This systemic review (2020) presents the results of 34 modern studies into the long-term effects of classical psychedelics in humans beyond the 2-week follow-up. Mystical experiences, connectedness, emotional breakthrough, and increased neural entropy were correlated with long-term changes in personality, depression, spirituality, anxiety, well-being, substance misuse, meditative practices, and mindfulness. A lack of aversive side effects with properly-executed treatment is also highlighted.
Abstract of Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs review
“Research into the basic effects and therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs has grown considerably in recent years. Yet, pressing questions remain regarding the substances’ lasting effects. Although individual studies have begun monitoring sustained changes, no study to-date has synthesized this information. Therefore, this systematic review aims to fill this important gap in the literature by synthesizing results from 34 contemporary experimental studies which included classic psychedelics, human subjects, and follow-up latencies of at least two weeks. The bulk of this work was published in the last five years, with psilocybin being the most frequently administered drug. Enduring changes in personality/attitudes, depression, spirituality, anxiety, wellbeing, substance misuse, meditative practices, and mindfulness were documented. Mystical experiences, connectedness, emotional breakthrough, and increased neural entropy were related to these long-term changes in psychological functioning. Finally, with proper screening, preparation, supervision, and integration, limited aversive side effects were noted by study participants. Future researchers should focus on including larger and more diverse samples, lengthier longitudinal designs, stronger control conditions, and standardized dosages.”
Authors: Jacob S. Aday, Cayla M. Mitzkovitz, Emily K. Bloesch, Christopher C. Davoli & Alan K. Davis
Notes on Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs review
Funding was provided by Tim Ferriss, Matt Mullenweg, Craig Nerenberg, Blake Mycoskie, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation. Dr. Davis is a board member of the Source Research Foundation.
Summary of Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs review
Humans have used psychedelic drugs for hundreds of years for recreational, spiritual, and healing purposes. They can induce intense shifts in consciousness and cognition.
In carefully screened and monitored volunteers, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can be a potent treatment option for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance misuse, and end-of-life distress. However, the long-term effects of psychedelic drug administration have yet to be systematically aggregated.
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Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs: A systematic review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.017
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Cite this paper (APA)
Aday, J. S., Mitzkovitz, C. M., Bloesch, E. K., Davoli, C. C., & Davis, A. K. (2020). Long-term effects of psychedelic drugs: A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 113, 179-189.