scholarly journals Effects of psilocybin microdosing on awe and aesthetic experiences: a preregistered field and lab-based study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michiel van Elk ◽  
George Fejer ◽  
Pascal Lempe ◽  
Luisa Prochazckova ◽  
Martin Kuchar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Moving Objects ◽  
Driving Factor ◽  
Expectancy Effects ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Aesthetic Experiences ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Subjective Reports

AbstractThere is an increased societal trend to engage in microdosing, in which small sub-hallucinogenic amounts of psychedelics are consumed on a regular basis. Following subjective reports that microdosing enhances the experience of nature and art, in the present study we set out to study the effects of psilocybin microdosing on feelings of awe and art perception. In this preregistered combined field- and lab-based study, participants took part in a microdosing workshop after which they volunteered to self-administer a psilocybin microdose or a placebo for three consecutive weeks, while the condition was kept blind to the participants and researchers. Following a 2-week break, the condition assignment was reversed. During each block, participants visited the lab twice to measure the effects of psilocybin microdosing vs. placebo. We used standardized measures of awe, in which participants reported their experiences in response to short videos or when viewing abstract artworks from different painters. Our confirmatory analyses showed that participants felt more awe in response to videos representing funny animals and moving objects in the microdosing compared to the placebo condition. However, about two-third of our participants were breaking blind to their experimental condition. Our exploratory findings suggest that expectancy-effects may be a driving factor underlying the subjective benefits of microdosing.

Making Sense of Timing and Attention: Modality Effect in Timing with a Break

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Viau-Quesnel ◽  
Rémi Gaudreault ◽  
Andrée-Anne Ouellet ◽  
Claudette Fortin
Keyword(s):  
Visual Stimuli ◽  
Stimulus Presentation ◽  
Auditory Stimuli ◽  
Modality Effect ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Auditory Modality ◽  
Expectancy Effects ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Interval Production

Tones are perceived longer than visual stimuli of same durations. One interpretation of this modality effect is that auditory stimuli capture attention more easily than visual stimuli, resulting in more efficient temporal processing. During a time interval production, expecting a break signal lengthens the produced interval, an effect explained by attention sharing between timing and monitoring for the signal occurrence. In the present study, participants produced a brief time interval defined by a visual or an auditory stimulus and in most trials, there was a break in stimulus presentation. The effect of break expectancy was significantly stronger when the timing stimulus was presented in the visual than in the auditory modality, an interaction supporting attentional interpretations of the modality and expectancy effects. We conclude that auditory stimuli orient attention to time more readily than visual stimuli in a context of attention sharing, which reduces the distracting effect of break expectancy.

scholarly journals Great Expectations: Recommendations for improving the methodological rigor of psychedelic clinical trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Aday ◽  
Boris D. Heifets ◽  
Steven D. Pratscher ◽  
Ellen Bradley ◽  
Raymond Rosen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Subjective Effects ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Expectancy Effects ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Treatment Benefit ◽  
Treatment Expectations ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Wide Range

Rationale: Psychedelic research continues to garner significant public and scientific interest with a growing number of clinical studies examining a wide range of conditions and disorders. However, expectancy effects and effective condition masking have been raised as critical limitations to the interpretability of the research.Objective: In this article, we review the many methodological challenges of conducting psychedelic clinical trials and provide recommendations for improving the rigor of future research.Results: We found that although some challenges are shared with psychotherapy and pharmacology trials more broadly, psychedelic clinical trials have to contend with several unique sources of potential bias. The subjective effects of a high-dose psychedelic are often so pronounced that it is difficult to mask participants to their treatment condition; the significant hype from positive media coverage on the clinical potential of psychedelics influences participants’ expectations for treatment benefit; and participant unmasking and treatment expectations can interact in such a way that makes psychedelic therapy highly susceptible to large placebo and nocebo effects. Specific recommendations to increase the success of masking procedures and reduce the influence of participant expectancies concern study development, participant recruitment and selection, incomplete disclosure of the study design, choice of active placebo condition, as well as the measurement of participant expectations and masking efficacy.Conclusion: Incorporating these design elements is intended to reduce the risk of bias in psychedelic clinical trials and thereby increase the ability to discern treatment-specific effects of psychedelic therapy

scholarly journals Understanding Alcohol Expectancy Effects: Revisiting the Placebo Condition

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 339-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Testa ◽  
Mark T. Fillmore ◽  
Jeanette Norris ◽  
Antonia Abbey ◽  
John J. Curtin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Expectancy ◽  
Expectancy Effects ◽  
Placebo Condition

scholarly journals Attention Distribution While Detecting Conflicts between Converging Objects: An Eye-Tracking Study

Vision ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Yke Bauke Eisma ◽  
Anouk E. Looijestijn ◽  
Joost C. F. de Winter
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Pursuit ◽  
Traffic Control ◽  
Moving Objects ◽  
Conflict Detection ◽  
Detection Task ◽  
Fixation Rate ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Fixation Durations ◽  
Update Rate ◽  
Study Participants

