PhD Defence Mauro Cavarra

Keywords: psychedelics, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, microdosing, pain, chronic pain
 

"Trip the pain away: Psychedelic therapies for physical and mental pain"

Recent research has revisited the potential of psychedelics for pain relief, especially for chronic pain conditions. Studies indicate that individuals with ailments like cluster headaches, fibromyalgia, and migraines may experience relief through both high and low doses of psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. The present thesis discusses a survey in which participants reported that psychedelics, including microdoses, often provided better pain relief than conventional medications. A subsequent study tested LSD microdoses for pain tolerance in a controlled setting, suggesting slight pain relief effects. Additionally, reviews of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) suggest that combining psychedelics with therapy may enhance psychological and pain outcomes. This research hints at the broader therapeutic potential of psychedelics in both pain and mental health contexts, proposing that different therapeutic settings could shape the future of psychedelic treatments.

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