A treatment involving two psychedelic drugs, ibogaine hydrochloride and 5-MeO-DMT, demonstrated positive effects in reducing depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments in U.S. special operations forces veterans, according to a chart-review analysis led by The Ohio State University. The research showed that the combined treatment not only alleviated PTSD symptoms but also improved cognitive functions related to traumatic brain injuries. The study findings are significant considering many of these veterans do not find relief with traditional therapies.
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Key Points:Â
- The treatment combined ibogaine hydrochloride, derived from the West African shrub iboga, and 5-MeO-DMT, a substance from the Colorado River toad. Both substances are listed as Schedule I drugs in the U.S.
- The analysis emphasized significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning in veterans following treatment, with sustained benefits recorded up to six months after.
- Most veterans seeking this treatment reported issues like memory problems, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorders, with 86% having experienced head injuries.
- Many attendees of the program, post-treatment, described the psychedelic experience as highly significant, either spiritually or psychologically.
- The results bolster the case for further research into psychedelic-assisted therapies for veterans, with ongoing studies at Ohio State looking into the potential benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy for PTSD.
Source: https://news.osu.edu/psychedelics-improve-mental-health-cognition-in-special-ops-veterans/Â
