Gli psichedelici: quanto è efficace e sicuro il loro possibile impiego in psichiatriae psicoterapia? Lo stato delle evidenze
PNEI REVIEW April 1, 2023 Francesco Dente
Over the last decade, research on the therapeutic use of psychedelics has surged, particularly for treating psychiatric disorders. Studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of classical psychedelics (psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD), ketamine, and MDMA for conditions such as depression, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Advances in neuroimaging allow researchers to examine how these substances modulate brain networks and may produce therapeutic effects. This article describes general aspects of various psychedelic substances, from classification to pharmacological mechanisms, highlighting differences between classical and non-classical psychedelics. It also analyzes components of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, focusing on set and setting variables. Finally, it reviews key studies from the last decade on treating anxiety and depression with classical psychedelics and ketamine, substance use disorders with classical psychedelics and ketamine, and PTSD with MDMA.