Psychedelics in psychiatric treatment: a literature review
Quality in Sport January 26, 2026 Adam Wolski, Ewa Szplit, Mikołaj Franciszek Patalong et al.
Psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ketamine, show promise for treating psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, PTSD, substance use disorders, and anxiety. Psilocybin produces robust antidepressant effects, reduces anxiety, and benefits substance use disorders after limited dosing sessions. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy yields high remission rates in PTSD. LSD shows promising effects for anxiety and substance use disorders. Ketamine provides rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects in depression and potential benefits in addiction and anxiety, though results in PTSD are mixed. Risks require careful screening and clinical oversight, but evidence supports psychedelic-assisted therapies as adjunctive or alternative interventions for selected patients.