Psychedelic-assisted therapy

Psilocybin-assisted therapy for severe alcohol use disorder: protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 7-month parallel-group phase II superiority trial

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This study tests whether psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) combined with therapy can help people with severe alcohol addiction reduce drinking. Participants receive either a high or low dose of psilocybin during a guided session as part of a hospital rehabilitation program. The researchers will measure changes in drinking behavior, mood, anxiety, and brain function to determine if this treatment works better than current options.

Building resilience through healing communities

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This editorial reviews innovative approaches to mental health care in low- and middle-income countries that blend local healing practices with modern psychiatric treatments. Instead of imposing Western medical models, these programs work with communities to develop culturally appropriate solutions that reduce stigma and improve access to care. Examples include combining spiritual healing traditions with psychiatric care in Ethiopia, using psychedelic-assisted therapy informed by historical trauma in Jamaica, and employing creative arts and mindfulness methods as accessible treatments.

Social acceptability of psilocybin-assisted therapy for existential distress at the end of life: A population-based survey

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This study surveyed 2,800 Canadians about their views on using psilocybin (a psychedelic compound from certain mushrooms) to help patients with terminal illnesses manage existential distress and anxiety. About 79% of respondents thought it was a reasonable medical option, and 85% believed the government should cover the costs. People who had previous experience with psilocybin, those exposed to palliative care, and those with progressive political views were most supportive of this therapy.

Naturalistic psychedelic therapy: The role of relaxation and subjective drug effects in antidepressant response

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Researchers studied how LSD and psilocybin work in real-world therapy settings in Switzerland. They found that these compounds effectively reduced depression symptoms in patients who hadn’t responded to other treatments. Surprisingly, the feeling of relaxation during the session was more important for improvement than having intense mystical experiences. The therapy was generally safe, with side effects that resolved quickly.

Long-COVID symptoms improved after MDMA and psilocybin therapy: A case report

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A 41-year-old woman with Long-COVID experienced severe symptoms including fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches, and brain fog that didn’t improve with traditional treatments. She decided to try psilocybin mushrooms and MDMA with guidance from a therapist. After multiple dosing sessions over several months, she reported roughly 80-90% improvement in her symptoms and was able to return to work and resume her studies. While this single case is promising, more research is needed to determine whether these psychedelics are truly safe and effective for Long-COVID.

An Occupational Perspective on Psychedelic Therapy: A Scoping Review

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This review examines how psychedelic therapy affects people’s daily lives and overall health from an occupational therapy perspective. Using interviews from nine studies, researchers found that people using psychedelics for mental health reported becoming more mindful and engaged in meaningful activities, better understanding themselves, increased motivation for positive change, and stronger connections with others and nature. The findings suggest psychedelic-assisted therapy can be understood as a meaningful occupation that enhances participation in everyday life rather than a harmful activity.

Virtual reality and psychedelics: new perspectives and new possibilities in the treatment of alcohol use disorder

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This article discusses how virtual reality technology that simulates psychedelic experiences could improve treatment for alcohol addiction. Virtual reality simulations can mimic the brain effects of psychedelics like psilocybin, and could help prepare patients for treatment, extend its benefits, or even work as a standalone therapy. This innovation could make psychedelic-assisted therapy more accessible and easier to standardize across different treatment centers.

Addressing blinding in classic psychedelic studies with innovative active placebos

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This research paper discusses how scientists can better test whether psychedelic drugs actually work by improving the way they conduct clinical trials. A major problem is that psychedelic drugs produce obvious effects that make it easy for patients and researchers to figure out who received the real drug versus a fake one. The authors recommend using different types of drugs as placebos that produce similar effects without being therapeutic themselves, such as certain existing medications. By using these better-designed placebos along with other strategies, future research can more definitively prove whether psychedelics truly help treat depression, chronic pain, and other conditions.

Catalyst for change: Psilocybin’s antidepressant mechanisms—A systematic review

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This research review examines how psilocybin, a compound from certain mushrooms, may help treat depression by creating changes in both brain function and psychological experience. Within supportive therapeutic settings, psilocybin appears to increase cognitive flexibility, help people better process emotions, and restore a sense of connection to themselves, others, and the world. The antidepressant benefits seem to work through a combination of direct brain changes and psychotherapeutic factors, rather than through pure pharmacological action alone.

Psychedelic use in Poland: prevalence, correlates and social attitudes

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This study found that about 6% of Polish adults have tried psychedelic drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms, mostly young men in cities driven by curiosity. Most users took these substances at home and described mixed experiences. While negative attitudes toward psychedelics were common overall, people with meditation experience and previous psychedelic use had more positive views about their therapeutic potential.

Research Topic: Psychedelic-assisted therapy