The benefits and harm of psychedelics in the treatment of patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders: an integrative literature review

Psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD can be used very effectively to treat mental health and substance abuse disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, self-harm, anxiety disorder, and the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. They work effectively and quickly by increasing plasticity and cognitive flexibility in the brain. Harm occurs specifically outside clinical research, where use is linked to crime, spontaneous recreational use, and simultaneous use of other intoxicants. Preliminary results indicate long-term treatment responses, but additional clinical trials are needed, along with testing different patient groups and doses. Regulatory barriers should be lifted to allow clinical testing of psychedelic-assisted therapies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe the benefits and harm of using psychedelics in the treatment of patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders. The study focused on classic psychedelics, specifically psilocybin and LSD. The study was carried out as an integrative literature review and the data was sought using Medic, Cinahl, PubMed MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases. A total of 12 scientific studies were selected for the literature review, and the data was analyzed using an inductive content analysis method. The results of the study indicated that psychedelics can be used to treat patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders very effectively. Key mental health disorders that can be treated include treatment-resistant depression, self-harm, anxiety disorder, and the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. LSD and psilocybin helped effectively and quickly. Psychedelics increase plasticity and cognitive flexibility in the brain. However, it should be remembered that there is also some harm with the use of psychedelics. The harm occurs specifically outside the clinical research environment, where the use of psychedelics is linked to crime, spontaneous recreational use, and the simultaneous use of other intoxicants together with psychedelics. Preliminary research results indicate that psychedelics help effectively, quickly and provide long-term treatment responses in patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Additional clinical trials will be needed. The selection of different patient groups and the size of treatment doses should also be tested. Regulatory barriers should be lifted to allow clinical testing of psychedelic-assisted therapies. From the perspective of the global economy, it would be important to treat mental health and substance abuse disorders effectively and with permanent treatment results.