The integration of psychedelic substances into modern Western therapeutic practice has sparked a critical examination of many topics including: efficacy of psychedelics to treat mental health diagnoses without psychotherapeutic intervention, what models of therapy to use, and ethical implications related to altered states of consciousness. Of utmost concern are issues of power dynamics leading to incidents of sexual abuse. These issues underscore the importance of understanding therapeutic dynamics within the context of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe frequency of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in clinical trials remains a challenge for drug developers despite advances in human hepatotoxicity models and improvements in reducing liver-related attrition in preclinical species. TAK-994, an oral orexin receptor 2 agonist, was withdrawn from phase II clinical trials due to the appearance of severe DILI. Here, we investigate the likely mechanism of TAK-994 DILI in hepatic cell culture systems examined cytotoxicity, mitochondrial toxicity, impact on drug transporter proteins, and covalent binding.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMusic-based interventions are a common feature in long-term care with clinical reports highlighting music's ability to engage individuals with complex diagnoses. While these findings are promising, normative findings from healthy controls are needed to disambiguate treatment effects unique to pathology and those seen in healthy aging. The present study examines brain network dynamics during music listening in a sample of healthy older adults before and after a music-based intervention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAs clinical trials for psychedelics move into phase III in the USA, Europe must address its lag in integrating professional education around psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) and supporting psychedelic drug research. This paper evaluates the necessary frameworks for implementing PAT in Germany, emphasizing the nation's potential leadership role within the European Union. With Australia having already approved MDMA and psilocybin for mental health indications, the Ukrainian government exploring MDMA treatment for war-related PTSD, and initial clinical trials involving MDMA and LSD with patients in Switzerland which restarted the restricted medical use of these substances around 2014, the medical authorization of psychedelics in these countries establishes precedent showcasing both the promise and challenges of researching and implementing PAT in nations where the substances were formally scheduled as illicit substances.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used to manage mild to moderate pain. While limited use is appropriate for many patients, there are safety concerns with use in certain patient populations or with long-term use of these agents. Topical NSAIDs may provide analgesic benefits while decreasing the overall risks of adverse effects.
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