Psychedelics in Therapy: MDMA, Ketamine, and Psilocybin for PTSD and Depression
Those of us who do trauma therapy know that we're trying to get our clients to step out of their own perspective and see their trauma from a different perspective, so that they can see the whole picture.
Curious about the potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment? In this episode of 'All Things Substance', Betsy Byler dives into the intriguing world of MDMA, Ketamine, and Psilocybin. These substances, often misunderstood as mere party drugs, are being explored for their therapeutic benefits in treating PTSD and depression. Betsy breaks down the science behind these hallucinogens, explaining how MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, affects neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
She also highlights the critical distinction between street ecstasy and pure MDMA used in clinical settings. While MDMA-assisted therapy shows promise in helping patients gain new perspectives on their trauma, Betsy doesn't shy away from discussing the potential long-term effects and the need for more research. Ketamine and Psilocybin are also on the table, with Ketamine already being used as an antidepressant in low doses and Psilocybin found in certain mushrooms showing therapeutic potential.
This episode offers a balanced view, addressing both the promising benefits and the downsides of these treatments. If you're a therapist looking to expand your understanding of these emerging therapies or simply curious about the future of mental health treatment, this episode is a must-listen.