Are magic mushrooms the key to treating depression? Brain scans reveal psychedelic drug trips induce 'optimistic dream-like thinking'

• Study examined the psychedelic chemical in magic mushrooms, called psilocybin, using data from fMRI brain scans
• Under psilocybin, activity in the brain network linked to emotional thinking became more pronounced - similar to when people are dreaming
• Volunteers in the experiment by Imperial College London and Goethe University, Germany also had an altered state of self consciousness
• Experts are exploring if psilocybin could alleviate symptoms of depression by allowing patients to change their rigidly pessimistic patterns of thinking

They have helped writers dream up imaginary worlds and pops stars pen some of the biggest hits of the 1960s.

But until now, scientists were unsure what happens to the brain under the influence of psychedelic drugs, such as magic mushrooms and LSD.

New research shows that the brain enters a dream-like state when on a drug trip, and scientists hope it their findings help treat people battling depression.

cientists were unsure what happens to the brain under the influence of psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, which was particularly popular in the 1960s (a Cream album is pictured) but now they have mapped brain activity triggered by psilocybin - the active ingredient in magic mushrooms

The study, published in the journal Human Brain Mapping mapped the brain activity of 15 volunteers injected with the psychedelic chemical, psilocybin - the active ingredient in magic mushrooms.

The findings revealed 'fascinating' similarities with brains scanned while a person is dreaming, supporting the idea people on psychedelic drugs enter dream-like states.

Psilocybin was found to increase activity in the parts of the more primitive parts of the brain linked to emotional thinking, prompting several regions to become active at once.

However volunteers who had taken the drug showed 'uncoordinated' activity in those areas of the brain linked to high-level thinking, including self-consciousness.

Psychedelic drugs are unique among other psychoactive chemicals because users often experience ‘expanded consciousness', including enhanced associations, vivid imagination and dream-like states.

Scientists looked at the brain activity of the volunteers lying in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner while some were under the influence of psilocybin and and others were injected with a placebo.

New research shows that the brain displays a similar pattern of activity when on a drug trip - induced by a chemical in magic mushrooms called psilocybin - as it does while dreaming. A molecular model is pictured

‘What we have done in this research is begin to identify the biological basis of the reported mind expansion associated with psychedelic drugs,’ said Dr Robin Carhart-Harris from the Department of Medicine, Imperial College London.

‘I was fascinated to see similarities between the pattern of brain activity in a psychedelic state and the pattern of brain activity during dream sleep, especially as both involve the primitive areas of the brain linked to emotions and memory.

‘People often describe taking psilocybin as producing a dreamlike state and our findings have, for the first time, provided a physical representation for the experience in the brain.’

The researchers examined variation in the amplitude of fluctuations in what is called the blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal, which tracks activity levels in the brain.

This revealed that activity in important brain networks linked to high-level thinking in humans becomes unsynchronised and disorganised under psilocybin.

One particular network that was especially affected plays a central role in the brain, essentially ‘holding it all together’ and is linked to our sense of self.

In comparison, activity in the different areas of a more primitive brain network became more synchronised under the drug, indicating they were working in a more co-ordinated, ‘louder’ fashion.

The network involves areas of the hippocampus, associated with memory and emotion and the anterior cingulate cortex which is related to states of arousal.

Lead author Dr Enzo Tagliazucchi from Goethe University, Germany said: ‘A good way to understand how the brain works is to perturb the system in a marked and novel way. 

'Psychedelic drugs do precisely this and so are powerful tools for exploring what happens in the brain when consciousness is profoundly altered. 

'It is the first time we have used these methods to look at brain imaging data and it has given some fascinating insight into how psychedelic drugs expand the mind.

Dr Carhart-Harris said: 'We will be looking at the possibility that psilocybin may help alleviate symptoms of depression (illustrated with a stock image) by allowing patients to change their rigidly pessimistic patterns of thinking

PSILOCYBIN TRIGGERS DREAM-LIKE STATE IN THE BRAIN

Under the influence of psilocybin, activity in the more primitive brain network linked to emotional thinking became more pronounced.

Several different areas in this network - such as the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex - appear to be active at the same time.

This pattern of activity is similar to the pattern observed in people who are dreaming.

It also made activity in the brain area linked to high-level thinking, including self-consciousness, more uncoordinated.

'It really provides a window through which to study the doors of perception.’

Dr Carhart-Harris added: ‘Learning about the mechanisms that underlie what happens under the influence of psychedelic drugs can also help to understand their possible uses.

‘We are currently studying the effect of LSD on creative thinking and we will also be looking at the possibility that psilocybin may help alleviate symptoms of depression by allowing patients to change their rigidly pessimistic patterns of thinking.

