Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2019 Nov 22:4867419888575. doi: 10.1177/0004867419888575. [Epub ahead of print]
Meikle SE1, Liknaitzky P2, Rossell SL3, Ross M4, Strauss N5, Thomas N2,3, Murray G2,3, Williams M6, Castle DJ7,8.
Author information
1Melbourne School of Psychological Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.2School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.3Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia.4Department of Psychosocial Cancer Care and Palliative Medicine. St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, VIC, Australia.5Honorary Research Fellow with Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Millswyn Psychiatric Clinic, South Yarra, VIC, Australia.6Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia.7Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia.8Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
In the quest for new treatment options for depression, attention is being paid to the potential role of psychedelic drugs. Psilocybin is of particular interest given its mechanism of action, its benefits in early trials and its relatively low side effects burden. This viewpoint outlines a number of key issues that remain to be elucidated about its potential use in the clinical environment, including clarification of the profile of people most likely to benefit and those who might experience adverse effects, longer-term outcomes and the role of psychotherapeutic input alongside the drug itself. There are also opportunities to understand better, the neurobiology underpinning its effects.
KEYWORDS:
Psilocybin; depression; psychedelicsPMID: 31752499 DOI: 10.1177/0004867419888575
The reality is the offer of psilocybin to benefit individuals is available in Amsterdam. Retreats and 1 day sessions can truly have an effect on participants feelings and outlook on life. Psychedelic assisted therapy requires skill and experience…