Psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects 7.7 million adults annually in the United States, with one in 11 individuals diagnosed in their lifetime. Sertraline and paroxetine, SSRIs, are FDA-approved first-line treatments for PTSD. Psychedelic-assisted therapy offers a novel approach, involving preparatory sessions and one to three psychedelic sessions. These intensive treatments yield positive outcomes but require careful integration into healthcare systems for accessibility. 
According to the publication in Cureus journal, MDMA's therapeutic benefits in psychotherapy, enhancing prosocial behavior and emotional empathy. Classical psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT show promise in treating conditions like depression and addiction. Their potential for PTSD treatment lies in reducing amygdala responsiveness and enhancing emotional empathy. However, no clinical trials have examined their efficacy in PTSD treatment. Cannabinoids, found in cannabis, have been used medicinally for centuries. THC and CBD, the most researched cannabinoids, interact with the endocannabinoid system, implicated in emotional memories and stress response. Chronic stress reduces cannabinoid receptors, contributing to PTSD symptoms. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids temporarily relieve PTSD symptoms and may enhance exposure therapy's efficacy by promoting fear extinction. Further research is needed to validate their therapeutic potential for PTSD treatment.