Clinically relevant acute subjective effects of psychedelics beyond mystical experience

This review article delves into the acute subjective effects of classic psychedelics, encompassing substances like psilocybin, DMT, mescaline, and LSD. These substances elicit a diverse array of effects on cognition, perception, and emotions, distinct from those produced by other mood-altering drugs. These effects encompass visual alterations, intensified emotions, a heightened sense of connectedness, emotional breakthroughs, ineffability (the feeling of experiences being beyond words), synaesthesia (the blending of senses), disembodiment, and insightful experiences.

The researchers acknowledge that psychedelics can also evoke challenging psychological content and negative emotions, including anxiety, fear, existential struggles, social disconnection, and depersonalisation. In certain instances, these states of confusion can lead individuals to engage in physically or socially risky behaviours. However, classic psychedelics are generally considered less risky in terms of harm to oneself and others compared to other commonly used recreational psychoactive substances. The article highlights that numerous studies have documented the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin in treating mood and substance use disorders. While these studies are considered preliminary due to limitations in design, sample size, and blinding, they generally indicate improvements in well-being and therapeutic benefits. Nonetheless, adverse events such as headaches and nausea, as well as serious adverse events like heightened suicidal thoughts, have also been reported. Given the increasing prevalence of recreational psychedelic use, currently estimated at around 16% and rising in the United States, it is crucial to assess and balance the risks and benefits of recreational psychedelic use in comparison to other psychoactive substances.

Therapeutic Mechanisms of Psychedelics