Psychedelic substances like psilocybin and ketamine show promise as antidepressants due to rapid and lasting effects on mood and cognition. Most research focuses on psychiatric settings, but this review argues for a broader biopsychosocial perspective that includes social and psychological factors. Evaluating six major clinical trials, the authors conclude that combining psychedelic treatment with psychotherapy produces more enduring and profound antidepressant effects than either drug alone. This finding encourages people who might self-medicate with psychedelics to seek professional psychological support, reducing risks from unregulated use.
Psychedelic substances like psilocybin and ketamine show promise for rapid and lasting antidepressant effects, but most research has focused on psychiatric contexts. This review of six major clinical trials applies a biopsychosocial model to examine neglected social and psychological aspects of treatment. Combining psychedelic treatment with psychotherapy produces more enduring and profound antidepressant effects than either psilocybin or ketamine alone. Emphasizing therapeutic support encourages those considering self-medication to seek psychological frameworks, reducing risks of unregulated use.