Helena Aicher

Helena Aicher is a psychologist specializing in psychedelic research and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). She works as a research fellow at the Universities of Zurich and Basel, where she investigates the effects and potential of psychedelic substances and contextual factors. She also works as a psychotherapist including the limited medical use of psychedelics. As a member of the Swiss Medical Association for Psychedelic Therapy (SÄPT), she is also involved in the training of PAT therapists. Thereby, Helena finds herself at the intersection of research and clinical application to contribute to the advancement of the field.

1. The therapeutic potential of an ayahuasca-inspired DMT/harmine formulation

There is growing scientific evidence for the therapeutic potential of the Amazonian plant-based psychedelic ayahuasca in treating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, using botanical ayahuasca in biomedical contexts presents translational challenges, including somatic side effects and difficulties with standardization. A combination of isolated DMT and harmine may offer a promising pharmaceutical alternative.

This talk presents an overview of a series of human studies investigating the PK-PD, safety and tolerability, neurophysiological effects, and both acute and persisting subjective experiences of a novel parenteral DMT/harmine formulation in healthy participants, studied across different settings using mixed methods.

Our findings suggest that DMT is the primary driver of subjective effects, with the DMT/harmine formulation demonstrating good psychological safety and tolerability. Participants reported beneficial psychological effects, including changes in self-referential and interpersonal processes. These may contribute to psychotherapeutic outcomes in clinical populations, underlining the need for further trials.

2. Over a decade of psychedelic therapy in Switzerland

Since 2014, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has granted exceptional permits for the therapeutic use of LSD, MDMA, and later psilocybin. To date, more than 1,500 individual case permits have been issued, resulting in an estimated 3,000–5,000 treatments. This has positioned Switzerland as one of the few countries with ongoing, state-authorized psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT).

This presentation outlines the current landscape of PAT in Switzerland, including historical developments, legal framework, clinical practice, and the integration of psychedelic treatments into mental health care. Ongoing challenges will be addressed.

Switzerland's experience over the past decade offers valuable lessons for the global community, emphasizing the need for continued advancement in therapist training, ethical standards, and professional networks.