About this Research Topic
Current research has renewed interest in classic psychedelics with an effort to alleviate escalating concerns of mental health disorders. The more recent wave of research has focused on serotoninergic psychedelics because of their fast-acting properties, apparent safety profile and low potential for abuse. Though the latter is based on preliminary research the current limitations of the existing treatment options have further spurred conversations on applicability of psychedelic treatments to chronic psychological disorders. Based on the available data and asserting the exploratory nature of the latter the United States Food and Drug Administration has granted the “breakthrough therapy” status to psilocybin data indicating that this compound may provide a meaningful improvement over the present therapies for major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Most recent research as focused on a selective choice of patients and therefore the appropriateness of the research to the population at large, that suffer from chronic mood disorders, are still in its infancy and littered with concern. Despite the significant societal burden associated with mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and advancements in the understanding of neurobiology, progress in treatment modalities over the past thirty years has achieved limited success. It is important to grow the evidence-base of research and to consider novel and complementary modalities to further our understanding of how to best treat psychiatric disorders. Although clinical data has demonstrated promising potential efficacy of psychedelic therapy, the posology and practical long-term approach to utilizing these treatments remains uncertain.
This Research Topic will examine and report on the state of psychedelic therapies for mental health disorders such a mood disorders and PTSD with a focus on avenues for treatment optimization algorithms and optimization, as well, the integration of complementary therapeutic modalities.
Contributors are welcome to discuss psychedelic-based therapies for mental health disorders. We invite publications, opinions, and reviews on clinical research, providing feasible information to the evidence-base with intent for possible applicability that addresses the following themes:
• Innovative clinical Protocols
• Research on natural vs. synthetic psychedelic treatments
• Methodological limitations of clinical protocols
• Investigation on dosage, safety, efficacy and contraindications
• Understanding clinical trial eligibility criteria and application in heterogeneous populations
• Understanding and over coming confounders
• Identifying neurobiological effects that may be responsible for clinical improvements.
• Original research on observational, open-label, and randomized controlled clinical studies that may direct applications.
• Integration of treatment modalities focusing on optimization strategies: psychedelics and SSRIs and SNRIs, chronotherapy digital diagnostics, technology-based therapies such as telemedicine, and nutritional or other lifestyle interventions.
Dr. Evans is employed by KGK Science Inc. and is also an Adjunct Professor at Western University. Dr. Batten is employed by Halucenex Life Sciences. Dr. Kalafatis and Dr. Preda. declare no competing interests in regard to the Research Topic subject.
The editing team would also like to acknowledge Andrew Charrette, Director Regulatory Affairs and Psychedelic Advisor, Science Inc. for his experience and expertise in the field of Psychedelics and Technology-based Therapies and his contribution to the development of the Research Topic.
Most recent research as focused on a selective choice of patients and therefore the appropriateness of the research to the population at large, that suffer from chronic mood disorders, are still in its infancy and littered with concern. Despite the significant societal burden associated with mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and advancements in the understanding of neurobiology, progress in treatment modalities over the past thirty years has achieved limited success. It is important to grow the evidence-base of research and to consider novel and complementary modalities to further our understanding of how to best treat psychiatric disorders. Although clinical data has demonstrated promising potential efficacy of psychedelic therapy, the posology and practical long-term approach to utilizing these treatments remains uncertain.
This Research Topic will examine and report on the state of psychedelic therapies for mental health disorders such a mood disorders and PTSD with a focus on avenues for treatment optimization algorithms and optimization, as well, the integration of complementary therapeutic modalities.
Contributors are welcome to discuss psychedelic-based therapies for mental health disorders. We invite publications, opinions, and reviews on clinical research, providing feasible information to the evidence-base with intent for possible applicability that addresses the following themes:
• Innovative clinical Protocols
• Research on natural vs. synthetic psychedelic treatments
• Methodological limitations of clinical protocols
• Investigation on dosage, safety, efficacy and contraindications
• Understanding clinical trial eligibility criteria and application in heterogeneous populations
• Understanding and over coming confounders
• Identifying neurobiological effects that may be responsible for clinical improvements.
• Original research on observational, open-label, and randomized controlled clinical studies that may direct applications.
• Integration of treatment modalities focusing on optimization strategies: psychedelics and SSRIs and SNRIs, chronotherapy digital diagnostics, technology-based therapies such as telemedicine, and nutritional or other lifestyle interventions.
Dr. Evans is employed by KGK Science Inc. and is also an Adjunct Professor at Western University. Dr. Batten is employed by Halucenex Life Sciences. Dr. Kalafatis and Dr. Preda. declare no competing interests in regard to the Research Topic subject.
The editing team would also like to acknowledge Andrew Charrette, Director Regulatory Affairs and Psychedelic Advisor, Science Inc. for his experience and expertise in the field of Psychedelics and Technology-based Therapies and his contribution to the development of the Research Topic.
Keywords: Psychedelics, Psychedelic Medicine, Mood Disorders, PTSD, Observational, Open-label, Randomized controlled clinical studies, Clinical protocols and methodologies, Inclusion and exclusion criteria, Safety, Efficacy, Identifying neurobiological effects
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