‘Psychedelics were used for therapeutic purposes in the 1950s and 1960s but now we are finally beginning to understand their action in the brain and how this can inform how to put them to good use.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2679030/Are-magic-mushrooms-key-treating-depression-Brain-scans-reveal-psychedelic-drug-trips-induce-optimistic-dream-like-thinking.html

Understanding depression and anxiety

How to Survive a Panic Attack

Panic attacks come in all forms, all of which suck tremendously. They can be brought on by specific triggers or seemingly come out of nowhere with no rhyme or reason. They can vary from feeling like you're dying to getting the shakes to anything in between. How are you to deal with these potentially debilitating moments when time seems to freeze, the world disappears around you, and all you know is the all-encompassing feeling of your panic?

From personal experiences to research I've explored during my own navigation through panic hell, I'm going to share with you some tips I've learned along the way in coping with panic. Attacks have surprised me with aching chest pains that hurt so much I thought I was having a heart attack, (which, of course, doesn't help the panic), shortness of breath, shakiness, faintness, dizziness, chills, hot flashes, nausea, gut pain, and sometimes sobbing uncontrollably while gasping for air. In such moments, there are a few techniques that I resort to in order to relieve the consuming symptoms. Here we go:

1. Stop. I definitely have to sit down or step away. Sometimes, if the situation allows, I rush outside to get a breath of fresh air. 

2. This brings me to a hugely beneficial coping technique and that is breathing. Ever heard of belly breathing? It's when you put one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart. Breathe in for four seconds, filling your belly so that it expands outward like a baby's belly does, hold it for two seconds, then breathe out deeply emptying your belly and chest of air. Repeat. I usually have to close my eyes to do this in an attempt to shut out the external stimuli.

3. Being mindful of your breathing is another mode of calming down. What this means is only to focus on your breath: Where is it coming in? How does it feel? What does it sound like? Where does it flow to in your body? How does it feel as it exits your body?

4. When I feel a panic attack approaching, I admittedly do reach for the occasional Xanax; however, when I want to avoid relying on the medicine, (because eventually it loses its potency if we take it too often), I resort to essential oils. Aromatherapy is another form of breathing, really, except now you have something pretty to smell. I've noticed that peppermint and lavender are incredibly helpful when I need to calm down. These can be purchased at most health food stores or vitamin shops and aren't very expensive. There's another company I like to use for my essential oils called doTERRA, which can be found at http://do-essential-oils.com/. They are quite expensive, but their essential oil blends are so amazingly relaxing. I use their PastTense Tension Blend and ClaryCalm, and they help tremendously in taking the edge off.

5. Water is another natural substance we can use in helping calm the rush of nerves. Drinking cool water, splashing water on your face, or making a wet, cold compress to lay on the back of your neck or forehead can soothe the mind and body. 

6. You wouldn't think movement would help when your heart rate is already elevated, but in many cases, taking a walk can calm the anxiety and clear your mind.

7. Progressive muscle relaxation is another suggestion. You start with your toes, contract them, hold for 5 seconds, then release. You do this with each isolated muscle group as you move up your body.

8. Preparation or having "safety blankets" provides a sense of security that can greatly aid you in the midst of panic. For me, my sense of security involves me always having a bottle of water handy, mints or hard candy to calm me, along with my appropriate medication. Simply knowing that I have my "safety blankets" helps to alleviate the onset of an impending attack or alleviate the attack itself.

Mind you, these tips are coping mechanisms to use in those desperate moments of a panic attack, but there are things we can do to prevent these attacks from happening in the first place. Practicing meditation, mindfulness, and yoga are instrumental in developing a sense of inner peace. Therapy and medication if needed and prescribed your physician helps in managing the anxiety. Exercise and eating healthy keeps your body and thus your mind strong. Most importantly, self-care needs to be a priority. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is self-preservation and is absolutely necessary. These practices probably won't dissolve your anxiety completely, nor will they make all of your panic disappear overnight; however, if you make a habit of finding what works for you and using it, the better you can manage and alleviate your anxiety and panic.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/maria-senise/panic-attack-how-to-cope_b_5519446.html

Living with Major Depression: Dealing with anxiety

Anxiety And Stress Management - A Chinese Medicine Approach

By Tracey-Ann Brown, Complementary & Oriental Medicine

These days, many people find themselves feeling excessively stressed and struggling to find the balance between work, family, their various commitments, and a feeling of relaxed endeavour. This stress may manifest with feelings of anxiousness, insomnia/sleeplessness, headaches, moodiness, and in some cases low energy.

