Depressive disorders remain a major source of disability worldwide, and many patients do not achieve sustained remission despite the availability of multiple antidepressant options. Unmet needs are particularly evident in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and bipolar depression, where delayed onset of action, incomplete response, relapse, residual functional impairment, and tolerability...
The integration of psychedelic substances into mental health treatments represents one of the most significant paradigm shifts in psychiatric care in recent decades. This article examines the ethic...
Psychedelics induce transformative experiences leading to lasting changes in attitudes and behaviour, with outcomes depending on both pharmacological factors and the context of the experience ('set and setting'), marking a paradigm shift in mental health treatment. As psychedelics transition from traditional contexts to clinical settings, tension emerges between authenticity and...
There is an increasing interest in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) and to improve overall health and wellbeing. We aimed to update and complement research syntheses that have focused only on results from clinical trials by synthesizing the research across diverse methods to discuss implications from a broad and multi-faceted literature. We conducted a...
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is regaining attention as a promising approach to treating mental health disorders. This research aimed to compare related factors regarding the therapeutic use of psychedelics between medical and nursing students, addressing a notable gap in existing research. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) during the...
3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐assisted psychotherapy (MDMA‐AP) has shown promise in treating post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly in treatment‐resistant cases. However, little is known about its potential to precipitate adverse psychiatric outcomes. We present the case of a 31‐year‐old woman with nondistressing childhood compulsions, chronic PTSD, and complex medical...
Set and setting is a fundamental concept in the field of psychedelic studies, denoting the crucial importance of context to determining the character and quality of experiences with psychedelics. This paper suggests a framework for thinking of set and setting and its relevance for psychedelic harm reduction. It discusses how “set,” the diverse factors related to an individual’s mindset, and...
Psychedelic substances have gained recognition for their therapeutic potential, but they also present challenges, with individuals occasionally experiencing distressing episodes referred to as challenging experiences or, in the recreational setting, “bad trips”. Trial therapists and physicians, but also healthcare professionals in emergency rooms, need a comprehensive strategy to effectively...
Psychedelic-assisted therapies have re-emerged as a subject of increasing scientific and clinical interest in psychiatry, particularly in the context of persistent treatment gaps for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. Compounds, including psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, are being evaluated in...
The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health provides case-by-case exemptions allowing physicians to provide psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) using psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), or 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA). The study provided an overview of PAT as currently provided in Switzerland under the regulatory framework of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)....
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is emerging as a novel intervention for major psychiatric disorders, most notably major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While psychotherapy is widely regarded as a core element of PAP its precise role remains poorly defined. This narrative review traces the development of PAP within contemporary Western psychiatry,...
OBJECTIVES: People with serious illnesses often experience spiritual and emotional pain, manifesting in conditions such as depression, anxiety, and demoralization. Emerging research in psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown efficacy in treating these conditions. Despite evidence that psychedelics frequently occasion mystical/spiritual experiences in participants, there has been little research...
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, has received attention as a novel therapeutic option for major depressive disorder (MDD), particularly in cases where traditional treatments prove ineffective. The study aims to evaluate psilocybin's therapeutic potential by examining its efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action as well as addressing the societal and regulatory...
Nicotine dependence remains a leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide. Pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions offer modest efficacy with limited long-term success. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is an emerging approach to nicotine cessation with a growing evidence base. As PAP research expands, understanding how nicotine users' attitudes shape treatment engagement...