic Acid DiethylamidePsilocybinSerotonin 5-HT2 Receptor AgonistsConceptsSerotonergic psychedelicsSerotonin 2A receptor agonistPsychedelic effectsPsychedelic compoundsReceptor agonistsReview of efficacyPsychedelicsReceptor profilePsilocybinTherapeutic indicationsTherapeutic potentialPotential treatmentBinding profilesTherapeutic useClinical researchSerotonergicSerotoninPharmacokineticsMescalineDepressionEfficacyEffective durationAgonistsLSDResearch
2023
Sub-acute effects of psilocybin on EEG correlates of neural plasticity in major depression: Relationship to symptoms
Skosnik P, Sloshower J, Safi-Aghdam H, Pathania S, Syed S, Pittman B, D’Souza D. Sub-acute effects of psilocybin on EEG correlates of neural plasticity in major depression: Relationship to symptoms. Journal Of Psychopharmacology 2023, 37: 687-697. PMID: 37392016, DOI: 10.1177/02698811231179800.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntidepressant effectsTheta powerMajor depressive disorderEffects of psilocybinSub-acute effectsLong-term alterationsMeasures of depressionSingle doseDepressive disorderMajor depressionDepressive symptomsPlaceboSymptoms 2Depression symptomsEEG theta powerNeural plasticityNeuroplasticityEEG biomarkersSymptomsSerotonergic psychedelicsPotential mechanismsDepressionSustained changesElectroencephalographic correlatesPsilocybinPreliminary study of the interactive effects of THC and ethanol on self-reported ability and simulated driving, subjective effects, and cardiovascular responses
Schnakenberg Martin A, Flynn L, Sefik E, Luddy C, Cortes-Briones J, Skosnik P, Pittman B, Ranganathan M, D’Souza D. Preliminary study of the interactive effects of THC and ethanol on self-reported ability and simulated driving, subjective effects, and cardiovascular responses. Psychopharmacology 2023, 240: 1235-1246. PMID: 37045988, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06356-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAutomobile DrivingDouble-Blind MethodDronabinolEthanolHallucinogensHumansPsychomotor PerformanceSelf ReportConceptsSubjective effectsOral tetrahydrocannabinolSelf-reported abilityEffects of cannabisInfluence of tetrahydrocannabinolCause of morbiditySimulated drivingFeeling statesBlood alcohol levelsMotor vehicle accidentsAlcohol-related motor vehicle accidentsCardiovascular responsesIntravenous ethanolHealthy humansHeart rateVehicle accidentsAlcohol levelsInteractive effectsTetrahydrocannabinolPhysiological effectsSignificant differencesDrivingAbilityPreliminary studyRationaleDrugPsilocybin-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder: An exploratory placebo-controlled, fixed-order trial
Sloshower J, Skosnik P, Safi-Aghdam H, Pathania S, Syed S, Pittman B, D’Souza D. Psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder: An exploratory placebo-controlled, fixed-order trial. Journal Of Psychopharmacology 2023, 37: 698-706. PMID: 36938991, DOI: 10.1177/02698811231154852.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAntidepressive AgentsDepressive Disorder, MajorHallucinogensHumansPsilocybinQuality of LifeConceptsMajor depressive disorderAntidepressant effectsDepressive disorderSevere major depressive disorderPsilocybin-assisted therapyEarly phase studiesQuality of lifeClinical improvementDosing sessionsMajor depressionPsilocybin administrationPlacebo effectPsychotherapeutic supportPlaceboTherapy effectsStudy periodPsychotherapy studiesFurther studiesSignificant differencesDepressionDosingTherapyHigh rateEffect sizeDegree of change
2022
The therapeutic potential of psychedelics
Schindler E, D'Souza D. The therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Science 2022, 378: 1051-1053. PMID: 36480624, DOI: 10.1126/science.abn5486.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchSex differences in the acute effects of intravenous (IV) delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Bassir Nia A, Orejarena MJ, Flynn L, Luddy C, D’Souza D, Skosnik PD, Pittman B, Ranganathan M. Sex differences in the acute effects of intravenous (IV) delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Psychopharmacology 2022, 239: 1621-1628. PMID: 35438304, PMCID: PMC11215802, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06135-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCannabinoid Receptor AgonistsCannabisDouble-Blind MethodDronabinolFemaleHallucinogensHumansMaleSex CharacteristicsConceptsRey Auditory Verbal Learning TaskPsychotomimetic States InventoryCognitive effectsAuditory Verbal Learning TaskSubjective effectsDelta-9-TetrahydrocannabinolSex differencesVerbal learning taskDissociative Symptoms ScaleFemale participantsMain psychoactive constituentSignificant main effectPerceptual alterationsLearning taskStates InventoryPsychoactive constituentSignificant sex differencesMain effectMale participantsVisual analog scaleSymptom ScaleTest dayEffects of cannabinoidsParticipantsPsychotomimetic effects
2016
The role of psychedelics in palliative care reconsidered: A case for psilocybin
Kelmendi B, Corlett P, Ranganathan M, D’Souza C, Krystal JH. The role of psychedelics in palliative care reconsidered: A case for psilocybin. Journal Of Psychopharmacology 2016, 30: 1212-1214. PMID: 27909173, DOI: 10.1177/0269881116675781.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2015
