Publications by authors named "N R P W Hutten"
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the quality and strength of drugs sourced from cryptomarkets versus those obtained offline, focusing on substances like MDMA, cocaine, and LSD.
- Results show that drugs from cryptomarkets had a higher likelihood of containing the expected substance and were generally stronger than those from offline sources, particularly for MDMA, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- However, some cryptomarket drugs like MDMA tablets and amphetamine were found to be lower in strength compared to their offline counterparts.
Article Synopsis
- Microdosing psychedelics, particularly LSD, is gaining popularity for potential mental health benefits, but studies show mixed results, possibly due to individual differences in reactions.
- A study with 53 healthy participants tested low doses of LSD (15 mcg) and a placebo, measuring arousal, attention, and memory through various neurophysiological assessments over two weeks.
- Results indicated that LSD increased arousal and attention mainly in those with lower baseline states while inhibiting memory performance in high achievers; effects were still noticeable a week after treatment, suggesting lasting changes.
Patients characterized by stress-related disorders such as depression display elevated circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a hyperactive HPA axis. Psychedelics are demonstrating promising results in treatment of such disorders, however the mechanisms of their therapeutic effects are still unknown. To date the evidence of acute and persisting effects of psychedelics on immune functioning, HPA axis activity in response to stress, and associated psychological outcomes is preliminary.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRationale: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active component of cannabis, can cause anxiety in some users during intoxication. Cannabidiol (CBD), another constituent of cannabis, has anxiolytic properties suggesting that cannabis products containing CBD in addition to THC may produce less anxiety than THC-only products. Findings to date around this issue have been inconclusive and could conceivably depend on moderating factors such as baseline anxiety levels in users.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDespite preclinical evidence for psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity, confirmation in humans is grossly lacking. Given the increased interest in using low doses of psychedelics for psychiatric indications and the importance of neuroplasticity in the therapeutic response, this placebo-controlled within-subject study investigated the effect of single low doses of LSD (5, 10, and 20 μg) on circulating BDNF levels in healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected every 2 h over 6 h, and BDNF levels were determined afterward in blood plasma using ELISA.
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