Psychedelic Psychiatry

A revival in psychedelic psychiatry is underway after decades of halted research. Recent studies show psilocybin and LSD can treat depressive disorders, sometimes outperforming current standard treatments. MDMA combined with psychotherapy effectively addresses PTSD symptoms. This paper reviews the history of psychedelics in psychiatry and highlights key recent findings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

We are amidst a 'Renaissance' in the field of psychedelic psychiatry. For several decades, following a period of promising research, governmental barriers and regulations halted any research into the utility of these substances in psychiatry. Over the past few decades, however, we are seeing a revival of these studies due to an abundance of positive findings as well as the need for improved psychiatric treatments. Studies have established substances such as psilocybin and LSD to be effective in treating depressive disorders, sometimes even more so than current 'gold standards'. MDMA is being recognized as a powerful tool, in conjunction with psychotherapy, for addressing PTSD symptomatology. This paper will provide a brief history of the use of psychedelics in psychiatry and discuss some of the most important recent research findings.