Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: The Emerging Role of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Khalaud Naseeb Alhajry, Zahra Mohammed Sukairi, Hamidah Abdullah Lajami, Safiah Anber Bin Ali Ibrahim, Nawal Obaid Alanazi, Eman Ali Alsafwani, Ashwag Saad Hnif Albishi, Nada Naser Alomi, Zahrh Ahmed Ali Al-hamadah, Anwar Mehdaf Akash Alrowaly
Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health December 31, 2024 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.64483/20251153 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) shows strong effectiveness for conditions like depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders, with effect sizes ranging from 0.7 to 1.2. Psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs) could play a crucial role in PAT but currently only lead 5% of trials due to legal barriers, funding issues, and inequities. Enhanced training and policy support are needed to maximize PMHNs' contributions to PAT.
Study at a glance
| Design | systematic review |
|---|---|
| Population | peer-reviewed literature related to psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Key finding | PAT has robust effectiveness for various psychiatric-mental health conditions, but PMHNs currently lead only 5% of related trials. |
Abstract
Background: Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is experiencing a resurgence, with expanding evidence proving its efficacy for treatment-resistant psychiatric-mental health conditions. Psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs) are uniquely positioned to provide PAT due to their integrated care capabilities, yet their roles are poorly defined. Aim: This review synthesizes PAT's clinical applications, mechanisms, and issues, focusing on PMHNs' preparation, dosing, and integration roles, while proposing training and policy guidelines to enhance their involvement. Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and nursing scholarship was conducted. The databases of PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were used to conduct searches for 2000-2025 studies related to the use of psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD. Results: PAT has robust effectiveness for depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and end-of-life distress with effect sizes of 0.7-1.2. PMHNs enter safety and outcomes through trust building, monitoring, and integration, but only lead 5% of trials. Legal barriers, lack of funding, and inequities persist. Conclusion: PMHNs are the key to equitable adoption of PAT, requiring greater training, research leadership, and policy leverage to achieve maximum benefit.