Conventional therapies like counseling and medication are typically what come to mind when thinking about mental health treatments, but there is a growing population of people who have found these traditional routes to be unsuccessful pushing for a need to offer alternative options. In recent years, a fascinating shift has occurred as researchers look deeper into the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic substances as treatments for different conditions such as depression and anxiety. This change has opened up new healing opportunities by studying how substances such as ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, and CBD may provide better relief than prescribed medications.
Exploring Ketamine: Effects, Benefits, and Therapy
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has gained attention for its rapid and robust antidepressant effects. What sets ketamine apart is its ability to target the N–methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) receptors of the brain whereas traditional antidepressants only target serotonin and norepinephrine receptors. Ketamine has also been shown to enhance the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), possibly promoting synaptic connections and neuroplasticity, while potentially reversing the effects of stress on the brain.
Ketamine may also be better suited for individuals experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts due to its rapid effectiveness. Studies have been able to correlate improvement of symptoms associated with anxiety and depression within singular, low doses of ketamine as well as seeing further improvements with treatments lasting at least two weeks (1). While ketamine infusion therapy has shown promise, ongoing research aims to refine dosing protocols, understand long-term effects, and identify the most suitable candidates for treatment. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop ketamine-like drugs, such as esketamine, with similar antidepressant properties but fewer dissociative side effects.
Understanding Psilocybin: Effects, Benefits, and Therapeutic Applications
Another substance at the forefront of therapeutic exploration is psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Often referred to as magic mushrooms, psilocybin’s effects involve binding serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A subtype, causing changes in brain activity and connectivity (2). This shift in neural dynamics may underline the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, including increased introspection, emotional release, and a sense of interconnectedness.
The psychedelic experience induced by psilocybin may lead to profound shifts in consciousness, often described as mystical or transcendent, which may promote psychological healing and personal insight. As with ketamine, ongoing research into psilocybin therapy is addressing questions of safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols. There is also the necessity for more research to help identify all molecules that are present within psilocybin to better understand how they truly interact with the brain (3). Regulatory hurdles remain, but attitudes toward psychedelic research are evolving allowing psilocybin to be decriminalized in some areas currently.
Delving into LSD: Origins, Uses, and Mental Health Applications
While ketamine and psilocybin have garnered significant attention, LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) is not far behind in new research for therapeutic relief. LSD became most popular in the 1960s as a part of the counter-culture movement but was first discovered in a Swiss laboratory in 1938 by Albert Hofmann (3). LSD has the potential to interact with the same 5-HT2A receptors as psilocybin but may be able to be more beneficial for conditions such as depression. Another possible therapeutic outcome for this psychedelic may offer relief for those struggling with addictions, specifically alcoholism (4).
Clinical Trials for Psychedelics
Reviewing CBD: Uses, Benfits, and Effects
The most common substance being utilized for therapeutic effects is CBD (cannabidiol). Unlike its counterpart THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with cannabis use. CBD interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system may possibly modulate neurotransmitter release and promote homeostasis. This interaction may lead to various therapeutic effects, including alleviation of discomfort, reduction of stress, and relaxation.
Ongoing research into CBD’s potential therapeutic applications is still being investigated for its efficacy in different conditions. One study has found CBD to be helpful for managing symptoms in combination with traditional therapies and under the guidance of a medical professional for varying age groups (5). Despite its growing popularity and profound amount of positive feedback from those utilizing CBD, regulatory frameworks and research limitations remain, highlighting the need for further study on how exactly CBD interacts within the body.
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Advancing Mental Health Treatment through Research
As attitudes toward psychedelic research evolve and regulations change, the continuation to explore substances like ketamine, psilocybin, and LSD for therapeutic effects represents a promising frontier in mental health. However, it’s crucial to approach these therapies with caution and responsibility, underscoring the importance that psychedelic treatments should only be taken under the guidance of qualified professionals and in controlled settings for those 21 years of age and older. Furthermore, individuals should seek medical advice and supervision before considering the use of psychedelics, especially if they are taking prescribed medications, as there can be potential risks for harm. Psychedelics remain classified as Schedule 1 drugs federally, so it’s crucial to always adhere to local regulations.
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Works cited:
- Mandal S, Sinha VK, Goyal N. Efficacy of ketamine therapy in the treatment of depression. Indian J Psychiatry. 2019 Sep-Oct;61(5):480-485. doi: 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_484_18. PMID: 31579184; PMCID: PMC6767816.
- Ziff S, Stern B, Lewis G, Majeed M, Gorantla VR. Analysis of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Medicine: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2022 Feb 5;14(2):e21944. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21944. PMID: 35273885; PMCID: PMC8901083
- Venturella G, Ferraro V, Cirlincione F, Gargano ML. Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jan 10;22(2):634. doi: 10.3390/ijms22020634. PMID: 33435246; PMCID: PMC7826851.
- Elsilä LV, Harkki J, Enberg E, Martti A, Linden AM, Korpi ER. Effects of acute lysergic acid diethylamide on intermittent ethanol and sucrose drinking and intracranial self-stimulation in C57BL/6 mice. J Psychopharmacol. 2022 Jul;36(7):860-874. doi: 10.1177/02698811221104641. Epub 2022 Jun 13. PMID: 35695174; PMCID: PMC9247434.
- Wieckiewicz G, Stokłosa I, Stokłosa M, Gorczyca P, Pudlo R. Cannabidiol (CBD) in the Self-Treatment of Depression-Exploratory Study and a New Phenomenon of Concern for Psychiatrists. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Mar 22;13:837946. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837946. PMID: 35392393; PMCID: PMC8980587.
