This commentary article (2016) by Mithoefer, Grob, and Brewerton gives an overview of recent research into psilocybin and MDMA.
Abstract of Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders
“4-phosphorloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (psilocybin) and methylenedioxymethamfetamine (MDMA), best known for their illegal use as psychedelic drugs, are showing promise as therapeutics in a resurgence of clinical research during the past 10 years. Psilocybin is being tested for alcoholism, smoking cessation, and in patients with advanced cancer with anxiety. MDMA is showing encouraging results as a treatment for refractory post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety in autistic adults, and anxiety associated with a life-threatening illness. Both drugs are studied as adjuncts or catalysts to psychotherapy, rather than as stand-alone drug treatments. This model of drug-assisted psychotherapy is a possible alternative to existing pharmacological and psychological treatments in psychiatry. Further research is needed to fully assess the potential of these compounds in the management of these common disorders that are difficult to treat with existing methods.”
Authors: Michael C. Mithoefer, Charles S. Grob & Timothy D. Brewerton
Summary of Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders
Advances in psychopharmacology have benefi ted millions of patients with debilitating but common psychiatric disorders, but approved drugs have fallen short of definitively correcting underlying pathology and curing psychiatric illness. Evidence-based psychotherapy has yielded improved treatments for several disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety associated with life-threatening illness.
Most clinicians who treat psychiatric patients are familiar with the suffering and frustration endured by patients who try successive medications, often with several drugs, but do not find relief or cannot tolerate the side-effects.
Research shows that using psychedelic drugs to augment psychotherapy can lead to rapid, comprehensive, and lasting psychological healing and growth. The therapeutic approaches used in psilocybin and MDMA studies overlap substantially, but the two drugs have been studied for diff erent indications in most cases.
Find this paper
Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(15)00576-3
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Cite this paper (APA)
Mithoefer, M. C., Grob, C. S., & Brewerton, T. D. (2016). Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(5), 481-488.