A-118 Psychedelic Interventions for Neuropsychological Conditions

Summary

Psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin show promise for neuropsychological conditions, beyond treating anxiety and other psychological conditions. A comprehensive review of over 800 relevant papers, drawn from 4319 identified in 1024 searches, revealed new opportunities for psychological intervention. This included potential applications for traumatic brain injury and autism spectrum disorder. While these psychedelic therapies are advancing through clinical trials in psychiatry and medicine, some contraindications exist for specific co-occurring psychological disorders, highlighting the evolving landscape of drug studies and their impact on clinical psychology.

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Psychedelic-assisted therapies are emerging as safe and effective treatments for some psychological conditions including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. As ketamine therapy is already available in general medicine and 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin are in late-stage clinical trials, neuropsychologists should be aware of these therapy options. The goal of this study was to identify new targets for psychedelic intervention and to evaluate the applicability and contraindications of psychedelic therapies in those with neuropsychological conditions. Data Selection: A systematic literature search was performed using 128 topic keywords covering topics related to psychedelic pharmacology, risk, neuroscience, neuropsychology, psychological change, and clinical applications. These keywords were searched in combination with names of eight major psychedelics for a total of 1024 separate Google Scholar searches. This yielded 4319 papers with over eight hundred included based on translational relevance. Data Synthesis: Data were synthesized using a translational approach, with findings building from basic research to clinical application. Literature was summarized into tables comparing sample, technique, statistical confidence, and effect size (computed when not available). Critical analysis was performed to evaluate the literature and generate new clinical insights. Conclusion: Emerging opportunities for psychedelic therapies to treat neuropsychological conditions, including traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accident, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were identified. Some contraindications were also found to psychedelic treatment of psychological disorders that co-occur with neuropsychological conditions. These findings are contextualized with the current state of psychedelic medicine to support practitioners in providing actionable clinical recommendations.

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