There always is some level of trial and error in finding the correct treatment for patients suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Often patients can go through multiple iterations before finding the right treatment option, highlighting the need to expand the treatment pool.
One potential option could be psychosubstances.
In a new study, researchers are testing low-dose psychosubstances to treat veterans with PTSD, believing psychedelic substances could help these patients manage some of their symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In an interview with HCPLive®, Col. Rakesh Jetly, MD, Head of the Center of Excellence on Mental Health, explained the parameters of the phase 2 study and how he believes the research is on the cutting edge of a breakthrough treating trauma.
He said a major problem in PTSD and psychiatry in general is the amount of patients who do not respond to first line treatments, taking valuable treatment time finding the correct medication. He said approximately half of this patient group does not respond to first-line therapies.
Jetly, who is a military psychiatrist, has committed to finding evidence-based treatments for combat veterans early in his career, but within the last decade has begun to think out of the box for other treatments.