Psychedelics vs. traditional treatments — how do they stack up for mental health disorders? – Part 1

This is an interesting recent post on the Open Foundation website. The author writes: "The treatment landscape for mental health conditions has evolved significantly over the past decades, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) being the primary therapeutic interventions. While these conventional approaches have demonstrated considerable efficacy and improved countless lives, clinical data indicates that a substantial portion of patients exhibit treatment resistance or experience relapse over time. This therapeutic gap has prompted researchers to investigate novel approaches, leading to renewed scientific interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). The potential therapeutic applications of classical psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD, as well as entactogens like MDMA, have garnered attention in contemporary psychiatric research. As clinical trials advance and mechanistic studies deepen our understanding of these compounds, the field moves forward in balancing hope with caution. This review examines the distinct mechanisms, therapeutic potentials, and limitations of both conventional and psychedelic-assisted treatments, providing a comprehensive analysis of their roles in modern psychiatric care."

For more psychedelic news and research, visit the psychedelic health professional network homepage.