Psychedelic Medicine

Association

Psychedelics as novel therapeutic agents for chronic pain: mechanisms and future perspectives

Excerpts from the publication

Chronic neuropathic pain is a significant public health issue affecting an estimated 1.5 billion individuals worldwide. The mechanisms underlying chronic pain are multifaceted and not fully understood. Chronic pain amplifies specific neural pathways through peripheral and central sensitization triggered by repeated exposure to noxious stimuli, ultimately resulting in physical and emotional pain. Traditional treatment options targeting these mechanisms, such as opioid and non-opioid analgesics, are associated with adverse effects, addiction, and suboptimal pain relief. Using psychedelics to treat chronic pain is an area of growing interest. While psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, mescaline, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are primarily associated with recreational use or spiritual practices, emerging evidence suggests their potential therapeutic benefits for various mental health disorders, including chronic pain. Psychedelics alter pain perception by directly activating serotonin receptors, exerting anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing descending inhibition, opening a window of neuroplasticity, and facilitating synaptic remodeling. This review mainly elucidates the ongoing research regarding the psychedelic mechanisms of action, pharmacology, clinical applications, and therapeutic potential in treating neuropathic pain.

Read more

Increases in Psychological Flexibility Mediate Relationship Between Acute Psychedelic Effects and Decreases in Racial Trauma Symptoms Among People of Color

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of ketamine in the treatment of refractory anxiety spectrum disorders

Psychedelic-assisted treatment for substance use disorder: A narrative systematic review

Comparative acute effects of mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide, and psilocybin in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy participants

Real-world depression, anxiety and safety outcomes of intramuscular ketamine treatment: a retrospective descriptive cohort study

Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors