PSYCHEDELICS IN THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL DISORDERS
Health and Society January 8, 2025 Eduardo D’avila Lins Lacerda, Bianca Medeiros Ferraz da Nóbrega, Yasmin Mesquita Dias Franca Gadelha et al.
Psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA show promise for treating mental disorders like resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin produces rapid and sustained improvements in depressive symptoms, while MDMA combined with assisted psychotherapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms. These effects arise from interactions with serotonergic receptors that promote neuroplasticity and neural network reorganization, enabling profound psychological change. Despite progress, ethical, legal, and operational challenges remain, including the classification of many psychedelics as high-risk substances, which hinders regulation and clinical use. Overcoming regulatory and societal barriers, along with investing in long-term research and professional training, is essential for integrating these treatments into health systems.