Objectives of this learning scenario, developed by NYU Langone’s High School Bioethics Project, are to understand post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the symptoms it causes, learn how the chemical psilocybin, found in psychedelic drugs, can potentially help people who have PTSD, and discuss the ethical implications of using drugs that are often used recreationally as therapeutics.
Curriculum Integration Ideas
This tool may be used in life or social sciences classes where there are psychology units for pharmacology.
Overview of PTSD
After a person experiences a traumatic or life-threatening event such as a natural disaster, a car accident, or military combat, he or she may develop PTSD. While it is typical to have anxiety about the traumatic event weeks or months after it happens, people with PTSD find it difficult to perform daily functions for an extended period of time. Sometimes treatment can cure PTSD, while other times it simply goes away on its own.
PTSD Treatment Types
There are two types of treatment for PTSD. One is psychotherapy, which is the use of psychological methods usually based on regular and personal interaction to help a person change in the ways that he or she would like. The main type of psychotherapy used to help patients with PTSD is cognitive processing therapy. The goal of this type of therapy is to teach a patient with PTSD how to evaluate and change the upsetting thoughts that they are having in the wake of their trauma. Therapists believe that when a person changes their thought patterns, he or she can change the way he or she feels. If a patient has experienced a traumatic event, psychotherapy can change the way he or she thinks about or sees the world. Patients often blame themselves for what happened, and therapists help patients try to look at their experiences from a new perspective.
Most of the time, patients are taken to an office where they are met by a mental health professional. In other situations, patients attend group therapy sessions in which all the patients present have PTSD.
The second way to treat PTSD is with antidepressant medication. Antidepressants affect the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in memory formation, to counteract the effects of stress. There are two types of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). The four main antidepressants effective for treating PTSD are sertraline (Zoloft®), paroxetine (Paxil®), fluoxetine (Prozac®)—all SSRIs—and venlafaxine (Effexor®), an SNRI. Additionally, three antipsychotic drugs are used to help treat PTSD: olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone.
Can Psilocybin Help Treat PTSD?
While therapy, antidepressants, and antipsychotics help many patients, these methods often fall short. Studies have suggested that antidepressants do not work well for people who have had multiple traumas over the course of years or chronic PTSD. A new study found that the antipsychotic risperidone worked no better than a placebo in alleviating typical PTSD symptoms in patients who had the disorder long-term or who continued to experience symptoms after being treated with antidepressants.
Because these drugs can also cause intolerable side effects, many patients are left to experience PTSD with no sign of relief. Many of these patients turn to substance abuse, develop anger management issues, or commit suicide. A study analyzing data from the National Comorbidity Survey showed that out of six anxiety diagnoses, PTSD was significantly associated with suicide attempts.
There is some evidence in animal studies to show that psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms,” may act by stimulating nerve cell regrowth in parts of the brain responsible for emotion and memory. A 2013 study from the University of South Florida. Opens in a new tab found that psilocybin stimulates neurogenesis—the growth and repair of brain cells in the hippocampus, which is the brain’s center for emotion and memory. In the study, mice that were given psilocybin overcame fear conditioning far better than mice that were given a placebo. The study supported the hypothesis that psilocybin can help break the traumatic cycle that occurs in patients with PTSD.
Stephen Ross, MD. Opens in a new tab, a psychiatrist at NYU Langone, conducted a study on terminally ill cancer patients. Opens in a new tab , and found that one-time treatment with psilocybin very quickly brought relief from distress that had lasted more than 6 months in 80 percent of study subjects.
In Dr. Ross’s study, half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive psilocybin. The rest received a control drug of niacin, which is known to produce a “rush” similar to that associated with a hallucinogenic drug experience. Halfway through the seven-week study period, all of the participants switched treatments. Neither the researchers nor the patients knew which patients had first received psilocybin or which received the control. All of the patients, mostly women, had advanced gastrointestinal, blood, or breast cancers and had been diagnosed as having serious psychological distress related to their disease.
