scholarly journals The Potential Role of Serotonergic Hallucinogens in Depression Treatment

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 765
Author(s):  
Dominika Psiuk ◽  
Emilia Nowak ◽  
Krystian Cholewa ◽  
Urszula Łopuszańska ◽  
Marzena Samardakiewicz

Due to an increasing number of depression diagnoses and limited effective treatments, researchers continue to explore novel therapeutic strategies for this disorder. Recently, interest has revolved around the use of serotonergic psychedelics to reduce the symptoms of depression. In this systematic review, we summarize the currently available knowledge on the safety and efficacy of psychedelic substances for the treatment of depression. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database identified 14 clinical trials from the last 10 years that examined the use of psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, or LSD for the treatment of depression symptoms. Some psychedelics, especially psilocybin, demonstrated an ability to reduce depressive symptoms as measured by several psychological scales, which was often sustained for months after the last psychedelic session. Moreover, one study revealed that psilocybin has comparable efficacy to escitalopram in the treatment of depression. None of the studies reported any serious adverse events associated with psychedelic administration. The reviewed studies suggest that psychedelics have great potential in depression therapy and, after addressing and overcoming the current study limitations, may be used as a novel method of treating depression in the future.

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 502-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Barile ◽  
Kathryn E. Grogan ◽  
Christopher C. Henrich ◽  
Kathryn A. Brookmeyer ◽  
Golan Shahar

This report investigated the potential role of gender in moderating the effects of terror attack exposure on depression symptoms in middle school students from Dimona, Israel ( N = 90). Specifically, the effects of three aspects of terror attacks were investigated: physical exposure, relational exposure, and media exposure. Ninety early adolescents were assessed for terror exposure and depression before and after a suicide bombing in a town market. Results indicate that the effects of relational exposure to the suicide bombing—knowing others directly affected by a suicide bombing—on depression symptoms differed by gender. Adolescent girls who knew people affected by the suicide bombing reacted with higher levels of depressive symptoms while similarly exposed adolescent boys did not. It may be that girls, as compared to boys, express greater sympathy for victims, and are hence more vulnerable to disruptions of their social network, resulting in a heightened depressive vulnerability.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 ◽  
pp. S68-S70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Letizia Mazzini ◽  
Luca Mogna ◽  
Fabiola De Marchi ◽  
Angela Amoruso ◽  
Marco Pane ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (26) ◽  
pp. 4422-4432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Benekli ◽  
Heinz Baumann ◽  
Meir Wetzler

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins comprise a seven-member family of latent cytoplasmic transcription factors that are activated through tyrosine phosphorylation by a variety of cytokines and growth factors. Aberrant activation of STATs accompanies malignant cellular transformation with resultant leukemogenesis. Constitutive activation of STATs has been demonstrated in various leukemias. A better understanding of the mechanisms of dysregulation of the STAT pathway and understanding of the cause and effect relationship in leukemogenesis may serve as a basis for designing novel therapeutic strategies directed against STATs. Mechanisms of STAT activation, the potential role of STAT signaling in leukemogenesis, and recent advances in drug discovery targeting the STAT pathway are the focus of this review.


2017 ◽  
Vol 269 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Trautmann ◽  
Jan Richter ◽  
Markus Muehlhan ◽  
Michael Höfler ◽  
Hans-Ulrich Wittchen ◽  
...  

Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 101 (8) ◽  
pp. 2940-2954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Benekli ◽  
Maria R. Baer ◽  
Heinz Baumann ◽  
Meir Wetzler

Abstract Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are a 7-member family of cytoplasmic transcription factors that contribute to signal transduction by cytokines, hormones, and growth factors. STAT proteins control fundamental cellular processes, including survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Given the critical roles of STAT proteins, it was hypothesized that inappropriate or aberrant activation of STATs might contribute to cellular transformation and, in particular, leukemogenesis. Constitutive activation of mutated STAT3 has in fact been demonstrated to result in transformation. STAT activation has been extensively studied in leukemias, and mechanisms of STAT activation and the potential role of STAT signaling in leukemogenesis are the focus of this review. A better understanding of mechanisms of dysregulation of STAT signaling pathways may serve as a basis for designing novel therapeutic strategies that target these pathways in leukemia cells.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shvetank Bhatt ◽  
Jovita Kanoujia ◽  
Arghya Kusum Dhar ◽  
Surendar Arumugam ◽  
Amanda K. A. Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) of endocytic origin are known as exosomes. These vesicles are released by cells and are accessible in biofluids, such as saliva, urine, and plasma. These vesicles are made up of small RNA, DNA, proteins and play a vital role in many physiological processes. In central nervous system (CNS), they participate in various physiological processes such as stress of nerve cells, communication between the cells, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. The role of exosomes in depression needs to be explored further. It is known that exosomes can cross blood brain barrier (BBB), which is made up of glial cells astrocytes. One of the advantages of these vescicles is that they are able to transfer macromolecules like DNA, protein, mRNAs and miRNAs to recipient cells. This review focuses on the potential role of exosomes in de-pression and their utilization as atreatmentoption or diagnostic tool of depression.


