Starting today, July 1, licensed psychiatrists will be able to prescribe MDMA-containing medications to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while psilocybin to treat people with treatment-resistant depression.
Canberra: In Australia, MDMA and magic mushrooms will be available for psychiatrists to prescribe for people with some mental health conditions. This makes it the first country in the world to legalize the use of psychedelics to treat people.
Starting today, July 1, licensed psychiatrists will be able to prescribe medications containing MDMA, aka the party drug ecstasy, to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while psilocybin, aka like magic mushrooms, to treat people with treatment. -Resistant depression.
Authorities in Canada and the United States allow the medical use of one or both drugs, but only in clinical trials or with special permits.
New guidelines for psychedelic therapy
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists have established guidelines for the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs. Under the new rules, drugs can only be administered in a hospital or clinic, where two psychotherapists must care for the patient for six to eight hours to ensure safety. The organization acknowledges, however, that a shortage of mental health professionals is likely to mean that only a limited number of therapists will be able to meet the prescribed conditions.
Expert reaction
The controversial move has been hailed as a game changer by many scientists and mental health experts. However, others say the move has been too hasty and should not be overstated. Experts say there is still a risk of a “bad trip,” which is when the user has an unpleasant experience under the influence of drugs.
The use of psychedelics would be carefully monitored and not a case of “take a pill and go,” said Dr. Mike Musker, a mental health researcher at the University of South Australia.
He told the AFP news agency that in the case of MDMA, for example, the patient would likely have three treatments over five to eight weeks. Each treatment lasted about eight hours and the therapist stayed with the patient the entire time.
Professor Rossell, who is leading Australia’s largest trial into the effects of psilocybin on depression, added that more research is needed to determine the long-term results of the therapy.
Mike Musker, a mental health and suicide prevention researcher at the University of South Australia, told AFP that MDMA would be useful for treating post-traumatic stress, while psilocybin can help with depression.
He explained that MDMA “gives people a sense of connection and makes it easier for them to connect with a therapist and also talk about some bad personal experiences.”
Psilocybin gives patients a “psychospiritual high that you wouldn’t get with traditional drugs,” he said, adding that this “could make you feel differently about yourself and your life…and hopefully make you want to live.” ”.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) surprised many in the medical and scientific world in February when it reclassified MDMA and psilocybin so they could be used therapeutically.
It stated that the drugs are “relatively safe” when used in a “medically controlled environment” for patients “with serious mental health problems.” Otherwise, both MDMA and psilocybin are illegal in Australia.
Published Date: July 1, 2023 9:36 AM IST
Updated Date: July 1, 2023 9:45 AM IST
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