Therapeutic potential of tryptamine psychedelics for psychiatric disorders

The modern psychiatric crisis has become a global epidemic as the prevalence of psychiatric disorders continues to rise. These numbers have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term psychological effects resulting from the social isolation and fear of the disease have yet to be seen. Those already suffering from psychiatric disorders have limited options for treatment, as current therapeutic methods for mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders demonstrate high failure rates with many individuals suffering from treatment resistance. Individuals that do respond to modern therapies typically require treatment for several weeks or months, occasionally even years, before experiencing any reductions in their symptoms. Tryptamine psychedelics have been used for millennia by indigenous cultures through highly ritualized religious ceremonies to purge individuals of disease and offer spiritual guidance, however their application within modern medicine did not begin until Albert Hofmann’s discovery of LSD in 1938. The next several decades saw an explosion in clinical studies involving tryptamine psychedelics showcasing their ability to demonstrate immediate treatment after single doses in individuals suffering from diseases such as depression and PTSD, however research and clinical practices came to a halt after the passing of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. As renewed interest in psychedelic medicine continues to grow, this review details the therapeutic potential of tryptamine psychedelics while exploring their current status within clinical trials