The use of psychoactive substances in the treatment of mental disorders
Katarzyna Karaś, Katarzyna Groblińska, Krzysztof Szczygieł, Jerzy Samochowiec
Alcoholism and Drug Addiction August 31, 2022 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.5114/ain.2021.111791 via DOAJ
Summary
Psychoactive substances, particularly psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, show promise in treating mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, especially in terminal illness contexts. These substances often have fewer adverse effects compared to traditional antidepressants and can provide immediate therapeutic benefits. Ketamine has been scientifically validated for treating depressive disorders and is now available as a new treatment option. The article reviews various psychoactive substances, their mechanisms, uses, and side effects.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psychedelics and other psychoactive substances demonstrate effectiveness in treating mental disorders with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. |
Abstract
Research on the use of psychoactive substances in mental disorder treatment has become increasingly important over the last 50 years. Numerous publications suggest their effectiveness in the treatment of many diseases, including depression and anxiety disorders, PTSD, psychoactive substance dependence, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome. Particularly noteworthy is the use of psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD in the treatment of anxiety and depression associated with terminal diseases as they do not have the adverse effects that often occur in the course of standard treatment with classical antidepressants and antipsychotics. These may include extrapyramidal syndrome, dyskinesia and sexual, endocrine or metabolic disorders. Their significant advantage is the immediate therapeutic effect of, for example, esketamine or LSD. During standard treatment with antidepressants, the expected effect is usually achieved after many weeks of use, which may reduce therapeutic adherence and discourage continuation of the treatment. This article provides a review of the literature on the treatment of mental disorders with psychoactive substances. The publication discusses aspects like the mechanism of action, potential uses and side effects of substances from the groups of classic psychedelics, empathogens, cannabinoids, stimulants and dissociants. Some of the psychoactive substances in question have gained hard evidence of their effectiveness in the treatment of mental disorders. Ketamine is a substance whose scientifically proven effectiveness in the treatment of depressive disorders has resulted in its introduction to the market as a new form of depression treatment.