In many domains, including air traffic control, observers have to detect conflicts between moving objects. However, it is unclear what the effect of conflict angle is on observers’ conflict detection performance. In addition, it has been speculated that observers use specific viewing techniques while performing a conflict detection task, but evidence for this is lacking. In this study, participants (N = 35) observed two converging objects while their eyes were recorded. They were tasked to continuously indicate whether a conflict between the two objects was present. Independent variables were conflict angle (30, 100, 150 deg), update rate (discrete, continuous), and conflict occurrence. Results showed that 30 deg conflict angles yielded the best performance, and 100 deg conflict angles the worst. For 30 deg conflict angles, participants applied smooth pursuit while attending to the objects. In comparison, for 100 and especially 150 deg conflict angles, participants showed a high fixation rate and glances towards the conflict point. Finally, the continuous update rate was found to yield shorter fixation durations and better performance than the discrete update rate. In conclusion, shallow conflict angles yield the best performance, an effect that can be explained using basic perceptual heuristics, such as the ‘closer is first’ strategy. Displays should provide continuous rather than discrete update rates.

scholarly journals Harmful or Helpful? A Systematic Review of How Those Bereaved Through Suicide Experience Research Participation

Crisis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 364-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Andriessen ◽  
Karolina Krysinska ◽  
Brian Draper ◽  
Michael Dudley ◽  
Philip B. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Research Participation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Psychological Autopsy ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract. Background: Many of the bereaved through suicide are interested in participating in postvention studies. However, there is a contradiction between the positive experiences of research participation and concerns raised by ethical boards. Aims: To review studies on the experience of research participation by those bereaved through suicide, including initial contact with the study and its short- and long-term impacts. Method: Systematic searches in Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, as well as Google Scholar identified 12 papers reporting on 11 studies. Results: The majority (73–100%) of study participants evaluated participation positively, and would recommend it to others (90–100%), as it was related to altruism, social support, and personal growth. A minority experienced participation as negative (2–10%) or upsetting (5–22%) due to feelings of guilt or painful memories. However, having a painful experience does not preclude seeing it as helpful. Limitations: Most studies concerned face-to-face psychological autopsy studies, and only two studies included a control group. Conclusion: Research applying standardized measures may enhance our understanding of the factors germane to (non-)participation and to the likelihood of a positive/negative research experience. Vigilant recruitment and providing optimum care for participants are indicated. Further research may continue to improve participant safety and the research design of suicide bereavement studies.

Incidence and predictors of excess disability in walking among nursing home residents with middle-stage dementia: a prospective cohort study

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E. Slaughter ◽  
Misha Eliasziw ◽  
Debra Morgan ◽  
Neil Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Deterioration Scale ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
Middle Stage ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Comorbidity Index ◽  
Dining Room ◽  
Study Participants

ABSTRACTBackground: Inability to walk compromises the well-being of the growing number of nursing home residents with dementia. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence and identify predictors of walking disability that may be remediable.Methods: A cohort was followed fortnightly for a year in15 nursing homes in western Canada. The study participants comprised 120 ambulatory residents with middle-stage Alzheimer's, vascular or mixed dementia. Standardized measures of potential predictors of disability included the Charlson Comorbidity Index, Global Deterioration Scale, and Professional Environment Assessment Protocol. Walking disability was defined as using a wheelchair to go to meals in the dining room.Results: Incidence of walking disability was 40.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 32.7–50.2). Approximately half of this (27.0%; 95% CI: 19.7–36.5) was excess disability. Residents with more advanced dementia and living in a less supportive nursing home environment experienced an increased hazard of walking disability (Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2–3.8 and HR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.3–4.4 respectively). After adjusting for age, comorbidity and stage of dementia, predictors of excess disability in walking included using antidepressants (HR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.02–4.6), and not using cognitive enhancers (HR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.03–6.4).Conclusions: Over half of walking disability in nursing home residents with middle-stage dementia may be modifiable. Creating supportive environments, ensuring access to cognitive enhancer drugs, and preventing and treating depression and the adverse effects of antidepressants, may help to reduce walking disability and excess disability.

scholarly journals Angiotensin II and the Natriuretic and Blood Pressure Response to Mental Stress in African Americans

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 511-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory A. Harshfield ◽  
Coral D. Hanevold ◽  
Allison Jasti ◽  
Santu Ghosh ◽  
Jennifer Pollock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Mental Stress ◽  
Blood Pressure Response ◽  
Urinary Sodium Excretion ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Response To Stress ◽  
Study Participants

