The Research Deficit and Expert Disagreement Regarding Music Selection for Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
ACS pharmacology & translational science October 10, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.5c00583 via PubMed
Summary
Music is crucial in psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT), but only three empirical studies have explored the best types of music for this purpose. A review reveals significant limitations in these studies, with findings that do not align with other research or guidelines. The understanding of music's role in PAT has not significantly advanced since 1970. This paper summarizes the impacts of music in PAT, reviews current knowledge on music selection, and suggests priorities for future research.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | There are significant limitations in the existing studies on music in psychedelic assisted therapy, and the understanding of its role has not progressed substantially since 1970. |
Abstract
Prior research has determined that music plays a central role in psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT). While there is a general consensus of the importance of music during PAT, there are only three empirical studies published to date that directly investigate which type of music might best support PAT. Importantly, no review to date has critically analyzed these studies and identified the gaps. Careful examination reveals these studies have important limitations and the findings lack alignment with other publications and existing recommendations. Additionally, our understanding of guidelines seems to be not much different from when this research started in 1970. This paper summarizes the common impacts of music during PAT, reviews what we know about music selection and guidelines for PAT, and makes suggestions of priorities for future research.