webadminUnited States is witnessing an unprecedented moment as it has decriminalized many drugs for medical and recreational purposes. Major investors have flocked into the market setting up a stage—for paradigm shift towards psychedelic medicines.
Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, ketamine and LSD are being introduced as a new course of treatment for mental health problems like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and other co-occurring disorders.
Studies suggest that psychedelic therapies will become mainstream treatment in the coming years for depression, PTSD or any other serious mental health condition that are life-threatening. But, understanding the true benefits of psychedelic treatment is still questionable.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the conversation regarding psychedelic medicines as more and more frontline workers have become victims of mental health problems.
Treatment with psychedelic medicines is gaining momentum during this difficult phase. The situation demands new breakthrough in treating mental health compared to traditional methods. It will be a herculean task to measure the overall impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health until few years.
But, at this moment mental health status of frontline workers and healthcare providers gives a grim picture.
According to a current survey, which included approximately 20,000 frontline workers, 49 percent of them experienced burnout, while 39 percent experienced anxiety and depression. Whereas another recent survey found that approximately 1/4 healthcare workers exhibited signs of PTSD.
A survey conducted by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses showed a horrific outcome in context to the mental health of nurses. The survey included 6,000 nurses out of which 69 percent of them said they want to quit their job no matter how much money is being offered to them. They explained the pandemic has taken a toll over their bodies and mind. Experiencing macabre situations of despair, suffering and hopelessness has left them in an unsettled state where psychotherapy has not been enough to dilute the horrors they are facing during their duty.
Healthcare workers are undergoing a clinical burnout and a smoldering problem due to over-stretched and intensified situations due to COVID-19 pandemic. They constantly deal with the fear of infection but still continue to work to help people.
Research suggests that suicide rate of doctors has gone up by double than the general public. On the other hand, healthcare workers are grappling with depression and anxiety.
Although there are many treatment programs, mental health apps and support groups available to provide mental health support, they only manage to scratch the surface. There is a greater need for adequate treatment programs to help alleviate their clinical burnout.
Psychedelic medicines have entered the conversation in mental health treatment
These circumstances have forced researchers to turn attention towards psychedelic medicines and therapies. The symptoms of depression, moral injury and clinical burnout have enormous effect on healthcare providers and frontline workers. There are many studies going on globally that are trying to find effective solutions with psychedelic therapies.
A new study, conducted by the University of Washington is studying the efficacy of a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. They considered psilocybin for treating frontline health care workers. Similarly, the Island University in Canada is studying a ketamine-assisted therapy program to treat health care providers and frontline workers with depression, anxiety PTSD and addiction.
However, psychedelic therapies or psychedelic medication are facing challenges of stigmatization from the society, especially, the healthcare providers and frontline workers struggle to accept the therapies on moral grounds.
Secondly, people from these streams do not acknowledge mental health as they fear it might project them as weak.
Setting aside these barriers and stigmas, psychedelic therapies have proved their potential and have come up as effective treatment modalities to alleviate symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety and burnout.
Treatment with psychedelic medicines has shown new hopes in treating highly stressed fields. It will decrease a looming attrition rate, which has led to disastrous shortage of healthcare workers worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, burnout among healthcare providers and frontline workers means reduced capability to work. Here, the new-age psychedelic therapies, with cutting-edge advantage to heal the healers, can lead to better healthcare outcomes. With further research, it can be also be used to treat the general public suffering from acute mental health conditions.
Seek timely help for mental health conditions
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