The Potential of Psychedelics for Mental Health Disorders


This session will unpack the current evidence for psychedelics across a range of indications, as well as examine some of the safety issues that need consideration. aler use.

CPD HOURS: 1
Registration Year 2025/2026
 

Course Content

Psychedelic substances have been used in many cultures for thousands of years, but fell out of favour in the late 1960s with the ‘war on drugs’ when they were designated prohibited substances and research was paused indefinitely for decades. Over the last two to three decades, interest has grown again, and these substances are showing major potential for managing cases that have proved resistant to standard treatments.

Part of the interest lies in the recognition that current, standard mental health treatment options don’t always provide long-lasting benefit for patients with significant mental health concerns like resistant depression and PTSD. Because of this, research into psychedelics has been of increasing interest and is starting to suggest they are another tool that might be of benefit to patients who haven’t had a successful outcome with standard therapy.

This session will unpack the current evidence for psychedelics across a range of indications, as well as examine some of the safety issues that need consideration.
The evidence of benefit that supports their use, as well as the data around their relative safety, led to the TGA approving psilocybin and MDMA for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD, respectively, in 2023. However, there’s been a very slow uptake in these options outside of the ongoing research programs, and many health professionals know very little about the practicalities of psychedelic use.

Psychedelic therapy isn't just the administration of a substance; it's a process that starts well before any psychedelic substance is administered, and continues well after the last dose. It utilises psychotherapy to integrate the experience into the patient's daily life for lasting benefit. This session will also look at what’s involved in this process.

This information is especially relevant to nurses working in the mental health space, as opportunities to be involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy will increase as these treatments become more available. 

Why this session may be relevant to your work

Medication updates are central to my work. This session provides me with the latest knowledge in the use of psychedelics.

Learning Outcomes

In this session, you will:
  • Define psychedelics and understand their mechanism of action
  • Review the current evidence base for psychedelic-assisted therapy
  • Recognise potential clinical applications and limitations
  • Describe Australia's regulatory framework for psychedelic medicines 

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Amy Gibson

BPharm GCertHlthProfEd MClinPharm
Amy is a credentialed clinical pharmacist with experience across a range of sectors, including community pharmacy, corporate pharmacy operations, multidisciplinary teams, residential aged care and general practice.