Psychedelic Assisted Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: A Review
June 27, 2021 Annie Mccartney, Hugh McGovern, Alexander de Foe preprint
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.