A double-blind, placebo-controlled study using ultra-high field brain imaging found that psilocybin (0.17 mg/kg) caused region-dependent changes in glutamate levels in the human brain. Higher medial prefrontal cortical glutamate was linked to negatively experienced ego dissolution, while lower hippocampal glutamate was linked to positively experienced ego dissolution. These results suggest a neurochemical basis for the therapeutic effects of psychedelics on disorders involving distortions of self-experience, such as depression.
Demand for specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) in Switzerland far exceeds supply, and this gap is expected to widen as psychedelics potentially become regulated prescription medications. Since 2014, MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD have been available under limited medical use as exceptional treatments. The Swiss Medical Association for Psychedelic Therapy (SÄPT) offers a comprehensive three-year training program for physicians and psychologists that integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship, ethical considerations, and managing altered states of consciousness. Several organizations have expanded educational offerings, including workshops, conferences, and symposia. Establishing certification standards and ensuring training quality are essential for safe and effective PAT.