Psychedelic renaissance: Revitalized potential therapies for psychiatric disorders.
Taeho Greg Rhee, Pasha A. Davoudian, Gerard Sanacora, Samuel T. Wilkinson
Drug Discovery Today December 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103818 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Posttraumatic stress disorder Psychiatric disorders Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Psychoactive drugs Psychological disorders Behavioral disorders Psychological treatment Scientific studies |
| Citations | 20 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, DMT, LSD, and MDMA show potential therapeutic effects for psychiatric disorders, but safety concerns and interactions with psychotherapy require further investigation. |
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent the largest cause of disability worldwide. Global interests in psychedelic substances as potentially therapeutic agents for psychiatric disorders has recently re-emerged. Here, we review progress in the development of psychedelic compounds that have potential therapeutic effects as well as the safety concerns. We include psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and the entactogen 3,4-methyl-enedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). We also review the potential interactive effects these compounds can have with psychotherapeutic approaches. We provide a cutting-edge review of active and recently completed clinical trials based on the published literature (from MEDLINE), published abstracts at citable conferences, clinical trials from the US Clinical Trials registry (clinicaltrials.gov) and media press releases.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review General (healthcare, schools, workplace) | 2021 | Review | |
| A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders | 2017 | Review and consensus statement | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology | 2018 | Review | |
| Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics in Treating Substance Use Disorders: A Review of Clinical Trials Medicina February 6, 2025
- Psychedelics, entactogens and psychoplastogens for depression and related disorders British Journal of Pharmacology June 15, 2025
- Incremental efficacy systematic review and meta-analysis of psilocybin-for-depression RCTs Psychopharmacology April 23, 2025
- Molecular insights into the modulation of the 5HT2A receptor by serotonin, psilocin, and the G protein subunit Gqα. FEBS Letters March 1, 2025
- Exploring the role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in enhancing spirituality and mystical experiences in patients with life-threatening illnesses: A systematic review. Journal of Psychosomatic Research February 1, 2025
and 8 more in the library
Cites 31
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
and 26 more in the library