New Insights Into the Clinical and Nonclinical Effects of Psychedelic Substances
Matthias Forstmann, Christina Sagioglou
European Psychologist September 17, 2021 DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000447 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Cognition Clinical psychology Paranoia Mental health Harm Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic research has revived, showing potential benefits in treating mental health disorders and effects on healthy subjects, but the review does not state a single primary result. |
Abstract
Abstract. After decades of stagnation, research on psychedelic substances (such as lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], psilocybin, or N,N-dimethyltryptamine [DMT]) has experienced a renaissance over the last 10 years, with various major research programs being conducted across Europe and the United States. This research primarily investigates the potential of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health disorders, their short- and long-term effects on recreational users, and the neurological and cognitive processes responsible for their effects. The present review provides a concise summary of the most recent insights gained from this research. We briefly outline the history of psychedelic research, the objective and subjective effects caused by these substances, the prevalence and socio-psychological correlates of their use, as well as their potential for harm. Subsequently, we review empirical research on the beneficial effects of psychedelics in clinical samples, focusing on their efficacy in the treatment of major depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, and discuss research on the proposed neural and cognitive mechanisms behind these effects. We then review research on their effects on healthy subjects, focusing on psychological well-being as well as changes in personality, nature-relatedness, and creativity. Finally, we review empirical evidence regarding the long-term effects of single experiences with psychedelics and conclude with a summary and outlook.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on LSD for anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Clinical Research on LSD | 2017 | Review | |
| Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential | 2016 | Review | |
| Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine | 2017 | Review | |
| Studies on Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD-25) Nonpsychotic subjects | 1956 | Review | |
| The Past and Future of Psychedelic Science: An Introduction to This Issue | 2019 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Among psychedelic-experienced users, only past use of psilocybin reliably predicts nature relatedness Journal of Psychopharmacology 2023
- Psychedelics and chronic pain: self-reported outcomes on changed substance use patterns and health following naturalistic psychedelic use British Journal of Pain February 11, 2025
- The effects of psilocybin on cognition and emotional processing in healthy adults and adults with depression: a systematic literature review Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology May 27, 2024
- Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin and Ketamine in Major Depressive Disorder including Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Narrative Review Biuletyn Głównej Biblioteki Lekarskiej June 1, 2025
Cites 91
- 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 can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
and 86 more in the library