Do Classic Hallucinogens Have Therapeutic Properties? A Focus on Depression Treatment

Depression is a psychiatric disorder that affects a large percentage of the population and may have significant negative effects on a person\u27s happiness and quality of life. Typical treatment for depression often includes the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase synaptic serotonin activity, however, these medications often take weeks to be fully effective and only help in about two-thirds of patients (Meyer & Quenzer, 2013). Classic hallucinogenic drugs, which are well known for their effects on visual perception, also affect serotonin receptors and increase serotonergic activity. After a long hiatus on hallucinogen research since the 1970s due to their criminalization, there has been a marked increase in research into these substances in the last several years. There is increasing evidence that hallucinogens could potentially help treat a wide variety of psychiatric disorders including anxiety and addiction (Nichols, 2016). This paper reviews the recent experimental studies of hallucinogenic drugs, and their neurobiological, psychological, and phenomenological effects are described and considered with regard to potential treatment of depressive disorders. Across all studies, participants reported increased mood that was often sustained for several weeks or longer. The drugs also affected brain regions and networks in a way that could counter the neural correlates of depression. The current research provides substantial support for the therapeutic benefits of classic hallucinogens, particularly in the context of psychotherapy