The Potential Therapeutic Benefits and Safety of Psychedelics in the Treatment of Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review
Journal of Sociology Psychology & Religious Studies November 6, 2023 Sarah Naher, Sarah Naher 1 citation
A review of 17 articles found that psychedelic medications—MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin—can relieve psychotic experiences, reduce severity of depression and anxiety, improve PTSD, enhance social cognition, and elevate mood in people with psychiatric illnesses. However, adverse effects such as increased irritability, insomnia, rumination, and low mood were reported, requiring patient monitoring. Despite long-term therapeutic benefits, these drugs produced adverse effects when used to manage psychiatric illnesses. LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin are emerging as potential medications that could improve overall quality of life, life satisfaction, and well-being of mentally ill patients.