Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy for Mental Illness: History and Latest Science

Description

Hosted by the Society of Clinical Psychology Diversity Committee

Presenter:  Dr. Sharmin Ghaznavi

Overview:         

In light of the growing interest in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, using a lecture and discussion format, this presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, beginning with the history of psychedelic research, from the 1950’s to the present day.  The course will review the basic neuropharmacology of psychedelic compounds and their properties.  From there, the course will provide an in-depth overview of the research on psychedelic compounds.  The course will cover recent clinical trials of the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for a range of psychiatric conditions, including, but not limited to treatment resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.  Risks and benefits of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy will also be discussed.  After this presentation, attendees should have a solid understanding about the history and science of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy research, including the evidence-base to date, to facilitate discussions with their patients considering pursuing it through clinical trials, in treatment venues outside the United States where these compounds are legal, and eventually when some of these compounds are approved for use here in the United States.

Learning Objectives:

(1)        Summarize the history of research on psychedelic assisted psychotherapy from the 1950’s to the more recent renewed interest

(2)        Discuss the current evidence base for psychedelic assisted psychotherapy for a number of psychiatric conditions