Will Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy help me with: PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction?
Will Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy help me with: PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction?
Ketamine
Currently, ketamine-assisted therapy is the only form of psychedelic-assisted therapy that is legally available. Many individuals have had success treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction with ketamine-assisted therapy. Community practice is on the rise and continues to inspire further research.
MDMA and Psilocybin
There are also clinical trials currently being conducted with MDMA (3,4-Methyl enedioxymethamphetamine) and psilocybin which may result in FDA in the next two years, for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Some may have heard of MDMA being referred to as “ecstasy” or “molly.” Psilocybin is a psychedelic molecule originally derived from psychedelic psilocybin mushrooms.
How does it work?
How does it work?
Psychedelic-assisted therapies alter brain function and induce an altered state of consciousness which can, in the right “set and setting,” help to catalyze the therapeutic process. These treatments can help “decondition” the effects of past trauma and open new possibilities for processing past experiences. In many cases, these treatments can help open neuroplasticity (the capacity for the nervous system to change and adapt), improve mental health, and encourage improvements in emotional regulation. Under the right circumstances, this can be beneficial in problems like anxiety, PTSD, depression, and addiction. Keep in mind, without the correct mind set and support, i.e., “Set and Setting,” psychedelics experiences can be frightening for some people.
Is it safe? What are the side effects?
Is it safe? What are the side effects?
The medical field has extensive experience with ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic often used in the emergency room for temporary sedation. Ketamine has a strong safety record in medical practice. It can, however, temporarily raise blood pressure which may be of concern for people with high blood pressure or heart disease. For this reason, stimulants like caffeine and some treatments for attention disorders are minimized during ketamine therapy. In addition to temporary alterations in consciousness, ketamine can, in some cases, cause nausea and headache.
Ketamine’s psychological effects can be destabilizing at psychedelic doses, and extra care should be taken in those with prior history of complex trauma or those who have experienced manic or psychotic episodes. Screening prior to such treatment should always involve a thorough review of your mental health history, physical health, and any medications you may be taking.
MDMA-assisted therapy and psilocybin-assisted therapy are still only available within the context of clinical trials. Their safety is being evaluated by these FDA-approved trials. In these studies, participants are screened prior to participation, as with ketamine, evaluating mental health history, physical health, and medication use. Among properly screened individuals, these experimental treatments have demonstrated themselves to be safe.
How can I access Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
How can I access Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
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Is it legal?
Only ketamine-assisted therapy is legal. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and psilocybin-assisted therapy are legal within approved clinical research trials.
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How much does it cost? Will insurance cover it?
Ketamine-assisted therapy is not covered by insurance. However, there may insurance coverage opportunities in the future. The price of ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) differs between providers, some offer a treatment protocol of six sessions for approximately $3000. Some providers are also now developing group sessions which could make such treatment more affordable.
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How do I find a reputable provider?
There are a number of organizations which have been training individuals in ketamine-assisted therapy and have websites that can help locate reputable providers, for example,
Your healthcare provider may also know about reputable providers in your area.
Is microdosing appropriate for me?
Is microdosing appropriate for me?
Microdosing involves taking very low doses of psychedelic substances. The microdose is so low that it does not result in any appreciable alteration of consciousness. As psychedelic substances are, for the most part, illegal across the United States, this may not be a reasonable option for you. However, in regions where some psychedelic plants and fungi have been decriminalized, more individuals are exploring microdosing with, for example, psilocybin mushrooms. Early research indicates that microdosing is associated with perceived mental health benefits in some populations.
Even at these low doses, care should be taken to assess whether this may be a safe choice. Microdosing psychedelics can potentially destabilize individuals at risk of manic and/or psychotic episodes and may be contraindicated with certain medical treatments. It is advisable to review any related risks with your healthcare provider before proceeding to microdose psychedelic medicines.
