Efficacy and Safety of Psychedelics in Treating Anxiety Disorders
Ochsner Journal January 1, 2023 Leah Feulner, Thanpicha Sermchaiwong, Nathan Rodland et al. 25 citations
A review of nine clinical trials from 2011 to 2021 found that psychedelics—including ayahuasca, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin—show encouraging efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms, improving self-perception, and increasing social function in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or anxiety due to another medical condition. Therapeutic effects lasted weeks for many patients, and no severe adverse events were reported. The evidence suggests psychedelics could be a safe and effective alternative for patients whose anxiety does not respond to standard pharmacologic or psychosocial treatments.