Unlocking the healing power of psilocybin: an overview of the role of psilocybin therapy in major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use disorder
Sandra Szafoni, Piotr Gręblowski, Klaudia Grabowska, Gniewko Więckiewicz
Frontiers in Psychiatry June 11, 2024 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1406888 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin, a psychedelic substance, is being tested in clinical trials as an adjunct to psychotherapy for patients with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders (alcohol and nicotine dependence) that are resistant to traditional treatments. This article reviews current understanding of psilocybin, including data from clinical trials, its mechanism of action, safety profile, and associated risks.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Obsessive compulsive Psychiatry Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key finding | Psilocybin is being investigated as an alternative treatment for treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions, with clinical trials examining its efficacy and safety. |
Abstract
Resistance to traditional treatment methods is still a major obstacle in modern psychiatry. As a result, several studies are currently being conducted to find effective alternatives to traditional therapies. One of these alternatives is psilocybin, a psychedelic substance that has been tested in clinical trials as an adjunct to psychotherapy. These studies focus on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance use disorder (SUD), particularly alcohol and nicotine dependence. This article looks at the current understanding of psilocybin, including data from clinical trials conducted, psilocybin’s mechanism of action, its safety and the level of risk associated with it.