Psychedelic drugs likely help treat PTSD in war veterans, scientists say
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Psychedelic drugs can reduce the level of depression and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, which, in particular, develop in war veterans.
This is evidenced by the results of a study by scientists from Stanford University in California, reports New Scientist.
Scientist Nolan Williams and his colleagues studied 30 male veterans of the US armed forces who had brain injuries.
Each participant spent five days in the treatment center. During this time, they were all given a dose of a psychedelic substance, which is made from the iboga plant, which grows in Africa.
| Photo: SDI Productions/Getty Images |
Participants could also attend yoga, massage and meditation classes.
Before and after receiving the drug, psychotherapists spoke with the veterans, who determined the level of their condition according to the disability assessment scale of the World Health Organization.
It is noted that at the beginning of the study, the participants scored an average of 30 points, which means mild and moderate disability.
Four to five days after treatment, this indicator fell below 20 points, and after a month – to about 5, which indicates the absence of disability, scientists say.
According to their data, within a month after taking the psychedelic drug, at least 83% of the participants had symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Also, according to the researchers, veterans have improved cognitive functions, including reaction and memory.
“The results of the study are the first evidence that psychedelic drugs have neurorehabilitative effects”– noted researcher Nolan Williams.
At the same time, Albert Garcia-Romeu, a scientist from the Johns Hopkins University in the state of Maryland (USA), urges not to make hasty conclusions about the effectiveness of the drugs.
“The problem is that there was no control over the group of participants. After all, conversations with a therapist, attendance at wellness events or travel could also improve the condition of veterans.”says Garcia-Romeu.
Earlier we talked about why not all Ukrainians will have PTSD.
Read also: Did the war kill morally? Find out if you have symptoms of PTSD
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