Emerging Medical Use of Psychedelics
Korean Academy of Addiction Psychiatry September 30, 2023 DOI: 10.37122/kaap.2023.27.2.41 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsychedelic drugs, once prohibited, are being reconsidered as medicines. Clinical trials are testing their effects on conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life care, but evidence is still insufficient. This review covers the history, mechanisms, therapeutic effects, and precautions of psychedelic drugs.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psychedelic drugs show potential for treating various psychiatric symptoms, but evidence is not yet sufficient. |
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs, once classified as prohibited drugs, have recently regained attention as medicinal drugs. It is anticipated that psychedelic drugs will show effectiveness for various psychiatric symptoms due to their mind-altering actions. Currently, clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects on end-of-life care, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and other ailments. However, the evidence is not yet sufficient. The therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs are being investigated for presumed indications and to discover new indications for use. This review covers the historical background, mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and precautions for the medicinal use of psychedelic drugs.