Role of GABA Deficit in Sensitivity to the Psychotomimetic Effects of Amphetamine
Ahn KH, Sewell A, Elander J, Pittman B, Ranganathan M, Gunduz-Bruce H, Krystal J, D'Souza DC. Role of GABA Deficit in Sensitivity to the Psychotomimetic Effects of Amphetamine. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015, 40: 2822-2831. PMID: 25953357, PMCID: PMC4864658, DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.132.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGABA deficitHealthy subjectsPsychotomimetic effectsIntravenous infusionSchizophrenia patientsPANSS positive symptoms subscaleDouble-blind crossover designStriatal dopamine releasePositive symptom subscaleAdministration of drugsDose of AMPHPartial inverse agonistSubclinical responsePharmacokinetic interactionsSubthreshold doseDopamine releaseBenzodiazepine receptorsSymptom subscalesCrossover designCADSS scoresPositive symptomsAMPHInverse agonistSubjective effectsTest dayThe Psychosis-like Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Are Associated With Increased Cortical Noise in Healthy Humans
Cortes-Briones JA, Cahill JD, Skosnik PD, Mathalon DH, Williams A, Sewell RA, Roach BJ, Ford JM, Ranganathan M, D’Souza D. The Psychosis-like Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Are Associated With Increased Cortical Noise in Healthy Humans. Biological Psychiatry 2015, 78: 805-813. PMID: 25913109, PMCID: PMC4627857, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.03.023.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPsychosis-like effectsPsychosis-like symptomsPsychotomimetic effectsNegative-like symptomsActive drug conditionsNeural noiseDose-related effectsDose-related mannerRandom neural activityDose-dependent mannerPrincipal active constituentHealthy humansPsychotic disordersCortical noiseDrug conditionsSymptomsΔ9-tetrahydrocannabinolBaseline periodDisorganization symptomsNeural activityCounterbalanced designTest dayActive constituentsOddball taskTHC
2012
Dose-Related Behavioral, Subjective, Endocrine, and Psychophysiological Effects of the κ Opioid Agonist Salvinorin A in Humans
Ranganathan M, Schnakenberg A, Skosnik PD, Cohen BM, Pittman B, Sewell RA, D'Souza DC. Dose-Related Behavioral, Subjective, Endocrine, and Psychophysiological Effects of the κ Opioid Agonist Salvinorin A in Humans. Biological Psychiatry 2012, 72: 871-879. PMID: 22817868, PMCID: PMC3638802, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.06.012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdministration, InhalationAdultCardiovascular SystemCognitionCross-Over StudiesDiterpenes, ClerodaneDose-Response Relationship, DrugDrug MonitoringElectroencephalographyEuphoriaFemaleHallucinogensHumansHydrocortisoneIllicit DrugsMalePerceptionProlactinPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesPsychoses, Substance-InducedReceptors, Opioid, kappaSensationConceptsSA administrationSalvinorin APopular recreational drugElectroencephalogram spectral powerPrimary active ingredientPsychotomimetic effectsReceptor agonismOpiate receptorsEndocrine effectsHealthy subjectsSelective agonistHealthy individualsPerceptual alterationsPlasma cortisolEuphoric effectsCognitive deficitsRecreational drugsVital signsCounterbalanced studyEffect of SAYoung adultsAdverse effectsPsychophysiological effectsIndividual variabilityAdministrationCannabinoids, Working Memory, and Schizophrenia
Skosnik PD, Ranganathan M, D'Souza DC. Cannabinoids, Working Memory, and Schizophrenia. Biological Psychiatry 2012, 71: 662-663. PMID: 22449262, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.02.028.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchNaltrexone does not attenuate the effects of intravenous Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy humans
Ranganathan M, Carbuto M, Braley G, Elander J, Perry E, Pittman B, Radhakrishnan R, Sewell RA, D'Souza DC. Naltrexone does not attenuate the effects of intravenous Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy humans. The International Journal Of Neuropsychopharmacology 2012, 15: 1251-1264. PMID: 22243563, DOI: 10.1017/s1461145711001830.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAttentionBehaviorCognitionCognition DisordersDouble-Blind MethodDronabinolDrug InteractionsEuphoriaFemaleHallucinogensHumansInhibition, PsychologicalInjections, IntravenousMaleMarijuana AbuseMemoryMental RecallMiddle AgedNaltrexoneNarcotic AntagonistsOrientationPerceptionPsychoses, Substance-InducedRecognition, PsychologyRewardYoung AdultConceptsCognitive effectsHealthy human subjectsPerceptual alterationsHuman subjectsTHC effectsCognitive impairmentΔ9-tetrahydrocannabinolActive naltrexoneDouble-blind mannerTest dayPsychotomimetic effectsPreclinical evidenceMOR antagonistΜ-opioidCB1R agonistPsychiatric illnessPrecise natureHealthy humansDrug AdministrationReceptor systemNaltrexoneEffect of pretreatmentAnxietyPlaceboTHC
2008
The effects of cannabinoids on serum cortisol and prolactin in humans
