Revisiting Forbidden Drugs: Chemical and Pharmacological Perspectives Over Psychedelic Indoleamines and Entactogens as Promising Therapeutic Agents
João Pedro Evangelista Ferreira, Stella Bortoli, Airton Vicente Pereira
Revista Virtual de Química January 1, 2022 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.21577/1984-6835.20220053 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic and entactogen substances are being reconsidered as potential treatments for depression and anxiety disorders, particularly for cases resistant to traditional therapies. This study reviews their pharmacological and molecular characteristics, suggesting they may serve as novel therapeutic agents in psychiatry and as adjuncts in psychotherapy. The findings encourage the exploration of new drug design strategies that could enhance their pharmacological effectiveness.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psychedelic and entactogen substances show promise as novel therapeutic agents for depression and anxiety disorders, particularly in treatment-resistant cases. |
Abstract
Depression and anxiety disorders are a major challenge for modern psychiatry, especially when shown to be resistant to conventional means of treatment. Over the past decade, psychedelic and entactogen substances, once stigmatized, have regained an ever-growing momentum as potential therapeutic agents for these disorders. The present study offers a review and comparison of the pharmacological and molecular aspects of psychedelic indoleamines and entactogen substances that demonstrate potential to become novel drugs in the field of psychiatry and as psychotherapy adjuvants. The analysis of the presented aspects allows for the contemplation of molecular design strategies for novel drugs with desirable pharmacological profiles.