Ketamine, traditionally an anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects, especially in treatment-resistant depression. However, long-term or high-dose use may cause neurotoxicity, including nerve tissue damage, cognitive decline, mental health issues, and addiction risk. This review examines these dual effects, focusing on NMDA receptor antagonism as the mechanism for both therapeutic and harmful outcomes. It highlights the challenge of balancing efficacy with neurological safety, noting that dose control and monitoring strategies in long-term clinical use remain imperfect. Future research should clarify the dose-toxicity relationship and explore neuroprotective interventions.
Military personnel and veterans have distinct trauma exposures that lead to different patterns of mental disorders and treatment responses compared to the general population. This systematic review examined evidence for using cannabis and psychedelics to treat mental disorder symptoms in military populations. After searching databases up to May 2023, eight studies were included: five on cannabis and three on psychedelics. Most reported positive results, but detailed information on side effects and long-term follow-up was limited. The review concludes that potential benefits exist, yet the lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials underscores the need for more rigorous research.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound with a long history of traditional religious and therapeutic use. Recent research has renewed interest in its potential to treat depression and anxiety. Its pharmacodynamics involve rapid conversion to psilocin and activity on serotonin receptors, particularly 5HT2A/C and 5HT1A, as well as increased glutamate release, which may underlie its therapeutic effects. Clinical trials show long-lasting antidepressant effects with few side effects. The compound also shows benefits for addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder, suggesting it may offer a valuable alternative to traditional therapies, though further study of its mechanisms and clinical optimization is needed.