Different Types of Psychedelics
Psychedelic-assisted therapy utilizes various substances, each with its unique characteristics and effects. The following are commonly used psychedelics in clinical studies.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain species of mushrooms. The common name for this species is “magic mushrooms.” When ingested, psilocybin is converted to psilocin and interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions and hallucinations.
Psilocybin studies have found that 71% of individuals with major depressive disorder who received two doses of psilocybin responded to treatment, and half entered remission. Any type of safety issues, such as mental health complications, were lacking in the case studies, with less than 0.1% experiencing adverse effects.
The studies also showed that individuals had a low likelihood of misusing psychedelics, and the mushrooms don’t have addictive properties like other types of substances.
Psilocybin therapy has also shown great potential in alleviating anxiety symptoms. Research has demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin can lead to significant and long-lasting reductions in anxiety and improved quality of life.
Ketamine
Ketamine is an anesthetic that has recently gained attention for its potential antidepressant effects. Ketamine produces a dissociative state in the individual and can cause euphoric sensations. Even at low doses, ketamine produces profound changes in perception and consciousness.
It is primarily used in clinical settings for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. Clinicians administer ketamine in microdoses within a controlled setting that allows physicians to better monitor the patients.
Ketamine is administered via IV infusions. Esketamine can be used as a nasal spray.
The effects of ketamine have been described as immediate, with patients reporting reduced depression symptoms in under 24 hours after the initial dose. Benefits are rapid, but since ketamine treatments typically have only been studied for up to six weeks, long-term effects have not yet been demonstrated. However, in clinical settings, ketamine therapy has been observed as being an effective barrier to suicide.
MDMA
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is a synthetic hallucinogenic that primarily affects a person’s mood. MDMA is often referred to as ecstasy because a person will feel a close connection with others. People who use MDMA may feel more energized and have distorted feelings about reality.
Studies on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD have shown promising results. The therapy involves a combination of psychotherapy sessions and MDMA administration, creating a safe and supportive environment for patients to process traumatic experiences.
During a clinical trial in 2021, researchers evaluated 90 test subjects with severe PTSD that had occurred for years.
Participants were required to complete a 12-week program where researchers gave either MDMA or a placebo. After the study, 67% of the MDMA group no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis compared to 32% of the placebo group.
LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a potent hallucinogenic substance that alters sensory perception, cognition, and mood. The effect of using LSD is known as “tripping.”
LSD-assisted therapy involves the use of the drug in a therapeutic setting. LSD therapy sessions are typically conducted under the guidance of trained therapists, allowing patients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and memories in a potentially transformative way.
Research suggests that LSD-guided therapy can be effective in treating various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and addiction.
DMT
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring compound in certain plants and animals and is also available in synthetic form. DMT provides short-acting psychedelic experiences but is very powerful.
Various cultures have used DMT for hundreds of years, with one of the active ingredients being ayahuasca. DMT is being evaluated for mental health purposes since its effects can include:
- A heightened spiritual and emotional experience
- Feelings of intense happiness
- An ability to unlock hidden memories