New Insights Into the Clinical and Nonclinical Effects of Psychedelic Substances
European Psychologist September 17, 2021 Matthias Forstmann, Christina Sagioglou 6 citations
After decades of stagnation, research on psychedelic substances such as LSD, psilocybin, and DMT has revived over the last 10 years, with major programs in Europe and the United States. This review summarizes recent insights into the history, objective and subjective effects, prevalence, socio-psychological correlates, and potential for harm of psychedelics. It covers empirical research on their efficacy in treating major depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, along with proposed neural and cognitive mechanisms. It also reviews effects on healthy subjects, including psychological well-being, personality changes, nature-relatedness, and creativity, and discusses long-term effects of single experiences.