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Current state of Psychedelic Research

Since the 2000s, there has been a notable resurgence in psychedelic research, as evidenced by the increase in reported publications.

And rightly so, as advancements in psychedelic research have reinforced the promise of psychedelic substances as a powerful tool for personal transformation and improving the overall cognitive function. Moreover, there is mounting evidence of psychedelics as a safe, effective and sometimes superior alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for a variety of mental and psychiatric conditions.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that further research is needed and that the quality of current research differs. Also see our part on The Fundamentals of Psychedelic Research.

So let’s delve into what has been researched and what is known to date. In this section, we have carefully selected findings based on the level of scientific rigor. We present results from systematic reviews, meta-analyses and from individual studies conducted by renowned scientific institutions and published in respected journals.

The Resurgence of Psychedelic Research​

Following the initial peak of psychedelic research in the 1960s and 1970s, scientific activity in this field waned for several decades. However, since the 2000s, there has been a notable resurgence in psychedelic research, as evidenced by the increase in reported publications.

And rightly so, as advancements in psychedelic research have reinforced the promise of psychedelic substances as a powerful tool for personal transformation and improving the overall cognitive function. Moreover, there is mounting evidence of psychedelics as a safe, effective and sometimes superior alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for a variety of mental and psychiatric conditions.

 However, it is also important to acknowledge that further research is needed before psychedelics can be widely introduced as a medical treatment.

Current findings

The resurgence of psychedelic research has brought with it a growing body of evidence suggesting that these substances may offer significant therapeutical benefits for various mental health conditions and personal transformation. However, it is crucial to recognize that not all research is created equal. The quality of study designs, methodologies, and even the scientific journals that publish these studies can vary significantly, meaning that not all results carry the same weight of evidence.

In the overview below, we have carefully selected findings based on the highest level of scientific rigor. First, we present results from Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, which are widely regarded as providing the strongest evidence. Following that, we highlight some individual studies conducted by renowned scientific institutions and published in respected journals.

For more information on the quality of research, see our section The Fundamentals of Psychedelic Research.

Topic: Safety

Abstract
Psychedelics are safe in a controlled setting with appropriate inclusion criteria.

Source & Link
Romeo, Kervadec, Psychiatry Research (2024)

Type
Systematic Review and meta-analysis
(PRISMA guidelines)
30 studies included

Topic: efficacy

Abstract
Our analyses suggest that psychedelics reduce negative mood, and have potential efficacy in other mental disorders, such as substance-use disorders and PTSD.

Source & Link
Yao, Guo, Psychiatry Research (2024)

Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA guidelines)
126 out of 14,396 articles included

 

Topic: efficacy

Abstract
The reviewed studies demonstrated encouraging efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms, increasing self-perception and increasing social function in patients with generalized or social anxiety disorder or anxiety attributable to another medical condition while establishing feasability and evidence of safety. For many patients, the therapeutic effects of the psychedelic treatment lasted weeks, and no severe adverse events were reported.

Source & Link
Feulner, Ochsner Journal (2023)

Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
(Cochrane guidelines)
11 out of 189 studies included

 

Topic: efficacy

Abstract
Psilocybin, ayahuasca and LSD all appear to be effective and relatively safe agents capable of producing rapid and sustained improvements in anxiety and depression.

Source & Link
Leger, Unterwald, Journal of Psychopharmacology (2021)

Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
9 out of 1,591 journals included

 

Early Indications of Efficacy

The resurgence of psychedelic research has brought with it a growing body of evidence suggesting that these substances may offer significant therapeutic benefits for various mental health conditions. Although much of this research is still in the early stages, the results so far are promising and have sparked considerable interest in the scientific and medical communities.

1. Depression

One of the most well-supported areas of research is the use of psilocybin, the active compound in “magic mushrooms,” for treating depression. Early studies conducted by Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London have shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. In some cases, the antidepressant effects have been observed to last for months after just one or two treatment sessions, suggesting that psilocybin could offer a powerful new approach to managing depression.

2. Anxiety and PTSD

Psilocybin and MDMA have both shown potential in reducing anxiety, particularly in patients with life-threatening illnesses and those suffering from PTSD. A study by NYU Langone Health found that a single dose of psilocybin significantly reduced anxiety and depression in cancer patients, with effects lasting for up to six months. Similarly, MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) has conducted groundbreaking research on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, showing that it can dramatically reduce symptoms and help patients process traumatic memories with less fear and anxiety.

3. Substance Use Disorders

Psychedelics like psilocybin are also being explored for their potential to help individuals overcome addiction. A notable study from Johns Hopkins University demonstrated that psilocybin-assisted therapy helped participants quit smoking, with an 80% success rate at the six-month follow-up. Additionally, research at NYU has shown that psilocybin can reduce alcohol dependence, helping participants reduce or eliminate their drinking with long-lasting effects.

4. ADHD

While research in this area is still in its infancy, early indications suggest that psychedelics might have potential in treating ADHD. Ongoing studies by MAPS and other institutions are exploring whether substances like LSD and psilocybin can improve attention and reduce impulsivity, offering a new avenue for managing this condition.

5. Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Enhancement

Emerging research suggests that psychedelics may enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. A study by Yale University found that psilocybin increased the number of synaptic connections in the brain, which could help in treating conditions like depression and PTSD by promoting cognitive flexibility and emotional processing. Additionally, psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are being studied for their potential to enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities, as demonstrated by research from the University of Maastricht.

6. Creativity and Problem-Solving

Studies have also indicated that psychedelics can boost creativity and cognitive flexibility. Research from the University of Maastricht found that microdosing psychedelics—taking sub-perceptual doses—can enhance both convergent and divergent thinking, which are key components of creativity. These findings suggest that psychedelics could be used not only for therapeutic purposes but also to enhance cognitive function in healthy individuals.

While much of this research is still in the early stages, these findings provide a strong foundation for the continued exploration of psychedelics as therapeutic agents. The initial evidence suggests that psychedelics could offer transformative benefits for mental health, addiction, and cognitive enhancement, making them a promising area of study in the years to come.

Sources for Further Research

While we have made every effort to present an accurate picture of the current science on psychedelics, it is impossible to provide a complete and exhaustive overview. New research is being conducted every day, and it is crucial for you to conduct your own research and consult multiple sources.

Some sources we found particularly helpful include:

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