The use of psychoactive substances in the treatment of mental disorders

Psychoactive substances, particularly psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, offer immediate therapeutic effects for depression and anxiety in terminal illness without the adverse effects of standard antidepressants, such as extrapyramidal syndrome or sexual disorders. Ketamine has proven effectiveness for depressive disorders and has been introduced as a new treatment. This review covers mechanisms, uses, and side effects of classic psychedelics, empathogens, cannabinoids, stimulants, and dissociants, noting that some substances have strong evidence for treating mental disorders including PTSD, substance dependence, ADHD, and Tourette's Syndrome.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Research on the use of psychoactive substances in mental disorder treatment has become increasingly important over the last 50 years. Numerous publications suggest their effectiveness in the treatment of many diseases, including depression and anxiety disorders, PTSD, psychoactive substance dependence, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome. Particularly noteworthy is the use of psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD in the treatment of anxiety and depression associated with terminal diseases as they do not have the adverse effects that often occur in the course of standard treatment with classical antidepressants and antipsychotics. These may include extrapyramidal syndrome, dyskinesia and sexual, endocrine or metabolic disorders. Their significant advantage is the immediate therapeutic effect of, for example, esketamine or LSD. During standard treatment with antidepressants, the expected effect is usually achieved after many weeks of use, which may reduce therapeutic adherence and discourage continuation of the treatment. This article provides a review of the literature on the treatment of mental disorders with psychoactive substances. The publication discusses aspects like the mechanism of action, potential uses and side effects of substances from the groups of classic psychedelics, empathogens, cannabinoids, stimulants and dissociants. Some of the psychoactive substances in question have gained hard evidence of their effectiveness in the treatment of mental disorders. Ketamine is a substance whose scientifically proven effectiveness in the treatment of depressive disorders has resulted in its introduction to the market as a new form of depression treatment.