*The translation of this article in French, German, Portuguese and Spanish has been made through machine translation and has not been edited yet. we apologise for any inaccuracies.
What do healthcare professionals think about the use of psychedelic therapy for depression? Although psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA are still illegal in most parts of the world since the 1960–70s, research suggests they may have some of the most effective therapeutic properties known today, for several mental health conditions. Read about the latest M3 Pulse results on the opinions of over 3100 healthcare professionals worldwide.
In the last two decades, research on the therapeutic application of psychedelic drugs, particularly LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, has made significant progress despite restrictive laws and societal stigma. Multiple pilot studies have confirmed the safety and feasibility of these substances, with early phase trials providing promising evidence of their clinical efficacy.* As a result, psychedelic drugs have shown potential in treating various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and different types of addiction, sparking immense interest as potential medications.
Recent breakthrough therapy designations for MDMA and psilocybin, along with Australia’s decision to allow the prescription of a psychedelic for treatment-resistant mental illnesses in 2023, have fortified research efforts and reduced stigma.
In 2020, a small study conducted by The Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research demonstrated that two doses of psilocybin, coupled with supportive psychotherapy, led to rapid and significant reductions in depressive symptoms among adults with major depression. A majority of participants experienced improvement, with half achieving remission within four weeks. In 2022, a follow-up study by the same researchers revealed that psilocybin-assisted therapy continued to have substantial antidepressant effects for some patients even after a year. This treatment offered relief from major depressive disorder symptoms in adults for an extended period when combined with supportive psychotherapy.
Concerns Around Psychedelic Therapy and Hallucinogenic Effects
Despite the positive findings, fundamental questions concerning the safety, mechanisms, and psychoactive effects of psychedelics remain under discussion. Hallucinogens can induce potent and diverse side effects, including nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, and impaired coordination. Users may also experience intensified sensory perceptions, altered sense of time, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, mixed senses, feelings of detachment, panic, and paranoia. In some cases, individuals may develop persistent psychosis, characterised by visual disturbances, disorganised thinking, paranoia, and mood changes. However, adverse events like these are rare in most studies, and the main risk arises from uncontrolled use outside of supervised conditions, where dosage and formulation cannot be regulated.*
A study conducted in Finland has shed light on the mechanisms behind the antidepressant and hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics. The research discovered these effects can be separated and blocked, raising the possibility of developing a psychedelic-based antidepressant without the unwanted side effect of hallucinations. Though the study was conducted on mice, it lays the groundwork for future human research. The promotion of neuroplasticity by psychedelics indicates their potential for treating antidepressant-resistant depression more effectively than traditional medications. The research author stated: “Lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocin directly bind to TrkB with affinities 1,000-fold higher than those for other antidepressants.”*
M3 Pulse Results: HCPs Opinions of Hallucinogen-Free Psychedelics
Psychedelic therapy has emerged as an intriguing avenue in mental health treatment, showing promise in various conditions. While research has advanced, important questions surrounding safety and efficacy remain. Understanding the potential of hallucinogen-free psychedelics adds a new dimension to treatment possibilities, offering hope for safer and more effective therapeutic options for depression and other mental health conditions in the future. But what do healthcare professionals (HCPs) feel about psychedelic-based treatments?
In July’s M3 Pulse survey, we asked 3156 M3 panel members to what extent they agree with the potential use of hallucinogen-free psychedelics as an alternative treatment for depression.
See the complete M3 pulse results below. Do you agree as a healthcare professional? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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M3 Pulse is a one-question online survey we conduct every month with our M3 panel members. It´s a fun and easy way to share your opinions about trending healthcare topics with a global community of healthcare professionals. If you want to participate in this month´s M3 Pulse, register and join the M3 panel today.
The M3 Pulse results found healthcare professionals’ opinions regarding the potential use of hallucinogen-free psychedelics as an alternative treatment for depression were diverse. Among the 3156 participants, 35% agreed with the idea, seeing potential benefits in this approach. A significant portion, 29%, remained undecided, possibly reflecting the novelty of the concept and the need for more evidence. On the other hand, 26% strongly agreed, indicating strong support for exploring psychedelic-based treatments further. A small percentage, 6%, disagreed with the idea, expressing reservations about its effectiveness or safety. Only 3% strongly disagreed. Overall, the results reflect a range of views within the medical community about the potential of hallucinogen-free psychedelics in treating depression.
A Perspective on Psychedelic-Based Treatments from Jordan P. Roberts, PA-C
Jordan P. Roberts, PA-C, Founder of Modern MedEd, shared his perspective on hallucinogen-free psychedelics and his thoughts around psychedelic-based treatments with M3 Global Research.
Although the findings from the hallucinogen-free psychedelics study are in their early stages, Jordan believes it may hold great potential for treating certain mental illnesses.
“Hallucinogen-free psychedelics have the potential to improve access to care for certain populations with depression. Because patients with bipolar disorder or a history of psychosis may be at risk of negative outcomes or adverse events with traditional psychedelics, hallucinogen-free alternatives could prove safe and effective for this population.
Recent studies have suggested that the hallucinogenic effects of LSD are unrelated to changes in neuroplasticity in mice. If this holds true in humans, it is potentially groundbreaking in terms of drug development, clinical trial enrollment, and expanding eligibility for this type of therapy. However, this research is still in its very early stages and we should approach these results with caution.
There is also evidence to suggest that the hallucinogenic properties of these compounds may play an important role in their therapeutic effect. However, these results open the door for more research into hallucinogen-free psychedelics and treating depression without altering patients’ state of consciousness.”
Hallucinogen-free psychedelics therapy is not ready for clinical trials yet, and it may take several years to be available to patients if it does. However, recent studies suggest MDMA to be the most promising novel adjunctive agent for PTSD psychotherapy today.* Reflecting on new therapy options for mental health conditions and some of the challenges, Jordan shares a few final thoughts.
Hallucinogen-free psychedelics therapy is not ready for clinical trials yet, and it may take several years to be available to patients if it does. However, recent studies suggest MDMA to be the most promising novel adjunctive agent for PTSD psychotherapy today.* Reflecting on new therapy options for mental health conditions and some of the challenges, Jordan shares a few final thoughts.
“I’m all for new therapies (and research into them) for undertreated or refractory mental health disorders and trauma-related psychological issues like PTSD. The re-emergence of scientific research into psychedelics is promising for mental health professionals, as we’ve largely been without major breakthrough pharmacotherapies for some time now.
Because of the heavy and sometimes conflicting regulations of psychedelics, they can be difficult for patients to access, especially those in underserved communities. However, they have certainly shown promise across a range of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I also think it’s key that we remain focused on the safety aspects of the psychedelic drugs, and continue to view them as adjunctive to psychotherapy.”
As the field of psychedelic therapy continues to evolve, it opens new doors for mental health professionals to explore novel and potentially transformative treatment options for those who suffer from depression and other mental health conditions. By embracing research and remaining vigilant about safety, healthcare professionals can pave the way for a more comprehensive and effective approach to mental health treatment in the future.
If you are a physician or other healthcare professional interested in participating in our next M3 Pulse survey, be sure to register for the M3 panel today. As an M3 member, you will gain access to paid healthcare market research studies in a wide range of medical fields, with competitive compensation.
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