What You Need To Know About Psychedelic Treatment for Depression and Other Mental Health Conditions

A growing area of research is the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health conditions. Research suggests that they may hold promise for the treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

At Mental Health and Wellness Associates, our top psychiatrists are constantly exploring and evaluating new and innovative ways to treat mental health conditions. One of the most exciting areas of research in recent years has been the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health conditions. In the past, the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes sounded unconventional. However, a growing body of research suggests that they may hold promise for the treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What are psychedelics?

Psychedelics are a class of drugs that produce altered states of consciousness, including changes in perception, mood, and thought. Examples of psychedelics include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms), and ayahuasca (a brew made from plants found in the Amazon). Psychedelics have been used for thousands of years in spiritual and cultural contexts, but their use as a therapeutic tool is a relatively new development.

Current research on psychedelics for mental health

Recent research has shown that psychedelics may be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions. For example, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that psilocybin was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer (Reiche et al., 2018). Another study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that ayahuasca improved PTSD symptoms in a small sample of veterans (Fernandez et al., 2019).

One of the most promising areas of research has been the use of psychedelics for the treatment of depression. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that psilocybin produced rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression (Carhart-Harris et al., 2018). Another study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that a single dose of ketamine, a dissociative psychedelic, was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder (Lapidus et al., 2014).

While the research on psychedelics for mental health is still in its early stages, the results so far have been promising. However, it is important to note that these drugs are not without their risks and should only be used under the supervision of a trained healthcare provider.

A good place to start is to meet with a psychiatrist who can provide a thorough evaluation to make sure the full biological, psychological and social considerations are taken into account when a treatment plan is formulated. An experienced psychiatrist can then help you to better understand all of your treatment options, from conventional treatments like medications and therapy, to alternative options like TMS and psychedelic treatment.

If you live in the state of California and are looking for help, we would be happy to speak with you. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.

References:

Carhart-Harris, R. L., et al. (2018). Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms. Nature Scientific Reports, 7(1), 13187.

Fernandez, X., et al. (2019). Ayahuasca-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD: A randomized controlled cross-over pilot study. Psychological Medicine, 49(4), 655-665.

Lapidus, K. A., et al. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of intranasal ketamine in major depressive disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 76(12), 970-976.

Reiche, S., et al. (2018). Psilocybin-assisted therapy and existential concerns of patients with life-limiting cancer: A randomized controlled pilot study. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 32(11), 1179-1187.

Sessa, B. (2017). The psychedelic renaissance: Reassessing the role of psychedelic drugs in 21st century psychiatry and society. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 210(4), 243-244.

Watts, R., et al. (2017). Psychedelics and psychotherapy: The healing potential of expanded states of consciousness. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 49(4), 235-244.