When it comes to psychedelic drugs such as LSD or ecstasy, there are divided opinions regarding whether they should be legal or banned. The fear around the drugs is fathomable because of the unpredictability of their effects. However, a recent study demonstrated that such drugs have the potential for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
Psychedelics have the potential of treating mental illness
Studies on the use of psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, ecstasy, and other scheduled drugs are underway for the potential treatment of mental illness. A new study in the US established that psychedelic drugs have the potential of treating PTSD. Interestingly, this comes when there is a surge in the number of people experiencing PTSD because of COVID-19. There is an increase in anxiety medication prescription in recent times, and there is a potential breakthrough in medical psychedelics from different players such as Mind Medicine Inc., among others.
It seems restriction regarding medical psychedelics uses has loosened, and the US FDA is helping accelerate the process by approving psychedelics to treat major depressive disorders. For instance, psilocybin received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for the treatment of MDD. There is growing interest in psychedelics regarding their potential therapeutic benefits despite past restrictions surrounding the drugs.
Increase in mental illness accelerating psychedelic research
The main reason behind the increase in research is the increase in mental illnesses in the Western world. As a result, the need for a treatment for depression and other mental illnesses is urgent, which could potentially profit pharmaceutical companies. It is vital to acknowledge pharmaceutical companies’ works in delivering antidepressants, and some of them have invested heavily in psychedelic research.
The COVID-19 pandemic could be another reason for accelerated research and development around psychedelics. According to experts, healthcare workers involved in COVID-19 treatment are experiencing PTSD in large numbers, with around 10% of the US workforce at risk. Equally, the desire to change perception could have accelerated research in psychedelic. Despite the enticing benefits of psychedelics, there is still a need to expand the studies to get more insight.