2022 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 171-179
Author(s):  
N. G. Neznanov ◽  
G. V. Rukavishnikov ◽  
E. D. Kasyanov ◽  
M. A. Ganzenko ◽  
L. V. Leonova ◽  
...  

Currently, a growing amount of data is emerging on the role of various environmental factors (nutrients, gut microbiota, etc.) on formation of depression. The impact on these factors can be effective not only in treatment of major depressive disorder, but also in its early prevention. Therefore, a more detailed study of environmental factors in depression can lead both to a better understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of the disorder and to optimization of approaches to its treatment. The aim of the review was to assess the potential role of a number of environmental factors associated with nutritional aspects and characteristics of individual microflora, as well as to review the prospects of a strategy for affecting these factors in treatment and prevention of depression. 


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2061
Author(s):  
Michelle M. Keck ◽  
Helize Vivier ◽  
Jeffrey E. Cassisi ◽  
Robert D. Dvorak ◽  
Michael E. Dunn ◽  
...  

This study examines the role of anxiety and depression symptoms in predicting dietary choices in emerging adults while accounting for sex differences in these relationships. Participants were 225 English speaking undergraduates enrolled in a university in southeastern United States. Participants were recruited through an online research recruitment application utilized by the university. Participants volunteered for a two-phased anonymous survey monitoring the effects of eating habits and gastrointestinal health in young adults. As part of this effort, participants completed self-reporting measures related to anxiety and depression, as well as an automated, self-administered 24-h diet recall. Multigroup path analysis was used to test primary hypotheses. Overall, a decrease in total caloric intake and an increase in sugar consumption were found as self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression increased. In addition, there were sex differences in the relationship between depression and food choices. Men consumed more saturated fat as well as less fruits and vegetables as self-reported symptoms of depression increased. Results suggest symptoms of depression are a greater risk factor for poor nutrition in male college students than females. The findings provide another justification to screen for psychological distress in student health services given the implications on behavioral lifestyle and health.


2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 1504-1513 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Walters ◽  
M. Falcaro ◽  
N. Freemantle ◽  
M. King ◽  
Y. Ben-Shlomo

AbstractBackgroundWe do not know how primary care treatment of depression varies by age across both psychotropic medication and psychological therapies.MethodsCohort study including 19 710 people aged 55+ with GP recorded depression diagnoses and 26 276 people with recorded depression symptoms during the period 2009–2013, from 373 General Practices in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database in England. Main outcomes were initiation of treatment with anti-depressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, anti-psychotic drugs, referrals to psychological therapies within 6 months of onset.ResultsTreatment rates with antidepressants are high for those recorded with new depression diagnoses (87.1%) or symptoms of depression (58.7%). Treatment in those with depression diagnoses varies little by age. In those with depressive symptoms there was a J-shaped pattern with reduced antidepressant treatment in those in their 60s and 70s followed by increased treatment in the oldest age groups (85+ years), compared with those aged 55–59 years. Other psychotropic drug prescribing (hypnotics/anxiolytics, antipsychotics) all increase with increasing age. Recorded referrals for psychological therapies were low, and decreased steadily with increasing age, such that women aged 75–79 years with depression diagnoses had around six times lower odds of referral (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.1–0.29) than those aged 55–59 years, and men aged 80–84 years had around seven times lower (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05–0.36).ConclusionsThe oldest age groups with new depression diagnoses and symptoms have fewer recorded referrals to psychological therapies, and higher psychotropic drug treatment rates in primary care. This suggests potential inequalities in access to psychological therapies.


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