Consciousness, Religion, and Gurus: Pitfalls of Psychedelic Medicine
CrossRef
Source: CrossRef
Summary
While psychedelic therapies show promise, a crucial insight highlights the need for precision in their development. Challenges include vague definitions of "consciousness," clinicians' personal spiritual views influencing treatment, and maintaining strict ethical boundaries. Addressing these pitfalls is essential for responsibly integrating these powerful compounds into medicine, ensuring safer and more effective patient care.
Abstract
This viewpoint identifies pitfalls in the study of psychedelic compounds including those that pose challenges for the potential use of psychedelics as medicines. They are: 1) Sloppiness regarding use of the term “consciousness;” 2) Inappropriate introduction of religious/spiritual beliefs of investigators or clinicians; and 3) Clinical boundaries and other ethical challenges associated with psychedelic treatments.