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that An­giotensin II (Ang II) is a contributing factor to the response pattern in African Americans (AAs) who retain rather than excrete sodium during mental stress.Design/Study Participants: Double-blind, randomized, cross-over trial of 87 healthy AAs aged 18 to 50 years.Interventions: The study participants received either a placebo or irbesartan, (150 mg PO), an Ang II receptor antagonist, for seven days prior to stress testing. Urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were collected prior to and throughout a mental stress protocol (rest and stress period).Setting: A southeastern university.Main Outcome Measures: Ang II, SBP, and sodium retention.Results: During the placebo condition, 62 participants showed the expected increase in UNaV (excreters) while 25 participants reduced UNaV during stress (retainers). Irbesartan retainers demonstrated a reversal in the direction of their natriuretic response, now increasing UNaV in response to stress (Δ UNaV of -.094 mmol/min with placebo vs .052 mmol/min on irbesartan; P<.001). In excreters, irbesartan reduced SBP levels during both rest (-2.36 mm Hg; P=.03) and stress (-4.59;P<.0001), and an even more pronounced reduction in SBP was dem­onstrated by retainers on treatment during both rest (-4.29 mm Hg; P=.03) and stress (-6.12; P<.001).Conclusions: Ang II contributes to sodium retention in retainers. Furthermore, our findings indicate that suppression of Ang II has a beneficial effect on SBP during rest and stress in this population.Ethn Dis. 2018;28(4):511-516; doi:10.18865/ed.28.4.511.

scholarly journals Influence of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate on Early Ejaculation—Results from a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 859
Author(s):  
Mohammad Haghighi ◽  
Mona Doostizadeh ◽  
Leila Jahangard ◽  
Alireza Soltanian ◽  
Mohammad Faryadres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Marital Relationships ◽  
Vaginal Intercourse ◽  
Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Female Partners ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Among male sexual dysfunctions, erectile dysfunction and early ejaculation have the highest prevalence rates. Here, we tested the influence of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyas®) on early ejaculation. To this end, we performed a double-blind randomized clinical trial among males with early ejaculation. Methods: A total of 46 males with early ejaculation (mean age: 35.23 years) and in stable marital relationships with regular weekly penile–vaginal intercourse were randomly assigned either to the lisdexamfetamine dimesylate condition (30 mg) or to the placebo condition. Compounds were taken about six hours before intended penile–vaginal intercourse. At baseline and four weeks later at the end of the study, participants completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering early ejaculation. Female partners also rated participants’ early ejaculation profile. Results: Compared to the placebo condition, dimensions of early ejaculation improved over time in the lisdexamfetamine condition, though improvements were also observed in the placebo condition. Conclusions: Among male adults in stable marital relationships with regular weekly penile–vaginal intercourse, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate improved dimensions of early ejaculation. Given that improvements were also observed in the placebo condition, psychological factors such as increased attention to early ejaculation and favorable expectations of the compound should be considered.

Narrative Language Markers of Arabic Language Development and Impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (10) ◽  
pp. 3472-3487
Author(s):  
Natalia V. Rakhlin ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
Abdullah Aljughaiman ◽  
Elena L. Grigorenko
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Language Disorder ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Developmental Language Disorder ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
Verb Agreement ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Omission Errors

Purpose We examined indices of narrative microstructure as metrics of language development and impairment in Arabic-speaking children. We examined their age sensitivity, correlations with standardized measures, and ability to differentiate children with average language and language impairment. Method We collected story narratives from 177 children (54.2% boys) between 3.08 and 10.92 years old ( M = 6.25, SD = 1.67) divided into six age bands. Each child also received standardized measures of spoken language (Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary, Sentence Imitation, and Pseudoword Repetition). Several narrative indices of microstructure were examined in each age band. Children were divided into (suspected) developmental language disorder and typical language groups using the standardized test scores and compared on the narrative indicators. Sensitivity and specificity of the narrative indicators that showed group differences were calculated. Results The measures that showed age sensitivity included subject omission error rate, number of object clitics, correct use of subject–verb agreement, and mean length of utterance in words. The developmental language disorder group scored higher on subject omission errors (Cohen's d = 0.55) and lower on correct use of subject–verb agreement (Cohen's d = 0.48) than the typical language group. The threshold for impaired performance with the highest combination of specificity and sensitivity was 35th percentile. Conclusions Several indices of narrative microstructure appear to be valid metrics for documenting language development in children acquiring Gulf Arabic. Subject omission errors and correct use of subject–verb agreement differentiate children with typical and atypical levels of language development.

The Effect of Symbol Background Color on the Speed of Locating Targets by Adults Without Disabilities: Implications for Augmentative and Alternative Communication Display Design

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 1482-1488
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Thistle
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
The Other ◽  
Background Color ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Display Design ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
Research With Children ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Perceptual Factors

Purpose Previous research with children with and without disabilities has demonstrated that visual–perceptual factors can influence the speech of locating a target on an array. Adults without disabilities often facilitate the learning and use of a child's augmentative and alternative communication system. The current research examined how the presence of symbol background color influenced the speed with which adults without disabilities located target line drawings in 2 studies. Method Both studies used a between-subjects design. In the 1st study, 30 adults (ages 18–29 years) located targets in a 16-symbol array. In the 2nd study, 30 adults (ages 18–34 years) located targets in a 60-symbol array. There were 3 conditions in each study: symbol background color, symbol background white with a black border, and symbol background white with a color border. Results In the 1st study, reaction times across groups were not significantly different. In the 2nd study, participants in the symbol background color condition were significantly faster than participants in the other conditions, and participants in the symbol background white with black border were significantly slower than participants in the other conditions. Conclusion Communication partners may benefit from the presence of background color, especially when supporting children using displays with many symbols.

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