Lifelong Learning: Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy-View Article

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Psychedelic drugs, such as psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, and MDMA, have shown potential for treating psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and PTSD. The FDA has designated MDMA and psilocybin as "breakthrough therapies" for these conditions. However, more research is needed, as the current database is insufficient for FDA approval. Safety concerns exist, but they can be mitigated with proper screening and dosing. Future research should focus on study design, assessment scales, and abuse potential. While interest in psychedelics is growing, evidence-based guidelines for their clinical use are lacking. Psilocybin has shown antidepressant effects lasting weeks to months. LSD and ayahuasca require further controlled trials. The popularity of microdosing raises questions about therapeutic and adverse effects. The history of psychedelic use is complicated, with public enthusiasm followed by restrictions. Despite limitations, preliminary data support further research and suggest a role for psychedelics in mental health treatment.

Keywords

Psychedelic drugs

psilocybin

LSD

ayahuasca

MDMA

psychiatric disorders

depression

PTSD

FDA

breakthrough therapies