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Article 1: Gasser, P., Kirchner, K., & Passie, T. (2015). LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with a life-threatening disease: A qualitative study of acute and sustained subjective effects. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29, 57-68.

Summary: The article describes research that follows up on individuals who had received LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety related to a life-threatening disease.

Questions to Consider: [Critical thinking questions based on the article to gauge student comprehension and analysis]

1. Why was this study conducted?
2. What is the rationale for using LSD in this context?
3. What kinds of benefits of LSD-assisted therapy were described in this research study?
    

Article 2: Bershad, A. K., Miller, M. A., Baggott, M. J., & de Wit, H. (2016). The effects of MDMA on socio-emotional processing: Does MDMA differ from other stimulants? Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30, 1248-58.

Summary: This paper reviews human research findings regarding the social effects of MDMA compared to other stimulants.

Questions to Consider:

1. Which psychological mechanisms might be instrumental in producing MDMA’s prosocial effects?
2. How is MDMA distinct from other psychostimulants with regard to its effects on social interactions?
3. What are the potential mechanisms by which NMDA achieves these unique effects?
    

Article 3: Muller, J., Pentyala, S., Dilger, J., & Pentyala, S. (2016). Ketamine enanatiomers in the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 6, 185-92.

Summary: This paper reviews research on ketamine as a potential treatment for depression.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why does ketamine have high abuse liability?
2. How might ketamine function as an antidepressant medication.?
3. What does research suggest about the relative safety and effectiveness of the stereoisomers of ketamine?