Psychopathological descriptive model of hallucinogenic/psychedelic drugs effect in the treatment of depression and addictions
The efficacy of hallucinogenic drugs (ayahuasca, psilocybin, LSD, ketamine) in treating depression and addictions is accompanied by intense emotional states and mystical-type experiences, including feelings of oneness, transcendence, ineffability, and awe. These common psychopathological elements may mediate the drugs' therapeutic action. The paper reviews literature on subjective experiences during such treatments and compares them with other life-changing experiences, discussing the evolutionary value of these emotions for group cohesiveness and the recalibration of cognitions and emotions.