The Emerging Field of Psychedelic Psychotherapy.
Gregory S. Barber, Scott T Aaronson
Current Psychiatry Reports October 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01363-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | MDMA psilocybin |
| Topics | MDMA Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Treatment resistant depression Pap Psychiatric treatment Psychedelics MDMA Hallu |
| Citations | 56 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic psychotherapy combining MDMA or psilocybin with preparation and integration sessions may improve outcomes for patients with treatment-resistant mood disorders and PTSD, with changes in perspective distinct from standard care. |
Abstract
Few treatments are available for patients with mood disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have already failed multiple interventions. After several decades when research into psychedelics was effectively halted by federal legislation, the past several years have shown the re-emergence of thoughtful investigations studying the utility of compounds such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin. Several studies have coupled the safe administration of psychedelic compounds in a controlled environment after several hours of preparation of study participants and followed by multiple sessions to integrate the psychedelic experience. The improvement participants experience appear related to the often profound perspective changes experienced and seem unlike the improvements seen in the currently available care paradigms. Studies cited include treatment resistant depression, end of life despair, and PTSD. Psychedelic psychotherapy, a unique remarriage of biological therapy and psychotherapy, has the potential to transform mental health care.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 27
- Wolves Among Sheep: Sexual Violations in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Am J Bioeth January 13, 2025
- Longitudinal experiences of Canadians receiving compassionate access to psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Scientific Reports July 17, 2024
- Co-use of psychedelics with other substances: Findings from the global psychedelic survey. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) May 1, 2025
- Modifying Informed Consent to Help Address Functional Unmasking in Psychedelic Clinical Trials. JAMA Psychiatry March 1, 2025
- Review of Psilocybin Use for Depression among Cancer Patients after Approval in Oregon Cancers April 27, 2024
and 22 more in the library
Cites 24
- 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. 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 19 more in the library