Psychedelics to Relieve Psychological Suffering Associated with a Life-Threatening Diagnosis: Time for a Canadian Policy Discussion.
Healthcare policy = Politiques de sante – May 01, 2023
Source: PubMed
Summary
Access to psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) in Canada is evolving, with federal initiatives allowing individuals to request these treatments for enduring psychological suffering linked to life-threatening conditions. The shift in perception stems from promising results in clinical trials and increased public interest, with 70% of Canadians supporting the use of PATs. This movement highlights the urgent need for policy changes, as limited access to these therapies, especially for end-of-life care, remains a significant challenge for those seeking relief.
Abstract
In Canada, the conversation to enable access to therapeutic psychedelics is under way. With recent federal initiatives, Canadians can request access to psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) to alleviate enduring and intolerable psychological suffering (EIPS) associated with life-threatening conditions on a case-by-case basis. The resurgence of past research concerning the therapeutic potential of PATs, promising preliminary results from contemporary clinical trials, public and media interest and the recognition of traditional Indigenous use of psychedelics have facilitated a change in the popular narrative around these stigmatized substances. A lack of access to PATs for treating EIPS, especially at end of life, is a public policy problem worth addressing.