Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medications

The use of psychedelic drugs as medicines for mental disorders has gained significant interest in recent years, following research in the 1950s and 1960s. Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, has been effective in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. MDMA, also known as ecstasy, has shown promise in treating severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Other psychedelics are also being investigated for their therapeutic potential. This field offers a novel approach to neurobiology and psychotherapeutic healing, challenging established psychiatric practices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The therapeutic potential of psychedelic agents has garnered significant attention in recent years, driven by research conducted in the 1950s and 1960s exploring the use of LSD and other psychedelics to treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses and addictions. While this research was eventually halted due to drug prohibition, there has been a remarkable resurgence of interest in the therapeutic applications of psychedelics and related drugs in psychiatry over the past decade.

Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, has demonstrated effective relief of distress in individuals with depression and anxiety, particularly in the context of life-threatening cancers. It has also shown promise in treating treatment-resistant depression and addictions. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, has been shown to be efficacious in treating severe post-traumatic stress disorder, with enduring benefits. Other psychedelics, derived from plant sources (such as ayahuasca) or synthesized (such as LSD), are also being investigated for their potential therapeutic value.

These agents not only offer a new understanding of neurobiology but also provide a unique opportunity to integrate psychotherapy with biological compounds, challenging established psychiatric practices. Furthermore, their action on the brain enables an exploration of how the brain can be receptive to psychotherapeutic healing.

Published as part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library series, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the field, covering the history of psychedelics, clinical aspects, risks and side effects, precautions, and processes. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and individuals interested in exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of these agents.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 137 x 216 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192863607