THE PSYCHEDELIC RENAISSANCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PSILOCYBIN AND LSD IN THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
Jakub Klepacz, Radosław Swędrak, Marzena Swojnóg, Zuzanna Dobrakowska
International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science January 23, 2026 DOI: 10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4582 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), end-of-life existential distress, substance use disorders |
| Interventions | psilocybin Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) |
| Topics | Addiction Default mode network LSD Psilocybin Serotonin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Monoaminergic Transformative learning Mental health Modalities Clinical trial Psychotherapist Depression economics Cognition |
| Key findings | Psychedelic-assisted therapy represents a transformative shift from chronic symptom management to rapid, episodic curative interventions, provided regulatory and ethical challenges are addressed. |
Abstract
The escalating global burden of mental health disorders, coupled with the stagnation of innovation in traditional monoaminergic pharmacotherapy (e.g., SSRIs), has precipitated a critical need for novel therapeutic paradigms. This article presents a comprehensive systematic review of the so-called "Psychedelic Renaissance," focusing on the clinical resurgence of classical serotonergic hallucinogens: psilocybin and Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). The review adopts an interdisciplinary structure to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and societal implications of these compounds. Firstly, the paper traces the historical evolution of psychedelics from indigenous sacramental use, through the research proliferation of the 1950s, to the prohibitive legislation of the late 20th century. Secondly, it delineates the neurobiological mechanisms of action, specifically 5-HT2A receptor agonism and the disintegration of the Default Mode Network (DMN), which correlates with the alleviation of rigid cognitive patterns in depression and anxiety. Thirdly, the review synthesizes data from contemporary clinical trials demonstrating significant therapeutic potential in Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), end-of-life existential distress, and substance use disorders. Unlike standard pharmacological reviews, this paper also analyzes the distinct psychotherapeutic framework ("set and setting"), integration processes, and socio-economic factors, including cost-effectiveness and access equity. The findings suggest that psychedelic-assisted therapy represents a transformative shift from chronic symptom management to rapid, episodic curative interventions, provided that regulatory and ethical challenges are adequately addressed.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
-
Psychedelic-assisted therapy represents a transformative shift from chronic symptom management to rapid, episodic curative interventions, provided regulatory and ethical challenges are addressed.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on LSD for addiction, most cited first.