A bibliometric analysis of research on psychedelics for depression treatment.
Heliyon – September 15, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Psychedelics show promise in rapidly improving symptoms of moderate to severe depression, with a notable increase in related publications from 2004 to October 2023. A bibliometric analysis of 710 publications revealed significant trends and collaborations in this research hotspot. The study visualized annual publication growth and highlighted key topics, author affiliations, and influential factors driving the field forward. While advocating for necessary regulation of psychedelics, it emphasizes that such measures should not impede scientific advancement in understanding their therapeutic potential for depression.
Abstract
Psychedelics, as a class of potent psychoactive substances, significantly alter sensory perception and mood, thereby profoundly impacting cognition. Increasing evidence indicates that psychedelics can facilitate individual social function and rapidly and sustainably improve symptoms of moderate and severe depression. The growing interest in psychedelics as potential treatments for depression has led to a substantial increase in related publications; however, the overall quantity and quality of these works remain unclear. To address this issue, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of literature on psychedelic drugs for depression published between 2004 and October 2023. Our study meticulously collected 710 publications, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of bibliographic elements such as annual publication trends, authorship, country of origin, institutional affiliations, journals, and keywords. By visualizing trends, emerging frontiers, popular topics, author collaborations, and influential factors in the field of psychedelics for depression, we have enhanced our understanding of advancements in this area. On this basis, we assert that the regulation of psychedelic drugs is necessary, but it should not hinder the scientific research progress.