The resurgence of psychedelics: a review of their neurobiology and use in mental disorders and addiction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25752/psi.21919Keywords:
Psychedelics, Hallucinogens, Mental Illness, Substance Use, AddictionAbstract
Background: Psychedelics are substances whose subjective effects include changes in perception, cognition and affect, as well as experiences of existencial meaning. Classic or serotoninergic psychedelics include molecules such as LSD, psilocybin, DMT and mescaline, among others. Since the 1950s, these substances have been investigated for the treatment of several mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as various substance use disorders.
Aims: Elaboration of a non-systematical review on the use of classic psychedelics in the treatment of mental disorders and substance use.
Methods: Non-systematic review of the literature published in the Pubmed/Medline databse.
Results and Conclusions: Several studies investigating the mechanism of action, efficacy and safety of classic psychedelics in the treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder were found, as well as for the treatment of alcohol, nicotine and other substance use disorders. The results were fundamentally positive, highlighting the potential of these substances in the treatment of the diverse disorders, providing, according to the studies, fast and mostly long-lasting clinical responses, as well as low risk of associated adverse effects. Although on a preliminary basis, classic psychedelics appear to be effective in the treatment of several mental disorders and substance use disorders. Further randomised controlled trials with larger and more representative samples will be necessary to determine the therapeutic efficacy of these substances.
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