Psychedelic substances in a therapeutic setting? A research report.

Nathalie Rieser
Mental illness is among the greatest public health challenges and there is an urgent need for effective treatment options. Psychedelics are gaining increasing interest in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression and substance use disorders. In view of this development, it is important to discuss the potential benefits of these substances in relation to their risks. Furthermore, it is necessary to also explore the underlying mechanisms of action of these substances in more detail. In this presentation, the risks and potential positive effects of psychedelics will be discussed and the acutely induced changes in the brain will be presented.
 

Nathalie Rieser studied cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience at the University of Zurich. She has worked with patients with addictive disorders both in clinical and research settings. Currently, she is investigating the influence of pharmacologically and non-pharmacologically induced states of consciousness in the brain in healthy volunteers and is leading the ongoing study "Clinical and mechanistic effects of psilocybin in patients with alcohol dependence".