Therapy Tips

Psychedelic therapy uses psychedelic substances, like psilocybin (found in ‘shrooms’), MDMA, or LSD, in a therapeutic setting to treat various mental health conditions. This approach combines traditional psychotherapy with the altered states of consciousness induced by these substances, aiming to facilitate breakthroughs and insights that can lead to healing.

Benefits:

• Reduced anxiety and depression.

• Enhanced emotional processing through introspection and emotional release - important for trauma patients.

• Increased openness and creativity.

• Improved relationships (through empathy and connection).

• Spiritual experiences (enhanced wellbeing/ sense of purpose).

• Neuroplasticity

Some interesting stats:

1. Depression and Anxiety

- A study published in 2021 by the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that psilocybin therapy significantly reduced symptoms of major depressive disorder, with about 71% of participants showing a clinically significant response after one week, and 58% still showing improvement after three months.

2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

- Research from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) on MDMA-assisted therapy showed that around 67% of participants no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis after treatment, compared to 32% in the placebo group.

3. Substance Use Disorders:

- A study published in ‘Nature Medicine’ found that participants with alcohol dependence who received psilocybin therapy showed a 60% reduction in drinking days, compared to 38% in the control group, with effects lasting for a few months.

4. Neuroimaging Studies:

- Research shows that psychedelics can alter brain connectivity patterns, leading to increased communication between different brain regions.

5. Safety and Tolerability:

- Most studies show that they are generally well-tolerated, with few serious adverse effects.

**It’s important to note that more extensive, long-term studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and risks.