Abstract
Mood disorders represent one of the leading causes of mental health related disability worldwide. Unfortunately, one-third of patients undergoing treatment with antidepressants (ADs) do not respond adequately. In this context, several new substances have recently emerged, including psychedelics, ketamine, MDMA, and cannabinoids. Regarding psychedelics, recent clinical trials have demonstrated a positive short-term response, while the long-term effects remain uncertain.
Ketamine treatment has shown promising antidepressant benefits both in the short and medium term, especially when administered intravenously. On the other hand, the therapeutic effect of cannabinoids remains uncertain since there is not yet sufficient evidence to support a significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Moreover, it is crucial to consider that cannabis use has been associated with early-onset psychiatric disorders and increased risk of suicide.
MDMA has achieved significant interest among the novel drugs due to its indication as an adjunct treatment to psychotherapy for patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Overall, ketamine appears, so far, to be the most effective option in sustaining remission, whereas psychedelics and MDMA may offer short-term benefits when combined with psychotherapy. While some of these treatments appear promising, further research is essential to determine their long-term therapeutic viability and to identify biomarkers predictive of treatment response.
