Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Potential Benefits and Challenges in Mental Health Treatment
Andrzej Silczuk, Robert Madejek, Tytus Koweszko, Paulina Mularczyk-Tomczewska, Ewelina Adamska, Mariusz Gujski, Agata Szulc
Medical Science Monitor June 30, 2025 DOI: 10.12659/msm.948302 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Placebo-controlled Double-blind Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Mental health Medline Psychotherapist Intensive care medicine |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy remains experimental, with preliminary evidence suggesting potential benefits for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders, but definitive efficacy and safety are hampered by a lack of large-scale, rigorous clinical trials. |
Abstract
Psychedelics, derived from the Greek words "psyche" (soul) and "deloun" (revealing), are substances historically and currently considered "soul-revealing". Also termed hallucinogens due to their impact on sensory perception, they are further categorized into hallucinogens, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and mescaline; entactogens or empathogens, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA); and dissociatives, such as phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine. The concept of using these substances to enhance psychotherapy emerged in the 1940s, leading to the first wave of psychedelic research, which yielded promising initial results. Following a period of restricted research, modern investigations began anew around 20 years ago. In this review, we analyze the last 10 years of research, exploring the potential of psychedelics in psychotherapy. Current evidence reveals that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy remains an experimental approach. While preliminary studies suggest potential therapeutic benefits in treating various conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders, a definitive assessment of efficacy and safety is hampered by the scarcity of large-scale, rigorous clinical trials. Psychedilics should rather be viewed as integral components of broader therapeutic frameworks than as standalone treatment. The unique mechanisms of psychedelics, notably their effect on neuroplasticity, hint at the potential to address treatment gaps in patients unresponsive to conventional methods. However, this potential requires validation through larger, more rigorously designed studies. Future research must prioritize high-quality, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials encompassing diverse populations to produce reliable, generalizable findings and ensure responsible clinical implementation. The aim of this article is to review the current status of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Bridging the reporting gap: Application of the ReSPCT guidelines in psilocybin clinical trial protocols. European Neuropsychopharmacology January 16, 2026
- From Adults to Adolescents: Bridging Scientific Potential and Evidence-Based Paths for Psychedelic-Assisted Interventions Psychoactives January 6, 2026
- Integrating psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy into addiction care in the Czech Republic: Clinical evidence, safety, and regulatory developments Journal of Psychedelic Studies June 12, 2026
- Molecular Diagnostics, Circuit-Calming Modulators, and Controlled Neuroplastogens: Emerging Strategies in Precision Neuropsychiatric Therapeutics ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters December 16, 2025