Psychedelics, the media portrayal and large-language model evaluations
BJPsych Open June 18, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2026.12025 via OpenAlex
Summary
The study reveals that media coverage of psychedelic therapies has dramatically increased over the past 25 years, peaking in positive sentiment in 2020. However, this positivity declined significantly after 2024, coinciding with the FDA's decision against approving MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. The findings suggest that progress in this field depends on a strong foundation of scientific evidence to support therapeutic applications.
Study at a glance
| Population | media articles from 2000 to 2025 |
|---|---|
| Key finding | There was a significant increase in media coverage and sentiment towards psychedelic therapies, peaking in 2020 before declining sharply after 2024. |
Abstract
Psychedelics were used for centuries in healing and spiritual rituals, long before the mid-20th century when they became subjects of biomedical research. Although initial trials generated optimism, these were quickly overshadowed by sensationalist media coverage and political backlash. Following decades of inactivity, research on compounds including 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has resurged, along with the media attention. Investigating this growing interest, Bender et al employed a large-language model, validated against human raters, to analyse 25 years of media articles (2000-2025), quantifying trends in sentiment towards psychedelic therapies. Findings showed a dramatic increase in coverage, with positive sentiment peaking in 2020 followed by a significant decline from 2024, coinciding with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's decision not to approve MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, and echoing the dynamics of the 1960s. The authors emphasise that sustained progress in the field will require reliance on scientific evidence to advance therapeutic applications.