The role of non-ordinary states of consciousness occasioned by mind-body practices in mental health illness.

Background: Research with hallucinogens suggests that non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSCs), particularly mystical-type experiences, predict improvements in various affective disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). Little is known, however, about the therapeutic potential of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga and breathwork.

Methods: We conducted a literature review in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) and preprint databases (SSRN, bioRxiv) to identify studies of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices and their effects in affective disorders and SUDs.

Methamphetamine, amphetamine, and aggression in humans: A systematic review of drug administration studies.

The relationship between amphetamine use and aggressive or violent behaviour is unclear. This review examined laboratory data collected in humans, who were administered an acute dose of amphetamine or methamphetamine, in order to investigate the link between amphetamines and aggression. It is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019127711).

The Depravity Standard for Violent Crimes.

In violent crime cases, aggravating factors in United States criminal codes, such as "heinous," "atrocious," or "depraved," are used to distinguish elements of the crime warranting more severe sentencing. These aggravating terms are vaguely defined and applied arbitrarily in violent cases. This paper details the development of a 25 item Depravity Standard to operationalize an evidence-based approach to distinguishing the worst of violent crimes.

Fetal abduction by maternal evisceration: A planned homicide.

Objective: Fetal abduction by maternal evisceration (FAMAE) cases are statistically rare but warrant closer scrutiny as planned homicides. This study reports lessons regarding abductor modus operandi, motivation, intent, planning, and the dynamics in the attack to inform public safety.

Methods: The fifteen FAMAE cases reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from 1987 to 2011 were reviewed.

Psychiatric and legal considerations in cases of Fetal Abduction by Maternal Evisceration.

Fifteen cases of Fetal Abduction by Maternal Evisceration (FAMAE) reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children during 1987-2011 outline the findings from a review of the forensic psychiatric considerations and legal course of each of the cases. Most offenders confessed to law enforcement within a short time of being placed under arrest in statements reflecting a continued effort to manage impressions and minimize culpability. Psychiatric assessment is invariably central to the legal disposition of FAMAE cases, as the defendant's goal is to diminish the perception of culpability/criminal responsibility and mitigate sentencing.

Ketamine-facilitated behavioral treatment for cannabis use disorder: A proof of concept study.

Background: Sub-anesthetic ketamine infusions may benefit a range of psychiatric conditions, including alcohol and cocaine use disorders. Currently, there are no effective pharmacological treatments for cannabis use disorder.

Objectives: The objective of this uncontrolled proof of concept trial was to test the feasibility, tolerability, and potential therapeutic effects of integrating ketamine infusions with a behavioral platform of motivational enhancement therapy and mindfulness-based relapse prevention in treating cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Totality of the Evidence Suggests Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Does Not Lead to Cognitive Impairments: A Systematic and Critical Review.

Despite limited data demonstrating pronounced negative effects of prenatal cannabis exposure, popular opinion and public policies still reflect the belief that cannabis is fetotoxic. This article provides a critical review of results from longitudinal studies examining the impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on multiple domains of cognitive functioning in individuals aged 0 to 22 years. A literature search was conducted through PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar.

Risky driving behaviours among stimulant drug users and the role of aggression: findings from a national survey.

Background And Aims: Stimulant drug users have a greater prevalence of risky driving behaviour. This study aimed to assess how far this association remains after adjusting for aggressiveness.

Design: Cross-sectional interview study assessing associations between measures of risky driving behaviours as outcomes, measures of stimulant drug use as predictors and a measure of aggressiveness as a covariate.