Psychoactive Drugs in the Management of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Promising New Horizon
Cureus May 23, 2022 Kawther N Elsouri, Sahand Kalhori, Diego Colunge et al. 15 citations
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can follow traumatic events, from burglary to genocide. Current treatments rely on psychotherapy and conventional medications, but psychoactive drugs—MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin—are being investigated for their ability to reduce fear and anxiety in the brain. These drugs show promise for patients with treatment-resistant PTSD. Historically, restrictive laws limited research due to concerns about harm, but shifting public opinion has spurred new studies. This article reviews how these three substances work in the PTSD brain and their potential therapeutic benefits.