Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Psychedelic Science: A Review and Perspective on Opportunities in Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology.

Publication Title

Neurosurgery

Authors

Daniel F Kelly, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Saint John's Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USAFollow
Keith Heinzerling, 1Treatment & Research in Psychedelics Program, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA. 2Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California, USA.Follow
Akanksha Sharma, Department of Translational Neurosciences, Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Saint John Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA, USAFollow
Shanthi Gowrinathan, 1Treatment & Research in Psychedelics Program, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA. 2Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California, USA.Follow
Karina Sergi, 1Treatment & Research in Psychedelics Program, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Santa Monica, California, USA. 2Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California, USA.Follow
Regin Jay Mallari, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California, United States of AmericaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-8-2022

Keywords

california; sjci; pni

Abstract

After a decades-long pause, psychedelics are again being intensely investigated for treating a wide range of neuropsychiatric ailments including depression, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia, and chronic pain syndromes. The classic serotonergic psychedelics psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide and nonclassic psychedelics 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and ketamine are increasingly appreciated as neuroplastogens given their potential to fundamentally alter mood and behavior well beyond the time window of measurable exposure. Imaging studies with psychedelics are also helping advance our understanding of neural networks and connectomics. This resurgence in psychedelic science and psychedelic-assisted therapy has potential significance for the fields of neurosurgery and neuro-oncology and their diverse and challenging patients, many of whom continue to have mental health issues and poor quality of life despite receiving state-of-the-art care. In this study, we review recent and ongoing clinical trials, the set and setting model of psychedelic-assisted therapy, potential risks and adverse events, proposed mechanisms of action, and provide a perspective on how the safe and evidence-based use of psychedelics could potentially benefit many patients, including those with brain tumors, pain syndromes, ruminative disorders, stroke, SAH, TBI, and movement disorders. By leveraging psychedelics' neuroplastic potential to rehabilitate the mind and brain, novel treatments may be possible for many of these patient populations, in some instances working synergistically with current treatments and in some using subpsychedelic doses that do not require mind-altering effects for efficacy. This review aims to encourage broader multidisciplinary collaboration across the neurosciences to explore and help realize the transdiagnostic healing potential of psychedelics.

Area of Special Interest

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Area of Special Interest

Cancer

Area of Special Interest

Mental Health

Specialty/Research Institute

Behavioral Health

Specialty/Research Institute

Neurosciences

Specialty/Research Institute

Oncology