Psychedelic drugs refer to psychoactive substances that induce hallucinations or have a profound impact on the user’s consciousness. The majority of the psychedelics were classified under the substance use disorder criteria as having no medicinal properties. Between the 1950s and 1970s, research on using psychedelics to treat mental disorders was prohibited. However, recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these substances in psychopharmacology, when administered under clinical supervision.
Furthermore, research studies are being conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these drugs in treating conditions such as depression, eating disorders, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and substance use disorders, including alcohol consumption and smoking. Many clients are resistant to antidepressants like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), as a result, these individuals may be subjected to psychedelics under the guidance of clinical professionals as an alternative treatment approach. Some of the most used psychedelics are;
- Mescaline – peyote cactus
- Psilocybin – psilocybe mushrooms
- LSD – Lysergic acid diethylamide
- MDMA (ecstasy) – 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
- DMT – N, N-Dimethyltryptamine
Psilocybin, mescaline, LSD and DMT are classic psychedelics functioning as serotonin agonists that bind to serotonin (5-HT2A) receptors and initiate the neurotransmitter’s release. Whereas, MDMA is an entactogen that releases serotonin from the (5-HT 1B ) receptor and dopamine in the brain. Many of these compounds occur naturally in plants and animals or can be synthesized in laboratories.
Traditionally, these compounds have been used in spiritual and religious healing practices. For example, mescaline is derived from the peyote cactus, native to Central and North America, while the ayahuasca brew originates from the Amazon. Additionally, DMT is a key component of Ayahuasca, though it is more potent and toxic on its own. The plant contains other compounds that may help counteract the toxicity of DMT.
Effects of psychedelics:
- Serotonin release: Classic psychedelics help in the release of the neurotransmitter – serotonin in the brain structures which alters mood and behaviour.
- Enhances neural plasticity: Neural plasticity refers to the ability of the neurons in the brain structures to adapt and reorganize their networks as a result of experience.
A study demonstrated that mice were conditioned to fear a sound stimulus paired with an electrical shock. After a period, the shock was no longer administered to observe how long it would take the mice to unlearn the fear associated with the sound. The findings revealed that mice given psilocybin unlearned their fear more quickly than the control group who were not given any drugs. This suggests that psychedelics enhance neural
plasticity, accelerating the growth of neural connections in the adaptive mice.
- Having mystical experiences beyond the scope of physical understanding with the universe or a transcendent realm
- Hallucinations: Experiencing sensory perceptions in the absence of stimulus like hearing music in the absence of sound (auditory hallucinations)
- Improved mood – increased contentment, emotional resilience, positive outlook on life, heightened confidence
- Suggestibility: Psychedelics make the person highly suggestible and help them organize their irrational and negative thinking patterns into positive, rational ones.
Mental health disorders and Psychedelics:
- Anxiety: Studies depict that when LSD was administered to clients having anxiety along with psychotherapy, the results were promising. Moreover, another study used Psilocybin to treat anxiety of the clients affected with terminal illness, it resulted in improved mood, increased compassion and reduced state anxiety.
- Depression: Psilocybin-assisted therapy was provided to individuals with severe depression and it led to reduced rumination and obsession with negative thoughts. Additionally, it was reported that the clients had no significant adverse effects induced due to the drug administered.
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder): Clients with PTSD underwent MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, which led to a sustained reduction in their PTSD diagnostic scale scores, demonstrating the drug’s effectiveness. Although these drugs might induce trauma and flashbacks leading to terrifying experiences thus eliciting fear.
- Addiction: Individuals with alcohol dependence, incessant smoking and other substance-use disorders have benefitted from ingesting psilocybin along with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). It has resulted in individuals reducing their alcohol consumption and quitting smoking despite having adverse symptoms like nausea or mild headaches.
Research studies have depicted that Ayahuasca-assisted psychotherapy in addicts led to improved neuropsychological performance and psychosocial adaptation. Individuals with mental health disorders who did not respond well to other treatment plans experienced significant improvements when treated with psychedelics, despite some adverse effects. However, these side effects do not outweigh the benefits of using psychedelics. A holistic approach is beneficial for clients with mental health disorders with regulated doses of psychedelics and psychotherapy. In this approach, a clinician guides the psychedelic experience using positive cues.
When individuals are in a highly suggestible state, it helps them transform negative experiences into more rational and positive ones. However, close supervision is recommended, as individuals may be susceptible to addiction or misuse of these drugs. Additionally, the side effects can be harmful, potentially leading to acute headaches, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and heightened fear. Thus, ongoing research is being conducted on the use of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders to ensure their effectiveness and to better understand their potentially harmful effects.
References +
- Stringer, H. (n.d.). The emergence of psychedelics as medicine. https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/06/psychedelics-as-medicine
- De Gregorio, D., Aguilar-Valles, A., Preller, K. H., Heifets, B. D., Hibicke, M., Mitchell, J., & Gobbi, G. (2020). Hallucinogens in mental health: preclinical and clinical studies on LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine. Journal of Neuroscience, 41(5), 891–900. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.1659-20.2020
- Tupper, K. W., Wood, E., Yensen, R., & Johnson, M. W. (2015). Psychedelic medicine: a re-emerging therapeutic paradigm. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 187(14), 1054–1059. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.141124
- Villines, Z. (2021, June 30). What to know about psychedelic therapy. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychedelic-therapy#summary
- Boyle, P. (2023, May 18). Can psychedelic drugs, once banned, help relieve mental illness? AAMC. https://www.aamc.org/news/can-psychedelic-drugs-once-banned-help-relieve-mental-illness
- Fnp, K. D. (2024, February 28). Everything you need to know about DMT. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306889
- Fnp, K. D. (2024, February 28). Everything you need to know about DMT. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306889
