PTSD has few effective pharmacological treatments, and trauma-focused psychotherapies are limited by provider shortages and low patient engagement, often leading to chronic illness and reduced quality of life. Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist already indicated for major depression with rapid antidepressant effects, shows transdiagnostic potential. A synthesis of clinical evidence—including case reports, chart reviews, open-label studies, and randomized trials—reveals high heterogeneity in presentation and treatment approach but encouraging signals of safety, efficacy, and durability. Future research directions are discussed.
A systematic review of 52 clinical trials found that none reported psilocybin to be unsafe when administered under medical supervision. Twenty-seven of the trials suggested that psilocybin is safe to administer in a controlled medical setting. The review assessed whether psilocybin meets the schedule I criterion of lacking accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and the evidence from these trials does not support that designation. No adverse events or safety concerns were reported that would indicate the drug is unsafe when given by a medical professional.