Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is gaining attention as a novel and promising treatment for a range of mental health disorders, particularly those resistant to conventional therapies. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders have shown limited response to traditional treatments, prompting the exploration of psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD as adjuncts to psychotherapy. This review examines the current state of research into psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, its mechanisms of action, the clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for treatment-resistant disorders, and the challenges and future directions of this therapeutic approach. By facilitating profound therapeutic experiences, psychedelics may help patients access deep emotional insights, enhance neuroplasticity, and reframe trauma or ingrained mental patterns, offering new hope for those with chronic mental health conditions.
Published Date: 2024-11-30; Received Date: 2024-11-02
