The Bloom #171 Free Edition going meta

In the last edition, I noted that the research on psychedelics has accelerated. From an average of about 100 studies, last month saw a record of 183 studies published.

But, we only added 11 studies to the database. More studies than ever are reviews, commentaries, and perspectives. Though they can provide a great introduction for a specific audience, they aren't material to add.

In the monthly recap of January, I take a closer look at the published trials, some secondary analyses, and a new study on healthcare use after esketamine use (showing lower medical costs than for other treatments).

Outside of the lab, my friend Alex Plesner has extended the application deadline for the Psychedelics Design Awards. You can apply until the 16th of February, in eight categories ranging from Products & Services to Visual Design & Branding. Apply with a 35% discount using code: DESIGN35.

Floris - Founder of Blossom

ps The gentle and experienced educator John Robertson (with Jake Kobrin and Daniel Shankin) has a new course, Inspiration Alchemy. This 12-week course helps artists recover their creative powers in a psychedelic-friendly environment. Join the course with a 10% discount (applied automatically).

Latest Psychedelic Research

1 Esketamine Treatment for Depression in Adults: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis​

This systematic review and meta-analysis (s=87; 2025) finds esketamine's efficacy as an adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) to be modest (effect size 0.15-0.23) and comparable to atypical antipsychotics, with no significant effect on suicidality. The review raises concerns about esketamine's abuse potential and unknown long-term effects. It also highlights regulatory issues, including deaths and emerging suicidality during clinical trials.

2 From relaxed beliefs under psychedelics (REBUS) to revised beliefs after psychedelics (REBAS)​

This single-blind (n=11) study with healthy participants shows that confidence in negative self-beliefs decreased after a high dose of psilocybin (25mg) which predicted increases in well-being four weeks later. This provides the first psychological (vs neurological) information on the validity of the REBUS model.

We previously covered this study as a pre-print in July 2022.

3 Esketamine nasal spray versus quetiapine XR in adults with treatment-resistant depression: a secondary analysis of the ESCAPE-TRD randomized clinical trial​

This secondary analysis of an open-label, single-blind, Phase IIIb trial (n=676) compares esketamine nasal spray plus an SSRI/SNRI versus extended-release quetiapine plus an SSRI/SNRI for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It finds esketamine to be superior in achieving remission at week 8 (27.1% vs. 17.6%, p=0.003) and preventing relapse through week 32 (21.7% vs. 14.1%). Adverse events align with known safety profiles.

New on Blossom

1 Psychedelic Research Recap January 2025​

Five studies have been testing how psychedelic treatments work in practice. One trial found that a single dose of psilocybin helped people with severe depression who hadn’t improved with other treatments. Another showed that combining psilocybin with group mindfulness sessions helped reduce stress and depression in healthcare workers. We’ve also learned that ketamine nasal spray works faster and longer than traditional antidepressants, and that adjustable doses of ketamine can help reduce anxiety.

Looking at the bigger picture, researchers have been studying how these treatments work in the real world. A large review of ketamine nasal spray found modest benefits for hard-to-treat depression, though it raised some safety questions. However, another study found that the treatment did help reduce hospital visits and medical costs compared to usual care. Other studies looked at how psilocybin therapy works, including its ability to change negative thought patterns and improve well-being.

2 Psychedelic Research Links 2025​

A comprehensive overview of all psychedelic research that has come out this year. We cover the research per month and provide a one-sentence summary for each new publication. After the full summary is added, a link to Blossom's review is added to papers included in our database.

3 Inspiration Alchemy (Course Listing)

Inspiration Alchemy is a 12-week online course based on The Artist’s Way methodology. It is designed to help creatives reconnect with their artistic practice and unlock their creative potential. The program combines traditional creative recovery techniques with modern approaches in a psychedelic-friendly environment. Through foundational practices like Morning Pages and Artist Dates, participants develop daily routines that foster creative expression and self-discovery.

4 Italy (Country Page)

Italy has a rich history in psychedelic research, with current developments suggesting a potential shift towards more accepting attitudes regarding psychedelic research and potential medical applications despite restrictive laws.

This page has been made possible with the collaboration of Chiara Corpetti, PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Eugenio Rossi, MD, Secretary General of SIMEPSI.
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Spotlight

1 Psychedelic Practitioner Fundamentals (Event)

The Synthesis Institute is set to host the second edition of "Psychedelic Practitioner Fundamentals – Cultivating Excellence in Psychedelic Care," a complimentary online conversation series running from February 12 to March 5, 2025. This four-part weekly series brings together renowned experts, including Dr Rosalind Watts, Dr Robin Carhart Harris, Akua Ofosuhene, and Dr Devon Christie, among others, to explore the intersections of science, spirituality, embodied wisdom, and human connection in psychedelic care. Each 75-minute session will focus on a distinct dimension of practice: Relational Wisdom, Cognitive Wisdom, Sacred Wisdom, and Embodied Wisdom.

The event series aims to address the growing need for comprehensive practitioner education as psychedelics enter mainstream health and wellness. Participants will gain insights into creating therapeutic containers, integrating evidence-based protocols with sacred traditions, implementing somatic practices, and building authentic therapeutic relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. The series is open to both aspiring and experienced practitioners, offering live sessions at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 7 PM CET, with registrants also receiving complimentary access to 'The Complete Guide to Holistic Psychedelic Care' upon conclusion of the events.

Molenvaart 76, Anna Paulowna, NH 1761AL
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