Early research on psychedelic-assisted therapy (or PAT) looks very promising. A new study published by COMPASS Pathways even showed that 30 percent of people were in complete remission from their depression symptoms after just 3 weeks of treatment.
With new information coming out about psychedelic experiences and their impact on mental illness, lots of people are now wondering about these drugs and whether or not they could benefit them.
For those who are curious, some frequently asked questions about psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy are answered below.
Table of Contents
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What are Psychedelics, and what are the different types?
How are Psychedelics administered?
How are Psychedelics used in Therapy?
What mental health issues can Psychedelics treat?
Is there research behind PAT? Is it safe?
How do I find a practitioner that does PAT?
Is PAT covered by insurance?
What are the potential harms of Psychedelics?
What Are Psychedelics, and What Are the Different Types?
Psychedelics are psychoactive substances that can alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes. A psychedelic substance may also be known as a serotonergic hallucinogen.
Several different types of drugs fall under the umbrella of “classic psychedelic” drugs, including the following:
MDMA
MDMA (short for methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic drug. MDMA is known colloquially as Ecstasy (when it’s administered in tablet form) and Molly (when it’s administered as a crystalline powder or capsule).
MDMA acts as both a stimulant (meaning it has an energizing effect) and a hallucinogen (meaning it can distort perception and one’s sense of time). It can also act as an entactogen. The study published by the journal Neuropsychopharmacology defines entactogens as drugs that increase a person’s sense of empathy and self-awareness.
MDMA increases the activity of key neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It increases the release of these neurotransmitters and blocks their reuptake, which results in increased levels in the brain.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical found in certain types of mushrooms (sometimes referred to as magic mushrooms). Psilocybin has been shown to produce feelings of euphoria and sensory distortions that are similar to those produced by hallucinogenic drugs like LSD.
Psilocybin activates the serotonin receptors — primarily those in the prefrontal cortex, which affect one’s mood, cognition, and perception. It can also activate regions of the brain that regulate arousal and panic responses.
Ketamine
Ketamine is a type of drug known as a dissociative anesthetic. Research published by the journal Pharmacological Reviews also suggests ketamine works by binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain and blocking the neurotransmitter glutamate.
Glutamate plays a key role in normal brain function. Temporarily blocking glutamate can help with pain management and depression treatment.
Ketamine also has partial effects on other neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. This includes the receptors for opioids, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (or GABA), and dopamine.
LSD
LSD (short for lysergic acid diethylamide) is a mind-altering drug that affects serotonin levels and changes one’s mood, behavior, and the way they relate to the world. It’s known colloquially as acid and is made from a substance found in the fungus ergot.
LSD is considered to be a very strong hallucinogen. Because of its impact on serotonin levels, some early research suggests that it could be beneficial to those struggling with depression and other mental health conditions.
How Are Psychedelics Administered?
When they’re used in therapeutic and clinical settings, psychedelics can be administered in several different ways. They’re most often administered orally, in the form of a tablet or capsule, or via injection.
Psychedelics are typically administered over several sessions, too, before patients experience notable results.
Psychedelics are administered by someone with medical training including Physicians, Anesthesiologists, Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatrists, or others that can prescribe and provide mental health medication. Therapists, psychologists, and counselors cannot administer psychedelics, but can be present during their administration.
How Are Psychedelics Used in Therapy?
The concept of psychedelic-assisted therapy is still quite new. As such, there is a lot of confusion regarding how psychedelics are used to treat various mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Every professional uses a slightly different approach when practicing psychedelic-assisted therapy. However, they typically go through the following three phases:
Consultation
In general, any type of therapy or treatment that involves psychedelics should begin with a thorough consultation.
Practitioners do this to understand the patient’s background, symptoms, and goals for treatment. The consultation also helps them ensure the patient does not have any contraindications that would make them a bad fit for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
Some examples of potential contraindications include:
- Suicidal ideation
- Being diagnosed with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- High blood pressure
- Glaucoma
- Abnormal heart rate
- Pregnancy
Administration
After the consultation, if a practitioner decides that a patient is a good fit for treatment, they will create a treatment plan and begin administering the psychedelic.
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