Psicadélicos - Em Português, authored by Pedro Teixeira, is an essay providing an overview of the main topics surrounding psychedelics, including their history, potential therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, and associated risks and precautions.

The publication, from Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, also examines the scientific and cultural renaissance of psychedelics, discussing recent research developments and the ethical and legal challenges these substances present. In addition to dispelling common misconceptions, the book aims to inform both the general public and health professionals about the current state of this field and the potential of psychedelics as tools for psychological well-being and behavior change.

Psicadélicos - Em Português is an essential read for those looking to better understand this expanding topic.

The CIPER-SR team participated in the 38th European Health Psychology Society Conference, held in Estoril from September 3rd to 6th, contributing with both a roundtable discussion and a poster presentation.

The roundtable, titled The Psychedelic Renaissance: Opportunities for Behavior Change and Psychological Well-Being, featured researchers Pedro Teixeira, Jorge Encantado, PhD student Laura Carvalho, collaborating researcher Talea Cornelius, and physician Pedro Rodrigues. The session aimed to present update on psychedelic research in behavioral and health psychology as well as discuss mechanisms of change in psychedelic interventions in relation to theories in health psychology. 

PhD student Laura Carvalho also presented a poster with preliminary data from the study Health Behavior Change Through Psychedelics: An International Survey, which indicated that psychedelic users reported positive changes in key health-related behaviors, such as reduced alcohol consumption and increased intake of fruits and vegetables.

In May 2024, the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos published the collection Pela Sua Saúde - Atividade Física e Bem-Estar, which includes the book Motivações para uma Vida Ativa by Pedro Teixeira.

This book aims to provide evidence-based insights to the general public to support behavior change toward a more active lifestyle. Alongside presenting current theories on the motivational components of behavior change, it also details strategies and techniques to help initiate and sustain active behaviors.

Teixeira, P., & Encantado, J. (2023). Psicadélicos, Saúde Pública e Mudança Comportamental. In Figueiredo, I. C., Corvacho, M., & Mota, P. (Eds.), Psicadélicos e Saúde Mental (1st, pp. 208-219). LIDEL. https://m.lidel.pt/pt/catalogo/ciencias-da-saude/psiquiatria-psicologia-clinica/psicadelicos-em-saude-mental/

At the 2023 Insight Conference in Berlin, held from August 30th to September 3rd, our PhD student, Laura Carvalho, delivered a poster communication focused on the preliminary outcomes of a scoping review designed to investigate the existing naturalistic evidence pertaining to the connection between psychedelics and health behavior change.

Laura's scoping review constitutes a vital contribution to the academic discourse in this field, shedding light on the empirical evidence available on the influence of psychedelics on health behavior change.

During the 37th Annual European Health Psychology Society Conference held in Bremen from September 4th to 8th, our team, represented by researcher Jorge Encantado and PhD student Laura Carvalho, presented two innovative posters. One poster delves into the potential health benefits of the psychedelic ayahuasca, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its effects on well-being, encompassing both physical and mental health. The second poster introduces an international survey protocol designed to explore how psychedelics may contribute to positive health behavior changes.

Our overarching goal is to make meaningful contributions to the academic dialogue concerning the intricate relationship between psychedelics and health behaviour change.