Genomind’s Post

Recent article from the The Globe and Mail - Company Exciting developments in the field of mental health: There is a growing number of psychedelics receiving FDA breakthrough status since 2017 for mental disorders. With FDA approval on the horizon for MDMA and expanded human trials for psilocybin, the potential impact on #mentalhealth is substantial. The recent surge in financing for psychedelics developers underscores growing investor confidence in their clinical outcomes. Despite questions around commercial viability, the psychedelic renaissance is gaining momentum, offering hope for millions affected by mental health disorders. For the full article: https://lnkd.in/e-DA288r #PsychedelicRenaissance #MentalHealth #Innovation #Wellbeing #Psilocybin #Research #Wellness

Major depression is the most common mental disorder in the U.S., and many struggle with the current trial-and-error approach to medication-based treatment. Pharmacogenetic testing could reduce the time to identify a safe and effective medication for depression, but it remains underutilized in practice. DPHS' Nina Sperber, Sarah Gonzales, and Brystana Kaufman (she/her) explore the value proposition of this testing in a new study: https://lnkd.in/d8ffVenV #populationsciences #populationhealth #depression

Psychedelic medications have demonstrated promising results in the treatment of important mental health disorders such as PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. This article (https://lnkd.in/eD9WK35F ) by our colleague Ben Suttle and colleagues James Rucker, Claire Roberts, Mathieu Seynaeve, Allan Young, Takahiro Yamamoto, Anna Ermakova, Fiona Dunbar and Frank Wiegand MD PhD describes the results of a Phase 1 study of an intranasal formulation of the short-acting psychedelic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine. These results are an important step toward development of a psychedelic medication with the advantages of both a rapid onset and short duration of action to treat important mental health disorders. #pharmacology #mentalhealth #qPharmetra #psychedelics

This past week, an FDA advisory committee voted 9-2 to reject the validity of therapy-assisted #MDMA #clinicaltrials conducted for the treatment of #PTSD. “The recent FDA decision regarding MDMA raises valid concerns about potential abuse and side effects, highlighting the need for caution when exploring novel treatments for mental health disorders," Freespira CEO Joseph Perekupka told Clinical Leader's Abby Proch in response to the decision. "However, it is crucial to recognize the importance of diversity in therapeutic approaches to address the complex nature of mental health conditions. As the healthcare community continues to explore various treatment options, it is essential to prioritize safe, evidence-based solutions that can provide effective relief to those in need. Non-invasive approaches that patients can use in the comfort of their own homes offer a promising avenue for addressing symptoms of conditions such as PTSD and #panicdisorder without the risks associated with pharmacologic treatments." https://lnkd.in/gTY4hm9h

Following the recent rejection of Lykos’ MDMA therapy for PTSD, drug developers in this space are reassessing their strategies and priorities. This setback highlights the complexities and challenges involved in bringing innovative treatments to market, especially in the realm of mental health. MDMA has shown promise in clinical trials, offering hope for those suffering from PTSD, but the regulatory hurdles remain significant. It is important to get it right the first time. As developers recalibrate their approaches, there’s an opportunity to refine research methodologies, enhance safety protocols, and address the concerns raised during the review process. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous scientific validation and the need for continued advocacy for mental health treatments. Check out this great piece from Kate Goodwin for more insight. #PTSD #DrugDevelopment #MentalHealth #Research #Treatment #Healthcare

Ketamine: Transforming Mental Health Treatment, Beyond the Stigma Ketamine, once known solely as an anesthetic, is now emerging as a game-changing solution for mental health challenges like treatment-resistant depression. While its reputation has been clouded by misuse as a recreational drug, medically supervised ketamine therapy offers fast-acting relief and new hope for those who haven’t found success with traditional treatments. At PointHealth Clinic, we’ve witnessed incredible transformations, like that of Kenneth Mars, who found freedom from years of depression through our controlled ketamine treatment. But why does ketamine work so well? How is it administered safely, and what makes it different from other options? 🌟 Read the full blog to uncover the truth about ketamine therapy and how it’s changing lives. Click the link below to learn more.

https://lnkd.in/gCSnrHQM This older article (2021) explains the impacts of a clinical trial which found that a combination of levodopa and naproxen or the just naproxen led to a 50% pain relief for 75% of participants. And a significant effect was found for women in transitory back pain. I believe this could be used in pain in general and could reduce the impact of fentanyl and the opioids current effect on Americans. Consider reading how we can adjust our addiction crisis.

The FDA is considering approving MDMA for PTSD treatment, but a recent advisory panel vote throws a wrench in the plans. While some studies suggest MDMA could be a breakthrough treatment, the panel raised concerns about the research quality, safety risks, and potential bias. This could have a ripple effect on the entire field of psychedelic medicine, which is seeing a surge of interest for treating mental health conditions. Experts are divided, with some calling for further research and others urging caution. What does this mean for the future of psychedelics in medicine? Share your thoughts in the comments. #psychedelics #PTSD #FDA #mentalhealth

The FDA Takes Another Step in the Wrong Direction I continue to advocate to improve a system that's failing to address the mental health and substance abuse crises adequately, leading to tragic consequences. Countless lives have been lost due to limited access to promising treatments while countless others never fully healed from their brain injury, addiction, or complex trauma. Despite exploring alternative approaches like hyperbaric medicine and plant-based therapies, these methods remain unapproved and uncovered by insurance. The FDA's recent decision regarding #MDMA reflects a regressive stance, highlighting the crucial need to embrace a wider array of effective treatments. While the FDA demands more studies on plant medicines and hyperbaric medicine, vital research on anti-seizure and anti-convulsion drugs is lacking as to their efficacy for mental health. Resources are often misallocated to ineffective medications, failing to save lives. Hyperbaric oxygen, a proven modality for mental health, is unjustly not approved. Numerous studies attest to the effectiveness of #HBOT, yet access is restricted. Similarly, ibogaine and the iboga root show promise for addiction treatment and holistic healing from polytrauma or complex trauma, but their potential is disregarded. It is imperative to broaden our perspectives and prioritize the well-being of those struggling. How many more lives must be lost before we commit to exploring and legitimizing innovative treatments that could make a real difference?

This is an interesting read. Individuals who have used MDMA to treat PTSD have gone into remission, and it's being used to treat treatment-resistant anxiety, depression, and trauma. The issue is that it's so transformative and different that the medical system is not yet built for it. Hopefully, with the continued trials, there will be a change in the psychotherapy field. We are so familiar with these straightforward, hour-long therapy sessions, that psychedelic assisted therapy seems overwhelming. In reality, shifting our focus onto more expansive, experiential therapies can help people regain their body-informed wisdom instead of talking in circles. https://lnkd.in/gus4J8Y9 #psychedelicassistedtherapy #mdmaassistedtherapy