Patients noted that after being treated with psilocybin, they felt their quality of life improve. They noted that they wanted to engage more with external activities, had more energy, experienced improved relationships with their family members, and performed better at work. The researchers concluded that if psilocybin could reduce psychological distress in terminally ill cancer patients, it could apply to less extreme medical conditions related to psychological distress as well.
Dr. Ross says that the findings “…have the potential to transform the care of cancer patients with psychological and existential distress, but beyond that, it potentially provides a completely new model in psychiatry of a medication that works rapidly as both an antidepressant and anxiolytic and has sustained benefit for months.” Dr. Ross has hope that the drug will become legal in the next five years. “If larger clinical trials prove successful, then we could ultimately have available a safe, effective, and inexpensive medication—dispensed under strict control—to alleviate the distress that increases suicide rates among cancer patients.”
The Debate About Psilocybin and PTSD
There are reasons why psilocybin could be a safe and effective treatment for PTSD. What are the benefits and risks of approving such a treatment?
Benefits of Approving Psilocybin to Treat PTSD
Supporters of using psychedelic drugs to help patients lessen their anxiety feel strongly that these drugs should be made available in a safe and supportive medical setting. In Dr. Ross’s study, the majority of participants reported having a positive experience that helped them feel less afraid. If these drugs can have such a success rate, then what could possibly be the reason for them not being legal?
Drugs can be either chemically or psychologically addictive. When the cells in a person’s body cannot function without a certain drug, that person is chemically addicted to the drug. In contrast, when someone is psychologically addicted to a drug, they think that they desperately need it, but their body doesn’t actually physically need it to function. Psilocybin is not chemically addictive like drugs such as nicotine and is also not known to have strong negative effects.
Utilitarianism is a doctrine used in ethics that says that “an action is right insofar as it promotes happiness, and that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the guiding principle of conduct.” When a drug is in the process of being approved, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses this doctrine to determine whether it will lead to the greatest overall happiness. Supporters believe that because the drug is not that bad for you and has shown to have positive effects, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
Risks of Approving Psilocybin to Treat PTSD
The strongest argument against the use of psilocybin for PTSD is the chance of a “bad trip,” a scary or anxiety-inducing experience when a patient feels the psychoactive effects of the drug. This usually happens when the patient feels unsafe or uncomfortable in some way. A bad trip has the potential to mentally scar the individual who experiences it.
People who take psychedelic drugs have also reported experiencing flashbacks, or feeling as if they are experiencing a trip on a psychedelic drug when they are not. This can be dangerous in certain situations, like when operating a motor vehicle. Also, while it has not been shown that psychedelic drugs cause any serious health concerns, there are physical effects of psychedelic drug use that can be dangerous. These effects include an increase in blood pressure, an increase in body temperature, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and muscular issues. There are also studies that show that patients do not experience any strong positive effects from psilocybin use.
For psilocybin to be approved for this use, it will need to be tested in clinical trials. There are many potential dangers that may arise during clinical trials of new drugs. For example, how can a patient who has never taken a psychedelic drug consent to taking it if they don’t know the ways in which it could affect them? This can cause problems from a legal perspective, especially concerning patient safety and protection.
Class Discussion: Weighing Approval of a New “Miracle” Drug
Teachers should read the following two paragraphs aloud before splitting the classroom into two groups:
A new pill has been made that helps people lose five pounds every time they take it. The weight loss community is going crazy about this new miracle drug—begging for the FDA to finally approve it so that people can lose weight instantly and feel more confident.
But there are drawbacks—taking the drug increases the risk of many diseases, including heart disease. The drug also makes you age faster. Lastly, the drug takes away all appetite, so much so that it is difficult for a person taking the drug to get their daily nutrients from food.
