Classic Psychedelics for the Treatment of Depression: Potential Benefits and Challenges.
Drugs – March 24, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Recent studies highlight the promise of classic psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca in treating treatment-resistant depression. These substances may offer new hope for patients, showing positive effects in alleviating symptoms. However, challenges in research methods and regulatory hurdles remain significant.
Abstract
There has been a recent resurgence in research on psychedelics as therapeutic agents for psychiatric conditions. This leading article outlines the studies to date of classic psychedelic treatments for treatment-resistant depression and major depression, including psilocybin, ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and O-methyl-bufotenine (5-Me-O DMT). We discuss the potential of expanding treatment options for depression based on the data available, as well as the difficulties and limitations of research on psychedelics that make assessing that potential more challenging.