IS PSYCHEDELIC TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS READY FOR PRIME TIME?
Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society June 30, 2024 Nauman Ashraf 1 citation
Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, DMT/ayahuasca, MDMA, peyote, and ketamine alter perception, mood, and consciousness, and have been used for centuries in religious ceremonies. After clinical use of LSD from the 1950s until its ban in 1967, interest has resurged for treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. The FDA has designated several as breakthrough therapies. They work through mechanisms such as 5HT2A receptor agonism and NMDA antagonism, promoting neuroplasticity and disrupting pathological activity in the brain's default mode network to facilitate new perspectives and emotional processing. Psychedelic-assisted therapy includes preparation, dosing support, and integration. Safety concerns include hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, serotonin toxicity, and boundary violations. Comprehensive research is still needed.