The Benefits of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD and Anxiety

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders are debilitating conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. For those suffering from these mental illnesses, daily life can feel like a struggle as symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, and constant worry take their toll. Fortunately, new research is showing that Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy may provide relief for PTSD and anxiety where other treatments have failed. Clinical studies have revealed some of the key benefits of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for these conditions.

Relief from Symptoms

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy administered sublingually in low to moderate doses has been shown to reduce symptoms of, Treatment Resistant Depression, PTSD, Suicidal Ideation and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, rapidly and significantly. In clinical trials, and in our clinical experience, a single Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy session can often lead to an immediate reduction in these painful and debilitating symptoms. Combined with integrative therapy, it is not unusual to see one of more of these symptoms go into remission. This stands in contrast to traditional oral antidepressants or anxiety medications, which may take several months to achieve effects and often at the expense of uncomfortable side effects

Disruption of Negative Thought Patterns

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy appears to work differently in the brain than typical antidepressants and anxiolytics. It is believed to disrupt overactive circuits in the brain related to fear and negative thought patterns. By interfering with glutamate signaling, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy may metaphorically “reset” these circuits and allow new, more adaptive patterns to emerge. Patients commonly report feeling calmer and more in control of their thoughts after treatment.

Increased Neuroplasticity

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy also stimulates activity in the prefrontal cortex and enhances neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form and reform synaptic connections. This boosts the birth of new neurons and supports the healthier functioning of circuits involved in stress response regulation. Enhancing neuroplasticity may also aid in overwriting maladaptive memories and thought patterns with more balanced ones over time with continued therapy.

Fewer Side Effects

While some nausea, dizzying or dissociative effects during the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy session are not common, side effects afterwards tend to be minimal compared to many psychiatric medications. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is usually well-tolerated. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy has a very low addiction profile, especially the given the dose and frequency used in clinics like The Sitting Room in Edmonton. This makes Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy a compelling option for those who struggle with side effects or prefer non-addictive interventions.

Availability of Combination Treatments

At The Sitting Room, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy treatment is combined with evidence-based psychotherapies like cognitive processing therapy to maximize benefits. Therapists help clients process their Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy  experiences within a trauma-informed model to encourage changes to generalize into daily life. Combination treatments help sustain and build upon improvements from Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy alone over the long term.

For those suffering from refractory PTSD, anxiety, depression or other treatment-resistant mental health issues, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy therapy shows great promise. Its unique rapid-acting mechanisms elicit strong and prolonged responses with few side effects when administered in clinical settings like The Sitting Room. With specialized combination treatment programs available in Edmonton, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy therapy is offering new hope for recovery. Given the incredible suffering caused by PTSD and anxiety, wider access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy treatment in Alberta cannot come soon enough.