Navigating the “Psychedelic Renaissance”: From Research to Reality
Doris Payer, Sukhpreet Klaire, Dominique Morisano, Mary Bartram, Monnica Williams, Brian Rush
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction April 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-024-01288-y via Springer Nature
Summary
A 2022 scientific research conference in Toronto brought together stakeholders from multiple disciplines to discuss the potential role of psychedelic compounds in treating mental health and substance use disorders. This Special Issue includes 8 papers based on conference presentations, covering quantitative and qualitative works plus two letters to the editors. The articles present the current state of psychedelic research, viewpoints on impacts for underrepresented communities, the need to recognize the history of these compounds beyond the new Western renaissance, and the complexities of integrating psychedelics into mainstream medicine. The collection emphasizes that collaboration can advance the field to harness its potential impact.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelics Therapy Public health Policy Diversity and inclusion |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | The Special Issue showcases the breadth of psychedelic research topics and emphasizes the need for collaboration, recognition of historical contexts, and consideration of underrepresented communities in integrating psychedelics into mainstream medicine. |
Abstract
The field of psychedelics is in an important era, with a significant focus on the potential role of psychedelic compounds in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. In 2022, a scientific research conference was held in Toronto to bring together stakeholders from a variety of disciplines and to promote dialogue and collaboration. This Special Issue includes 8 papers based on presentations from the conference, which showcase the breadth of topics that were brought forward. Included are both quantitative and qualitative works, as well as two letters to the editors which further advance these important conversations. These articles not only present the current state of research into psychedelics, but also present viewpoints about their impacts on underrepresented communities, the need to recognize the history of these compounds that extends beyond this new Western “renaissance,” and the complexities of integrating psychedelics into mainstream medicine. This Special Issue serves as both an exploration of a much-discussed topic and a reminder that collaboration can advance the field in order to harness its potential impact.