VA plans research on using psychedelics to treat PTSD, depression – By Leo Shane III (Military Times) / Jan 5, 2024
Veterans Affairs leaders plan to launch new studies on the use of psychedelic compounds to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in veterans, the first such scientific work by the department on the substances since the 1960s.
The move comes amid a growing body of research on the positive impact of compounds like methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psilocybin in helping with mental health issues. However, department officials said that work so far has largely excluded veterans, and more specific investigation is needed into how those alternative treatments may positively or negatively affect them.
“Veterans and VA researchers have told us about the potential promise of psychedelics to treat mental health conditions for some time,” VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal said in a statement released Friday. “Now is our chance to study this potential method of treating veterans with PTSD and major depression across the country.”
