Psychedelic renaissance: Revitalized potential therapies for psychiatric disorders

Drug Discov Today. 2023 Dec;28(12):103818. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103818. Epub 2023 Nov 2.

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders represent the largest cause of disability worldwide. Global interests in psychedelic substances as potentially therapeutic agents for psychiatric disorders has recently re-emerged. Here, we review progress in the development of psychedelic compounds that have potential therapeutic effects as well as the safety concerns. We include psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and the entactogen 3,4-methyl-enedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). We also review the potential interactive effects these compounds can have with psychotherapeutic approaches. We provide a cutting-edge review of active and recently completed clinical trials based on the published literature (from MEDLINE), published abstracts at citable conferences, clinical trials from the US Clinical Trials registry (clinicaltrials.gov) and media press releases.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; posttraumatic stress disorder; psychedelics; psychiatric disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hallucinogens* / pharmacology
  • Hallucinogens* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide / therapeutic use
  • Mental Disorders* / drug therapy
  • N,N-Dimethyltryptamine / therapeutic use
  • Psilocybin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Hallucinogens
  • Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
  • Psilocybin
  • N,N-Dimethyltryptamine