At the intersection of medicine, psychedelics, and social impact stands Fayzan Rab, an MD Candidate at Emory University School of Medicine who brings a fascinating blend of experiences to his current role as a clinical researcher at the Emory Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality. His research explores crucial questions surrounding the emerging psychedelic therapy landscape, from understanding minority communities' perspectives to examining the broader public health and economic implications of these groundbreaking treatments. Before pursuing medicine, Fayzan carved out a distinctive path that included leading product development at tech giants Google and Mindstrong Health, followed by grassroots political organizing in the Bay Area. Today, alongside his research, he channels his leadership experience into executive coaching, helping entrepreneurs refine their communication skills and presence. When he is not exploring the frontiers of psychedelic medicine, Fayzan enjoys life in Atlanta with his fiancée Shua and their cat Bella, where you might find them hunting for fresh produce at their neighborhood farmer's market or hosting spirited game nights with friends. In this Genomic Press Interview, he shares his insights on the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy in modern healthcare.
Dr. Alaina M. Jaster is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University. She currently serves on the trainee editorial board of Psychedelic Medicine, the journal for the International Society for Research on Psychedelics (ISRP), and is part of the Society's Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility committee. Jaster is also part of the Science Policy Committee of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and co-founded a scientific communication website and podcast, Psychedelic Brain Science. Her research aims to understand the underlying molecular targets and mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders and substance use disorders. Her PhD dissertation focused on the serotonin 2A receptor's modulatory role in rewarding aspects of opioids and neuroplasticity across sexes. Most of her work uses translational methodology related to Pavlovian conditioning combined with techniques to measure and manipulate pharmacological factors involved in these diseases. Her current work focuses on the involvement of endocannabinoids in fear extinction, biomarkers of familial risk of depression, and psychedelic use among adolescent populations. Dr. Jaster is excited to engage in the Genomic Press Interview, looking deeper into her life inside and outside the lab.
Social attitudes, policy, and perceptions of psychedelics are currently undergoing considerable change. Growing public salience of psychedelics has been accompanied by the emergence of conferences focused on psychedelic education and dialogue. Attendees at such events compose an important group of stakeholders in psychedelic science and practice; their views of psychedelics can be valuable for understanding the current status of this emerging field. For this study, a survey was administered to attendees (N = 178) at an academic conference focused on two topics: psychedelics and spiritual care. The survey queried attitudes toward psychedelics in emerging research domains: 1) the potential benefits of microdosing and 2) potential for harm with psychedelics use. A subset of attendees who were facilitators of psychedelic care (n = 32) were also asked about their facilitation practices and their beliefs concerning aspects of psychedelic facilitation. Participants generally agreed that microdosing may have benefits (M = 3.90, where 4 = Probably, SD = 0.95) and modest concern (40.2% (n = 72) agreed or strongly agreed and 30.7% (n = 55) respondents “not sure”) that psychedelics could be harmful when used therapeutically. Descriptive analyses of a subset of psychedelic care facilitators also characterized harms observed during psychedelic care. Psychedelic care facilitators reported that they used psychedelics to treat a wide range of diagnoses, employing diverse psychotherapy modalities, and endorsed a need for cultural adaptations among psychedelic treatments.
Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic substance currently being investigated for the treatment of mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. Evidence from animal and human studies suggest that the effects of ayahuasca involve modulation of neural substrates relevant for emotional processing, especially in regions rich in serotonergic receptors. Moreover, preclinical studies also show that ayahuasca has specific effects on fear-related memories. The serotonergic system has been classically associated to anxiety and fear responses, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being first-class medication to treat mood, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Here we review currently available data regarding ayahuasca (and its main components) behavioral and functional effects on anxiety and fear-related responses through its modulation of serotoninergic signaling.
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness with high mortality rates and limited treatment outcomes. Psilocybin treatment (PT) has shown promise for various mental health indications and there is significant interest in exploring its potential for AN; however, studies to date are preliminary. Given the probable surge in psychedelic studies for AN, more information is needed to understand how to successfully apply and optimize these treatments for this vulnerable population. In this Emerging Topics article, we present a nuanced exploration of the potential benefits and constraints of PT for AN, contextualized within the framework of our clinical findings from a modest phase 1 pilot study. We offer here a synthesis of first-hand experiences and comprehensive thematic insights gleaned from 10 individuals with lived experience, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives on this novel therapeutic approach.
Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck, Ph.D., is a practicing clinical psychologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Her career uniquely bridges clinical practice with innovative research, focusing on developing and evaluating novel psychiatric interventions, particularly for eating disorders. Dr. Knatz Peck's research journey began at the UCSD Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, where she skillfully translated complex neuroimaging and genetic findings into practical, innovative treatment approaches for anorexia nervosa (AN). This work culminated in the development and manualization of Temperament-Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S), a groundbreaking behavioral intervention for AN. In recent years, Dr. Knatz Peck has expanded her research into the promising field of psychedelic-assisted therapies. She served as co-investigator on the first clinical trial evaluating psilocybin treatment for AN, marking a significant milestone in eating disorder research. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a senior clinical consultant for Compass Pathways, where she leads training initiatives and plays a crucial role in developing psychological support models for psilocybin therapy across various psychiatric conditions. Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Knatz Peck founded and directs BrightMind Therapy, an outpatient practice providing evidence-based therapy for children and adolescents. Her comprehensive approach seamlessly integrates clinical practice with rigorous research, utilizing neuroimaging data, genetic findings, and hands-on clinical observations to develop targeted interventions for treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. We are privileged to have Dr. Knatz Peck share her invaluable insights and experiences with our readers in this Genomic Press Interview.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance, which the individual views as defective or ugly. Psilocybin, a serotonin 2A receptor agonist with psychedelic properties, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for depression and other psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to identify subacute neural changes predicting symptomatic response to psilocybin treatment in adults with BDD. Eight adults with moderate-to-severe nondelusional BDD were administered a single oral 25 mg dose of psilocybin, accompanied by psychological support, and underwent resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging assessments 1 day before and 1 day after the dosing. Both a region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI analysis and multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) were used to identify changes in resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) at day 1 after dosing that predicted treatment response at week 1, measured by change in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Scale Modified for BDD (BDD-YBOCS) score. All participants completed the dosing and follow-up assessments over 12 weeks. BDD-YBOCS scores decreased at week 1 and week 12 after dosing (p<0.001 for both). MVPA revealed a significant increase in rsFC within the Executive Control Network (ECN) at day 1. Increased rsFC within the ECN (dlPFC – Superior Parietal Lobule [FPL]), between the ECN and Default Mode Network (dlPFC – Precuneus), and between the ECN and the Salience Network (dlPFC – insula) were predictive of improvement in BDD symptoms at week 1. These findings are the first report of subacute brain effects of psilocybin in patients with BDD. Given the small sample size and uncontrolled design of the study, larger controlled studies are necessary to validate these observations. Clinical Trials Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04656301
This study aims to estimate the lower, middle, and upper bounds of potential demand for psilocybin-assisted therapy (PSIL-AT) for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in the United States. We calculated potential PSIL-AT demand for MDD and TRD by estimating the number of U.S. patients with MDD, identifying those in treatment, and determining who qualifies as having TRD. We established a range of estimates using the exclusion criteria from the largest trials to date on PSIL-AT for MDD or TRD. Estimates ranged from lower-bound through stringent criteria, mid-range by focusing on likely real-world scenarios, to upper-bound by accounting for double counting for patients with multiple comorbidities. A significant portion of patients with MDD and TRD is ineligible for PSIL-AT due to disqualifying conditions. Percentage of patients who are eligible are 24% (lower-bound), 56% (mid-range), and 62% (upper-bound). Variance was largely influenced by the removal of alcohol and substance use disorders as exclusion criteria, as well as removing the double counting from comorbid psychiatric and cardiovascular conditions. The analysis outlines the public health implications of providing PSIL-AT for MDD and TRD, emphasizing that the effective demand will be shaped by insurance coverage, state-level regulations, and the availability of trained providers. These findings suggest the need for careful policy planning and resource allocation to ensure equitable access and effective implementation of PSIL-AT across diverse populations and regions.
Depression is a global public health challenge that represents the world's largest cause of disability, especially in the context of traditional treatments. One potential solution being explored is psilocybin assisted psychotherapy (PAP) which shows promise for treating depression. A recent study by Rosenblat et al. explores the use of psilocybin in clinical mental care with promising results (1).
