Ethics of Psychedelic Use in Psychiatry and Beyond—Drawing upon Legal, Social and Clinical Challenges
Philosophies – August 24, 2023
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
The resurgence of psychedelics in Psychiatry demands careful ethical consideration, especially after their historical criminalization. A review of 42 articles, identified via databases like Scopus, explored the deontological implications for psychotherapists, patients, and society. This body of Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights the critical need to minimize harm and ensure robust informed consent. The subject of ethical practice, particularly concerning the Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior and complex chemical synthesis and alkaloids, requires cultural contextualization. Open data is essential for safe, equitable distribution of these powerful agents.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelics are known for their powerful mental effects due to the activation of 5HT-2A receptors in the brain. During the 1950s and 1960s, research was conducted on these molecules until their criminalization. However, their clinical investigation as therapeutic tools for psychiatric disorders has revived the deontological ethics surrounding this subject. Questions arise as research on their therapeutic outcome becomes a reality. We aim to explore deontological ethics to understand the implications of psychedelics for the clinician, patient, and society. Results: A total of 42 articles were considered for this review. Methods: A methodological search of psychedelic studies from 2017 to 2022 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect to address the deontological ethics of clinical psychedelic use. Conclusion: Psychedelics need to be culturally contextualized, epistemic harm minimized and represented to ensure informed consent. Open data and commissions are needed to ensure safe and equal distribution.