Ranganathan M, Braley G, Pittman B, Cooper T, Perry E, Krystal J, D’Souza D. The effects of cannabinoids on serum cortisol and prolactin in humans. Psychopharmacology 2008, 203: 737. PMID: 19083209, PMCID: PMC2863108, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1422-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPlasma prolactin levelsPlasma cortisol levelsProlactin levelsNeuroendocrine effectsCannabis exposureHealthy controlsNeuroendocrine functionHormonal levelsCortisol levelsFrequent usersChronic cannabis exposureHealthy control subjectsDose-related increaseEffects of cannabinoidsBaseline hormonal levelsDose-related effectsDevelopment of toleranceLimited dose-response dataDose-dependent mannerBlunted increaseMultiple dosesControl subjectsSerum cortisolHormone levelsPlasma cortisolPreliminary evidence of cannabinoid effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in humans
D’Souza D, Pittman B, Perry E, Simen A. Preliminary evidence of cannabinoid effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in humans. Psychopharmacology 2008, 202: 569. PMID: 18807247, PMCID: PMC2791800, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1333-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBrain-derived neurotrophic factorBDNF levelsBrain-derived neurotrophic factor levelsNeurotrophic factor levelsSerum BDNF levelsΔ9-THCEffects of cannabinoidsΔ9-THC administrationSpatial memory impairmentBasal BDNF levelsResultsΔ9-THCPlacebo administrationPrincipal active componentNeurotrophic factorControl subjectsPsychotomimetic effectsHealthy controlsCannabinoid effectsIntravenous administrationAltered neurodevelopmentPreclinical studiesHigh riskConsequence of exposureChronic exposureMemory impairmentEffects of haloperidol on the behavioral, subjective, cognitive, motor, and neuroendocrine effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans
D’Souza D, Braley G, Blaise R, Vendetti M, Oliver S, Pittman B, Ranganathan M, Bhakta S, Zimolo Z, Cooper T, Perry E. Effects of haloperidol on the behavioral, subjective, cognitive, motor, and neuroendocrine effects of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans. Psychopharmacology 2008, 198: 587-603. PMID: 18228005, PMCID: PMC2878815, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-1042-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPerceptual alterationsPsychotomimetic effectsCambridge taskRecall deficitsVerbal recallSample taskCognitive effectsMemory impairmentCognitive impairmentSubjective effectsPreclinical literatureBehavioral effectsTaskD2 receptor mechanismsEffects of haloperidolFrequent usersDopaminergic systemHaloperidol pretreatmentImpairmentDistractibilityRecallResultsConsistentSpectrum of effectsRandom orderDeficitsBlunted Psychotomimetic and Amnestic Effects of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Frequent Users of Cannabis
D'Souza DC, Ranganathan M, Braley G, Gueorguieva R, Zimolo Z, Cooper T, Perry E, Krystal J. Blunted Psychotomimetic and Amnestic Effects of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Frequent Users of Cannabis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008, 33: 2505-2516. PMID: 18185500, PMCID: PMC3799954, DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301643.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAmnesiaAttentionBrainDose-Response Relationship, DrugDouble-Blind MethodDronabinolDrug Administration ScheduleDrug ToleranceFemaleHallucinationsHallucinogensHumansHydrocortisoneMaleMarijuana AbuseMiddle AgedPerceptual DisordersProlactinPsychoses, Substance-InducedTachycardiaYoung AdultConceptsAmnestic effectsPerceptual alterationsDelta-9-TetrahydrocannabinolCannabis useSubjective effectsFrequent usersCannabisEffects of cannabinoidsIllicit substancesPsychotomimetic effectsEuphoric effectsHealthy controlsHealthy individualsMemoryImpairingPsychosisDose-related effectsIndividualsCortisolPsychotomimeticsAttentionPeopleUsersPlacebo-controlled studyEffect
2004
The Psychotomimetic Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Healthy Individuals: Implications for Psychosis
D'Souza DC, Perry E, MacDougall L, Ammerman Y, Cooper T, Wu YT, Braley G, Gueorguieva R, Krystal JH. The Psychotomimetic Effects of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Healthy Individuals: Implications for Psychosis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2004, 29: 1558-1572. PMID: 15173844, DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300496.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnxietyArousalAttentionBehaviorCognitionDose-Response Relationship, DrugDouble-Blind MethodDronabinolFemaleHallucinogensHemodynamicsHumansHydrocortisoneInjections, IntravenousMaleMemory, Short-TermMental RecallPanicProlactinPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesPsychometricsPsychoses, Substance-InducedSpeechVerbal LearningConceptsCannabinoid receptor functionWord recallRecognition recallVerbal fluencyCognitive deficitsProspective safety dataNegative symptomsAbuse disordersHealthy individualsCounterbalanced studyMonths poststudyRecallPsychotomimetic effectsPsychotic disordersReceptor functionPsychosisEndogenous psychosesIndividualsDistractibilityFluencyTransient symptomsDisordersEndocrine effectsSafety dataAnxiety