[Psychedelics in the field of chronic pain. A path to explore?].
Revue medicale suisse – February 14, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelics show promise as a novel approach for managing chronic pain, with evidence indicating significant analgesic benefits. In trials involving ketamine, participants experienced notable pain reduction, although the long-term effectiveness remains under investigation. Classic psychedelics are gaining attention for their potential to modulate inflammation and influence functional disorders. Despite limited studies, early findings suggest that these substances may effectively target central pain sensitization mechanisms, highlighting an exciting frontier in pain management and psychiatric treatment.
Abstract
Psychedelics are emerging as a therapeutic innovation in psychiatry and their use in chronic pain is worth exploring. In fact, they can modulate the serotonergic system, affecting central pain sensitization mechanisms. Ketamine, used for chronic analgesia, can lead to pain reduction, but additional studies are needed to assess its longterm effectiveness. "Classic" psychedelics are recently attracting renewed interest for their potential effects on chronic pain. Despite limited studies, evidence suggests analgesic benefits, an effect on inflammation, and potential impacts on certain functional disorders. These results pave the way for further research in this ever-evolving field.