Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health
December 1, 2023
Nicole S. Coverdale, Douglas J. Cook
3 citations
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) combines psychedelic drugs with structured therapy in three phases: preparation, in-session support, and integration. A review of 17 randomized controlled trials using psychedelics for psychological conditions found that 16 used the PAP framework. Nineteen studies examined brain changes during the integration phase using MRI and psychological tools. Brain network changes were inconsistent across studies due to small sample sizes and varied methods, though some evidence suggests changes in the executive control network. Psychological changes related to cognitive flexibility and personality traits like openness and neuroticism. The authors recommend repeating studies with larger samples and additional MRI techniques.
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health
February 1, 2026
Ian Stefanuk, Kaitlin Chivers-Wilson, Rakesh Jetly et al.
A retrospective chart review of 56 Veterans who completed a program combining sublingual ketamine therapy with a transdiagnostic intensive outpatient program (IOP) found significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress, along with improved quality of life. Clinically meaningful improvements were most notable among those with moderate to severe baseline symptoms. The intervention is thought to enhance neuroplasticity and emotional learning while increasing treatment engagement and long-term resiliency. The lack of a control group limits the findings, and further research is needed to validate the results and adapt the model for Veterans.
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health
December 1, 2023
Emmanuelle A.D. Schindler, Jason J. Sico
Patients with headache disorders like migraine or cluster headache often have poor quality of life, and military members and Veterans are at high risk, especially due to head trauma. Available treatments may not work, have side effects, or be unaffordable. Psychedelics have been discussed as a treatment for over 50 years; patients report that LSD and psilocybin provide long-lasting relief for weeks or months after just a single or few doses. Formal studies are beginning, and first results for psilocybin in migraine and cluster headache are encouraging but small and not conclusive. Veterans have been active in the re-emergence of psychedelics but may not all be able or willing to participate in studies due to health conditions or military viewpoints.
Journal of Military Veteran and Family Health
December 1, 2023
Erika Dyck, Gregory P. Marchildon
The historical link between psychedelic drugs and the military is often seen as drug misuse or as contributing to anti-war sentiment. However, recent clinical evidence suggests these cultural associations may obscure the potential of psychedelic treatments for disorders common among military personnel, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. This article provides a historical overview of psychedelics and their association with anti-war activism, alongside the clinical recognition of mental disorders in the military, which has led to a reimagining of the relationship between psychedelics and mental illness within the military.