Treatment and therapy of mental health conditions in the Global South using psychedelics: A scoping review and narrative synthesis

A systematic review of 27 studies involving 984 participants from the Global South found that psychedelics such as ayahuasca, iboga, 5-MeO-DMT, psilocybin, and MDMA show promise for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders. All studies followed ethical and medical guidelines, and no serious adverse events were reported. The research suggests these substances, traditionally used as plant medicines, are safe and potentially cost-effective, offering a new treatment option for mental health conditions in regions with considerable unmet needs.

Study at a glance

Abstract

AbstractBackground and aimsPsychedelics show promise for treatment of mental health conditions (MHCs). But there is relatively little research on indigenous psychedelics conducted in the Global South (GS). Much research is carried out in the Global North, where there are different cultural perceptions of mental health and psychedelics. Therefore, this paper appraises research on psychedelics for treatment or therapy where research was carried out in the GS.MethodA systematic review of research literature was conducted from 1st January 2010 to 31st July 2023. Medline, PsychINFO and Global Health databases were searched for studies of patients undergoing treatment for MHCs with psychedelics.ResultsData from 27 papers were extracted and narratively synthesized. A total of 984 participants were included suffering from depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders. The studies investigated the feasibility of psychedelic treatments and presented evidence for their safety. There was preliminary efficacy data for ayahuasca, iboga, 5-MeO-DMT, psylocibin, and MDMA in the treatment of some MHCs. All studies were conducted in line with ethical and medical guidelines, and no serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionA renaissance of clinical psychedelic research on substances that have been used as traditional medicines in the GS presents promising evidence for treatment efficacy and safety across a range of MHCs. Psychedelics present an exciting new treatment approach for people in the GS, in a health area with considerable unmet need. Moreover, research demonstrated cost-effectiveness, while results suggested no significant safety concerns or side effects.