Psychedelic therapy in the context of modern medicine

Psychedelic therapy in the context of modern medicine

In recent years, the topic of the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances has been gaining popularity. An article published in the New York Times informs us that the US Food and Drug Administration plans to legalise psilocybin and MDMA for the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in 2024, a revolutionary step that raises many questions and controversies. It is worth considering which psychedelics can be used in therapy, how they work and whether they are really effective.

Therapy using psychedelics - expert opinion and potential risks

The FDA's decision to legalise psilocybin and MDMA for therapeutic purposes is causing mixed feelings. On the one hand, experts recognise the enormous medical potential of these substances. On the other hand, there are concerns about the potential risks.

Studies have shown a correlation between taking psychoactive substances and higher levels of emotional vulnerability. Dr Charles Raison noted the lack of solid research confirming the effectiveness of the therapeutic methods used to date. There are cases where patients have reported self-harm attempts and suicidal thoughts after psilocybin therapy. These are serious concerns that need to be addressed.

Choosing the right therapist - a key element of success

It is not only the psychedelics that affect the effects of therapy, but also the therapist. When choosing a therapist, it is worth looking at their experience, certifications, education and courses related to psychedelic therapy. Having a certificate in psychedelic therapy is crucial. The therapist should also have a thorough understanding of our health history and medical conditions to tailor the therapy to our needs.

As clinical director Amy Lehrner points out, choosing a psychedelic therapist should be taken seriously, just like choosing other professionals. Only then can we be sure that the therapy will be reliable, effective and safe.

Preparation sessions - the key to therapeutic success

A few days before the actual therapy there is a preparatory session, which usually lasts a few hours. The therapist finds out about our medical history, expectations and therapy goals. During the therapy, unpleasant discomforts, both physical and psychological, may occur. The therapist teaches us techniques to cope with them, for example through breathing techniques or meditation.

The therapy session may also involve physical contact, but this should be limited to holding the patient's hand or arm to avoid misunderstandings.

Practices used during therapy sessions

During therapy sessions, therapists usually allow the patient to focus and relax under the influence of psychedelics such as psilocybin or MDMA. They do not have a conversation with him or her, allowing him or her to experience the substance in peace, often to the sound of calm music.

But what happens when the patient is haunted by traumatic visions from the past? The therapist must be able to calm the patient down and help him or her cope with the anxiety or panic, for example through breathing techniques. The therapist does not distract the patient from the difficult experience, but helps them to understand and work through it.

Integration sessions - the key to full recovery

After therapy, the patient attends integration sessions, where he or she analyses the experiences and emotions from therapy together with the therapist. This is a key stage that helps the patient to better understand himself or herself and read signals from the past. In some cases, therapy is complemented by other methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy.

Psychedelic therapy is a controversial but promising area of medicine. Choosing the right therapist and adequate preparation are key to achieving positive effects from this therapy. For many patients, it can be an opportunity to overcome emotional and psychological difficulties.

Contemporary medical research is exploring unconventional approaches to treatment, and one of the most fascinating areas is psychedelic therapy. It is a field that has attracted not only interest, but also controversy, due to its unusual approach to solving health problems.

Psychedelic therapy is an approach that goes beyond conventional treatments. It not only challenges medicine, but also the very perception of the human psyche. It is an attempt to understand and harness the potential of psychedelic substances, such as LSD, psilocybin or DMT, to improve the mental and emotional health of patients.

One of the key aspects of psychedelic therapy is its ability to put patients into states of consciousness that are difficult to achieve under normal circumstances. It is in these psychedelic states that patients are able to see their problems from a completely new perspective. It is like a journey into the depths of their own psyche, where hidden traumas and emotions come to light.

But what makes psychedelic therapy so fascinating is not only its ability to induce deep introspection, but also its potential to create lasting changes in the patient's psyche. Research suggests that a single session of psychedelic therapy can have long-lasting effects, leading to significant improvements in mental health.

It is also worth noting the differences between AI and human authors' approaches in the context of psychedelic therapy. Where artificial intelligence may focus on facts and statistics, human authors often seek to capture the deeper meaning and emotions associated with the experience. It is this human perspective that can bring greater depth and understanding to the subject.

In conclusion, psychedelic therapy is a fascinating area of modern medicine that opens the door to new possibilities for mental health treatment. While it may be controversial, it cannot be denied that it has the potential to create positive changes in patients' lives. It is another example of how medicine can use unconventional means to improve people's lives.