This volume brings together the latest basic and clinical research examining the effects and underlying mechanisms of psychedelic drugs. Examples of drugs within this group include LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline. Despite their structural differences, these compounds produce remarkably similar experiences in humans and share a common mechanism of action. Commonalities among the substances in this family are addressed both at the clinical and phenomenological level and at the basic neurobiological mechanism level. To the extent possible, contributions relate the clinical and preclinical findings to one another across species. The volume addresses both the risks associated with the use of these drugs and the potential medical benefits that might be associated with these and related compounds.

The up-to-date Second Edition presents an accessible introduction to the rapidly advancing field of psychopharmacology through an examination of how drug actions in the brain affect psychological processes. To help readers develop an appreciation of the development of drug treatments and neuroscience over time, the book provides historical background, covering major topics in psychopharmacology, including discussion on newer drugs and recent trends in drug use. Pedagogical features at the forefront of the latest scholarship of teaching and learning are integrated throughout the text to ensure readers are able to easily process and understand the material.

We are in the midst of what is being called the ‘psychedelic renaissance’ with growing interest into how psychedelics alter consciousness, brain function and brain connectivity. The acute, often profound, effects of the psychedelic experience can induce lasting improvements in mental health demonstrating that chemistry forms the basis of mystical experience, consciousness and mental wellbeing. This volume is a collection of chapters by world leaders in fields of neurobiology, neuropsychiatry, psychology, ethnography and pharmacology, addressing the neurobiological mechanisms of action of various classic and atypical psychedelics, their therapeutic potential as well as the possible risks associated with their use

There are global concerns about the proliferation and misuse of club drugs and novel psychoactive substances, yet we know little about their harms and research on clinical management and treatment remains limited. This book fills the knowledge gap by providing a detailed overview of the research evidence available to date. The book provides a framework that allows readers to understand this large number of new drugs, using classifications based on primary psychoactive effect. Within this framework, the book provides detailed reviews of the more commonly used drugs. Each chapter explores pharmacology, patterns and mode of use, acute and chronic harms, and clinical interventions supported by research evidence. An invaluable resource for clinical staff, this book will support clinicians working in the emergency department, substance misuse and addiction services, mental health services, primary care, sexual health services and more. It will also be of interest to academics and those developing drug policy.

Handbook of the Behavioral Neurobiology of Serotonin, Second Edition, builds on the success of the first edition by continuing to provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the many facets of behavioral serotonin research. The text expands on the two key topics, behavioral control (sensory processing, ultrasonic vocalization, and melatonin and sleep control) and psychiatric disorders, including its role on psychostimulant abuse and addiction. The new edition includes two new sections on the serotonin systems interactions and the involvement of serotonin in neurological disorders and associated treatment. Serotonin is a major neurotransmitters in the serotonergic system which one of the best studied and understood transmitter systems. Both are critically involved in the organization of all behaviors and in the regulation of emotion and mood. Features two new sections on serotonin systems interactions and serotonin in neurological disorders Focuses on ionotropic and metabotropic 5-HT receptor involvement in behavior Maps receptors and receptor signaling pathways to neurochemical and behavioral outcomes Covers the interactions between serotonin, melatonin and kynurenine pathways

This handbook reviews promising applications of psychedelics in treatment of such challenging psychiatric problems as posttraumatic stress disorder, major depression, substance use disorders, and end-of-life anxiety. Experts from multiple disciplines synthesize current knowledge on psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, and other medical hallucinogens. The volume comprehensively examines these substances' neurobiological mechanisms, clinical effects, therapeutic potential, risks, and anthropological and historical contexts. Coverage ranges from basic science to practical clinical considerations, including patient screening and selection, dosages and routes of administration, how psychedelic-assisted sessions are structured and conducted, and management of adverse reactions.

Updated and revised, the highly-anticipated second edition of The Blackwell Companion to Consciousness offers a collection of readings that together represent the most thorough and comprehensive survey of the nature of consciousness available today. Features updates to scientific chapters reflecting the latest research in the field Includes 18 new theoretical, empirical, and methodological chapters covering integrated information theory, renewed interest in panpsychism, and more Covers a wide array of topics that include the origins and extent of consciousness, various consciousness experiences such as meditation and drug-induced states, and the neuroscience of consciousness Presents 54 peer-reviewed chapters written by leading experts in the study of consciousness, from across a variety of academic disciplines