Classical psychedelics are increasingly receiving attention as potential therapeutic agents for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research has explored various classical psychedelics in the context of fear learning, recall, and extinction in rodents. We provide an overview of the reported effects of these substances on behavioral responses to learned fear. The amygdala complex, a key brain region involved in fear learning and extinction, plays a central role in these processes. We discuss how psychedelics interact with various cell types in the amygdala and propose which neural circuits may be essential for the observed fear-suppressing effects following psychedelic administration in rodents. The rodent amygdala has functional homology with the human amygdala. Thus, insights gained from preclinical studies can inform the design and implementation of clinical trials for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Finally, we stress the importance of considering compound-specific pharmacology and the acute duration of action as key factors in guiding the future direction of this field.
Dr Nicolas Garel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Addictology at the University of Montreal and a junior investigator at the Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal. Dr Garel did his psychiatry residency at McGill University before completing the Clinician-Investigator Program and a Master's degree at McGill University, studying the potential role of ketamine in the discontinuation of benzodiazepines and related drugs. Dr Garel then completed a clinical fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Stanford University. His research program focuses on the integration of psychoactive molecules in conjunction with psychotherapy as a unique potential treatment approach for patients with comorbid mood and alcohol/sedative use disorders. In this “Innovators & Ideas” section, we are excited to feature Dr Garel in our latest Genomic Press Interview. We are thrilled he took the time to answer our questions and share his valuable insights with our readers.
What are the mechanisms through which psychedelics may exert therapeutic effects in psychiatric disorders? There are two approaches to answering this question: first is the identification of novel pathways. Additionally, it would be of interest to determine the effects of psychedelics on mechanisms that already appear to underlie the neurobiology and therapeutics of psychiatric disorders. This commentary highlights a recent article by Shafiee et al. (1) that reported a meta-analysis of the effect of psychedelics on the peripheral levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Charles Raison, MD, is a Professor of Human Ecology and Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Raison also serves as Director of Clinical and Translational Research for Usona Institute, as Director of the Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center, Director of Research on Spiritual Health for Emory Healthcare, and as Visiting Professor in the Center for the Study of Human Health at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Raison's research focuses on the examination of novel mechanisms involved in the development and treatment of major depression and other stress-related emotional and physical conditions, as well as his work examining the physical and behavioral effects of compassion training. More recently, Dr. Raison has taken a leadership role in the development of psychedelic medicines as potential treatments for major depression. He was named one of the world's most influential researchers by the Web of Science for the decade 2010–2019. With Vladimir Maletic, he is author of The New Mind-Body Science of Depression published by W.W. Norton in 2017. We are happy to share Dr. Raison's perspectives on his life and career with our readers.
Professor Bernard Lerer is in the Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel, where he is Director the Center for Psychedelic Research (https://cfpr.brainlabs.org.il/) at Hadassah Medical Center, in Jerusalem. The Center has a growing staff that includes senior scientists, post-docs, Ph.D. and graduate students, technicians, and psychiatrists undergoing research training. Their research is preclinical, translational, and clinical and focuses on the use of psychedelic drugs and their derivatives to treat psychiatric disorders. Previously, he was Head of the Biological Psychiatry Unit at Hadassah Medical Center for 30 years, with research and clinical responsibilities. A conversation with Professor Lerer covered topics on his life and career.
Katarina E. Leão, PhD, is an associate professor at the Brain Institute at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil. She is vice-coordinator of the postgraduate program in neuroscience (2013–2017 and 2023 – current) and spent 2020 as a visiting professor at the Karolinska Institute/Uppsala University, Sweden. She is head of the Hearing and Neuronal activity lab researching neuronal mechanisms of noise-induced tinnitus and tinnitus-related anxiety. Dr. Leão recently joined the ongoing interview series by Genomic Press, discussing her professional endeavors and personal experiences.
Psychedelics: The Journal of Psychedelic Pharmacology – Charting a new course in psychedelic science
Welcome home! It is with great pleasure that we present to you the first editorial of “Psychedelics: The Journal of Psychedelic Pharmacology.” This is a labor of love and intellect designed to encapsulate the swirling cascades of research discovery in psychedelics. At a moment when empirical investigation has begun to lift the haze surrounding these extraordinary compounds, this journal will rapidly become the fulcrum for scholarly conversation, discourse, and enlightenment. Our ambit is broad in its sweep, ensconcing the multidisciplinary essence of the research in question. Our endeavor encompasses a dazzling array of inquiries, from the microscopicIntroduction
