[Psychedelics in the field of chronic pain. A path to explore?].
Aude Molinard-Chenu, Georgios Tsimploulis, Louise Penzenstadler, Gabriel Thorens, Vasileios Chytas
Revue Médicale Suisse February 14, 2024 DOI: 10.53738/REVMED.2024.20.861.342 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Psychedelics show potential analgesic benefits for chronic pain, but more research is needed. |
Abstract
Psychedelics are emerging as a therapeutic innovation in psychiatry and their use in chronic pain is worth exploring. In fact, they can modulate the serotonergic system, affecting central pain sensitization mechanisms. Ketamine, used for chronic analgesia, can lead to pain reduction, but additional studies are needed to assess its longterm effectiveness. "Classic" psychedelics are recently attracting renewed interest for their potential effects on chronic pain. Despite limited studies, evidence suggests analgesic benefits, an effect on inflammation, and potential impacts on certain functional disorders. These results pave the way for further research in this ever-evolving field.