Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: How do we advance the field?
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry – November 22, 2019
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, shows compelling potential as a psychedelic medicine in psychiatry for treating depression. Its unique mechanism of action, involving neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior, and early trial benefits are promising. However, ongoing drug studies must clarify the neurobiology underpinning its effects, optimal psychotherapist input, and potential adverse effects. Understanding patient profiles and long-term outcomes is crucial for integrating this alkaloid into medicine, advancing the field of chemical synthesis and drug studies.
Abstract
In the quest for new treatment options for depression, attention is being paid to the potential role of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin is of particular interest given its mechanism of action, its benefits in early trials and its relatively low side effects burden. This viewpoint outlines a number of key issues that remain to be elucidated about its potential use in the clinical environment, including clarification of the profile of people most likely to benefit and those who might experience adverse effects, longer-term outcomes and the role of psychotherapeutic input alongside the drug itself. There are also opportunities to understand better, the neurobiology underpinning its effects.