psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy

Psilocybin for clinical indications: A scoping review

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This comprehensive review examined over 190 research studies on psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) as a medical treatment. The research shows promise for treating depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and chronic pain, though most studies conducted so far have been small in size. While the evidence is encouraging, researchers emphasize the need for larger, better-designed clinical trials to fully understand psilocybin’s benefits and safety profile.

Psilocybin in the real world: Regulatory, ethical, and operational challenges in Australia’s clinical landscape

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Australia has approved psilocybin as a treatment for severe depression, but the rollout faces major practical challenges. Only a handful of psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe it, treatment costs over $20,000 per person, and there are no standardized training programs for therapists. The therapy can profoundly alter patients’ beliefs and worldviews, raising ethical concerns about proper support during and after treatment. The article proposes solutions including national training standards, better funding access, and stronger safeguards for vulnerable patients.

The Role of Psychedelics in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

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This research review examines how psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and ketamine might help treat addiction. Studies show these substances could help people quit alcohol, drugs, and smoking by reducing cravings and promoting long-term abstinence. While results are promising, scientists caution that more rigorous research is needed before these treatments can be recommended for regular medical use, and they acknowledge real risks associated with these powerful drugs.

Novel psychedelic interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder and their promise for precision medicine

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This review examines how psychedelic drugs like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin could offer new hope for people with PTSD by working on the brain differently than current medications. These compounds work quickly and help the brain form new neural connections that can help people process traumatic memories more effectively. When combined with therapy, these drugs show promise in reducing PTSD symptoms faster and more effectively than traditional antidepressants. The review also explains how doctors could use personalized medicine approaches using brain scans and genetic testing to determine which treatment would work best for each individual patient.

Palliative care patients’ attitudes and openness towards psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for existential distress

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A study asked 31 palliative care patients about their views on using psilocybin (a compound from magic mushrooms) as a treatment for existential distress—the emotional and spiritual suffering that comes with terminal illness. Over half the patients were interested in trying this therapy, especially if they believed it could help with anxiety and stress. However, patients were concerned about risks like psychosis, the lack of trained therapists, and the potential for doctors to take advantage of them during treatment. The researchers concluded that while psilocybin-assisted therapy shows promise, there needs to be better education and strict safeguards to protect vulnerable patients.

From Efficacy to Effectiveness: Evaluating Psychedelic Randomized Controlled Trials for Trustworthy Evidence-Based Policy and Practice

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This paper discusses why testing psychedelic therapies in clinical trials is more complicated than testing regular drugs. When people take psychedelics like MDMA or psilocybin, they clearly notice the effects, which makes it hard to keep the study ‘blinded’ (where neither patients nor researchers know who got the real drug). The author argues that for therapies combining drugs with counseling, this actually makes sense because the therapy itself is part of how the treatment works, not just a confounding factor. However, for stand-alone drug use, this unblinding is a real problem that makes it unclear whether the drug or people’s expectations caused the improvement.

Psilocybin for treatment resistant depression in patients taking a concomitant SSRI medication

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Researchers tested whether people with severe depression could take psilocybin (a compound from certain mushrooms) while staying on their antidepressant medications. In this study of 19 people, those who received psilocybin with psychological support while continuing their SSRI showed significant improvement in depression symptoms over three weeks, with response rates of 42%. Side effects were mostly mild and temporary, suggesting this approach may be safe and effective without requiring patients to stop their current antidepressants.

Psychedelics: Alternative and Potential Therapeutic Options for Treating Mood and Anxiety Disorders

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This comprehensive review explores how psychedelic drugs like psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, and LSD may offer new hope for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD, especially for patients who don’t respond to conventional antidepressants. Historically used in spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years, these compounds are now being scientifically studied and show promise with fewer side effects than many traditional psychiatric medications. The authors emphasize that while results are encouraging, more research and regulatory approval are needed before these treatments become widely available in mainstream medicine.

Psilocybin-assisted group psychotherapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction for frontline healthcare provider COVID-19-related depression and burnout: A randomized controlled trial

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Researchers tested whether combining psilocybin therapy with mindfulness training could better treat depression and burnout in frontline healthcare workers than mindfulness training alone. Twenty-five doctors and nurses participated in the study, with some receiving mindfulness training combined with psilocybin therapy in a group setting, while others received mindfulness training only. After two weeks, those who received the combined treatment showed significantly greater improvements in depression symptoms and burnout, with no serious side effects reported. This suggests that psilocybin-assisted therapy combined with mindfulness training could be a promising treatment for depression and burnout among healthcare professionals.

Attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy among Australian mental healthcare providers

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Australian doctors and mental health professionals have positive views about using psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA to treat depression and trauma, which were recently approved by regulators. However, many still have safety concerns and gaps in their knowledge, particularly psychiatrists. Most doctors learn about psychedelics from podcasts and websites rather than formal training. The study recommends that professional organizations provide better education to prepare healthcare workers for this new treatment approach.

Research Keyword: psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy