Potencjał terapeutyczny wybranych substancji psychoaktywnych — przegląd najnowszych badań

Since 2019, research on psychedelics including LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, and THC, as well as less-studied substances like 5-MeO-DMT, dextromethorphan, DMT, ibogaine, ketamine, and mescaline, indicates therapeutic potential for treating addiction (nicotine, alcohol, and substance dependence), depression, anxiety (including anxiety in autism spectrum disorder), PTSD, and eating disorders. With appropriate protocols, these psychoactive agents may become part of comprehensive therapy for mental disorders.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Drug therapies for many psychiatric conditions do not meet patients’ expectations. New agents are being sought to treat depression and anxiety disorders, among others. Scientific interest in psychoactive substances has increased over the past few decades. Recent studies provide evidence that psychedelics may find use in the treatment of a range of mental disorders. This paper describes new research conducted since 2019 on the most popular psychedelics: LSD, MDMA, psylocybin and THC. The analysis was expanded to include substances less popular in recreational and scientific use, such as 5-MeO-DMT, dextromethorphan, DMT, ibogaine, ketamine and mescaline. It appears that the hallucinogens described show therapeutic potential in the treatment of addiction (nicotine, alcohol and substance dependence), depression, anxiety (including anxiety concurrent in autism spectrum disorder), PTSD and eating disorders. Once appropriate protocols are developed, psychoactive agents may become a component of comprehensive and effective therapy.