-Altered brain activity: Psychedelics appear to alter the normal patterns of brain activity, allowing for increased connectivity between different regions of the brain. This altered state of consciousness can lead to a change in perception and the processing of emotions and memories, potentially facilitating healing and self-reflection.

-Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics may promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself. This can help individuals break free from rigid thought patterns and behaviors associated with their mental health conditions.

-Emotional release and processing: During a psychedelic experience, individuals often confront and process deep-seated emotions and unresolved issues. This can help them gain insights into the root causes of their mental health conditions and reduce symptoms.

-Enhanced introspection: Psychedelics can lead to a heightened sense of self-awareness and introspection, allowing individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their life experiences. This can lead to improved mental well-being and a sense of personal growth.

-Reduction in ego: Some research suggests that psychedelics can temporarily reduce one’s sense of ego or self-identity. This reduction in ego can lead to greater empathy, compassion, and a sense of interconnectedness with others, which may be beneficial in treating conditions like depression and anxiety.

-Changes in perception of time and space: Psychedelics can alter one’s perception of time and space, which can be useful for individuals with PTSD or those struggling with traumatic memories, as it may help them process and contextualize those memories differently.

-Default mode network (DMN) deactivation: Psychedelics tend to reduce the activity of the default mode network, a brain network associated with self-referential and mind-wandering thoughts. This reduction in DMN activity may be linked to the therapeutic effects of psychedelics.

Legislation in most countries including South Africa group psychedelic substances as illicit drugs, however this is in the process of review. Currently a dissociative anaesthetic medication with mode of action as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, although not a classical psychedelic, has emerged as a pseudo-psychedelic agent used in the treatment of these conditions. Here is an overview of its application:

-Depression: Administered either intravenously or intranasally can lead to a rapid reduction in depressive symptoms, often within hours. Please click for more research on how Ketamine can help with major depression disorder.

-Anxiety: Administered in controlled settings, has shown potential in reducing anxiety symptoms, often providing a sense of relief and calm for individuals suffering from severe anxiety. Please click for more research on how Ketamine can help with anxiety.

-Suicidality: Studies examining acute suicidal states have also shown promise in rapidly reducing suicidal thoughts. Please click for more research on how Ketamine can help with suicidal ideation.

-Alcohol Dependence: Studies in alcohol use disorders has demonstrated its ability to disrupt addictive patterns, reducing alcohol consumption in some individuals. Please click for more research on how Ketamine can help with substance abuse and dependence.

-Post-traumatic stress disorder: Benefit in symptom reduction has been demonstrated in individuals suffering from chronic PTSD. Please click for more research on how Ketamine can help with PTSD.

-Chronic pain: Significant short-term analgesic benefit has been noted in patients with chronic refractory pain. Please click for more research on how Ketamine can help with acute and chronic pain.

It is essential to note that these treatments are typically administered in a controlled and therapeutic setting, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. The exact mechanisms of action of both classic psychedelics and the dissociative anaesthetic medication in mental health treatment are still subjects of ongoing research, and the long-term effects and optimal treatment protocols are continually evolving. Currently the use of the anaesthetic agent is off-label however many health funders are approving reimbursement for the infusions in view of the growing evidence in support.