Split the classroom into two groups. Half the class will act as lawyers arguing for the drug’s approval, and the other half will serve as the FDA listening and responding with concerns. Whose arguments will be stronger?
This brief was written by Bella Ratner as part of the 2017 Summer Internship Program at NYU Langone’s Division of Medical Ethics.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
I think you have observed some very interesting details, appreciate it for the .
Very interesting details you have mentioned, thanks for posting.!
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Very interesting info!Perfect just what I was looking for!
Travel guide
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me. https://www.binance.com/es/register?ref=T7KCZASX
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
After going over a few of the articles on your website, I truly like your way of writing a blog. I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my web site too and tell me your opinion.
I truly love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal site and would love to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Appreciate it.
Bahis miktarımı doğru ayarlayarak Reactoonz’ta büyük kazançlar elde ettim!
I really love your site.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you develop this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own personal blog and would like to find out where you got this from or what the theme is named. Appreciate it!
As a person who’s always bewared regarding my blood glucose, finding
Sugar Defender has actually been a relief. I really feel a lot extra in control, and my current exams
have actually revealed positive improvements. Knowing I have a trusted supplement to support my regular gives
me comfort. I’m so grateful for Sugar Defender’s influence on my health and wellness!
Very good post. I will be experiencing a few of these issues as well..
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I’m trying to get my website to rank for some targeted keywords
but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share.
Cheers! You can read similar blog here: Eco wool
I was extremely pleased to uncover this great site. I want to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely really liked every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new things on your site.
sugar defender Integrating Sugar Defender into my
everyday regimen general health. As somebody that
focuses on healthy consuming, I appreciate the extra protection this supplement gives.
Given that beginning to take it, I have actually observed a significant renovation in my energy levels and a substantial reduction in my wish for unhealthy treats such a such an extensive impact on my life.
Good post. I definitely appreciate this website. Stick with it!
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
There is definately a lot to know about this subject. I really like all of the points you made.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always interesting to read through articles from other writers and practice a little something from other websites.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Good information. Lucky me I recently found your website by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve bookmarked it for later.
Balances Active Orders Withdraw Deposit [url=https://tradeogre.it.com/]TradeOgre [/url] Logout · Sign In. Search: Currency, Market, Change, Price
BPI Net Empresas [url=https://bpinetempresas-pt.live/]bpinet[/url] é o serviço do Banco BPI que permite gerir as contas e realizar operações bancárias online, com segurança e comodidade. Saiba mais sobre as vantagens, as operações [url=https://bpinetempresas-pt.live/]Bpi Net Empresas[/url]
Empower Your Crypto Journey
with [url=https://tangem.click/]Tangem Wallet[/url]
Balances Active Orders Withdraw Deposit [url=https://tradeogre.total-blog.com/tradeogre-58734199]TradeOgre [/url] Logout · Sign In. Search: Currency, Market, Change, Price
Markets – TradeOgre Digital Currency Exchange
[url=https://teletype.in/@exchangecrypto/exchangecrypto]TradeOgre[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.blogminds.com/exchangecrypto-30743546]TradeOgre[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.tribunablog.com/exchangecrypto-47864289]TradeOgre[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.shotblogs.com/exchangecrypto-47439070]TradeOgre[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.pointblog.net/exchangecrypto-76889222]TradeOgre[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.blogolize.com/exchangecrypto-72586907]TradeOgre[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.over.blog/]TradeOgre[/url]
[url=https://teletype.in/@exchangecrypto/exchangecrypto]tradeogre login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.blogminds.com/exchangecrypto-30743546]tradeogre login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.tribunablog.com/exchangecrypto-47864289]tradeogre login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.shotblogs.com/exchangecrypto-47439070]tradeogre login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.pointblog.net/exchangecrypto-76889222]tradeogre login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.blogolize.com/exchangecrypto-72586907]tradeogre login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.over.blog/]tradeogre login[/url]
Markets – noones Digital Currency Exchange
[url=https://teletype.in/@exchangecrypto/exchangecrypto]noones[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.blogminds.com/exchangecrypto-30743546]noones[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.tribunablog.com/exchangecrypto-47864289]noones[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.shotblogs.com/exchangecrypto-47439070]noones[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.pointblog.net/exchangecrypto-76889222]noones[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.blogolize.com/exchangecrypto-72586907]noones[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.over.blog/]noones[/url]
[url=https://teletype.in/@exchangecrypto/exchangecrypto]noones login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.blogminds.com/exchangecrypto-30743546]noones login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.tribunablog.com/exchangecrypto-47864289]noones login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.shotblogs.com/exchangecrypto-47439070]noones login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.pointblog.net/exchangecrypto-76889222]noones login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.blogolize.com/exchangecrypto-72586907]noones login[/url]
[url=https://exchangecrypto.over.blog/]noones login[/url]
[url=https://tradeogre.shop/]TradeOgre[/url] is an online cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2018, providing a straightforward platform for buying, selling, and trading various digital assets.
