Patricia Brown, the Vice President of Clinical Operations at CNS Healthcare in Orlando, is spearheading groundbreaking research into the therapeutic applications of psychedelics for anxiety and depression treatment. Within the mental health treatment rooms at CNS Healthcare, Brown guides clients through sessions involving microdoses of psychedelics, specifically psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms.

As the head of clinical operations at CNS Healthcare, Brown actively participates in global clinical trials conducted at sites such as CNS in Thornton Park and APG Research near the Central Business District. These trials seek to determine the effectiveness of microdoses of psychedelics, typically one-tenth of recreational doses, in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Recent Clinical Trials May Indicate Psychedelics As A Breakthrough Therapy

Recent clinical trials indicate that single doses of psychedelics may have enduring effects on the brain, leading to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration designating them as "breakthrough therapy" since 2017. Brown underscores the potential of these treatments, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, affecting approximately one in three people who haven't responded to traditional antidepressants.

However, the resurgence of psychedelics is not without controversy. A survey in the scientific journal Addiction reports a twofold increase in recreational psychedelic use in the U.S. from 2018 to 2021, with 8% of young adults trying hallucinogens by 2021. This trend raises concerns about potential substance misuse.

Use Caution

Dr. Robert Molpus, a psychiatrist and addiction researcher leading a clinical trial at CNS Healthcare, urges caution against the use of non-pharmaceutical-grade psychedelics. He emphasizes the importance of stringent standards and dosages in medical settings, highlighting the potential for psychedelics to create both positive and negative neural connections in the brain.

Licensed mental health counselor Elizabeth Lindell Mendez warns of the risks associated with recreational psychedelic use outside a controlled medical setting, citing instances where such use exacerbated pre-existing mental health issues.

The Need For More Evidence

Despite promising research, the American Psychiatric Association stresses the need for more evidence before endorsing psychedelics for treating psychiatric disorders. Brown maintains confidence in the safety of ongoing clinical trials, regulated by the FDA and excluding individuals with certain mental health conditions.

Looking forward, the future of psychedelics in mental health treatment may parallel that of ketamine. The FDA approved esketamine, a ketamine derivative, in 2018 for treating treatment-resistant depression. While the psychedelics field encounters regulatory challenges, over 60% of U.S. voters express support for legalizing psychedelic therapy, indicating a shifting public opinion.

In conclusion, Orlando researchers, under the leadership of Patricia Brown, are at the forefront of exploring psychedelics as a potential breakthrough in mental health treatment. Ongoing clinical trials aim to establish the safety and efficacy of microdoses of psychedelics, providing hope for those grappling with depression and anxiety.