Traditional Chinese medicine offers a number of approaches in managing some of these concerns.

Herbal remedies

In traditional Chinese medicine, several herbs are usually combined to calm and settle the shen/spirit, in order to reduce anxiety, irritability and restlessness, restore healthy sleep patterns and clear thoughts. Formulas are prepared from a wide variety of herbs, shells and minerals called SHEN CALMERS.

These include:

HERBS

Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed)

He Huan Pi (Mimosa Tree Bark or 'Collective Happiness Bark')

SHELLS

Mu Li (Oyster Shell)

Zhen Zhu Mu (Mother of Pearl)

MINERALS

Hu Po (Amber)

Dai Zhe Shi (Hematite)

These Shen calmers are divided into two categories:

Substances that anchor, settle and calm the spirit - these substances have a sedative and tranquilising effect.

Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit: These are used primarily in cases of anxiety accompanied by palpitations. These herbs are milder in character than the previous category and are more nourishing.

In preparing herbal prescriptions, herbs may also be added to address other accompanying or underlying health issues in order to achieve optimal healing. For example, if feelings of stress and anxiousness are accompanied by digestive problems or even hot flashes, then a formula would be prepared to address all of these issues simultaneously.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture also offers an additional course of treatment for relief, whether alongside herbal remedies or on its own. Acupuncture points are selected from over 1,000 points on the body and gently stimulated. This in turn stimulates the central nervous system, which assists the body in restoring its self-regulating systems. The Ear Shen Men Point is especially effective as part of a treatment to ease anxiety.

Tai chi

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that is primarily practised for its health benefits. Tai chi emphasises complete relaxation and is essentially a form of 'meditation in motion'. It is characterised by soft, slow, flowing movements.

Dietary recommendations

As with any health care programme, to resolve ill-health, diet plays an important role. A number of foods can assist in the management of stress and easing anxiety.

These include:

Grains: whole wheat, brown rice, oats

Vegetables and their juices: mushroom, cucumber, celery, lettuce

Spices: dill, basil

Teas: chamomile, valerian, rose hips

Milk (cow and goat)

Wheat germ

Foods to avoid include: alcohol, coffee, cigarettes.

Lifestyle recommendations

Daily practises that calm and nurture the spirit. Such as: prayer, meditation, silent contemplation, mantras, chanting, and various relaxed and mindful processes that promote self-reflection and quiet.

Your physical, as well as emotional environment is another key factor. Try to avoid excessive pollution or noise, harmful speech and relationships that are more of a burden than a joy.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140702/health/health1.html

What are Anxiety Disorders and what do I do?

Facebook apologises for 'any anxiety' caused by social research

Facebook: researchers apologise for any anxiety caused by social study

Facebook's researchers have apologised for the way the findings of its controversial social study were presented, and for "any anxiety it caused".

The social network has come under fire for carrying out a study that involved secretly altering the news feeds of nearly 700,000 users to monitor "emotional contagion".

Facebook undertook the study in partnership with Cornell University and the University of California, and carried out the experiment over a week in 2012.

It required the manipulation of Facebook’s algorithms to present different emotional posts in people’s news feeds.

The business wanted to find out if users being subjected to positive or negative words in messages had a direct impact on the kind of statuses they created, or whether it would make them engage more or less with the platform.

But Facebook has been widely criticised for its actions, being branded "creepy" and "spooky", while Jim Sheridan, a member of the Commons media select committee, told the Guardian that the research had wider implications.

He said: "They are manipulating material from people’s personal lives and I am worried about the ability of Facebook and others to manipulate people’s thoughts in politics and other areas.

"If people are being thought-controlled in this kind of way, there needs to be protection and they at least need to know about it."

One of the researchers at Facebook responsible for the study, Adam D. I. Kramer,took to the social network to defend the research, stating that it was conducted because "we care about the emotional impact of Facebook and the people that use our product. 

"We felt that it was important to investigate the common worry that seeing friends post positive content leads to people feeling negative or left out. At the same time, we were concerned that exposure to friends' negativity might lead people to avoid visiting Facebook. We didn't clearly state our motivations in the paper."

However, while Kramer said that the goal of the research was to "learn how to provide a better service", the researcher also apologised for the anxiety it has caused users.

He said: "Having written and designed this experiment myself, I can tell you that our goal was never to upset anyone. I can understand why some people have concerns about it, and my coauthors and I are very sorry for the way the paper described the research and any anxiety it caused.

In hindsight, the research benefits of the paper may not have justified all of this anxiety."

http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1301048/facebook-apologises-any-anxiety-caused-social-research