Emerging Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: Implications for Nursing Practice
Journal of Mental Health and Addiction Nursing – February 19, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is showing unprecedented success in treating mental illness and addictions, transforming Medicine and Psychology. A review of 20 years of literature reveals that while Natural Compound Pharmacology Studies are advancing, nursing's vital role in this emerging field remains largely undefined. Nurses, as advocates for safe, ethical practice in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, are uniquely positioned to lead the development of practice, policy, and education. Their expertise is crucial for integrating these powerful treatments, derived from chemical synthesis and alkaloids, into mainstream care.
Abstract
Background Psychedelic-assisted therapy research is demonstrating unprecedented rates of success in treating mental illness, addictions, and end-of-life distress. This psychedelic renaissance is a turning point in how complex human conditions can be treated and has implications for nursing knowledge, advocacy, and practice internationally. Objective This article aims to explore the current state of knowledge in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and the practice implications for nurses. Methods A scoping review of the literature was undertaken with a focus on mental health, addictions, and palliative care indications. Commentaries, syntheses, and reviews from the last 20 years were included, as well as all relevant primary study results. We then explored what is known about the nurse's past and present role in this field. Results The nurse's role in psychedelic-assisted therapy and research has been hitherto mostly invisible and thus remains under-explored and undefined. The profession is ideally positioned, however, to contribute to the future of this promising field. Conclusion As advocates for safe, ethical, and interdisciplinary practice, nurses can lead the development of psychedelic-assisted therapy practice, ethics, research, advocacy, policy, and education. This article provides guidance and support for prescient nursing leadership in these areas.