Mechanisms of integration in psychedelic-assisted therapy
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health December 1, 2023 Nicole S. Coverdale, Douglas J. Cook 3 citations
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) combines psychedelic drugs with structured therapy in three phases: preparation, in-session support, and integration. A review of 17 randomized controlled trials using psychedelics for psychological conditions found that 16 used the PAP framework. Nineteen studies examined brain changes during the integration phase using MRI and psychological tools. Brain network changes were inconsistent across studies due to small sample sizes and varied methods, though some evidence suggests changes in the executive control network. Psychological changes related to cognitive flexibility and personality traits like openness and neuroticism. The authors recommend repeating studies with larger samples and additional MRI techniques.