A Systematic Review of the efficacy, safety, and Tolerability of Psychedelics in the Treatment of post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry December 26, 2025 Manasicha P. Wongpaiboon, Jackson L. Shelton, Eric Delgado Rendon et al.
A systematic review of 42 studies found that ketamine produced rapid symptom improvement for PTSD, though effects diminished in single-dose trials but persisted with repeated doses or when combined with psychotherapy. MDMA was associated with substantial and lasting symptom improvement in controlled settings. Data for ayahuasca, DMT, LSD, ibogaine, and psilocybin were preliminary but suggested potential benefits. Most studies assessed safety, and the treatments were generally well tolerated, with transient autonomic changes being the most common adverse effects. The evidence is strongest for MDMA and ketamine, but findings should be interpreted cautiously due to heterogeneity in study designs, sample sizes, and protocols.