The use of psychedelics in psychotherapy: A systematic review

In the recent years, the resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances has initiated a profound transformation in the field of psychiatry. This thesis embarks on a comprehensive exploration into the role of psychedelics as powerful tools within psychotherapy, delving into their historical significance, their mechanisms on the brain and their contemporary relevance. The primary objective of this thesis is to conduct an indepth exploration into the potential promise of psychedelic drugs within the field of psychiatry, specifically investigating their potential use as aids to psychotherapy. A systematic literature review was conducted, to select the most relevant articles concerning the use of psychedelic drugs in psychotherapy. Of particular interest were clinical trials utilizing MDMA, Psilocybin, Ketamine, and LSD, given their extensive application in therapeutic settings. Results showed that, that combining these psychedelic drugs with different kinds of therapy, could offer an effective and safe alternative in treating many disorders, including various substance use disorders, PTSD and comorbid conditions, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Major Depressive Disorder (MMD) as well as depression and anxiety in life threatening diseases. In conclusion, this exploration highlights the therapeutic promise of psychedelic drugs in psychotherapy, showing their efficacy and safety in treating diverse mental health conditions. It is imperative to expand research in this area, to fully harness their possible potential as valuable aids in psychotherapeutic practices.