Psychedelics: Historical Context, Emerging Science, and Future Clinical Frontiers
Vipul Janardan, Amit Khanna, Om Prakash, Anadrika Debbarma, Sk Mathur
Journal of Mental Health Disorders April 18, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.33696/mentalhealth.6.068 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT are being revisited for their potential in treating mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and addiction. Recent studies since 2020 highlight their therapeutic promise, but emphasize the need for rigorous ethical and scientific validation before widespread medical use can be considered.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Psychedelics show efficacy in treating mental health issues but require rigorous ethical validation. |
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Abstract
Psychedelics a class of psychoactive compounds such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) are undergoing a scientific renaissance. Studies since 2020 have shown their therapeutic promise in mental health treatment. This Commentary synthesizes historical usage, current neuroscientific and clinical evidence, and explores ethical and regulatory frontiers for future medical integration. While showing efficacy in treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and addiction, these substances require rigorous, ethically guided scientific validation.