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Psychedelic drugs like LSD, ketamine and magic mushrooms could one day find their way onto your prescription if you suffer from OCD, depression or chronic pain. Swiss scientists are claiming more research needs to be done on the effects of psychedelics in helping people with psychiatric disorders. Low doses of these ‘soft’ drugs that are commonly abused are recommended for boosting moods and alleviating pain.

Psychedelics reduce psychiatric symptoms

Researchers at Zurich’s University Hospital of Psychiatry have found that LSD, ketamine and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) have an effect on the brain that could help reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Combined with behavioural therapy, the scientists say, psychedelics could help patients gain new insight into psychological problems or pain levels.

New perspectives for patients

Little research has, up to now, been done on the effects of psychedelics on mood disorders. This is because of the negative association these drugs carry. But researchers are encouraging more research into the effects of psychedelics. According to Franz Vollenweider, who published a paper on the topic in Nature Neuroscience, ‘Psychedelics can give patients a new perspective – particularly when things like suppressed memories come up – and then they can work with that experience.’

Short-term therapy

If doctors did decide to use psychedelics as part of a treatment plan for depression and anxiety, doses would have to be kept low. Also, the treatment would not be suitable for long-term therapy. Vollenweider said in an interview reported by Science Daily that ‘The idea is that [treatment with psychedelics] would be very limited, maybe several sessions over a few months.’

Depending on who is taking the drug, and the dose and situation patients find themselves in, experts say psychedelics could result in a feeling of bliss, or a state of anxiety with feelings of panic and loss of control. Self-medication with psychedelics, it goes without saying, is a very bad idea.

While we wait for more research to confirm these findings, if you’re looking for a little extra help with your anxiety, depression or chronic pain, get out your yoga mat and consider taking a meditation class. The benefits of yoga and meditation for mental illness and pain management have been well researched.

Tags: chronic pain, Depression