Journal of psychoactive drugs
January 1, 2023
Zachary Herrmann, Mitch Earleywine, Joseph De Leo et al.
19 citations
Subjective responses to psychedelic drugs, such as mystical experiences and oceanic boundlessness, often correlate with therapeutic improvements in conditions like treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life anxiety, and substance use disorders. Measuring these responses is challenging; several scales show good reliability and factor structure, but samples are often small and self-selected. This review examines the psychometric properties of widely used scales and their links to treatment outcomes. Challenging experiences, psychological insight, and emotional breakthroughs also show promise, though replication is needed. A collaborative approach to data collection on subjective reactions in therapeutic settings could help predict improvement across conditions.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
September 1, 2023
Zachary Herrmann, Adam W Levin, Steven P Cole et al.
9 citations
Among 228 healthcare providers who treat psychiatric disorders with medications and reported at least one lifetime psychedelic use, retrospective measures showed improvements in depression, anxiety, and well-being after psychedelic exposure. Suicidality decreased and resilience increased. A factor analysis indicated that a cluster of mystical, interpersonal, and personal experiences predicted these improvements. The preferred psychedelic agent did not affect outcomes, and frequency of use was not associated with outcomes, though effect sizes varied. Harm was reported by 13.2% (n = 30), consistent with general population rates. Pre-exposure alcohol use, aggressive impulses, and desire to die by suicide improved most often, while marijuana use most often worsened or did not change.
Psychiatric Annals
September 1, 2022
Mitch Earleywine, Zachary Herrmann
5 citations
Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and ayahuasca, when paired with supportive therapy, have reduced end-of-life anxiety in cancer patients, treatment-resistant depression, alcohol dependence, social anxiety in autistic adults, and nicotine dependence. MDMA-assisted therapy improves PTSD symptoms. Meta-analyses show promising effect sizes, but concerns remain about brief follow-ups, small samples, and poorly understood mechanisms. Generalization to the public is premature, and the proliferation of specialized clinics is not yet justified. Continued coordinated trials and judicious application are recommended, with realistic expectations that replication may yield smaller effects.