Psychodynamic psychiatry
September 1, 2023
Tomas Lindegaard
15 citations
Psychedelic substances, long used in traditional healing and religious ceremonies, are now being studied for therapeutic use. This review examines evidence from quantitative, qualitative, and neurobiological studies on psychedelic-assisted therapy, focusing on the hypothesis that psychedelics facilitate the emergence of emotionally charged unconscious material, originally proposed by Stanislav Grof. Process studies and qualitative reports indicate that the psychedelic experience is linked to increased subjective access to and awareness of emotions, memories, and perceptions normally outside conscious awareness. Brain-imaging studies show several neurobiological effects that may relate to these experiences. Available evidence suggests this process could be an important therapeutic mechanism, warranting further investigation.
Psychodynamic psychiatry
June 1, 2026
Christopher W. T. Miller, Zofia Kozak
Classic psychedelics and MDMA are increasingly studied for treating mental health conditions, with users often reporting profound experiences of awe, connectedness, and spiritual transformation. This article applies Wilfred Bion's psychoanalytic concepts, particularly his theory of containment and the K link (knowledge), to neurobiological models of the mind and the effects of these drugs. It discusses how early adversity affects neurodevelopment and neural circuitry, leading to hyperarousal and rigid cognitions, and reviews literature on using these substances for trauma- and stressor-related disorders. A Bionian lens may enrich understanding of how MDMA and psychedelics facilitate therapeutic change in trauma treatment.
Psychodynamic psychiatry
June 1, 2026
Nadav Liam Modlin, Zsofia Elek, Carolina Maggio et al.
Psychedelic therapy may help people access unconscious mental content—preverbal, dissociated, or developmentally buried material—that emerges through bodily sensations, symbolic images, and intense emotions. A psychodynamic framework, drawing on psychoanalytic theory, can guide clinicians in working with this material across four phases: screening, preparation, the treatment session, and follow-up integration. Although neurobiological mechanisms like 5-HT2A receptor activation are well studied, unconscious processes remain underexplored. The authors argue that psychoanalytic models, though currently underrepresented, can deepen understanding of therapeutic change beyond symptom reduction and should inform future research, training, and individualized care as psychedelic treatments move toward broader clinical use.
Psychodynamic psychiatry
December 1, 2023
John G Cottone
A 54-year-old woman with multiple traumas and a recent diagnosis of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) had relied on extreme idealization of important people as a primary defense mechanism. During a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) session in January 2023, she discovered the consequences of this tendency, including creating double binds for idealized individuals and fomenting conflict between them. She also recognized unconscious secondary gain from escalating physical symptoms—resolving conflicts among those she idealized—which increased symptom exacerbations during conflicts. After this insight, she avoided extreme idealization and experienced fewer physical symptom exacerbations. Achieving a psychedelic trance state appeared necessary for the treatment's success.