This review examines how psychedelic-assisted therapy might help treat functional seizures, a type of functional neurological disorder. The authors explore potential underlying mechanisms, focusing on how psychedelics could affect brain networks involved in emotion, self-awareness, and body perception that are disrupted in functional seizures. They suggest that psychedelics may help by promoting neuroplasticity and altering connectivity in key brain regions, potentially allowing patients to process traumatic memories and reduce seizure frequency. The review indicates that while preliminary evidence is promising, more research is needed to establish safety and efficacy.
Therapists who provide ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) believe that their own personal psychedelic experiences help them better understand clients' experiences and strengthen the therapeutic relationship. All eight therapists interviewed, all formally trained in KAT, expressed a desire for formal experiential training, which they viewed as missing from their current education. Additional themes included the importance of relational safety and the therapeutic container, KAT's impact on professional development, and navigating risks, especially with clients who have complex trauma. The findings indicate a need for enhanced training and evidence-based standardization of psychedelic-assisted therapy programs that incorporate experiential learning.