A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses

This review (2020) presents modern human studies into psychedelic drugs, including psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and ayahuasca in treating various psychiatric illnesses, including treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, end-of-life anxiety, and substance use disorders. Safety and efficacy data are also presented from both human and animal studies.

Abstract of A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses

“Though there was initial interest in the use of psychedelic drugs for psychiatric treatment, bad outcomes and subsequent passage of the Substance Act of 1970, which placed psychedelic drugs in the Schedule I category, significantly limited potential progress. More recently, however, there has been renewal in interest and promise of psychedelic research. The purpose of this review is to highlight contemporary human studies on the use of select psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, LSD, MDMA and ayahuasca, in the treatment of various psychiatric illnesses, including but not limited to treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, end-of-life anxiety, and substance use disorders. The safety and efficacy as reported from human and animal studies will also be discussed. Accumulated research to date has suggested the potential for psychedelics to emerge as breakthrough therapies for psychiatric conditions refractory to conventional treatments. However, given the unique history and high potential for misuse with popular distribution, special care and considerations must be undertaken to safeguard their use as viable medical treatments rather than drugs of abuse.”

Authors: Tingying Chi & Jessica A. Gold

Summary of A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses

Psychedelic medicines have a long history in human civilization. In 1943, Albert Hoffman accidentally discovered LSD and psilocybin and marketed them under the trade names Delysid and Indocybin, respectively, to experts in fields of neurology and psychiatry for basic investigative and therapeutic research.

Early psychedelic research explored two treatment paradigms: the psycholytic model and the psychedelic model. The psycholytic model focuses on administrating low doses of psychedelics during multiple sessions to enhance psychoanalytic therapy, while the psychedelic model utilizes higher doses of psychedelic drugs administered in one or few sessions to induce lasting changes in habitual patterns of thoughts and behaviors.

In the 1960s, psychedelics were widely used in uncontrolled settings, often by individuals with significant premorbid psychiatric conditions. The DEA placed psychedelics in Schedule I, the most restrictive drug category, and psychedelic research came to an abrupt halt.

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A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2020.116715

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Cite this paper (APA)

Chi, T., & Gold, J. A. (2020). A review of emerging therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Journal of the Neurological Sciences411, 116715.

Study details

Topics studied
Addiction PTSD

Study characteristics
Literature Review

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