PSYCHEDELICS IN THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL DISORDERS
Eduardo D’avila Lins Lacerda, Bianca Medeiros Ferraz da Nóbrega, Yasmin Mesquita Dias Franca Gadelha, Liliane Reis Teixeira, Manolo Altieri Espinar, Bruna Trigueiro Carlini, Gabriel Santa Cruz Lins, Anthonielly Leinat Lima, Isabel Azevedo, Paulo Heinrich Soares Bomtempo
Health and Society January 8, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.51249/hs.v5i01.2377 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA, show promise in treating mental disorders like resistant depression and PTSD, with studies indicating rapid improvements in symptoms. However, ethical and regulatory challenges persist, as many psychedelics are still classified as high-risk substances, complicating their clinical use. The research highlights the need for specialized training and safety measures to effectively integrate these treatments into healthcare systems.
Study at a glance
| Design | integrative literature review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Significant advances have been made in using psychedelics for treating resistant depression and PTSD, with notable improvements in symptoms. |
Abstract
Psychedelics have emerged as a promising approach to treating mental disorders, challenging traditional paradigms in psychiatry. This study conducted an integrative literature review to investigate the advances, challenges, and implications of the therapeutic use of these substances, addressing the guiding question: “What are the current scientific perspectives on the use of psychedelics in the treatment of mental disorders?” The methodology followed the steps proposed by Mendes, Silveira, and Galvão (2008), covering the selection of articles from the LILACS, SCIELO, and MEDLINE databases. Descriptors in Portuguese and English, such as “Psychedelics,” “Mental Disorders,” and “Therapeutic Advances,” were used, and inclusion criteria favored recent and complete publications. The results indicated significant advances in the use of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, in treating resistant depression and MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies showed rapid and sustained improvements in depressive symptoms, while MDMA, combined with assisted psychotherapy, significantly reduced PTSD symptoms. These effects are attributed to the interaction with serotonergic receptors, promoting neuroplasticity and reorganization of neural networks, enabling profound psychological transformation. Despite the progress, ethical, legal, and operational challenges remain. Many psychedelics are still classified as high-risk substances, hindering their regulation and clinical use. Additionally, training specialized professionals and ensuring safety in therapeutic settings are crucial aspects to expand the application of these substances. In conclusion, psychedelics represent an innovative frontier in the treatment of mental disorders, with the potential to revolutionize psychiatry. However, overcoming regulatory and societal barriers, as well as investing in long-term research and professional training, is essential for their full integration into health systems.