Could psychedelics be useful in the treatment of patients with personality disorder? A case report of psychotherapy with concomitant use of psychedelics

Abstract

Psychotherapy enhanced by psychedelics has recently been found to be helpful for the treatment of several psychiatric disorders, notably depressive disorders. However, it has only been considered scarcely in patients suffering from personality disorders. Here, we report the case of a 37 years-old woman suffering from severe mixed personality disorder and ADHD. Alongside the beginning of her GPM-based psychotherapeutic treatment, and despite our concerns, she started closely monitored psychedelic micro-dosing, using products bought online, punctuated by occasional macro-dosing After one-year of this psychotherapy associated with concomitant independent use of psychedelics, paranoid, narcissistic and borderline personality dimensions were largely improved, as well as emotion regulation, impulsivity, mentalization abilities, and social functioning. Given the actual evidence regarding the efficacy of psychedelics to improve the latter four dimensions, given the patient's reported experience, and despite important limits, we make the hypothesis that the concomitant use of psychedelics has enhanced psychotherapy efficacy. Overall, this case asks the question of the potential usefulness of psychedelics associated with psychotherapy in patients with PD. Further pilot studies should be conducted on this issue.