A New Frontier in Mental Health: How Psychedelics are Shaping the Future of Therapy
The world of mental health therapy is entering a new era, as research reveals the remarkable potential of psychedelics in treating various mental health disorders. Psychedelic therapy, once shunned and stigmatised, is now gaining recognition and credibility, thanks to groundbreaking studies conducted by institutions like the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), Johns Hopkins University, and Imperial College London. With the increasing legalisation and decriminalisation of psychedelics, the future of therapy is poised for a radical transformation.
Psychedelics, also known as hallucinogens, are a class of substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes. These drugs, including LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), ayahuasca, and mescaline (found in Peyote and San Pedro cactus), have been used for centuries as entheogens in traditional cultures. They induce altered states of consciousness that facilitate spiritual growth, self-discovery, and healing.
One of the key aspects of psychedelic therapy is the concept of "set and setting." Set refers to the individual's mindset, expectations, and intentions, whilst setting denotes the physical and social environment in which the psychedelic experience takes place. Researchers and therapists emphasise the importance of a supportive and controlled setting to ensure positive outcomes and minimise the risk of adverse reactions.
In recent years, psychedelic research has focused on the therapeutic potential of these substances in treating mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London have conducted numerous clinical trials exploring the efficacy and safety of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Their findings suggest that psychedelics can provide profound relief for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.
At the heart of the psychedelic experience lies the phenomenon of ego dissolution – a temporary loss of self-identity, which allows individuals to gain new perspectives on their lives and mental health challenges. This process, combined with the drug's effects as serotonin receptor agonists, can lead to lasting changes in neural pathways and promote emotional and cognitive flexibility.
An essential part of the therapeutic process is psychedelic integration, which involves working with a trained professional to process and understand the insights gained during the psychedelic experience. This may include mindfulness and meditation practices to help individuals cultivate self-awareness and apply their newfound perspectives to their daily lives.
Microdosing, another approach to psychedelic therapy, involves taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics, like LSD or psilocybin, to improve mood, creativity, and overall well-being. Whilst this practice has gained popularity in recent years, more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and therapeutic potential fully.
As interest in psychedelic therapy grows, so too does the need for harm reduction strategies. Advocates stress the importance of accurate information, proper dosage, and the guidance of experienced facilitators to minimise potential risks associated with psychedelic use. Moreover, trip reports – detailed accounts of individual psychedelic experiences – can provide valuable insights into the subjective effects of these substances, helping both researchers and potential users make informed decisions.
Mirabilis Health Institute and Transcend Therapeutics have announced the launch of Northern Ireland's first clinical trial for psychedelic-assisted therapy using a next-generation compound, methylone. This revolutionary new compound is a non-hallucinogenic treatment for neuropsychiatric conditions, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of methylone in adults with PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as military combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. It is estimated that around 3.5% of the global population suffers from PTSD, and it can have severe and long-lasting effects on the individual's mental and physical health. While there are currently some treatments available for PTSD, they are often ineffective or have significant side effects.
Recent research has shown that psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly using MDMA, can be an effective treatment for PTSD. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has been leading the way in MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, with several successful clinical trials conducted around the world. In a Phase 3 clinical trial, MDMA-assisted therapy showed a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, with 67% of participants no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after just three sessions. These groundbreaking results have led the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant MDMA-assisted therapy breakthrough therapy status, paving the way for its eventual approval as a treatment for PTSD.
The study being conducted by Mirabilis Health Institute and Transcend Therapeutics will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of methylone in adults with PTSD. Eligible participants will receive methylone once weekly for four weeks (four treatment sessions) during a four-week treatment period. Following the treatment period, participants will enter a six-week follow-up period that includes three reflection visits (week 4, 5, and 6) and a final study visit at week 10. The study aims to determine if methylone is an effective and safe treatment for PTSD.
Mirabilis Health Institute and Transcend Therapeutics are excited to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking research and are committed to finding new and effective treatments for trauma. The study is being conducted under strict ethical and regulatory guidelines and will adhere to the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Commenting on the launch of the study, Professor Paul Miller MD, Medical Director of Mirabilis Health Institute said: "PTSD is a debilitating condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life. We are thrilled to be able to offer this innovative treatment option to our patients and are committed to conducting the study to the highest standards. We hope that this study will provide valuable insights into the potential of psychedelic therapy as a treatment for PTSD.”
“The advancements being made right now around mental healthcare, and at Transcend in particular, reminds me of the internet in 1996; even the most hopeful people underestimate its impact on the world. The work that Transcend is doing has the potential to completely change how people are treated for PTSD and depression,” Transcend Co-Founder and Chairman, and AlleyCorp Founder and CEO Kevin Ryan said. “We’ve brought together the world’s leaders in drug development and psychiatric research, and together we’re pushing this industry into new, highly promising territory.”
The launch of this study is a significant milestone in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, and it is hoped that the results will provide valuable insights into the potential of methylone as a rapid-acting, disease-modifying treatment for this debilitating condition.