Psychedelics & Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: How to Counsel Your Patients-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In this informative session moderated by Dr. Jacqueline Posada, experts discussed the relevance and applications of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy, especially given the rising patient inquiries. Dr. Erin Wolfgang emphasized the initiative’s aim: equipping clinicians with guidelines to safely counsel patients interested in psychedelics, detailing potential harm-reduction methods for those who might pursue recreational use. The presentations, accompanied by detailed pharmacological insights into various psychedelics, showcased compelling studies demonstrating the potential efficacy of substances like DMT, LSD, and psilocybin in treating conditions such as depression and anxiety.<br /><br />Dr. Brian Barksdale presented extensive data on these substances, including their historical context, therapeutic indications, and clinical trials supporting their efficacy in disorders like PTSD and substance use. Dr. Nolan Williams highlighted his research on combining Ibogaine with magnesium for veterans with traumatic brain injuries, showing promising results in reducing symptoms like moral injury and cognitive disabilities.<br /><br />The discussion drew attention to the critical distinction between medically supervised psychedelic use versus recreational settings, stressing the safety concerns and legal complexities. Lingering questions included the need to delineate the contributions of psychedelics and psychotherapy to treatment outcomes, as well as the challenges posed by the drug's interactions with existing psychiatric medications, like SSRIs, and managing risks in patients with bipolar disorder or potential for mania.<br /><br />Overall, the session underscored the importance of informed, measured, medically guided engagements with psychedelics, suggesting a paradigm shift in treating resistant psychiatric disorders, juxtaposing traditional chronic medication models with episodic, therapy-enhanced psychedelic use.

Keywords

psychedelics

psychedelic-assisted therapy

harm reduction

DMT

LSD

psilocybin

depression

anxiety

PTSD

substance use

Ibogaine

psychiatric disorders

pharmacological insights