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I’m trying to get my site to rank for some targeted keywords but
I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Thanks! You can read similar blog here: Coaching
Any asset. [url=https://redstonefinance.shop/]RedStone[/url] supports secure price feeds for assets faster than competitors. RedStone has the deepest price discovery and most advanced pricing .
I completely agree, this perspective makes a lot of sense. I recently found a very similar discussion on bossfun.zone, and it clarified some of the points you’ve made.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
This is a fantastic point! It’s something I’ve also read about on https://zomclub.black, where they delve into similar ideas in great detail. I think it’s an important topic to explore.
I completely agree with your perspective here. I came across a very similar viewpoint on Hdbet, which provided additional context to deepen my understanding of the issue.
I am really inspired along with your writing talents and also with the format on your weblog. Is that this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one these days. I like psilocybecubensis.ca !
I’m extremely inspired together with your writing abilities and also with the layout on your weblog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self? Either way keep up the excellent high quality writing, it’s rare to peer a great blog like this one nowadays. I like psilocybecubensis.ca ! My is: TikTok ManyChat
I’m extremely inspired with your writing skills and also with the layout for your blog. Is that this a paid subject or did you customize it your self? Anyway stay up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today. I like psilocybecubensis.ca ! Mine is: Stan Store
I can definitely see the logic behind your point of view, and it aligns closely with an article I recently read on https://debets.cc. It adds even more perspective to this discussion.
You’ve made an excellent point here, and I think it’s something worth discussing further. There are several articles on ho88.one that offer a similar perspective and are definitely worth reading.
You’ve made an excellent point here. I saw something similar on fabet that discusses this idea in great depth, and I think it adds even more value to your argument.
I can definitely see the logic behind your point of view, and it aligns closely with an article I recently read on Sky88. It adds even more perspective to this discussion.
I fully agree with your statement. I recently came across a post on fabet that covered this topic in detail, and I believe their perspective aligns well with yours.
I fully support this viewpoint, and I think it’s a perspective worth considering. I read a similar article on 789club, and it reinforced my belief in this idea.
This is a great take on the matter, and I’ve seen a similar opinion shared on choang club. It’s clear that this is a well-discussed topic with valid arguments.
I totally agree, this is an important topic that’s been discussed thoroughly on Ricwin. I highly recommend checking out those articles for more context.
I completely agree with your thoughts on this. I read something very similar on Xibet, and the detailed analysis there helped me understand the matter better.
I absolutely agree with what you’re saying. I’ve read similar discussions on Hong88 that explore the nuances of this issue in great detail.
I completely agree with this argument. I’ve also encountered similar viewpoints on zowin, and the perspectives shared there are extremely valuable.
You’ve made an excellent point here. I saw something similar on sonclub that discusses this idea in great depth, and I think it adds even more value to your argument.
This article will assist the internet visitors for setting up new weblog
or even a weblog from start to end.