A recent study in North America has revealed that a single supervised dose of LSD can significantly alleviate anxiety symptoms, potentially leading some patients into remission, without requiring ongoing therapy.
The study, conducted on 198 adults with generalized anxiety disorder, utilized a pharmaceutical form of the psychedelic drug known as MM120. Dr. Maurizio Fava, the chair of psychiatry at the Mass General Brigham Academic Medical Centre in Boston, emphasized the impact of anxiety disorders, affecting approximately 10% of the global population.
Results after 12 weeks showed that 65% of participants who received a single 100-milligram dose reported a significant improvement in their symptoms. Dr. Fava expressed excitement about the potential of achieving such positive outcomes in just one session, with effects lasting for several weeks.
However, he highlighted the necessity for further research before the drug can be approved for medical use in the United States. The current study is in its Phase 2B, and Phase 3 trials will be crucial to validate the findings for any potential application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Fava is optimistic about the future approval of the treatment, emphasizing the novelty of a single treatment providing relief for an extended period compared to traditional daily dosing for anxiety disorders. He also noted the study’s positive impact on depressive symptoms, hinting at the drug’s potential for addressing conditions like depression and PTSD.
While expressing hope for the drug’s approval, Dr. Fava mentioned the absence of similar ongoing studies in Canada. The scientific interest in psychedelics has been growing due to their ability to enhance synaptic plasticity, potentially explaining their therapeutic benefits.