1)Novel Therapeutic Approach – Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA are being explored as alternatives to conventional antidepressants.
2)Rapid Onset of Action – Unlike SSRIs, which take weeks, psychedelics often show improvements in depressive symptoms within hours to days.
3)Mechanism of Action – Act on serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, promoting neuroplasticity, emotional processing, and resetting dysfunctional brain networks.
4)Clinical Evidence – Recent trials show psilocybin-assisted therapy can be effective in treatment-resistant depression, with fewer sessions needed.
5)Neuroplastic Benefits – Enhance connectivity between brain regions, particularly the default mode network (DMN), which is overactive in depression.
6)MDMA-Assisted Therapy – Shows promise in reducing depression linked with PTSD by increasing empathy, emotional openness, and trauma processing.
MBH/AB