Therapeutic interventions for PTSD – current evidence on the the role of psychedelics
European Psychiatry April 1, 2021 I. Figueiredo, Filipa Viegas, F. Ferreira et al. 2 citations
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often persists despite available evidence-based treatments, and psychotherapy remains the first-line approach, though many patients have high rates of psychiatric and medical comorbidity. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may offer new treatment opportunities. A literature review of the Medline database found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy appears to be a potentially safe, effective, and durable treatment for individuals with treatment-refractory PTSD. Ketamine administration, based on a small number of studies, appears to provide temporary symptom relief and, combined with psychotherapy, may lead to lasting reductions in PTSD symptoms. Psilocybin and LSD have psychoactive effects that could contribute to psychotherapeutic treatment, though controlled studies are lacking. More research on safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and therapist training is needed.