Classic psychedelics as therapeutics for psychiatric disorders
January 1, 2020 Charles D. Nichols, P. Hendricks
Classic serotonergic hallucinogens, now called classic psychedelics, have seen renewed research interest after decades of halted investigation due to scheduling laws. Early studies from the 1950s–1970s examined their therapeutic potential for disorders including addiction and schizophrenia. Beginning in the mid-2000s, select groups gained regulatory approval to restart clinical trials with psilocybin, demonstrating safety and developing standardized methodology. Data from several recent regulatory-approved clinical trials in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere suggest safety and potentially profound efficacy for treating psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.