Psychedelics arrive in French hospitals, an epistemology researcher deciphers these long-marginalized therapies

Neither a panacea nor an illusion, but a powerful tool that requires rigorous supervision. Psychedelic-assisted therapies (psilocybin from "magic mushrooms," LSD, MDMA, etc.), long marginalized or even demonized, are now making their way into French hospitals.

Why this return? Where is the research at? What can we expect for tomorrow, now that conventional psychiatry seems to be reaching its limits? How can we protect ourselves from both medical and commercial abuses?

Vincent Verroust, a researcher in epistemology, will be speaking at a conference and debate on the subject in Nice on June 26th. He will take stock of these therapies using psychoactive molecules known for their hallucinogenic effects.

Where is research in France?

We are finally witnessing concrete mobilization. Two clinical trials on psilocybin, the active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms, are currently being conducted in France. One, now completed at the Nîmes University Hospital, focused on problematic alcohol use associated with depressive symptoms. The second targets resistant depression. It is taking place at Sainte-Anne Hospital in Paris.

Are public funds being committed to this research?

Yes. And it's a strong signal. At Paul-Brousse Hospital, Professor Benyamina's team has received funding from the French National Research Agency for a new study on psilocybin. Similarly, the French Brain Institute is conducting research on LSD in the context of addictive disorders, initially in mice, with the goal of moving on to humans. France is no longer on the sidelines.

However, it remains far behind neighbouring countries such as Switzerland.

That's true, but even there, psilocybin is only offered as a last resort, in a compassionate setting. You have to have already failed with conventional treatments. This raises questions when you consider that it's a molecule discovered in 1958, well known, and, above all, very well tolerated.

Do you think they should be offered earlier?

One study found that two doses of psilocybin were better than daily treatment with a commonly prescribed antidepressant, with far fewer side effects. So why wait until patients have failed treatment?

Are there any contraindications?

Yes, like any medication. But when they are followed, major side effects are extremely rare. Tolerance is excellent, including in healthy volunteers, as observed during clinical trials.

These therapies currently target serious disorders. Could the indications be expanded?

I'm convinced. Psychedelic-assisted therapies, when properly supervised, can also help healthy people free themselves from negative thought patterns, gain self-awareness, and explore their imagination. Behavioral changes perceived as beneficial have been measured in healthy volunteers during clinical trials.

What is known about the action of psilocybin on the nervous system?

It promotes a form of cerebral plasticity. This allows us to break out of unfavorable mental patterns, such as those that accompany depression or addictions. It's a true "cognitive reset ."