Researchers are studying the use of psychedelics to treat a number of mental health conditions (Adobe Stock).
Psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA show promise in significantly reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with advanced cancer compared to available prescription antidepressants.
A meta-analysis of five clinical trials revealed that psychedelic
medications alone reduced depression scores and anxiety scores, as
measured by standardized inventories.
- One
trial showed that 60% of cancer patients who received a high-dose
psilocybin session achieved clinical remission for depression, compared
to 16% in the placebo group.
- Psychedelic therapy may be more
effective in addressing underlying trauma associated with a cancer
diagnosis and treatment, potentially offering advantages over
traditional prescription antidepressants.
- Patients reported
that psychedelic sessions helped them process repressed emotions,
leading to acceptance and reduced feelings of isolation.
- Further
research is needed to explore the effectiveness of psychedelics in
treating anxiety and depression in cancer patients and those with other
life-threatening diseases.
- Regulatory
challenges remain, as psychedelics are classified as Schedule 1 drugs
in the U.S., limiting their medical use despite the precedent set by the
FDA's approval of cannabidiol for rare childhood seizure disorders.